More than 1,000 passengers held on cruise after gastrointestinal illness outbreak

Local health authorities in Bordeaux isolated three passengers in their cabins on the Ambition, and disembarkations were suspended as a precaution while tests were processed. Ambassador Cruise Line reported at 11:00 BST that 48 passengers were displaying symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal illness, along with one crew member. There were 1,187 guests and 514 crew onboard. Enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols were implemented shipwide. A medical team was dispatched to the ship to assess the situation, and samples were being sent to Bordeaux University Hospital, with results expected to take at least six hours. The operator noted that there was no reason to link the outbreak to a hantavirus incident on a separate ship. The stop in Bordeaux was part of a scheduled itinerary, with French health authorities being informed, and France’s foreign affairs department stating it was aware of the reports and ready to assist.

Passenger Carol Landa-Vance reported on Sunday that the ship’s self-service buffet was not available, condiments were removed, and knives and forks were wrapped and handed to guests. Pools and the jacuzzi were also closed, indicating early containment measures aboard the Ambition amid the illness reports.