The management team of Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), the cruise line that entered administration last summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has come together to launch Ambassador Cruise Line, a new cruise line targeting the over-50 market. This is the first new British cruise line to launch since 2010.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 58 – September 2021
The new Purfleet, Essex-based UK-based shipping company, backed by London-based private equity firm Njord Partners LLP, plans to start sailing with its first ship in April 2022.
Ambassador isn't overly pretentious, but it invites you to enjoy the authentic cruise experience in a sustainable way. It offers good, even refined, cuisine, fascinating destinations, a classic ambiance, good entertainment, and is designed for a clientele with similar tastes.
The management team at Ambassador Cruise Line consists of executives who previously worked together at Cruise & Maritime Voyages, including CEO Christian Verhounig, Commercial Director Christopher Coates, as well as Gary Hides and Simon Weeks.
Ambassador will operate the Ambience, a 1,400-passenger ship formerly known as P&O Australia's Pacific Dawn, which was originally slated to become CMV's flagship under the name Amy Johnson. According to Verhounig, "The Ambience is an authentic, classic ship, something we know our target market segment loves.".
Ambassador's inaugural season will run from April 6, 2022 to May 2023.
The inaugural season of Ambience will operate from April 6, 2022, to spring 2023, with Ambience's maiden voyage being a short cruise from Tilbury to Hamburg. The inaugural schedule includes 33 sailings from London Tilbury calling at 88 ports across the British Isles, the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic countries and St. Petersburg, Greenland, the Arctic, and Iceland. During the winter months, Ambassador plans to offer expedition voyages to the Canary Islands, Cuba, the Caribbean, Cape Verde, and Scandinavia.
This new company marks the launch of the first British cruise line in over a decade. Ambassador Cruise Line will offer the best of British cruising while maintaining traditional cruise values, something key for the middle-aged British cruiser: small to medium size, more space per passenger, British cuisine and customs, relaxation, and tranquility.
The ship is being renovated to adapt it to current environmental standards.
Protecting the oceans and destinations is an obligation, so it has been established that they will exceed the latest environmental standards, including reducing single-use plastic on board and using low-consumption engines.
Ambience, the ship.
Using the French word and with the aim of creating an optimal atmosphere, the perfect ambiance. The Ambience was born in 1991 as the Regal Princess before joining the P&O Australia fleet and sailing as the Pacific Dawn.
Before its launch, the ship is being completely renovated and equipped with emissions reduction technologies to comply with the latest updated regulations in this area.
As for onboard services, the Ambience will feature five restaurants, including specialty dining options; two cafes, nine lounges, a swimming pool, a spa, daytime and nighttime entertainment, fitness and leisure facilities complemented by attractive enrichment and lifestyle programs.
With an average capacity of 1,400 people in 789 cabins, it offers a feeling of spaciousness and freedom without sacrificing the small, intimate corners that make passengers feel so comfortable.
Restaurants:
At Ambassador restaurants, exceptional service, authentic flavors, and a premium setting are guaranteed at every meal, whether it's a full English breakfast, a casual lunch, or a six-course gala dinner. Menus will combine traditional dishes with locally inspired cuisine.
Lounges and Bars
offers no less than 11 different lounges and bars, including the Raffles Bar, the Botanical Lounge, the Observatory, the SW19 and the Purple Turtle Pub, so there is a wide selection of contrasting venues to choose from.
Entertainment venues include The Palladium multi-purpose arena, the Observatory which will host cabaret shows, and a nightclub. will also be permanent spaces dedicated to live classical music.
There
British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, Baltic, Iceland, Canary Islands, Cuba, Caribbean… Ambassador will visit all destinations in its first year.
Other facilities:
The heart of this ship is the impressive three-story central deck, where you'll find Dicken's for refreshments, SW19, the Ambassador Casino, the shopping arcade, the photo gallery, the reception desk, and the excursions and future cruises desk. Other facilities on the Ambience include the café, the Aces & Eights bridge and card room, Kapoor's Craft Studio, Bronte's Library, the Active Studio, the gym, and the Wellness Spa.
On deck
there are spacious deck areas from which you can enjoy panoramic views and for periods of good weather there are two swimming pools, four jacuzzis and a large screen for watching movies and outdoor sporting events.
