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Ambassador purchases AIDAmira, will enter service next year as Ambition

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Ambience will offer no-fly sailings on entering service with Ambassador in 2023
Ambassador Cruise Line has purchased AIDA Cruises’ AIDAmira, which will enter service next year as Ambition, expanding Ambassador’s fleet to two.

The sale of the Costa Cruises vessel was reported by Seatrade Cruise News yesterday, with the buyer unknown until today.

‘We are delighted with the warm reception given to the introduction of Ambassador to the market – a new brand, proposition and our first ship,’ explained Christian Verhounig, CEO, Ambassador Cruise Line. ‘This announcement of the addition of Ambition to the fleet reflects our confidence and willingness to invest in the future of Ambassador and the cruise sector.’ 

He added, ‘Clearly, we are all focused on the success of Ambience’s maiden season which commences in April this year, but we believe existing and new guests, as well as our trade partners, will be thrilled to hear about Ambassador’s growth plans.’ 

Design 

The 1,200-passenger Ambition contains 714 cabins – 125 with balconies as well as 113 suites with up to 62m² of living space. It comprises two main restaurants and speciality dining options, a casual bistro style café, four bars and lounges and a pub, complemented by a tiered main theatre, casino, card room, library, and craft studio. 

A wellness centre, gym, two swimming pools and a range of shops will be available on board. 

‘Extensive’ upgrades planned 

As with Ambience, Ambition will undergo extensive upgrades before entering service with Ambassador which will enable the vessel to join Ambassador’s first ship in being among the 10% of the world’s cruise fleet authorised to sail in strictly environmentally protected seas. Updated ballast and sewage water treatment systems will be installed, as well as the latest emission reduction technologies to secure IMO Tier III compliance, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 95% compared to current standards. 

Itineraries

‘We are particularly excited to be offering regional departure options for Ambition in 2023, whilst also offering guests who travel from London Tilbury a greater choice of sailings and ships on which to enjoy them,’ continued Verhounig. In addition to  Tilbury, the ship will also offer a summer 2023 programme of departures from ports such as Newcastle, Dundee, Belfast, Liverpool, Bristol and Falmouth.

Like its sister ship, Ambition's no-fly sailings will target mainly the 50-plus age group.

The ship's itineraries will be open for bookings from Q2 2022; the full programme of Ambassador itineraries will be detailed in a bumper 2023-24 season brochure.