Hundreds of people are being held on a cruise ship in France after a suspected norovirus outbreak.
Several passengers on board the Ambition have shown symptoms linked to the virus, according to Ambassador Cruise Line, which owns the ship.
The company said the ship is currently docked in Bordeaux and has seen cases rise since passengers boarded in Liverpool on May 9.
The vessel was due to be on a 14-night western France and Spain explorer cruise.
In a social media post on Wednesday, the cruise ship’s owner said: “Ambassador Cruise Line can confirm that a number of guests and crew onboard Ambition have displayed or are displaying symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal illness (GII) during the 14-night Delights of Western France & Spain Explorer sailing.
“The GII illness is the most common cause of the ‘winter vomiting bug’ or ‘stomach flu’.
“The ship departed Belfast on Friday, 8 May and Liverpool on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with our figures reporting an increase in cases following the embarkation of guests in Liverpool.
“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.”
This is a breaking story, more to follow…
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
