United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Who is Ambassador Cruise Line?
Ambassador Cruise Line is a brand-new cruise line and is the first new British cruise line to be launched since 2010. Its purpose is to inspire and delight every guest to enjoy an authentic cruise experience effortlessly, and sustainably.
Ambassador’s staff and crew will be the friendliest, and most diverse, in the industry. Guests will make long-lasting friendships both with fellow guests and crew, creating a community at sea.
Ambassador’s extremely experienced management team includes Chief Executive Officer, Christian Verhounig supported by Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Coates, Chief Information Officer, Gary Hides and Chief Financial Officer, Simon Weeks.
Through funds managed by Njord Partners LLP, London, the company is fully equity-financed (no financial debt). The Chair of the Board of Directors is Gordon Wilson who has over 30 years of experience in the global travel industry. This includes his role as the President and CEO of Travelport until July 2019. He is a member of the Supervisory Board of BCD Holdings which owns global corporate travel management company, BCD Travel. He has been appointed to the Chair of the Board of Interactive Investor, the second largest direct-to-consumer investment platform in the UK.
Ambassador Cruise Line is based in Purfleet, Essex.
What is Ambassador Cruise Line?
Ambassador sails for the British market from London Tilbury with a focus on premium-value. Ambassador Cruise Line’s first ship, Ambience, will sail from Tilbury in Spring 2022. After completing its inaugural season in Spring 2023, the cruise line plans to extend sailings from additional regional ports including Liverpool and Newcastle on an ex-UK no-fly range of voyages.
Ambassador Cruise Line is adult-focussed and age-inclusive but primarily aimed at the 50-plus market. The cruise line will run a number of multi-generation cruises over the summer holidays.
Ambassador will deliver distinguished cuisine, fascinating voyages on a classic cruise ship, great entertainment, like-minded guests and treasured destinations. The company will deliver a seamless, authentic, and enriching cruise experience.
Where will Ambassador Cruise Line sail?
All departing from London Tilbury, Ambassador Cruise Line’s carefully curated no-fly programme of 33 inaugural year sailings will visit over 90 different ports. Featured destinations will include the British Isles, the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltics and St Petersburg, Greenland, the Arctic and Iceland, plus several short break cruises. For the winter months a range of exploration style voyages will sail to the Canaries, Cuba, the Caribbean, Cape Verde and Scandinavia.
When will Ambassador Cruise Line sail?
The maiden season of Ambience will operate between 6th April 2022 and Spring 2023. Ambience’s inaugural voyage will be a short break cruise to Hamburg on Wednesday 6th April 2022.
How will Ambassador Cruise Line look after guests?
Ambassador’s smaller to mid-sized classic cruise ship offers a higher space to guest ratio, making cruising more relaxed and will provide guests with reassurance.
Ambassador’s health and safety mandate will ensure the crew is vaccinated, and only vaccinated guests will be welcomed onboard. The cruise line will also work closely with all destinations to adhere to local health guidelines and requirements.
Treating our guests right is not just about the booking and onboard experience. In accordance with The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, we have insurance cover in place to financially protect all guests booking with Ambassador Cruise Line, for all monies paid either directly or via their travel agent. In addition, we will operate a fully independent managed Trust Account where guests’ funds are deposited and only released when the cruise departs. Our offer also includes a booking guarantee in the event we are forced to cancel a cruise.
Peace of Mind
Peace of mind is our priority here at Ambassador. We know how important it is to feel financially protected and to be able to book with confidence, which is why our booking reassurances include a refund guarantee, should one of our cruises be cancelled. It is also why we have a fully independent managed trust account, where guests’ funds are deposited and only released when we set sail.
We also guarantee the highest of health and safety standards, including a policy that requires all our guests and crew to be vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to sailing, subject to any exemptions*. You can relax knowing we have taken care of everything on board and are working closely with destinations to adhere to local health guidelines.
*Please contact our guest services team to discuss
-
08 Apr 24
NEWS
Ambassador cruise ship collides with cargo vesselAmbassador Cruise Line’s ship Ambience, currently sailing a world cruise, suffered a collision in bad ...Read moreAmbassador cruise ship collides with cargo vessel - News & announcementsAmbassador Cruise Line’s ship Ambience, currently sailing a world cruise, suffered a collision in bad weather as it attempted to dock in Cape Town, South Africa. It hit container ship Grey Fox, despite being assisted by two tugs and a pilot, the cruise line said. It was caused by strong winds and large waves and no passengers or crew were injured. It caused minimal damage to the ship as Ambience was able to depart Cape Town later that evening. The ship is carrying 1,400 passengers on a world cruise which began in January. “Ambience was unable to maintain position in strong, gusting winds and made contact with the container ship, which was already alongside. Both ships report only minor damage, and there is no water ingress or pollution,” the cruise line said. Jaykant Shah, a US guest, said, “I was asleep, but when the knock hit, it immediately woke me up because the boat moved awkwardly.”Related News Stories: Princess to sail another 'Love Boat' themed cruise - TravelMole Marriott appointed official hotel partner for U.S. Soccer Federation ... Carnival Cruise Line raises bottled water prices - TravelMole Emirates takes flight with new brand ambassador Penelope Cruz ABTA Travel Convention returning to Greece Star Breeze expands Windstar's year-round Tahiti cruises - TravelMole ABTA LifeLine unveils inaugural fun golf day Messi stars in latest Saudi tourism ad campaign - TravelMole AIDAsol: Bookings open for legs of the 2024/2025 World Cruise ... Explora Journeys - TravelMole
-
27 Dec 23
NEWS
Ambassador Cruise Line launches post-Christmas agent incentiveNo-fly UK cruise operator Ambassador Cruise Line has rolled out a travel agent incentive offering ...Read moreAmbassador Cruise Line launches post-Christmas agent incentive - News & announcementsNo-fly UK cruise operator Ambassador Cruise Line has rolled out a travel agent incentive offering one agent £1,000 each week. The post-Christmas trade incentive runs over five weeks. Until 31 January 2024, travel agents booking an Ambassador cruise sailing between 7 April 2024 – 24 April 2025 will be entered into a prize draw, with £1,000 up for grabs each week. Agents need to make a booking and complete Ambassador’s online Travel Partner Incentive form or email their name, agency name, ABTA number and proof of booking to [email protected]. Winners will be announced every Wednesday, with updates showcased on Ambassador’s dedicated trade Facebook page - Ambassador Cruise Line Trade Partners. Nicola Harper, Head of Distribution at Ambassador Cruise Line, said: “Our trade partners have been key to our success in 2023, and we wanted to see in the New Year by showing our appreciation.” This travel agent incentive is about thanking them for their ongoing support as the Ambassador brand looks to go from strength to strength in 2024.” The trade initiative follows the launch of Ambassador’s Turn of Year sales campaign, which runs until 13 February 2024. The campaign includes a range of special offers, such as savings of up to 63% off selected sailings; half price deals on all drink packages in the 2024/25 season; and kids from £99 on multigenerational sailings. There are also group offers and solo supplements on four selected cabin types on certain sailings available from 25%. -
05 May 22
NEWS
Ambassador Cruise Line to offer cruises from the North EastThe UK’s new home-grown cruise operator, Ambassador Cruise Line will offer cruise itineraries out of ...Read moreAmbassador Cruise Line to offer cruises from the North East - News & announcementsThe UK’s new home-grown cruise operator, Ambassador Cruise Line will offer cruise itineraries out of the Port of Tyne. The full itinerary programme is currently being finalised and voyages including departures from the Port of Tyne will begin from summer 2023. Ambassador Cruise Line offers environmentally sustainable cruises aboard two small to mid-size classic ships, Ambience which was officially launched in April and new sister vessel, Ambition due to sail in 2023. Kate O Hara, Commercial Director for Cruise at the Port of Tyne, said: “Offering brand new cruise holiday experiences from the North East is very exciting and reinforces our position as the premier cruise hub for the north east.” “Cruise holidays that commence at the Port of Tyne are extremely popular and we are seeing the radius for passengers embarking from our shores expanding steadily.” Ambition will carry up to 1,200 guests. She will feature two restaurants offering speciality dining, a bistro style café, four bars and lounges and a pub. There will be a wellness centre and gym with multiple swimming pools, theatre, casino, library, boutiques and a craft studio. Ambassador Cruise Line CEO, Christian Verhounig, said, “We are delighted to be offering cruises departing from the Port of Tyne and look forward to welcoming our guests onboard our beautiful new ships.” Both Ambition and Ambience have been upgraded with the latest emission reduction technologies to secure IMO Tier III compliance. The full programme of itineraries and enticing offers from Ambassador Cruise Line will be detailed in a bumper 2023-24 season brochure available shortly. -
02 Mar 22
NEWS
Ambassador Cruise Line taps Harding for onboard retailAmbassador Cruise Line announced the appointment of retailer Harding to deliver onboard retail offering for ...Read moreAmbassador Cruise Line taps Harding for onboard retail - News & announcementsAmbassador Cruise Line announced the appointment of retailer Harding to deliver onboard retail offering for guests onboard the Ambassador ship, Ambience. It has agreed an option to manage retail for second upcoming ship, Ambition. Ambassador is the first British cruise line to launch in the UK in over a decade. Sailing from London Tilbury, the no-fly itineraries are predominantly aimed at the 50-plus traveller. Ambience sets sail on an inaugural cruise on 6 April this year and Ambition will enter service in 2023. Harding will provide the onboard retail experience, including sourcing products for Ambassador’s guests to purchase whilst at sea, including fine jewellery as well as costume jewellery and watches, beauty products, toiletries, and electricals. It will also supply Ambassador Cruise Line merchandise, clothing, bags, sunglasses, and accessories. Bob McGowan Head of Guest Experience says “We chose Harding as Ambassador’s cruise travel retail partner as they are one of the global leaders in onboard retailing and services. They deliver on commercial performance and help build partnerships that will offer us and our guests relevant brands and great service”. -
15 Oct 21
Partner News
Ambassador Cruise Line Appoints Gordon Nardini As Chief Marketing OfficerNardini joined Ambassador in April 2021 on a consultancy basis to conceive and help build ...Read moreAmbassador Cruise Line Appoints Gordon Nardini As Chief Marketing Officer - News & announcementsNardini joined Ambassador in April 2021 on a consultancy basis to conceive and help build the business and brand from inception, prior to its formal launch in May 2021. Reporting in to the cruise line’s Chief Executive Officer, Christian Verhounig, Nardini now sits on the Executive Leadership team. Nardini said: “From just a name, in 12 weeks we created a fully-fledged brand. This included all the assets, a robust media plan, online and offline strategies and creative executions”. In his now permanent role as CMO, he will continue to lead the company’s marketing and external and internal communications teams, as well as oversee the company’s PR and Marketing agencies, LOTUS UK Integrated Communications Ltd. and Accord Marketing. A seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience, prior to joining Ambassador Nardini operated as MD of his own private consultancy business, specialising in the provision of strategic Sales and Marketing solutions for a broad client base. He also held a variety of fixed term contracts, including Commercial Director and Board Member at Chameleon Art Products. His earlier career spans an eclectic sector range from technology to communications and latterly travel. Brands include Vodafone and The Carphone Warehouse, as well as a decade within the travel sector incorporating Amadeus IT Group, Carlson Wagonlit Travel and Travelport - delivering tangible commercial results in business development, marketing and communications strategies. Nardini said of his appointment: “To have been involved in the development of the brand for the first post-pandemic cruise line to launch in the UK has been a huge privilege. The commitment and agility offered by the broader team and our agencies has contributed to the remarkable success of the launch. I accepted the role with confidence as we set sail for our inaugural season in April 2022 and are poised to expand the fleet beyond our first ship Ambience, further delivering premium value cruises at an affordable price. I look forward to an exciting future at Ambassador”. Ambassador Cruise Line Chief Executive Officer, Christian Verhounig added: “Gordon’s fundamental involvement in creating and building our brand, and the behind-the-scenes set up, has contributed to what Ambassador Cruise Line is today and the warm welcome the cruise line has received from the travel industry and travellers alike. We are delighted he is now a full-time member of the Executive Leadership team.” Ambassador offers a premium-value, traditional cruise experience primarily aimed at the 50-plus market. Their purpose is to inspire and delight every guest to enjoy an authentic cruise experience effortlessly, and sustainably. -
10 Oct 21
Webinar
The New Ambassador Cruise Line Chairman, Gordon Wilson, talks to TravelMoleExpert Panel with Travel Mole’s Graham McKenzie talks with the CEO of a new cruise ...Read moreThe New Ambassador Cruise Line Chairman, Gordon Wilson, talks to TravelMole - News & announcementsExpert Panel with Travel Mole’s Graham McKenzie talks with the CEO of a new cruise line opening out of London, England. Meet Gordon Wilson, Chairman of NEW Ambassador Cruise Line. -
15 Sep 21
Partner News
Ambassador Cruise Line Announces Nationwide Premium Coach Service With A Half-Price Launch Offer From £40 Return Per GuestSummary Ambassador Cruise Line has launched an all-new Premium Coach Service to run in conjunction ...Read moreAmbassador Cruise Line Announces Nationwide Premium Coach Service With A Half-Price Launch Offer From £40 Return Per Guest - News & announcementsSummaryAmbassador Cruise Line has launched an all-new Premium Coach Service to run in conjunction with the 2022 cruise programme on 14 select sailings. Available to book from 15th September 2021, the service will give guests the opportunity to travel to London Tilbury to join their cruise, from a choice of 80 nationwide coach pick-up points, across England and Wales. There will also be an introductory half-price offer from only £40 return per guest, available until 15th October 2021.The Premium Coach Service will provide nationwide accessibility to the port of London Tilbury for Ambassador’s cruise customers who wish to experience Britain’s newest cruise line. Guests can rest assured that their holiday will begin as soon as they set foot on an Ambassador Cruise Line coach. With facilities on board including restrooms, video/television, air-conditioning and executive seating, guests will be able to relax, unwind and look forward to embarking on their cruise. Known for its premium-value offering, Ambassador prices during the half-price introductory offer range from £40 per guest to £60 per guest for a return journey, depending on distance to London Tilbury and include a complimentary suitcase allowance per guest. Additional suitcases can be added for £8 per case (limited to two cases per guest). To book please call 0808 102 8349. Full terms and conditions can be found on the Ambassador Cruise Line website www.ambassadorcruiseline.com/before-you-sail/regional-coaching/ . There is a wide selection of fascinating, ex-UK voyages scheduled for 2022 for guests to take advantage of this new offer and experience Ambassador’s first ship, Ambience. Examples include: MAJESTIC EASTER FJORDLAND 16 April, 2022 Departure port: London Tilbury Ambassador Cruise Line will welcome travellers onboard Ambience to immerse in a truly iconic journey around Norway as the classic ship embarks on an eight-night Majestic Easter Fjordland voyage. The route includes visits to Haugesund, a charming waterfront town with stunning fjords and waterfalls and Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, peppered with picture-perfect landscapes. Finally, guests will dock in Bergen, Norway’s second city to enjoy its colourful and dramatic architecture nestling in the mountainside. Prices start at £669 per guest (Early Saves Fare) for a Standard Twin room (saving up to 10%). Ambassador Fares start from £921 per guest for a Standard Twin room. CANARIES, MADEIRA & MOROCCO WINTER SUN 24 November, 2022 Departure port: London Tilbury Guests can leave the winter blues behind as they sail south across azure seas to the warmth and charm of Europe’s furthest fringes on the 15-night Canaries, Madeira & Morocco Winter Sun voyage. Along the way, guests will experience bustling harbours, colourful markets and charming hillside valleys in Madeira and the sun-soaked Canary Islands before a visit to the fabled Casablanca in Morocco. Here, guests will discover a hidden world of beautiful mosques and lively street bazaars. Prices start at £1,039 per guest (Early Saver Fare) for a Standard Twin room (saving up to 15%). Ambassador Fares start from £1,511 per guest for a Standard Twin room.
