After being struck by a norovirus outbreak, a cruise ship carrying predominantly British and Irish passengers has seen a lockdown order in France lifted. The vessel, Ambition, had been anchored in Bordeaux with its 1,701 passengers and crew, unable to disembark for over a day.
The restrictions were imposed following the unfortunate passing of a 92-year-old British passenger due to a heart attack, alongside reports of numerous others falling ill with symptoms of the norovirus, which include vomiting and diarrhea. French health officials clarified that the elderly man’s death was not connected to the virus outbreak.
As the situation developed, French authorities allowed those without symptoms to leave the ship starting Wednesday afternoon. Those who had been affected by the virus, however, were required to continue their isolation onboard to prevent further spread.
Norovirus is notoriously contagious, often leading to outbreaks of gastroenteritis, characterized by sudden vomiting and diarrhea. The swift response to manage the situation on Ambition highlights the ongoing challenges posed by such infections in contained environments like cruise ships.
The person who died was a 92-year-old British man who suffered a heart attack.
His death appeared to be unrelated to the norovirus outbreak, health authorities said.
Essex-based operator Ambassador Cruise Line said on Wednesday that 48 passengers and one crew member had “active cases of gastrointestinal illness”.
There were a total of 1,187 passengers and 514 crew members onboard.
Samples from those who were ill were tested at a local hospital in Bordeaux.
One passenger, Seos Guilidhe, 52, from Belfast, told news agency AFP he was “playing bingo” during the lockdown and “it is not as bad as it was during Covid”.
He added that people were “going about as normal”.
The ship set sail from Belfast on 8 May and called at Liverpool a day later, for a 14-night voyage to France and Spain.
Cases of gastroenteritis rose after the embarkation of passengers in Liverpool.
Ambassador Cruise Line said in a statement: “We would like to reassure guests that we take any illnesses aboard our fleet extremely seriously.
“Enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols were immediately implemented across the ship in line with established public health procedures following the initial reports of illness.
“The comprehensive health and safety measures introduced include increased cleaning and disinfection measures in public areas, assisted service in selected dining venues and ongoing guidance to guests regarding hand hygiene, including regular hand washing, use of hand sanitisers and the prompt reporting of any symptoms to the onboard medical team.”
A spokesperson for the cruise line said there was no link with the outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
