Bordeaux: A lockdown order imposed on a cruise ship affected by a norovirus outbreak has been lifted by French authorities after the vessel was held in Bordeaux for more than 24 hours.
The Ambition, carrying mainly passengers from the UK and Ireland, was prevented from allowing passengers ashore after docking in Bordeaux on May 12, following reports of multiple gastrointestinal illness cases and the death of one passenger.
Authorities later allowed passengers who were not showing symptoms to disembark, while those infected were instructed to remain isolated onboard.
Norovirus is a highly contagious viral infection and one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Common symptoms include sudden vomiting and diarrhoea. Recent studies also suggest that norovirus may be linked to intestinal inflammation, malnutrition, and potential long-term health complications.
Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed that 48 passengers and one crew member were experiencing active cases of gastrointestinal illness. The ship was carrying a total of 1,187 passengers and 514 crew members at the time of the outbreak. Samples collected from infected individuals were sent to a hospital in Bordeaux for testing.
The ship departed from Belfast on May 8 and stopped in Liverpool the following day as part of a 14-night cruise to France and Spain. Authorities noted that cases of norovirus increased after passengers boarded in Liverpool.
Ambassador Cruise Line said it takes illness outbreaks onboard very seriously and immediately implemented enhanced sanitation and prevention measures in line with public health protocols once the first cases were reported.
The cruise operator said that the measures included intensified cleaning and disinfection of public areas, assisted service in selected dining venues, and continued health guidance encouraging regular handwashing, the use of hand sanitisers, and immediate reporting of symptoms to the ship’s medical team.
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