French authorities on Wednesday confined 1,700 passengers and crew to the cruise ship Ambition docked in Bordeaux, after a 90-year-old passenger died and about 50 others showed symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, suspected to be norovirus. Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed the situation.
The ship, carrying 1,187 guests-mostly British and Irish nationals-and 514 crew, arrived in Bordeaux on Tuesday. French health officials boarded to conduct a routine health review and collect samples for lab testing at Bordeaux University Hospital.
As of Wednesday morning, there were 48 active guest cases and one crew case. The cause of the passenger's death is pending coroner confirmation. The spike in cases appears to have begun May 9 after embarkation in Liverpool.
All shore excursions have been canceled and refunded. Medical consultations for gastrointestinal illness are being provided free of charge. Enhanced sanitation protocols have been implemented across the ship.
The outbreak follows other norovirus cases: earlier this month, over 100 fell ill on Caribbean Princess; in March, 193 were sick on Star Princess; and in April 2025, 240 were affected on Cunard's Queen Mary 2.
Norovirus spreads quickly in close quarters like cruise ships. Symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.