in their cabins on the Ambition, while other passengers will not be able to disembark in the port. They added that there was "no reason" to link the outbreak to the hantavirus outbreak on a separate cruise ship. The Essex-based Ambassador Cruise Line told the BBC a 92-year-old man had passed away on board on Sunday, but he did not report any related symptoms and his cause of death is yet to be established by a coroner. The cruise operator added: "We are providing every support to the deceased's friends and family and extend our most sincere condolences to them at this difficult time." Ambassador Cruise Line said in a separate statement that as of 11:00 BST on Wednesday, 48 passengers were displaying symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal illness, as well as one crew member. The cruise ship set sail from Belfast on 8 May, before heading to Liverpool the next day. There are currently 1,187 guests and 514 crew members onboard the ship, according to its operator.

In its statement, Ambassador said there was a reported increase in cases after guests boarded in Liverpool. It said "a number of guests and crew onboard Ambition have displayed or are displaying symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal illness".  Gastrointestinal illness is a common condition that causes diarrhea and vomiting. Cases in adults are usually caused by norovirus or food poisoning. (BBC)