1,700 people, isolated on a cruise ship that arrived in Bordeaux, following a suspected norovirus outbreak. One passenger died

About 50 people on the ship, which carries mainly British and Irish passengers, are showing symptoms, French officials said.

French authorities have quarantined more than 1,700 passengers and crew on a cruise ship docked in Bordeaux following a suspected norovirus outbreak.

The ship, the Ambition, carrying 1,233 passengers, most of them British or Irish nationals, arrived in Bordeaux on Tuesday. About 50 people showed symptoms of gastroenteritis, French health officials said, according to The Guardian.

A 92-year-old passenger died on Sunday during the cruise. However, the ship's operator, Ambassador Cruise Line, said the passenger did not report any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness and the cause of death has yet to be determined pending a full medical examiner's report.

Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed there were 48 active cases of gastrointestinal illness among passengers and one among crew on the ship, which was on a 14-night cruise. The operator also stated that French authorities ashore had instructed passengers and crew members to remain on board.

The ship left Belfast on Friday and Liverpool on Saturday. Figures provided by the operator showed an increase in the number of cases after passengers boarded in Liverpool.

In a statement, the company said: “We want to reassure guests that we treat any illness on board our fleet with the utmost seriousness. Immediately after the first reports of illness, enhanced hygiene and prevention protocols were put in place throughout the ship in accordance with established public health procedures.”

“Comprehensive health and safety measures in place include increased cleaning and disinfection measures in public areas, assisted service in certain dining areas and ongoing guidance for guests on hand hygiene, including regular hand washing, use of hand sanitizers and prompt reporting of any symptoms to the onboard medical team,” the company added.

According to the release, medical consultations regarding gastrointestinal conditions are offered free of charge.

Authorities in Bordeaux have requested a routine check of the ship's health and medical records, the Ambassador said, adding that a specialist medical team and “hygiene consultants” were also dispatched to the ship.

While on board, the specialist medical team collected existing samples for laboratory testing at Bordeaux University Hospital, with the results taking at least six hours to process.

“While the investigation and testing is ongoing, all guests and crew have been instructed to remain on board under the guidance of local shore authorities,” the operator said. “Once authorization is granted, guests will be allowed to disembark.”

Norovirus infection, known as food poisoning or a stomach virus, leads to sudden onset of vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea.