More than 1,700 passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship docked in Bordeaux, France, were ordered to remain on the vessel on Wednesday after a suspected gastroenteritis outbreak. The Ambition, operated by UK-based Ambassador Cruise Line, was midway through a 14-night tour of Western France and Northern Spain when it arrived at the French port.
French health authorities reported that up to 50 passengers displayed symptoms consistent with an acute gastrointestinal infection. Initial tests ruled out norovirus, a highly contagious form of gastroenteritis causing vomiting and diarrhea, but secondary tests are still underway. Affected passengers were attended to by the ship's doctor and isolated in their cabins.
No Link to Recent Hantavirus Outbreak
Authorities confirmed there is no connection between this outbreak and the recent hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. As a precaution, passenger disembarkations were suspended pending test results due to the contagiousness of gastroenteritis-type illnesses.
Ship's Itinerary and Response
The Ambition, carrying mostly British and Irish passengers, departed from Scotland's Shetland Islands on May 6, with stops in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Liverpool, England, before reaching Bordeaux. It was scheduled to return to Liverpool on May 22. Ambassador Cruise Line stated that an increase in gastrointestinal illness cases occurred after guests boarded in Liverpool. Enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols were immediately implemented.
“While the investigation and testing are ongoing, all guests and crew have been instructed to remain on board under the direction of the local shore authorities. Once clearance is granted, guests will be permitted to disembark,” the company said in a Facebook post.
Additionally, a 92-year-old man died on board on Friday, but he did not report any gastrointestinal symptoms. French health authorities confirmed the cause of death was a heart attack.
