Ambassador ship enters dry dock for refit

Ambassador Cruise Line is putting two ships into dry dock for refits.

The 26-year-old Ambition is undergoing maintenance upgrades in Falmouth until December 1.

Ambition is due to return to service on December 2 on a three-night Christmas markets cruise to Bruges and Amsterdam from London Tilbury.

Second ship Ambience, which first entered service in 1991 for Princess Cruises, is set for a three-week revamp in Newcastle from January 7. It will become the largest cruise ship to enter dry dock in the region in more than 20 years.

The line’s third ship Renaissance was refurbished in 2023 prior to the merger of Ambassador and Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC).

The work to Ambition includes refurbishment of cabins, restaurants and entertainment venues.

A new kidney dialysis treatment centre will also be installed with the  conversion of a spa treatment room.

The technical work includes a full hull repaint, mechanical overhauls, servicing of propulsion and stabiliser systems and essential steel repairs.

Passenger-facing improvements to Ambience will include refreshed carpets, furnishings and soft decor across suites and public areas, reconfigured seating in the Sea & Grass restaurant and a full spa and wellness area enhancement. 

Lifts will also be refurbished and additional plug sockets and USB ports installed in cabins and suites. 

Ambassador chief operating officer Nick Hughes said: “We are delighted to be working with A&P Falmouth for the first time on Ambition’s dry dock project. 

“This multimillion-pound investment demonstrates our continued focus on delivering affordable quality while ensuring the Ambassador fleet operates to the highest technical, environmental and hospitality standards. 

“We were delighted to see a UK yard win our competitive selection process and to be able to support local industry and the regional economy.”