French authorities have lifted a lockdown order on a norovirus-hit cruise ship carrying mainly passengers from the UK and Ireland. The Ambition, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, docked in Bordeaux on Tuesday, and all 1,701 people onboard were prevented from disembarking for more than 24 hours after one person died and dozens fell ill with a vomiting virus.
Disembarkation Allowed for Asymptomatic Passengers
Local authorities permitted asymptomatic people to leave the ship from Wednesday afternoon, while those infected were ordered to remain onboard in isolation. Norovirus is a highly contagious form of gastroenteritis that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
Death of a 92-Year-Old British Man
The person who died was a 92-year-old British man who suffered a heart attack. Health authorities stated that his death appeared to be unrelated to the norovirus outbreak. There were a total of 1,187 passengers and 514 crew members onboard.
Active Cases and Testing
Essex-based Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed on Wednesday that 48 passengers and one crew member had active cases of gastrointestinal illness. Samples from those who were ill were tested at a local hospital in Bordeaux.
Passenger Experience
One passenger, Seos Guilidhe, 52, from Belfast, told AFP he was playing bingo during the lockdown and that it was not as bad as during Covid. He added that people were going about as normal.
Voyage Details and Response
The ship set sail from Belfast on 8 May and called at Liverpool a day later for a 14-night voyage to France and Spain. Cases of gastroenteritis rose after the embarkation of passengers in Liverpool. Ambassador Cruise Line stated: We would like to reassure guests that we take any illnesses aboard our fleet extremely seriously. Enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols were immediately implemented across the ship in line with established public health procedures following the initial reports of illness. The comprehensive health and safety measures introduced include increased cleaning and disinfection measures in public areas, assisted service in selected dining venues, and ongoing guidance to guests regarding hand hygiene, including regular hand washing, use of hand sanitisers, and the prompt reporting of any symptoms to the onboard medical team.
A spokesperson for the cruise line confirmed there was no link with the outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
