Ambassador Cruise Line’s boss has reported “high demand” from the UK and expects the start-up line to be “a success story” for the trade as he vowed to always support agents.
The line is aimed at the over-50s market in the UK and will initially offer no-fly cruises from Tilbury and from 2023 other regional ports – including Dundee, Belfast and Liverpool. It will operate its maiden voyage to Hamburg from Tilbury on April 6, 2022.
Asked on a Travel Weekly webcast about over-50s specialist Saga’s recent decision to trim trade ties, chief executive Christian Verhounig said “it’s not up to me to talk about the decisions of others”.
But he stressed: “We obviously have very strong support for the trade. We always felt that they’re strong and important partner for us.”
Verhounig said the line’s target demographic wanted “more personal service” and to discuss their holiday plans with agents face-to-face.
“We’ll continue to support the trade as we always have done,” he said. “I am sure it will be a success story on both sides.”
He said Ambassador’s passengers wanted “easy access” to UK embarkation ports, adding: “The catchment area of the guests should in the circle of two hours’ drive to the port. Guests are going to enjoy a smooth embarkation, no-fly programme and our premium value offering.”
Ambassador’s maiden vessel, 1,400-passenger Ambience, is currently being “upgraded” ahead of its launch. Following the overhaul, the ship will comply with the International Maritime Organisation’s standards designed to improve air quality and protect public health.
“Ambience will leave the shipyard being one of just 30 ships in the world which is [IMO] Tier III compliant,” Verhounig explained. “This is an amazing statement.”
He added: “We’re reaching the final stages of the refurbishment. [The ship] is coming together nicely.”
The line recently bought a second ship from Carnival Corporation, which is due to launch early next year.
The 1,200-passenger vessel, to be renamed Ambition, was bought after the line saw “very high demand” from the regional UK market, Verhounig added.
Ambition will sail “similar” ex-UK itineraries to sister ship Ambience, said Verhounig, who confirmed its 2023 programme was being “finalised” now.
He said “supply chain issues around the world” meant the line decided to delay Ambition’s launch until next year.
“We were not able to upgrade [Ambition] to those environmental standards before the summer season so we decided to lay her up and do all these environmental upgrades,” he said.
Verhounig added that the ship had a high space ratio which was “important”. “Our guests will welcome and embrace [Ambition] from the first day,” he said.