Ambassador Cruise Line has reported “strong demand” for no-fly cruises as it prepares to launch its second vessel, Ambition, from Newcastle.
The premium value cruise line will hold a gala event on Thursday evening (May 11) hosted by chief executive Christian Verhounig and Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson OBE – the ship’s godmother.
Ambition’s first guests will depart from on Friday (May 12) on a maiden voyage to Dundee before its 14-night Hidden Gems of France and Spain sailing.
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The launch of Ambition means Ambassador passengers can now join their no-fly cruise from one of eight different UK departure ports.
In addition to the cruise line’s home port of London Tilbury, passengers can embark in Newcastle, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falmouth, Liverpool, Bristol and Belfast.
Ambassador’s first ship, Ambience, began sailing in April 2022. Since then, the vessel has sailed 18 cruises and welcomed almost 30,000 passengers.
During Ambition’s inaugural season, the ship will visit 29 countries, calling at 91 ports.
The 2023-24 season will see Ambassador’s portfolio of destinations grow to 60 countries, with cruise experiences will last from two to 120 days, with almost 100,000 passengers booked to travel with Ambassador.
Christian Verhounig, Ambassador chief executive, 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.
“Despite a backdrop of difficult economic conditions, we enjoyed a very strong booking period at the turn of the year, tripling sales compared to the same period in 2022.
“Demand remains strong, indicating that holidaymakers see a holiday as a necessity, not a luxury, and are eager to get away this year.
“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.
“Interestingly, guests who have typically sailed with more luxury brands are instead choosing Ambassador, where they can enjoy a premium value, no-fly cruise that exceeds expectations.”