On Wednesday, May 13 a luxury cruise ship docked in Bordeaux, France, was suspected of experiencing a norovirus outbreak, resulting in approximately 1,700 passengers and crew being confined to the ship. One 90-year-old passenger has died, and about 50 others are showing severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Following the incident, French health authorities launched an emergency investigation.
According to reports from Global News and The Guardian, the ship involved is the Ambition, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line. On board were 1,187 passengers and 514 crew members, most of whom were from the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The ship had originally embarked on a 14-day voyage, departing Belfast, Northern Ireland on May 8, and later picking up additional passengers in Liverpool before continuing its journey. However, the cruise line stated that the sharp increase in suspected cases mainly occurred after May 9.
After the ship arrived in Bordeaux on Tuesday, French health officials boarded it immediately to inspect and conduct a “routine review” of sanitary conditions and medical records. Authorities also collected samples and sent them to Bordeaux University Hospital for laboratory testing.
As of 11 a.m. UK time on May 13, the cruise company reported that 48 passengers and 1 crew member were experiencing gastrointestinal illness (GII) symptoms. Patients commonly reported diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, with norovirus suspected as the cause.
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In addition, a 90-year-old passenger has died. However, The Guardian noted that officials have not yet confirmed whether the death is related to the outbreak, pending further coroner investigation.
Before test results are available, French authorities have ordered all passengers and crew to remain on board, placing the entire ship under “lockdown” conditions. All scheduled shore excursions have been canceled.
Cruise company taking things ‘extremely seriously’
The cruise company stated in a press release that it “any illness extremely seriously” and has immediately implemented enhanced disinfection and prevention measures, including intensified cleaning of public areas, isolation of suspected cases, and strengthened onboard hygiene management.
The company also said that all medical consultations and treatment related to gastrointestinal illness will be provided free of charge, and all canceled shore excursions will be fully refunded.
Norovirus is considered one of the most common causes of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. It is highly contagious and spreads easily in crowded and enclosed environments, which is why cruise ships are considered high-risk settings.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that norovirus can spread through contact with infected individuals, contaminated food or water, and touching contaminated surfaces. Infection typically causes abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In fact, cruise ship outbreaks have been frequently reported recently.
Earlier this week, the CDC also reported a norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess, where 102 passengers and 13 crew members fell ill between April 28 and May 11.
In March of this year, the Star Princess also experienced a similar outbreak, infecting 141 passengers and 52 crew members. The ship had been traveling through the Caribbean, Honduras, Belize, and the Mexican Riviera.
Additionally, in April 2025, the Cunard Line ship Queen Mary 2 saw a norovirus outbreak that caused illness in 240 people.
At present, the global cruise industry is not only facing norovirus outbreaks but also heightened concerns over a separate wave of hantavirus infections. Previously, a ship docked near Cape Verde in West Africa was suspected of being a source of hantavirus transmission, prompting heightened alert from multiple national health authorities.
