Cruise Ship Passengers Quarantined on Ship in France After Sickness Outbreak
Over 1,700 people are currently confined to a British-operated cruise ship in Bordeaux after nearly 50 passengers and crew members fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms. French health officials suspended disembarkation for the Ambition as a precautionary measure while medical teams investigate the spread of the suspected norovirus.
The vessel, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, departed from Belfast on May 8 and stopped in Liverpool the following day. According to the operator, "our figures reporting an increase in cases following the embarkation of guests in Liverpool." As of Wednesday morning, 48 passengers and one crew member were experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Regional health authorities for Nouvelle-Aquitaine dispatched a specialist medical team to the ship to collect samples, which are being processed at Bordeaux University Hospital. Disembarkation has been halted "due to the contagiousness of gastroenteritis-type illnesses" until results, expected to take at least six hours, are finalized.
Ambassador Cruise Line has implemented strict sanitation protocols, including:
- Increased disinfection of all public spaces.
- Assisted service in certain dining areas to prevent surface contamination.
- Mandatory hand hygiene guidance for all guests.
- Free medical consultations for anyone displaying symptoms.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, a 92-year-old male passenger passed away on Sunday. However, both French officials and the cruise line have said that the man did not report symptoms of the stomach bug. "The health, safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remains our highest priority," the operator said, adding that the official cause of death is still awaiting a coroner's report.
Authorities also clarified that there is "no reason" to connect this incident to a separate hantavirus outbreak reported on a different vessel. The Ambition was in the early stages of a 14-night "Delights of Western France & Spain Explorer" cruise when the illnesses spiked.
