Ambassador Cruise Line, the first cruise line to launch in the UK in a decade, will make its Aussie debut in 2024.
The new cruise player, which is being touted as offering a “classic” yet sustainable sailing experience, has scheduled Ambience to arrive in Auckland and Sydney as part of its Grand Round the World Cruise.
Ambassador, which serves the British market from its home port of London Tilbury, currently offers itineraries across the Mediterranean, Arctic, British Isles, Canary Islands and more, with plans to sail from an additional six UK ports including Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol and Falmouth from 2023.
The cruise line has also announced its first local appointment, Dean Brazier, as head of sales and marketing in Australia & New Zealand.
Based out of Adelaide, Brazier brings more than 30 years of valuable experience and has extensive knowledge of the travel and cruise industry, emigrating to Australia in 2017 to head up Cruise & Maritime Voyages locally until the line went under in 2020 due to the global pandemic.
Brazier will connect with travel agents across Australia and New Zealand to help develop and grow their business, as well as working closely with wholesalers, trade partners and tour operators, encouraging them to sign up to the registration website for more news and information about the range of itineraries available.
CEO, Christian Verhounig said he is extremely proud of the Ambassador fleet and offering, and is delighted to be entering the Australian market after a successful inaugural season in the UK.
“We want to bring back the joy of cruising and inject a newfound confidence in the industry, as we strive toward making a significant contribution to the travel industry in the Australian and New Zealand markets,” Verhounig said.
“Our guests can embrace the premium value cruising experience on classic ships and enjoy the warmest welcome at sea, complete with excellent cuisine and amazing entertainment as they visit hidden gems across the globe.”
There are currently two ships forming Ambassadors’ fleet; Ambience, which began sailing in April 2022, and Ambition, which will set sail on her inaugural season in May 2023.
Together, the two ships will be sailing to six continents and 58 countries, calling at 165 ports and cruising over 176,195 nautical miles.
Ambience, which plans to arrive in Australia in February 2024, has the capacity for 1,400 guests, 798 cabins, a choice of five restaurants, nine lounges, a swimming pool, a spa, day and evening entertainment and fitness and leisure facilities.
The cruise line also provides comprehensive financial protection for guests’ funds, with financial failure insurance cover included as standard for all guests, plus a booking guarantee in the event it is forced to cancel a cruise.
It also operates an independently managed trust account where guests’ funds are deposited and only released when the cruise departs.
Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience (supplied)
