This impacts three sailings, including the ship’s first voyage, on April 6 to Hamburg, which now departs April 20. Ambience's first two sailings to the Norwegian Fjords have been cancelled.
Ukraine crisis worsens disruption in the supply chain
Verhounig explained, ‘We have taken the difficult decision today to delay the launch of our first ship Ambience. It’s not a decision that has been made in haste but something we have been working tirelessly to try and avoid.
‘Whilst we were able to mitigate several delays impacting our extensive programme of works during the period Ambience was in dry dock, everyone is aware that there is, at present, extensive supply chain disruption and delays in many commercial areas. Most recently these have been worsened by the crisis in Ukraine. It has therefore not been possible to depart for London Tilbury on the original date we had planned. This has had a knock-on effect to our inaugural sailing programme which we have managed to limit to the three initial sailings.’
Extensive engineering and outfitting
Ambeince has undergone extensive engineering and outfitting works whilst in dry dock in Croatia — a process impacted by significant supply-side delays recently which also led to a temporary lack of marine gas oil in Croatia. Remarked Verhounig, ‘It is incredibly disappointing news to the guests booked on these sailings and we apologise for the disruption to their holiday plans that this news will cause.
‘We are hopeful that most of them will be able to enjoy our ship and service on the revised dates and the alternatives we put together for them. The good news is that despite the delay, the ship has completed her refurbishment, she is now operating to a higher level of environmental responsibility, the captain and crew are on board, and she is looking wonderful.’
All affected passengers are being contacted by Ambassador to discuss a range of alternatives such as a full refund. A greater number of Ambassador staff will be available today and the line will keep its phone lines open tomorrow for passengers requiring support.
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