The majority of passengers aboard the Ambition, a cruise ship operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, have been allowed to disembark in Bordeaux after being temporarily confined following a health incident during the voyage.
More than 1,700 passengers and crew had initially been asked to remain onboard as a precaution after dozens of people reported gastrointestinal symptoms. The ship, carrying 1,233 passengers, mainly from the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as 514 crew members, arrived in the French port on 13 May and was held there pending the outcome of medical tests.
At the peak of the situation, around 80 individuals experienced stomach-related symptoms, with the highest number of cases reported while the ship was docked in Brest earlier in the week.
JUST IN: French authorities have quarantined more than 1,700 cruise passengers after a suspected norovirus outbreak.
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) May 13, 2026
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and stomach illness.
More than 1,500 passengers and crew on the cruise ship "Ambition" have been… https://t.co/dGeNvBWKil pic.twitter.com/zXyUnfE6Rc
Mild viral infection confirmed, norovirus ruled out
French health authorities have since clarified that the situation is under control. The illness affecting passengers has been identified as a mild viral infection with no serious consequences reported.
Initial concerns pointed to a possible outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious form of gastroenteritis commonly associated with cruise ships. However, tests ruled this out, and further investigations are ongoing. Food poisoning has not been excluded as a possible cause.
Passengers showing symptoms have been instructed to isolate in their cabins, while those without symptoms have now been allowed to leave the vessel.
Death of elderly passenger unrelated
The incident was further complicated by the death of an elderly passenger during the voyage. Authorities confirmed that the 92-year-old man died of a heart attack before the ship reached Brest, and that his death is unrelated to the gastrointestinal illnesses reported onboard.
Earlier reports had raised concerns about a possible link between the death and the outbreak, but this has since been dismissed.
No link to hantavirus cases on other vessels
The situation also prompted comparisons with a separate health incident involving the MV Hondius, where a suspected hantavirus cluster had been reported after a voyage departing Argentina. French health officials stressed that there is no connection between the two cases.
While gastrointestinal infections such as gastroenteritis are relatively common and typically mild, hantavirus is rare and significantly more severe.
During the confinement period in Bordeaux, enhanced sanitation measures were implemented across the ship. These included intensified cleaning protocols, assisted service in dining areas, and reinforced hygiene guidance for passengers and crew, such as regular handwashing and prompt reporting of symptoms.
In a statement, the cruise operator said it had implemented health and safety protocols in line with public health procedures and was working closely with local authorities.
The Ambition, which departed from the Shetland Islands on 6 May and called at Belfast and Liverpool before arriving in France, is expected to resume its itinerary towards Spain once clearance is granted.
