Phil Gardner to leave Ambassador Cruise Line after two years

Chief executive Christian Verhounig said it was “always planned” that Gardner would move on from the business when the “time was right”. “Phil has been influential in driving and shaping our commercial structure and strategy,” he said.

“During Phil’s time with the business, we have established a strong new cruise brand with a clear marketing proposition, launched two new ships to market, strengthened our inventory management capabilities and significantly enhanced our distribution and digital proposition.

“More recently, we have made a very strong start to the 2025/26 season with triple-figure sales growth year-on-year mainly driven by trade, and we have made and will continue to make additional investments into trade distribution and the wider Ambassador trade team as we look to build on our success moving forwards.”

Gardner said he had found his time with Ambassador “hugely rewarding”. “Within the commercial team, we have established a strong new brand, launched two new ships to market, introduced automated yield tools and significantly enhanced our distribution and digital proposition,” he said. 

“Now is therefore the time to introduce a new structure to take this forward and build on the strong foundations we’ve built to further the success of the business." 

Gardner said he would focus on his family during his time away from the travel industry. “[I] have the unique opportunity of taking some time off over the summer before seeking a new role at the end of the year,” he explained. 

“These opportunities don’t come along in life very often and I am therefore very grateful to the business for helping facilitate this for the coming months.”

The line has confirmed that head of distribution Nicola Harper and Dave Eastwood, head of inventory and trading, will report into Simon Weeks, Ambassador’s chief administrative officer. 

Chief marketing officer Gordon Nardini will now report into Verhounig directly.