Gastrointestinal illness outbreak on UK cruise strands over 1,000 passengers

3 min read May 13, 2026 10:30 PM IST Local health authorities in Bordeaux said three passengers have been isolated in their cabins on the ship. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) A UK operated cruise ship in France, with more than 1,000 passengers, reported 49 people ill from gastrointestinal sickness on Wednesday. Local health authorities in Bordeaux said three passengers have been isolated in their cabins on the ship, named Ambition while the remaining passengers have been prohibited from disembarking at the port, BBC reported. The report further added that the local health authorities from Bordeaux mentioned not to relate the outbreak as hantavirus. They added there was “no reason” for linking both the outbreaks and should be treated separately. According to BBC , the Essex-based cruise operator Ambassador Cruise Line said on Sunday that a 92-year-old man passed away onboard, but he did not show any relevancy with the current symptoms and the cause of his death is yet to be confirmed. A view of an empty deck of the British cruise ship the Ambition after 1,000 passengers and crew were ordered to remain on board after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness, in the port of Bordeaux, France. (AP Photo) The cruise operator, in a statement, further said they are providing every support to the friends and family of the deceased and extended their deepest condolences to those affected during this difficult time. According to the cruise operator, currently there are 1,187 passengers and 514 crew members onboard the ship. The cruise initiated its journey from Belfast on May 8 and headed toward Liverpool the following day. Story continues below this ad In its statement, the Ambassador Cruise Line said there was a reported rise in cases after guests boarded the ship in Liverpool. The operator confirmed that a number of guests and crew members on board the Ambition had either already displayed or were currently showing symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal illness. Later, a passenger from the cruise stated that they were free to use the facilities that were open, although noting that the ill people were being isolated in their cabin. Earlier Hantavirus, now Gastrointestinal illness The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to prepare for more hantavirus cases, as authorities in Paris confirmed that a French woman who contracted the virus on board the MV Hondius was suffering from the most severe form of the disease and had been placed on a ventilator, stated The Guardian. (The author Paramita Datta is in intern with The Indian Express) The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd Tags: cruise uk