Some passengers have disembarked from a British cruise ship after being held in the French port city of Bordeaux following a confirmed norovirus outbreak, BBC reported on Thursday.
The incident unfolded against the backdrop of a separate, more alarming hantavirus scare sweeping Europe’s cruise industry.
More than 1,000 passengers aboard the Ambition, operated by Essex-based Ambassador Cruise Line, were held on the vessel after 49 people fell ill with gastrointestinal sickness.
The ship was carrying 1,187 guests and 514 crew members. French health authorities in Bordeaux confirmed on Wednesday evening that samples taken from the ship tested positive for norovirus, which spreads from person to person or through the environment. No serious cases have been reported.
French authorities said passengers showing no symptoms were free to disembark, while isolation guidelines would remain in place for those affected, “along with reinforced preventative measures and hygiene protocols on board.”, BBC reported.
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The cruise line confirmed the lifting of restrictions shortly after, stating: “Ambition has now been released by the relevant French health authorities to continue normal operations.” Enhanced sanitation measures, medical monitoring and isolation procedures remain active across the ship.
The voyage had been underway since May 8, when the Ambition set sail from Belfast before stopping in Liverpool the following day. Ambassador Cruise Line said there was a reported increase in cases after guests boarded in Liverpool. The ship was scheduled to continue on to Spain before its return.
The outbreak was further overshadowed by the death of a 92-year-old male passenger on board on Sunday. The cruise line confirmed he had not reported any related gastrointestinal symptoms and his cause of death remains unknown.
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French authorities also noted separately that a passenger was admitted to Bordeaux University Hospital following a fall, and their condition is stable.
French officials were quick to stress there was “no reason” to link the Ambition outbreak to the hantavirus cluster detected aboard a separate cruise ship — an incident that has prompted widespread alarm. Norovirus, while unpleasant, is far less severe. The NHS says patients typically recover within two days.
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