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

  • Aviation

Air India to target Indian-Australians as part of its rebuild, says its CEO & MD

Air India, now part of the huge TATA group, is on a steady rebuild and will target the growing diaspora of Indian-Australians as part of its rebuild, said its CEO & MD Campbell Wilson. Over the last two years, Air India has increased flights to Australia by 113 per cent per week, increased the number […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

The NT tops list of hidden gem attractions out of Aussie states

As Australia steps into spring with temperatures set to rise above average, new research has revealed the states with the most must-see hidden gem attractions with the great outdoors proving a winner! The study, conducted by travel and luggage experts at Bounce, used Tripadvisor and search data to uncover Australia’s most treasured destinations. The Northern […]

  • Health & Wellness
  • Hotels

Fusion Hotel Group celebrates World Wellness Weekend

Vietnam’s wellness-inspired Fusion Hotel Group is celebrating World Wellness Weekend from 20-22 September with yoga and other healthy living activities. Fusion Hotel Group has introduced a series of events and activities for guests at five of its luxury beachfront resorts in Vietnam to World Wellness Weekend. The exclusive offers include yoga, meditation, onsen baths, Zumba, […]

  • Hotels

InterContinental Wellington unveils new Health Club and Classic Rooms makeover

InterContinental Wellington has announced the completion of its newly revamped Health Club and a stylish makeover of its Classic Rooms. Bringing a new level of luxury to its 79 Classic Rooms, including eight accessible rooms, the hotel has meticulously re-styled these spaces in collaboration with Y-6, an acclaimed Interior Architecture and Design studio based in […]

  • Cruise
  • Cruise Lines

Celestyal Journey celebrates its first anniversary

Celestyal Journey has notched up one year with Celestyal, travelling 66,100 nautical miles in its first year, mostly around the Greek Islands. The 55,877-tonne ship joined the Celestyal fleet following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment made her maiden voyage for the Greek cruise line on 2 September 2023, a seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruise to Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion […]