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About us
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 ...Read more
Ambassador Cruise Line - About Us
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
Company Name : Ambassador Cruise Line
News & announcements
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19 Dec 24
SPECIALS
Explore the Mediterranean with 10% Off This Week! Ambassador Cruise LineEmbark on a Classical Mediterranean Cruise and Save 10% with code COTW10. Set ...Read moreExplore the Mediterranean with 10% Off This Week! Ambassador Cruise Line - News & announcementsEmbark on a Classical Mediterranean Cruise and Save 10% with code COTW10. Set sail aboard Ambience, departing 24 February 2025, for a 24-night adventure. Begin your journey from London Tilbury and explore iconic destinations like Rome, Toulon, Barcelona, Valencia, and more. Discover vibrant cultures, historic landmarks, and breathtaking views. As part of our Cruise of the Week offer, enjoy an exclusive 10% discount, making this unforgettable journey even more enticing. With outstanding dining, amazing entertainment, and exceptional service, this is your ticket to relaxation and exploration. Book now and enjoy the warmest welcome at sea on this unforgettable Mediterranean escape! -
08 Oct 24
NEWS
CLIA and Ambassador team up to offer agents one-night UK sailingCLIA and Ambassador Cruise Line have teamed for their first ever onboard event for the ...Read moreCLIA and Ambassador team up to offer agents one-night UK sailing - News & announcementsCLIA and Ambassador Cruise Line have teamed for their first ever onboard event for the trade. CLIA member travel agents have the opportunity to join a special one-night one-way sailing along Eastern England’s coastline. Ambassador Ambition will sail from Newcastle to Tilbury, on November 22. CLIA travel agents s confirmed on the sailing can attend an exclusive trends and insight session onboard, hosted by sales adviser, Debbee Dale, and CLIA's trade membership and events manager, Adele Fitzpatrick-Foster. The session will include advice on how agents can maximise demand before, during and after the upcoming 'Wave' period. Delegates will also receive an overnight ocean view cabin, lunch on arrival, a five-course evening meal and breakfast. In addition, Ambassador will provide post-cruise coach travel from Tilbury back to Newcastle. The cruise line was confirmed as a member of CLIA last month. It aims to enhance Ambassador's brand awareness across the industry. The overnight event is the first in a series of joint initiatives that will be announced. Nicola Harper. Ambassador Head of Distribution, said: "We're delighted to be hosting CLIA member travel agents o. We know there is nothing like seeing and experiencing a product first-hand." Applications will open shortly.Related News Stories: Ambassador Cruise Line joins CLIA Celestyal launches CLIA Cruise Week agent incentive Ambassador Cruise Line amends Amsterdam call due to protests Carnival welcomes seven millionth guest in New Orleans Celestyal Cruises - TravelMole Princess to sail another 'Love Boat' themed cruise - TravelMole Messi stars in latest Saudi tourism ad campaign - TravelMole Abercrombie & Kent hails $500 million funding boost MSC Cruises' Newest Flagship - MSC World America - To Feature ... TIPTO adds new 25th anniversary roadshow event
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19 Aug 24
NEWS
Ambassador Cruise Line amends Amsterdam call due to protestsAmbassador Cruise Line scrapped its scheduled port call in Amsterdam on Sunday due to the ...Read moreAmbassador Cruise Line amends Amsterdam call due to protests - News & announcementsAmbassador Cruise Line scrapped its scheduled port call in Amsterdam on Sunday due to the risk of disruption. Instead of sailing into Amsterdam the Ambition ship docked at the North Sea access channel at Ijmuiden. This added an extra hour to transfer times into Amsterdam for shore visitors. Extinction Rebellion protestors have been blocking ships entering the lock, which leads to Amsterdam. Last weekend two ships were delayed at Ijmuiden when climate activists chained themselves to a bridge at the lock. The Serenade of the Seas cruise ship was also recently disrupted by protestors at the lock. Ambassador Cruise Line decided to take no chances and opted to dock at the pier in Ijmuiden. “Following last week’s protests, we have been informed that Extinction Rebellion are planning to do the same again this week and prevent Ambition from entering the locks,” the cruise line said. “As a precaution, we have decided with the captain to amend our call and berth at Ijmuiden.” The company organised complementary transfers for passengers into the city. For booked shore excursions, the duration was extended to allow for the extra transfer time. The activist group began blockading the locks a week ago.Related News Stories: Carnival Cruise Line taps OTT to boost agent training Celestyal expands in the Arabian Gulf with a second ship Carnival Cruise Line reveals Carnival Firenze godfather Abercrombie & Kent hails $500 million funding boost Cunard - TravelMole Regent Seven Seas Cruises - TravelMole Partner News - TravelMole Star Breeze expands Windstar's year-round Tahiti cruises - TravelMole Abercrombie & Kent - TravelMole Le Jacques-Cartier set to extend PONANT's offer in French ...
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17 Aug 23
NEWS
Ambassador Cruise Line joins TIPTOTIPTO is expanding its member portfolio again with the addition of UK based no-fly cruise ...Read moreAmbassador Cruise Line joins TIPTO - News & announcementsTIPTO is expanding its member portfolio again with the addition of UK based no-fly cruise brand, Ambassador Cruise Line. It joins TIPTO on 1 September to boost its trade presence in the UK and will educate agents on its unique product offering. Based in Purfleet, Essex, Ambassador offers cruise experiences on two ships – Ambience and Ambition. Sailings depart from London Tilbury and regional ports including Newcastle, Dundee, Edinburgh Leith, and Liverpool. Nicola Harper, Head of Distribution, Ambassador Cruise Line, said: “We know knowledge is key and that we need to educate agent partners on our premium value, no fly product.” “Our trade team are committed to supporting Ambassador’s valued agent partners.” TIPTO Chairman, Richard Forde, says: “Ambassador Cruise Line brings a complimentary cruise product to our already strong cruise offering.” TIPTO currently has 20 members including cruise brands Virgin Voyages, Carnival Cruise Line, Celestyal Cruises and Croisi Europe. Other supplier members include Abercrombie & Kent / Cox & Kings, Blue Diamond Resorts, Intrepid and Leger Shearings Group. -
30 Sep 22
NEWS
Ambassador Cruise Line joins ABTANew UK-based line Ambassador Cruise Line has joined trade association ABTA To facilitate this, it ...Read moreAmbassador Cruise Line joins ABTA - News & announcementsNew UK-based line Ambassador Cruise Line has joined trade association ABTA To facilitate this, it bolstered financial protection in compliance with the Package Travel and Linked Arrangements Regulations 2018. Ambassador customers are covered byFinancial Failure Insurance which is underwritten by Accelerant Insurance Europe SA. “Our comprehensive insurance scheme means guests are financially protected and can book with confidence,” said Ambassador CEO Christian Verhounig. “We are delighted to announce that Ambassador is now an ABTA member.” It will continue to pay consumer deposits and balance payments into an independent trust account. -
25 May 22
NEWS
Ambassador Cruise Line partners with Readly digital content appAmbassador Cruise Line has partnered with Readly digital app offering guests access over 6,000 global ...Read moreAmbassador Cruise Line partners with Readly digital content app - News & announcementsAmbassador Cruise Line has partnered with Readly digital app offering guests access over 6,000 global magazines and newspapers. Subscriptions can be shared with family and friends on up to five devices on mobile, tablet and desktop, and can be read in offline mode. The 6,000+ UK and international titles include The Guardian, The Observer and The Evening Standard newspapers, Celebrity title Hello! and fashion magazines Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire. Bob McGowan, Head of Guest Experience at Ambassador Cruise Line added, “The Readly app will provide our guests with the same reading material that they may regularly enjoy at home, as well as access to new content and subject matter to explore.” Ambassador Cruise Line is offering guests an exclusive two-month free offer, then 15% off the next six months with guests able to cancel at any an time. -
20 May 22
NEWS
Ambassador Cruise Line announces 2023/24 itineraries for second shipAmbassador Cruise Line revealed its 2023/24 sailing programme which will see new itineraries as Ambassador’s ...Read moreAmbassador Cruise Line announces 2023/24 itineraries for second ship - News & announcementsAmbassador Cruise Line revealed its 2023/24 sailing programme which will see new itineraries as Ambassador’s second ship, Ambition take to the seas. Ambition will set sail on her inaugural season on 4 March 2023, joining Ambience which will be sailing her second season with new itineraries. Ambition has a capacity for 1,200 guests. Together the two ships will be sailing to six continents and 58 countries, calling at 165 ports. For 2023/24, Ambience will be sailing a brand new 120-night ‘Grand Round the World Cruise’, the cruise line’s longest itinerary to date. Ambition will depart from home port of London Tilbury and six regional ports: Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol and Falmouth. Both Ambience and Ambition's 2023/24 itineraries will offer a number of themed cruises, as well as a selection of multi-generational focused sailings. Ambassador’s full sailing schedule can be found here: www.ambassadorcruiseline.com. Ambassador Cruise Line Chief Executive Officer, Christian Verhounig, said: “We are excited to be able to offer our guests attractive launch offers, and a range of new itineraries as part of our 2023/24 programme.” Offers for 2023/24 include up to 25% saving on full fares and up to £40 per cabin per night onboard credit available on all category six cabins and above -
05 May 22
Partner News
Ambassador Cruise Shares Port Of Tyne’s Green Ambition With Local Departure ItinerariesThe UK’s newest, home-grown cruise operator, Ambassador Cruise Line, will be offering cruise holiday ...Read moreAmbassador Cruise Shares Port Of Tyne’s Green Ambition With Local Departure Itineraries - News & announcementsThe UK’s newest, home-grown cruise operator, Ambassador Cruise Line, will be offering cruise holiday itineraries departing from the Port of Tyne. This means holidaymakers from the North East region will no longer need to travel hundreds of miles to a southern port if they are joining one of Ambassador’s no-fly premium – value cruises. Ambassador Cruise Line offers consumers environmentally sustainable cruises aboard two small to mid-size classic ships, Ambience which was officially launched in April, by Sally Gunnell OBE and new sister vessel, Ambition due to sail in 2023 Ambition and Ambience offer no-fly sailings with a premium-value, authentic cruise experience. The full itinerary programme is currently being finalised and voyages including departures from the Port of Tyne will commence from summer 2023. Kate O Hara, Commercial Director for Cruise at the Port of Tyne, said: “Working with a brand new UK cruise company 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.” She added: “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. People want convenience and they are also very mindful of reducing their carbon footprint, so having a shorter distance to travel before joining an Ambassador cruise is a big benefit.” Environmental sustainability is a core strategic objective for the Port of Tyne, which made a commitment to becoming Net Zero by 2030 and an All Electric Port by 2040. Ambassador Cruise Line shares similar sustainability goals. Both Ambition and Ambience have been upgraded with the latest emission reduction technologies to secure IMO Tier III compliance. This reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 95% compared to current standards. Along with installing updated ballast and sewage water treatment systems, both ships in the Ambassador Cruise Line fleet will be among circa 10% of the current world cruise fleet authorised to sail in strictly environmentally protected seas. These investments are a key part of the Ambassador Cruise Line strategy of operating with a high level of environmental responsibility as well as meeting the increased demands of guests who want the benefits of travel whilst minimising the impact on destinations they travel to. 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.” Ambition will carry up to 1,200 guests in over 700 spacious cabins, 125 of which have balconies. She will feature two restaurants offering speciality dining, a bistro style café, four bars and lounges and a pub. These facilities will be complemented by a wellness centre and gym with multiple swimming pools, theatre, casino, library, boutiques and a craft studio. The full programme of itineraries and enticing offers from Ambassador Cruise Line will be detailed in a bumper 2023-24 season brochure available shortly. -
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.
