Cruise Ship Passengers Given Green Light for Shore Excursions Despite Gastro Outbreak

Passengers aboard the Ambition cruise ship are now free to join shore excursions—provided they aren’t showing symptoms of gastroenteritis. The move comes after an outbreak sickened 49 people, including one crew member, according to Ambassador Cruise Line, the ship’s owner.

The outbreak made headlines earlier this week when a 92-year-old passenger died while the ship was docked in Bordeaux, France. French media initially reported the death was linked to gastroenteritis, but the cruise line says the elderly man had no symptoms of the illness at the time. Still, all 1,700 people on board were placed under quarantine as a precaution.

Now, Ambassador Cruise Line says the restrictions have eased for healthy passengers. “Guests can now leave the ship, and all planned excursions will go ahead as scheduled,” the company posted on social media. Enhanced sanitation measures and quarantine protocols remain in place for those who are ill or have been exposed.

Gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, causes vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever. It’s often triggered by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus. For now, the Ambition’s itinerary continues, with passengers cleared to explore ports of call if they feel well enough.