Ambassador Cruise Line shows Ambition as New Ship sails from Falmouth for the First Time
· Premium value, no-fly cruise line launches premium value sailings from the South West
· Four incredible itineraries depart from Falmouth this cruise season
· Exclusive 10% discount on all Falmouth sailings when using discount code Setsail10
A&P Falmouth welcomed Ambassador Cruise Line’s ‘Ambition’ yesterday, Wednesday 6 September, for the first cruise turnaround to take place in Falmouth in seven years.
Ambassador Cruise Line, the UK’s leading premium value, no-fly cruise line, launched its second lady of the sea, Ambition, in May, and Wednesday 6 September saw her arrive in Falmouth ahead of her inaugural sailing from the South West on the British Isles Discovery sailing.
The cruise sees Ambassador offer guests from the region the chance to enjoy the convenience of a cruise holiday departing from a port that’s close to home for the very first time. The addition of Ambition to the fleet along with sister ship, Ambience, sees Ambassador welcome guests onboard from eight different UK departure ports, enabling more of the population to enjoy the convenience of a no-fly cruise holiday. In addition to Falmouth, guests from London Tilbury – Ambassador’s home port in Essex - Newcastle Tyne, Dundee, Edinburgh Leith, Bristol, Liverpool and Belfast are now able enjoy a range of exciting itineraries.
Specialising in no-fly itineraries and offering adult-only sailings combined with multigenerational cruises in school holidays for the whole family to enjoy together, Ambassador has four sailings departing from Falmouth in the cruise season, with an expected 4,960 guests from the region to experience sailing the seas with the cruise line.
A&P Group operates Falmouth’s 1300sqft International Cruise Terminal, and in preparation for the visit has made significant investment in the port and its facilities - including working with long standing partner Newquay Airport to provide baggage screening services.
Drystan Jones, Director Port Development and Director, General Manager FDEC, said: “Our aim is to provide a sustainable port environment that allows cruise tourism to be optimised. Together with other Cornish ports we will continue to improve the quality of the offer to this market.
“Cruise tourism delivers substantial economic impact to the region – this year alone, we have welcomed over 26 cruise ships and 26,617 of passengers through the port and into the town of Falmouth, in addition to the thousands of visitors who attended the cruise facility for the Tall Ships Festival.
“The warm welcome provided by the Falmouth Cruise Ambassadors - our wonderful team of volunteers - should also not be overlooked in driving this continued success - after all, it is the excellent feedback from the cruise ship passengers that ultimately leads to return visits.”
Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador, said: “Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador, said: “Ambassador has, in the short time it has been in operation, firmly established a unique premium value offering and is now renowned within the cruise sector for offering the warmest welcome at sea. We have long been looking forward to celebrating the official launch of sailings from Falmouth onboard our second lady of the sea, Ambition.
“Adding another ship to our fleet is evidence of the strength of both Ambassador and the wider cruise industry. Demand for sailings from the South West has been very strong, indicating that holidaymakers see a holiday as a necessity, not a luxury, and are eager to get away. Given the current economic climate, our premium value, no-fly offering is proving very popular with new-to-cruise customers and seasoned cruisers alike, courtesy of our inflation-defying prices.
““We’re seeing significant demand for Falmouth sailings on our small to mid-size ships with holidaymakers from the region eager to get away this year. Our no-fly holiday options have proved a real hit, with guests telling us that they love driving to a port, parking their car and boarding our ships with a minimum of hassle – and that’s without mentioning how they can avoid airport queues, flight cancellations, baggage limits or exchange rate fluctuations when sailing from the UK, where the currency onboard the Ambassador fleet is in pound sterling.
“Ambition setting off on her maiden voyage from Falmouth marks a significant step in Ambassador’s regional departure programme. With nine out of ten guests recommending a sailing with us, we’re looking forward to offering guests from the region the warmest welcome at sea in the months and years to come.”
The inaugural sailing of Ambition from Falmouth comes almost 18 months on from Ambassador’s first ship, Ambience, welcoming guests onboard her inaugural sailing in April 2022. In her first season, Ambience sailed 18 cruises and welcomed almost 30,000 guests onboard, 9 out of 10 of whom said that they would recommend a sailing with Ambassador.
Over the course of her inaugural season, Ambition will visit 29 countries, call at 91 ports and travel more than 70,000 nautical miles. Together with her sister ship, Ambience, the 2023/24 season will see Ambassador’s portfolio of breathtaking destinations grow to 60 countries, with ships visiting 166 ports and sailing more than 160,000 nautical miles. Cruise experiences will last from two to 120 days, and almost 70,000 guests will travel with Ambassador.
Ambassador offers highly competitive fares and promotions available to guests throughout the year. Guests looking to book a sailing on Ambition from Falmouth can take advantage of Ambassador’s autumn sales campaign, which runs until 27 September. Offers include great deals on selected sailings across the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 seasons; up to 50% off second guests available on both Saver & Ambassador fares on sailings after 7 April 2024; discounts on group bookings; and great single supplements.
Introductory Offer: 10% off any sailing from Falmouth with Setsail10
Ambassador offers highly competitive fares and promotions available to guests throughout the year. As an exclusive introductory offer to guests from the South West, those looking to book a sailing on Ambition can take advantage of a dedicated 10% discount on all sailings from Falmouth. Valid on Saver and Ambassador fares, simply enter the discount code Setsail10 when booking on www.ambassadorcruiseline.com or by quoting Setsail10 when making a telephone booking via 0808 1028701.
Sailings from Falmouth featuring prices good at 17.00 on 24 August include:
Inaugural Sailing: British Isles Discovery – 11 nights
Departing Falmouth on 6 September 2023, guests who like to leave the beaten track will love this cruise around Britain and its charming islands. After visiting the historic port of Falmouth, the quintessentially French town of Honfleur and vibrant Newcastle, the cruise will head north to Portree in Skye, set amid surreal craggy peaks, and Tobermory in Mull, famous for its pretty pastel houses, before taking in Belfast - a city with a proud maritime heritage. Prices start from £619 per person.
Jewels of the Mediterranean – 17 nights
Departing Falmouth on 17 September 2023, guests will learn that cruising through the Mediterranean is the ultimate way to enjoy the magic of the region’s historic cities and pristine beaches. From the enchanting city of Rome, with its ancient ruins and breath-taking colosseum, to the aqua blue waters and stretches of golden sand in Menorca, there is something for everyone. Prices start from £1,479 per person.
Maritime Cities & Scenic Waterways – 9 nights
Departing Falmouth on 16 October 2023, the diamond capital of Antwerp is just one of the sparkling highlights of this 9-night sojourn around the continent. Along the way, guests will take in the stunning medieval city of Rouen, with its legendary cathedral, and the tranquil port of Honfleur that inspired Claude Monet. Also includes cruises along the Rivers Seine and Scheldt. Prices start from £479 per person.
To book a cruise with Ambassador, or to find out more about the full sailing schedule, visit www.ambassadorcruiseline.com or call 0808 1028701.
-ENDS-
For further press information, please contact:
Braden Cantalope / Sarah Geppert / Charlotte Wright / Emma Arthurs
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8930
Notes to Editors:
Relevant images, fact sheets, releases and more can be found at this Google Drive link.
* Statistics courtesy of www.ap-group.co.uk
Ambition Overview
Ambassador Cruise Line, the UK’s leading premium value, no-fly cruise line, launched its second lady of the sea in Newcastle on Friday 12 May 2023. Ambition sailing from Falmouth comes almost 18 months on from Ambassador’s first ship, Ambience, welcoming guests onboard its inaugural sailing in April 2022. In her first season, Ambience sailed 18 cruises and welcomed almost 30,000 guests onboard, 9 out of 10 of whom said that they would recommend a sailing with Ambassador.
Prior to entering service earlier his year, Ambition spent several weeks undergoing refurbishment works in Bremerhaven, Germany before returning to the UK to join the Ambassador fleet. These included environmental upgrades that made her IMO Tier III compliant and in the top 10-15% of environmentally sustainable ships worldwide, making it possible for her to sail to the most protected areas in the world. Ambition was also fitted with a new generation of Advanced Waste Water Treatment Plant, which not only exceeds the strictest sewage treatment requirements, but also requires fewer treatment chemicals. She also received new livery and Ambassador branding as well as improvements to venues and furnishing upgrades.
In total, 10,940 litres of paint were used during the works, with 3,500sq metres of new decking installed and 20 tonnes of steel replaced. The onboard entertainment team also designed 1,200 new costumes and undertook 864 hours of rehearsals ahead of Ambition’s inaugural sailing.
Ambition joining the fleet heralds regional sailings for Ambassador from ports across the UK. In addition to Falmouth and the cruise line’s home port of London Tilbury, guests from Newcastle Tyne, Dundee, Edinburgh Leith, Bristol and Belfast can now experience Ambassador’s range of exciting itineraries from a port that’s close to home.
The name of Ambassador’s new ship, Ambition, was chosen to emphasise the cruise line’s commitment to inspire and delight every guest to enjoy an authentic cruise experience effortlessly and sustainably while also highlighting the cruise line’s ambitions for the future.
Ambition can carry up to 1,200 passengers across 680 cabins, 125 of which have balconies and 113 of which are suites with impressive living space. Accommodation grades vary in size and deck locations, but no matter what cabin guests choose, each is guaranteed with an impressive array of amenities and personal touches.
Like her sister ship, Ambition meets the highest industry emission standards, and can therefore access some of the world’s best-kept secrets in the most environmentally friendly (and affordable) way possible, such as the UNESCO-protected Norwegian World Heritage fjords.
Ambition features dining venues for every mood - from traditional afternoon teas to gala dinners alongside the ship’s Captain - providing ample opportunity for guests to be surprised and delighted throughout their journey. Dining options include:
o Buckingham Restaurant – breakfast is buffet-style with a daily special served to your table. Lunch is also buffet-style for salads, soups and desserts, with a served main course. Dinner is a five-course a la carte experience.
o Holyrood Restaurant – serving dinner
o Borough Market – serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
o Lupino’s – Mediterranean speciality restaurant serving dinner
o Saffron – speciality Indian fine dining restaurant serving dinner
o Chef’s Table – intimate, exclusive dinner experience hosted every other night
o Alfresco Grill – serving casual eats
Ambition’s range of bars include:
o The Cavern - live music venue with cabarets, gameshows and quizzes
o Clifton Lounge – classical music
o Consulate Bar – poolside outdoor bar
o Angel Bar
o Purple Turtle Wine Bar
o Pendennis Bar – with pianist / vocalist entertainment
Ambassador’s Entertainment and Enrichment Programme has been carefully designed to provide guests with a host of opportunities to learn, listen and surprise themselves on board its ships. Onboard Ambition, the Palladium Show Lounge performs world-class theatre shows, courtesy of the Ambassador Theatre Company. Additional features include Grafton Street, an arts, crafts and activity area; No.10 Conference Room, perfect for meetings; the Aces & Eights card room; and Brontë’s library.
Other features include a shopping galleria; a fitness centre; an exterior jogging and walking track; swimming pool, splash pool and active pool; and the Green Sea Spa, complete with a sauna, steam room, hair salon and a range of restoring spa treatments.
About Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador Cruise Line launched in 2021, offering premium-value no-fly cruises to the UK market. Blending tradition and innovation for a truly timeless cruise holiday that still makes guests feel right at home, Ambassador prides itself on offering guests exceptional service, outstanding cuisine and amazing entertainment, alongside a host of breathtaking destinations; all for the best value.
Based in Purfleet, Essex, Ambassador provides authentic adult-only experiences combined with a selection of multi-generational itineraries to multiple destinations including the Nordics, Greenland, Iceland, Canada, the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Africa. The cruise line’s first ship, Ambience, entered the fleet in May 2022, operating from her home port of London Tilbury. From the 2023/24 season, guests will sail onboard Ambience as well as Ambassador’s second ship, Ambition, which joined the fleet in May 2023 and heralded the launch of sailing from eight regional UK ports: London Tilbury, Newcastle, Dundee, Edinburgh Leith, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol, and Falmouth.
Ambassador’s extremely experienced management team is led by Chief Executive Officer, Christian Verhounig, and its principal shareholder is Njord Partners LLP, London. Ambassador is a member of ABTA, the UK’s leading travel trade association widely acknowledged as the mark of trust and reassurance associated with travel brands. Consumer funds are held in trust and further protected by means of a financial failure insurance policy managed by TMU Management Limited and underwritten by Accelerant Insurance Europe SA, who are regulated by the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA 3193). The scheme is fully compliant with the Package Travel and Linked Arrangements Regulations 2018. For more information, visit www.ambassadorcruiseline.com