Over 1,700 individuals aboard the British cruise ship Ambition are currently prohibited from disembarking in Bordeaux due to a suspected stomach flu outbreak. As of May 13, Ambassador Cruise Line reported 48 active cases among guests and one among the crew. French health authorities are conducting tests at Bordeaux University Hospital to determine the illness’s cause before allowing passengers to leave the ship.
The Ambition, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, embarked from Belfast on May 8 for a 14-night cruise through western France and Spain. Reports of suspected gastroenteritis cases began to surface after the ship’s recent stop in Liverpool, where new passengers boarded. Upon arrival in Bordeaux, regional health officials conducted a routine health check, prompting the collection of samples for laboratory analysis.
Results from the tests are expected within six hours, and disembarkation will only be permitted once clearance is granted. It is worth noting that a 92-year-old British passenger passed away on May 11 due to cardiac arrest, which local authorities stated was unrelated to the gastrointestinal outbreak. Enhanced sanitation measures have been implemented onboard, including increased cleaning and guidance on hand hygiene.
Gastrointestinal illnesses are not uncommon on cruise ships. The CDC has reported multiple outbreaks of E. coli and norovirus this year. Guests with canceled excursions due to the quarantine will receive full refunds. Currently, the ship is hosting 1,187 guests, predominantly British, alongside 514 crew members.
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