The problem was identified on December 18 and the vessel set sail for Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven one day later for repairs.
Affected itineraries
This resulted in the cancellation of the three-night ‘Festive Christmas Markets’ cruise, due to depart from London Tilbury Port on Sunday.
Ambience’s 15-night Christmas and New Year Canary Islands cruise leaving from Tilbury on December 21 also was called off.
The cruise line described the health and safety of passengers, staff and crew as ‘paramount,’ explaining, ‘Ambassador has chosen to immediately perform repairs and post-repair tests as a precautionary measure. Regrettably, these works will not be concluded in time to operate the Christmas and New Year Canary Islands itinerary.’
Compensation options
Ambassador is communicating transfer and compensation options, adding that passengers’ additional concerns will be dealt with ‘on a case-by-case basis in the days to come.’
The line apologised for the cancellation and any inconvenience this may cause.
The approximately 1,400 passengers scheduled for Christmas and New Year Canary Islands sailing will be contacted by email no later than December 23 and asked to confirm their preference for another sailing or a refund via an online form.
Passengers may transfer their reservation and monies paid to any published sailing of up to 15 nights departing from January 5 onwards plus receive a 50% discount on the best available fare of the day on their elected new cruise. Any residual ticket monies will be refunded or offered as on board credit.
Or passengers may cancel for a full refund, including port parking, the Victoria coach service and pre-paid drink packages or special packages where selected. They'll also get a 25% future cruise discount on any published sailing of up to 15 nights. For sailings of 16 nights or more, including the ‘Grand Round the World Cruise,’ passengers will receive a 10% discount.
The options are subject to availability and booking conditions and are valid until February 3.
Marks & Spencer’s gift voucher
As a goodwill gesture, Ambassador will issue a £50 per person Marks & Spencer’s gift voucher within the next 72 hours.
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