Cruise ship horror: Over 1,700 confined in France after norovirus outbreak and passenger death

A holiday cruise took a worrying turn this week when over 1,700 passengers and crew were confined to their ship in France following a widespread outbreak of gastroenteritis. The vessel, the Ambition, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, was temporarily locked down in the port of Bordeaux after the captain alerted authorities to the sickness spreading onboard.

The ship, which was on a 14-night journey from Belfast and Liverpool, saw approximately 50 people, including 48 passengers and one crew member, struck down with symptoms of an acute digestive infection. In response to the alert, French authorities dispatched a medical team to the ship to assess the situation and conduct tests.

A tragic death at sea

Adding to the concern was the news that a 92-year-old British man had passed away during the voyage. Health authorities confirmed the passenger died on 10 May, before the ship docked in Brest, but insisted his death was due to a heart attack.

In a statement, Ambassador Cruise Line clarified that the elderly passenger had not reported any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, and French officials emphasised that, "at this stage, no link has been established with the gastroenteritis episode." Health officials were also quick to dismiss any connection to the recent deadly hantavirus outbreak on another cruise ship, which had sparked international alarm.

Norovirus confirmed as the culprit

While initial tests for norovirus came back negative, secondary analysis confirmed it was indeed the cause of the outbreak. Norovirus, often called the "winter vomiting bug," is a highly contagious virus that spreads rapidly in enclosed spaces like cruise ships, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.

Ambassador Cruise Line reported that it had immediately implemented enhanced sanitation protocols, including rigorous cleaning and disinfection measures. Affected passengers were isolated in their cabins and received free medical consultations. 

As a result of the confinement, all planned shore excursions in Bordeaux were cancelled, with the company offering full refunds to disappointed guests. One passenger, 52-year-old Seos Guilidhe from Belfast, told reporters he was "playing bingo" during the hold-up. "We are onboard with extra sanitation guidelines in place. It is not as bad as it was during Covid. People just going about as normal," he said.

Cruise ship outbreaks on the rise

Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are not uncommon, but they appear to be increasing. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 16 gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships in 2024 alone, the highest number recorded in over a decade, with most caused by norovirus. 

The close quarters and shared facilities on ships create an ideal environment for the virus to spread. Health experts stress that frequent handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent infection.

Following the all-clear from French health authorities, who confirmed there were no serious cases, the Ambition has been allowed to continue its journey, bringing an end to the unsettling ordeal for its passengers.