Ambassador Cruise Line has postponed the launch on new-ship Ambition after it agreed a deal to charter the vessel to the Scottish government next month to help home Ukrainian refugees.
The vessel is currently being mobilised to be in Glasgow for the beginning of September for six months after Ambassador came to a joint arrangement with the Scottish government.
It will then go into dry dock for soft refurbishment of public areas and cabins and engine upgrades. This means its inaugural season will be delayed until mid-May 2023. It was initially due to make its debut in March 2023.
Guests on sailings up to and including 11 May 2023 on Ambition have been contacted directly regarding the changes. Guests on Ambition sailings after this date are currently unaffected.
In an email sent to customers seen by TTG, Ambassador said it was "adversely affected" by the war in Ukraine after Ambience’s initial launch was delayed and crew incurred "additional unforeseen personal challenges".
"When the opportunity to work with the Scottish government to support the Ukrainian population presented itself, we felt morally obliged to accommodate such a worthwhile cause and amend some of Ambition’s initial itineraries for 2023.
"As ever, please be reassured that our guests and trade partners remain our number one priority, as do the values by which we operate our business. We look forward to supporting this humanitarian effort and being able to offer you a wonderful experience on board Ambition in the future."
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