Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Ambassador names former British athlete Sally Gunnell godmother of Ambience

CRUISE_Sally_Gunnell.jpg
Former athlete Sally Gunnell will attend the ship's naming ceremony on April 19 at London Tilbury
The godmother of Ambassador Cruise Line’s first ship, Ambience, is former British athlete, Sally Gunnell OBE.

The naming ceremony, attended by Gunnell, takes place November 19 at London Tilbury. Last week it was revealed that the ship is set to debut with a two-week delay caused by extensive supply chain disruption.

Remarked Christian Verhounig, CEO, Ambassador Cruise Line, ‘We’re incredibly proud to have Sally as our first ship’s godmother. She is a wonderful advocate for the [age] 50-plus market and her ambitious drive and dedication to achievement echoes Ambassador’s determination for expansion. 

'We cannot wait to welcome Sally onboard Ambience and celebrate this monumental milestone in Ambassador’s journey so far. We are certain that our guests, crew and staff will feel as honoured as I am in having Sally as our first godmother and being part of the Ambassador family.'

Sally Gunnell

Born in Chigwell, Essex, UK, Sally Gunnell is the only British woman to hold four major track titles simultaneously – Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth. Since retiring from international athletics, the 55-year-old mother of three has become an advocate for health and well-being for the over 50s.

‘I’ve a fondness for Ambassador’s homeport London Tilbury being in Essex, the county I was born and grew up in,’ said the former athlete. 

‘Within a year, Ambassador has firmly established itself in the cruise industry and has a collection of brand values that resonate with me. From community and wellbeing, to being sustainable and ethical, we’re all responsible for the seas we sail on. This dedication from the off demonstrates that Ambassador is a responsible cruise line and one that I’m extremely honoured to be working with.

She added, 'Being godmother comes with responsibility too and I’m flattered that I’ll be re-naming Ambience in April. I look forward to celebrating this wonderful occasion and ship with everyone at Ambassador, the crew onboard and all the guests.’

Inaugural sailing

Ambience enters service on April 20 with a maiden voyage to Hamburg, followed by a further 31 sailings calling at over 90 different ports.

Itineraries will include the British Isles, the Norwegian Fjords, Greenland, the Arctic and Iceland, plus several short break cruises. 

For the winter months, a range of exploration style voyages will sail to the Canaries, Cuba, the Caribbean, Cape Verde and Scandinavia.