The boss of Ambassador Cruise Line has outlined his “ambitions” to grow the fleet when vessels become available to buy and if there is sufficient passenger demand to fill them.
Chief executive Christian Verhounig said the UK start-up line’s latest acquisition – 1,200-passenger ship Ambition – announced last week was bought to meet strong demand.
Both Ambition and sister vessel Ambience, which is due to launch on April 6, were acquired from Carnival Corporation brands.
Verhounig told a Travel Weekly webcast the line’s third vessel was “on the horizon”.
He said: “We’ve got ambitions to grow the fleet when the opportunity arises and when we have capability to sell the ships to the guests.
“We see demand for this project as being very strong. The next addition is for sure on the horizon and one we’re looking at.”
He added: “We’ll take the next step when we’re ready and others are ready to do so.”
Reflecting on the wider cruise sector, Verhounig said there was currently “big demand” for sailings, particularly no-fly voyages.
Ambassador’s two vessels will operate no-fly cruises out of UK ports, such as Tilbury, Dundee, Belfast and Liverpool.
“The cruise industry is growing in general,” added Verhounig. “We see good opportunities out there.”
Asked about current booking trends, Verhounig highlighted the popularity of three Norwegian Fjords departures on Ambience in April. The line is scheduled to operate three back-t0-back sailings out of Tilbury.
He added: “Over the last two weeks, we’re seeing [demand for] everything. People want to get away right now.
“We do see others that are maybe a little bit cautious that are making sure that they secure their places for spring 2023 already. It’s a mixture of both.”
Passengers were opting for higher grade cabins, according to Verhounig. “They’re really out there to reward themselves for what they’ve had to go through over the last couple of months,” he explained.
Ambassador will offer 11 sailings on Ambience in 2022 and 2023 with two ocean conservationists on board after the line agreed a deal with Orca, a charity dedicated to protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises.
The conservationists will collect data and be part of the guest onboard experience during the sailings.
Verhounig added: We, as a cruise line, are dependent on healthy and lively oceans. We have to play our part in preserving them.”