Bordeaux restricts disembarkation as gastroenteritis outbreak confines cruise ship passengers
Local authorities in France have barred passengers from leaving the UK-operated cruise ship Ambition following reports of gastrointestinal illness affecting dozens of individuals onboard.
More than 1,000 passengers and crew members remain confined to the cruise ship Ambition in Bordeaux, France, after local authorities restricted disembarkation following a gastroenteritis outbreak. The decision to hold the vessel in port comes as health officials investigate a cluster of illnesses among those on board the UK-operated liner.
As of 11:00 BST on Wednesday, 49 individuals—comprising 48 passengers and one crew member—were displaying symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal illness. Three passengers have been isolated in their cabins as part of the containment measures. The operator, Ambassador Cruise Line, confirmed that the ship set sail from Belfast on 8 May and visited Liverpool before arriving in Bordeaux, noting an increase in cases after guests boarded in the latter port.
The vessel is currently carrying 1,187 guests and 514 crew members. In response to the outbreak, the cruise line has implemented enhanced sanitation protocols, including increased cleaning and disinfection of public areas, alongside ongoing guidance on hand hygiene and symptom reporting. French health authorities have been advised of the situation as part of the ship’s scheduled stop in southwestern France.
A 92-year-old male passenger died onboard on Sunday, prompting an investigation by the coroner. Ambassador Cruise Line stated that the deceased did not report any symptoms related to the gastrointestinal outbreak, and the cause of death remains unestablished. The operator expressed condolences to the family and confirmed it is providing support to those affected.
Local authorities in Bordeaux explicitly stated there is no reason to link this incident to a separate hantavirus outbreak involving the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius. While historical records indicate previous confinement of the Ambition due to suspected norovirus, current reports do not identify the specific pathogen causing the present gastroenteritis cases.
