A cruise ship operated by British firm Ambassador Cruise Line was ordered to remain docked in Bordeaux after passengers and crew members developed gastrointestinal symptoms. The Ambition, carrying more than 1,700 people, was midway through a 14-night voyage departing from Belfast and Liverpool when the outbreak was reported to French authorities on Tuesday evening.
Approximately 50 passengers exhibited signs consistent with acute digestive illness, according to officials in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Those affected received treatment from the ship’s medical officer and were isolated in their cabins. Regional health authorities recommended a suspension of disembarkation and restricted port interactions, a directive that was implemented by regional officials.
Medical personnel boarded the vessel to assess the situation and collect samples for laboratory analysis at a Bordeaux hospital. French health officials emphasized there was no connection between this outbreak and a separate hantavirus incident aboard another vessel. All scheduled shore excursions in Bordeaux were canceled, and affected passengers were offered full refunds by the cruise line.
According to cruise line statements, cases began appearing after passengers boarded in Liverpool on May 9. The company also reported that a 92-year-old male passenger died on Sunday, though he had not exhibited relevant symptoms and the cause of death remained under investigation. As of Wednesday morning, 48 passengers and one crew member were displaying gastrointestinal symptoms.
Gastroenteritis outbreaks on cruise ships are not uncommon, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recording 23 such incidents on vessels last year, primarily caused by norovirus strains. Ambassador Cruise Line, founded in 2021, targets passengers over 50 years of age.
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