A cruise ship on which more than 1,000 passengers were held off the coast of France over fears of a norovirus outbreak has now been given clearance by health authorities.
The Ambition, carrying 1,187 guests and 514 crew members, had been locked down following a rise in cases after passengers boarded in Liverpool, Essex-based operator, Ambassador Cruise Line, said.
It was previously reported that there were 48 active cases of gastrointestinal illness (GII) among the guests, and one among the crew.
After laboratory analysis undertaken in Bordeaux, French health authorities confirmed that the gastrointestinal illness affecting those on board was viral gastroenteritis (norovirus), with transmission from person to person or through the environment.
“At this stage, no serious cases have been reported,” Ambassador Cruise Line said in a statement.
“We can confirm that a 92-year-old male guest on the sailing sadly passed away on 10 May 2026. The guest did not report GII illness symptoms.”
The man’s cause of death is yet to be established, pending a coroner’s report.
“We continue to provide support to the guest’s friends and family and would like to extend our sincere condolences at this difficult time,” the company added. French health authorities have now given Ambition the green-light to continue normal operations, and guests have been allowed to disembark.
“All scheduled shore excursions will be operating as planned tomorrow,” the ship’s operator said.
During this period the company said enhanced sanitation measures, medical monitoring and isolation procedures would remain in place across the ship, while medical consultations relating to GII “continue to be provided free of charge”.
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“We would like to thank guests and crew for their patience, understanding and cooperation while precautionary measures remain in place.
“We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the medical team for their outstanding care, professionalism, and steadfast support throughout this time. Their prompt response and ongoing dedication have been truly invaluable.”
Ambition departed Belfast on Friday, May 8, and was due to be on a 14-night western France and Spain explorer cruise.
A spokesman for the cruise line said there was no link with the outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
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