1,700 cruise ship passengers quarantined in France over suspected gastro outbreak

Around 1,700 passengers have been kept onboard the cruise ship Ambition in southwest France after dozens of people developed symptoms linked to a possible stomach illness outbreak.

The ship had departed from Belfast and Liverpool earlier this month for a planned journey around France and Spain.

According to health officials in the French department of Gironde, up to 50 passengers reported symptoms consistent with acute gastroenteritis.

Those affected were examined by medical staff and isolated in their cabins as a precaution.

Authorities have suspended passenger disembarkation in Bordeaux while laboratory tests are carried out by the Infectious Diseases Department at Bordeaux University Hospital.

Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed that some guests and crew had shown symptoms associated with gastrointestinal illness during the 14-night voyage.

“We would like to reassure guests that we take any illnesses aboard our fleet extremely seriously,” the company said.

“Enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols were immediately implemented across the ship in line with established public health procedures following the initial reports of illness.”

A 92-year-old passenger also died onboard on May 10, although the cruise operator said there was no indication the death was linked to the illness outbreak.

Officials added there was no evidence connecting the incident to a separate hantavirus outbreak reported on another cruise ship earlier this year.