France confines more than 1,700 on British cruise ship in Bordeaux after gastroenteritis outbreak

Over 1,700 passengers and crew aboard the British cruise ship Ambition were confined to the vessel in Bordeaux, France, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, due to an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness. French authorities suspended disembarkation and restricted port interactions after the ship's captain reported symptoms in up to 50 passengers. The affected individuals were treated by the ship's doctor and isolated in their cabins. Authorities dismissed any connection to a hantavirus outbreak on another vessel. The Ambition was on a 14-night cruise from Belfast and Liverpool.

French authorities have confined over 1,700 passengers and crew on the British cruise ship Ambition in Bordeaux after 49 suspected cases of gastroenteritis were reported. The vessel, carrying mostly British and Irish nationals, arrived from Belfast and Liverpool. The restriction on disembarkation is a precautionary measure while medical tests are conducted, with no link to a separate hantavirus cluster. Cruise operator Ambassador Cruise Line stated that symptoms began rising after passengers boarded in Liverpool and has implemented enhanced sanitation measures. All shore excursions in Bordeaux were canceled, and affected passengers will receive refunds.

Over 1,000 passengers are being held on the cruise ship Ambition after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness. The increase in cases was reported after guests boarded in Liverpool. Symptoms consistent with diarrhea and vomiting have been observed in both guests and crew. In response, the cruise line has implemented enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols, including increased cleaning and guidance on hand hygiene. During a scheduled stop in Bordeaux, France, French health authorities were notified, and a medical team boarded to assess the situation and collect samples. Passenger disembarkations have been suspended as a precautionary measure while tests are processed to determine the cause of the illness.