More than 1,000 passengers remain confined to a British-operated cruise ship docked in France following an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness affecting 49 individuals.

Bordeaux health officials reported that three passengers on the Ambition have been quarantined in their cabins, preventing others from leaving the vessel at the port.

Ambassador Cruise Line informed the BBC that a 92-year-old passenger passed away on Sunday aboard the ship. He showed no symptoms linked to the illness, and the cause of death awaits confirmation from a coroner.

The operator expressed: "We are offering full support to the deceased's companions and family, and we extend our deepest condolences during this challenging period."

In a further update, Ambassador Cruise Line noted that by 11:00 BST on Wednesday, 48 passengers and one crew member were showing signs of gastrointestinal illness.

The ship currently carries 1,187 guests and 514 crew members, per the operator's figures.

The Ambition embarked from Belfast on May 8, proceeding to Liverpool the following day.

According to Ambassador, illness cases surged after passengers joined in Liverpool.

The statement indicated: "Several guests and crew on Ambition have shown or are showing symptoms matching gastrointestinal illness."

This type of illness commonly leads to diarrhea and vomiting, often resulting from norovirus or food contamination in adults.

David Munster, from Donaghadee in County Down, is traveling with his wife on the cruise. He recounted being notified post-departure about multiple passengers falling ill.

"Right now, it's unclear if we'll stay aboard until resolved or get to explore Bordeaux, which is our top desire," Munster shared.

He noted that healthy passengers could access available onboard amenities, while the sick isolated in cabins.

Though he hadn't seen illness firsthand, Munster observed cleanup efforts and praised the staff's diligent work.

The cruise line implemented stricter sanitation and prevention measures ship-wide, adhering to public health guidelines after early illness reports.

These steps encompass intensified cleaning in communal spaces and continuous advice on handwashing plus symptom reporting to medical staff.

During its planned Bordeaux visit in southwest France, the operator notified local health authorities.

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional health agency deployed a medical team to evaluate onboard conditions, collecting samples for analysis at Bordeaux University Hospital.

Disembarkation was halted "as a precaution against the highly contagious nature of gastroenteritis," pending test outcomes.

Processing the results will require a minimum of six hours, according to the cruise operator.

"Guest and crew health, safety, and welfare are our utmost priority. We appreciate the patience and cooperation amid these safeguards," the company concluded.