France Lifts Lockdown on Norovirus Cruise; Asymptomatic Passengers Can Disembark

France lifted the lockdown on the Ambition, a norovirus-hit cruise ship tied to Bordeaux, allowing asymptomatic passengers to leave the vessel after more than a day of containment. The 1,701 people on board were prevented from disembarking for more than 24 hours after the ship docked in Bordeaux on Tuesday, following confirmation of a vomiting and diarrhoea illness. The death of a 92-year-old British man from a heart attack on board was reported but health authorities said it was unrelated to the virus.

Ambassador Cruise Line, which operates the ship, said on Wednesday that 48 passengers and one crew member remained with active gastrointestinal illness. Samples from those ill were tested at a local hospital in Bordeaux to confirm the cause and help authorities track the outbreak.

Norovirus is a highly contagious gastroenteritis that typically causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Officials said enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols had been put in place across the ship, including increased cleaning of public areas, adjusted dining service, and ongoing guidance for guests.

The Ambition set sail from Belfast on May 8 for a 14-night voyage to France and Spain, with a stop in Liverpool along the way. Illness on board began to surface after embarkation in Liverpool, prompting health authorities to coordinate with the ship’s operator and port health services. The ship remained in Bordeaux while officials reviewed conditions for disembarkation, and a decision to allow those without symptoms to exit was announced for Wednesday afternoon.

As asymptomatic passengers prepared to disembark, officials stressed that anyone developing symptoms should seek medical attention and follow quarantine procedures, aiming to prevent further spread as the voyage continues.

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