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Cruise ship passengers held in Bordeaux after gastrointestinal outbreak
More than 1,000 passengers and 500 crew members remain confined aboard the UK-operated cruise ship Ambition in Bordeaux after 49 people fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms. French health authorities have suspended disembarkation as a precaution.
Timeline of the outbreak
The Ambition, operated by Essex-based Ambassador Cruise Line, departed Belfast on 8 May before docking in Liverpool the following day. The cruise line reported a surge in illness cases after passengers boarded in Liverpool, with 48 guests and one crew member showing symptoms as of 11:00 BST on Wednesday.
Local health officials in Bordeaux confirmed three passengers had been isolated in their cabins. A 92-year-old man died on board on Sunday, though his death has not been linked to the illness, and a coroner's investigation is pending.
Passenger accounts and onboard measures
Passengers described heightened sanitation protocols, including the closure of self-service buffets, pools, and jacuzzis. Condiments were removed, and cutlery was handed out individually. Carol Landa-Vance, a guest on board, noted the restrictions began on Sunday after reports of sickness on deck and during transit.
David Munster, traveling with his wife, said passengers were informed of the illness after leaving Liverpool. While most facilities remained open, affected individuals were confined to their cabins. Munster observed cleanup efforts and praised the crew's response.
"Everybody's just a bit shocked. We've been on a lot of tours and have never experienced anything like this before."
Michael Gallagher, passenger
Health response and next steps
Ambassador Cruise Line implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, alongside public health guidance on hand hygiene. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed it was monitoring the situation but had not identified the illness, deferring to French authorities leading the investigation.
A medical team from Nouvelle-Aquitaine's regional health agency boarded the ship to collect samples, which are being analyzed at Bordeaux University Hospital. Results are expected within six hours, though disembarkation remains suspended until further notice.
The cruise line stated that passenger safety was its top priority and expressed gratitude for guests' cooperation during the precautionary measures.
Possible causes
Gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus or food poisoning are common on cruise ships, though health officials ruled out any connection to a separate hantavirus outbreak on another vessel.
