New UK-based cruise line set to hit Aussie waters in 2024

New UK-based cruise line set to hit Aussie waters in 2024

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.”

De-luxe suites on board Ambience

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)

Latest News

  • Famil

TravHost launches expert hosting service to transform industry famils

TravHost offers a pioneering service bridging the gap between media professionals, travel agents and tourism organisations, addressing the demand for exceptional famil hosts. Founded by seasoned travel media professionals Fiona Harper and Carolyne Jasinski, TravHost is poised to revolutionise the way tourism organisations and travel companies approach famils. With decades of experience in tourism and […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Travel Agents

Book big and bag a spot of the TTC Tour Brand’s Top Achievers’ Famil

TTC Tour Brands’ Top Achievers Famil incentive is back, rewarding top-selling agents with the chance to embark on an unforgettable trip to a destination that remains a secret – for now. Agents who have sold any Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki, from 1 December 2024 to 14 March 2025, go into the […]

  • Business Travel
  • Conferences

New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]

  • Cruise
  • Events

AmaWaterways invites AU/NZ travel trade to An Evening with AmaWaterways events

AmaWaterways has announced the dates of its upcoming An Evening with AmaWaterways events for travel advisors, just over a year after it entered the Australian and New Zealand markets. Dedicated to travel advisors, the events will be held in six cities and will be hosted by AmaWaterways’ regional sales managers, plus feature a presentation from […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

Mooloolaba cruise season boosts Sunshine Coast tourism and trade

Mooloolaba is set to welcome a series of cruise ships through February and March 2025, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism to the Sunshine Coast. Their arrival is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a substantial economic uplift to the region. Viking Sky kicks off the season on Sunday 8 February, with 930 […]

  • Food & Beverage

Little Pete Brewing opens first of its kind open-air bar

Little Pete Brewing has opened a new open-air bar at 543 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek, a must-visit South Australia destination for a drink with a view. The first-of-its-kind open-air bar sits on 8ha, surrounded by vineyards and paddocks, with the Bremer River flowing nearby and framed by majestic ancient river red gums. “We always felt […]

  • Events

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events

NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

  • Events
  • Tourism

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

  • Cruise
  • Food & Beverage

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests

Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]