French authorities have lifted restrictions on passengers aboard the cruise ship Ambition after confirming that a viral stomach infection caused dozens of people to fall ill while the vessel was docked in Bordeaux.
The ship, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, was placed under temporary lockdown after around 80 passengers and crew members reported symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort. Health officials later determined that the outbreak was caused by a gastrointestinal virus and said there were no severe cases.
Authorities stressed that the illness was not connected to the international concern surrounding the suspected hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius.
The Ambition was carrying 1,233 passengers and 514 crew members, most of them from Britain and Ireland. Those without symptoms were allowed to leave the ship once test results confirmed the nature of the illness, while infected individuals were required to remain isolated on board until they recovered.
Officials also clarified that the death of a 92-year-old British passenger was unrelated to the outbreak. According to medical authorities, he suffered a heart attack before the ship arrived in France.
Passengers described the situation as manageable, with enhanced sanitation measures in place throughout the vessel. Many continued normal onboard activities while awaiting permission to disembark.
The Ambition departed from the Shetland Islands earlier this month and made stops in Belfast and Liverpool before arriving in Bordeaux. The ship is expected to continue its itinerary to Spain after health authorities complete final safety checks.
