Ambition cruise ship. Photo: Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock.com Another cruise ship has been hit by a gastrointestinal illness outbreak after dozens of passengers started showing symptoms during a voyage near France.
According to French authorities, the outbreak occurred aboard the cruise ship Ambition, which had visited Belfast and Liverpool. Officials said around 50 passengers developed symptoms consistent with acute gastroenteritis, including vomiting and stomach-related illness.
Emergency health protocols were activated overnight by the Gironde prefecture together with the regional health authority in Nouvelle-Aquitaine after the ship’s captain reported the situation.
Passengers showing symptoms were immediately isolated in their cabins and treated by the ship’s medical team. Authorities later dispatched an additional medical team on board under the supervision of France’s maritime medical coordination service to assess the situation and collect samples for laboratory testing.
French officials said the temporary quarantine measures were introduced as a precaution because gastrointestinal viruses can spread rapidly in closed environments such as cruise ships. Disembarkation of both passengers and crew was suspended while health authorities investigate the source of the outbreak.
The prefecture also restricted interactions with the port, although medical personnel continue to have access to the vessel to carry out testing and treatment.
Authorities stressed there is currently “no reason” to connect the incident aboard the Ambition with separate hantavirus concerns recently reported aboard another expedition vessel, the MV Hondius.
Samples collected from passengers are now being analyzed by the infectious diseases department at Bordeaux University Hospital. Officials hope the tests will identify the exact pathogen responsible, determine the level of transmission risk, and guide any further containment measures.
Officials described the restrictions as “temporary and proportionate” and said they will continue to reassess the situation as test results become available later today.