Ambassador Cruise Line confirms gastro illness cases on Ambition sailing

Ambassador Cruise Line has confirmed about 50 people on Ambition have picked up gastrointestinal illness, with all 1,701 on board instructed to stay on the ship while medical samples are processed.

The cruise line said 48 guests had been confirmed to have gastrointestinal illness, in addition to one crew member, by 11am today (Wednesday).

The ship, which has called into Bordeaux, departed Belfast on Friday (May 8) and Liverpool on Saturday for the 14-night Delights of Western France & Spain Explorer sailing.

A spokesperson for the cruise line said: “We would like to reassure guests that we take any illnesses onboard our ships 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.”

Ambassador said a 92-year-old man died on Sunday without any symptoms of the illness.

“The cause of death has yet to be established pending the coroner’s full report,” the line said. 

“We’re providing every support to the deceased’s friends and family and extend our most sincere condolences to them at this difficult time.”

The cruise line said all shore excursions today have been cancelled, with passengers who had been booked on excursions to receive refunds.

An increase in cases was reported after guests embarked in Liverpool, the cruise line said.

“The comprehensive health and safety measures introduced onboard 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 said.

“Any guests or crew presenting symptoms are being supported by the ship’s medical staff and isolated as appropriate in accordance with EU SHIPSHAN public health protocols. Medical consultations relating to gastrointestinal illness are being provided free of charge.”

The spokesperson added: “As part of the vessel’s scheduled call into Bordeaux, we followed due protocol and advised the French health authorities of the situation. The authorities requested they conduct a routine review of the ship’s health status and records.

“A specialist medical team and our sanitation consultants have also been dispatched to the vessel to support the onboard medical team. While on board, the specialist medical team collected existing samples for laboratory testing at Bordeaux University Hospital, with results requiring a minimum of six hours to be processed.

“While the investigation and testing are ongoing, all guests and crew have been instructed to remain onboard under the direction of the local shore authorities. Once clearance is granted, guests will be permitted to disembark.”

The line said the safety and wellbeing of its guests and crew is its “highest priority”.

“We are sincerely grateful for the patience, understanding and cooperation shown while these precautionary measures remain in place,” it added.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the medical team for their exceptional care, professionalism and unwavering support during this time. Their swift response and continued commitment have been invaluable.

“We continue to work closely with the relevant authorities and will provide further updates as soon as additional information becomes available.”