Three-sy does it for no-fly line Ambassador - at the launch of its second ship Ambition in Newcastle chairman Gordon Wilson revealed that the search for a third ship was already under way.
He told passengers and guests at the Port of Tyne event that, like flagship Ambience and now Ambition, the next addition to the fleet would have a name starting with ‘Am…’ and suggestions were welcome (we think Amore or Amaze could be a decent bet, Amoxicillin or Ambivalent less likely).
The 1,200 passenger Ambition, formerly with Germany’s AIDA Cruises, is now sailing her 14 night maiden voyage to France and Spain and she will return to Tyneside four more times this year for regional sailings which will also feature departures from Dundee, Edinburgh, Falmouth, Liverpool, Bristol and Belfast. Both ships will also sail from Ambassador's homeport in Tilbury, Essex.
Ambassador - which made a profit in its debut year of operation and is the first new UK cruise line for a decade - is planning an expansive 2023/24 season with the two ships visiting a combined 60 countries and 166 ports.
Cruises will last from two to 120 days and are primarily aimed at the 50-plus market, but with multigenerational family sailings operating in school holidays.
Chief executive Christian Verhounig said: “Ambassador has, in the short time it has been in operation, firmly established a unique premium value offering within the cruise sector.
“Adding another ship to our fleet is evidence of the strength of both Ambassador and the wider cruise industry, showing the support we have received and demand we are experiencing ahead of what’s set to be a buoyant season.''
He added: “We’re seeing significant demand for cruising on our small to mid-size ships, with heightened interest in Norwegian Fjords and Round-Britain cruises plus bucket-list itineraries, such as our round the world cruise, which sails in January 2024. We have also seen a shift in demand coming from customers who are new to cruise as more travellers choose no-fly holiday options.”
The 41,123 gross tonnage Ambition - named by Godmother Shirley Robertson, the Team GB double Olympic gold medallist sailor - also has strong environmental credentials after a pre-launch refurbishment in Bremerhaven, Germany.
Works included emissions-technology, an advanced waste water treatment system and a biodigester which turns food waste to water.
Prior to the refit, Ambition had been moored on the Clyde in Glasgow to accommodate Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion.
So what’s she like? In keeping with the ‘Am…’ theme: A mighty fine ship decked out in a white, green and purple livery reminiscent of Wimbledon tennis.
My Junior Suite on deck 10 was super-sized and very well-appointed with a walk-in wardrobe but you might want to avoid being below the deck 11 smoking area. The bed and pillows were comfortable and the bathroom generously sized by cruise ship standards, with a bath. There are UK plugs, a USB point and a TV.
The public areas are lush, wood-forward and showing contemporary colours and natural light, with pops of nautical signal flags in stairwells.
With a focus on good quality food, the dining options feature the main Buckingham and a la carte Holyrood restaurants, Borough Market food court, cover charge Saffron (£16.95) for Indian/Asian cuisine, Mediterranean-themed cover charge Lupino’s (£14.95) and casual Alfresco Grill. Happy to vouch for the succulent fillet steak in Holyrood and the cheese board in Buckingham.
Ambition’s range of bars - with drinks at reasonable UK pub prices - include the Liverpool nightclub/cabaret-style Cavern, Clifton Lounge for classical music, Consulate by the spacious suntrap pool deck and the smart Purple Turtle Wine Bar.
I particularly liked the calm of Brontë’s Library and the pampering in the serene Green Sea Spa will be a popular choice on sea days.For lively evening entertainment - the launch featured a fun and energetic taster of a Nashville inspired show - head to the Palladium Show Lounge, then shape up next day at the fitness centre or the exterior jogging and walking track.
Ambition will be continuing Ambassador’s successful inaugural season working in collaboration with ocean conservationists ORCA and marine wildlife experts will join a number of voyages help passengers learn more about whales, dolphins and porpoises and collecting important scientific data in key habitat areas.
The verdict
British cruise passengers will feel completely at home (Tetley’s tea in the cabins, for example) and the hard-working crew are super-friendly. Regional sailings will prove hugely popular - your holiday comes to you.
With prices starting at £289 per person for a three night seacation from Belfast, Christian Verhounig’s premium value definition of ‘’Marks & Spencer at Aldi prices’’ looks a winner.
Ambassador offers a seven night round trip on Ambition from Liverpool on July 18, calling at St Peter Port in Guernsey and Rouen and Honfleur in Normandy, France. From £599 per person - you can find out more on ambassadorcruiseline.com.
