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.”

More to follow.