Ambassador Cruise Line's second ship the Ambition will be christened on 11 May 2023, at Newcastle Port of Tyne by sailing champion Shirley Robertson OBE.
Shirley Robertson OBE was the first British woman to win gold at two consecutive Olympic games and was named World Sailor of the Year by the International Sailing Federation in 2000. Several sports channels have featured Robertson since then, including CNN's Main Sail and the BBC's Olympic sailing program. Also works as Deputy Lieutenant for the Isle of Wight and recently took part in a race around Britain and Ireland which included double-handed offshore sailing.
"I was drawn to Ambassador from the first contact – I love their passion for quality service and their desire to look for sustainable options every step of the way," said Robertson. “I'm also a big fan of holidays that don't involve the stress of airports and I love the beauty and variety that our own coastline has to offer. Being at sea and the excitement of getting somewhere by sea is very special. I'm really looking forward to being a regular at Ambition and partnering with the dynamic team at Ambassador – I can't wait.”
Ambition is the second ship to join the line's fleet after Ambience, which debuted in April 2022. The ship, formerly AIDAMira in AIDA Cruises' fleet, has been renovated to accommodate 1,200 passengers in 714 cabins. It has two main restaurants, a bistro-style cafe, four bars, lounges, and a wine bar, and will offer a variety of entertainment options in the main theatre, card room, library, and craft studio.
Like her sister ship, Ambition will be upgraded to operate in accordance with International Maritime Organization Tier III emissions standards, which will reduce her production of nitrogen oxides.
"As one of the most recognizable faces in sailing, there seemed no better match for Ambition's godmother than Shirley Robertson," said Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line. "As a first for women in the sport, not only is she passionate about all things nautical, but Shirley's story is an inspiration to us all." What's more, with the launch of our second ship we are also announcing cruise departures from seven regional UK ports, including Shirley's hometown of Dundee.
Following the naming ceremony, Ambition will set sail on her two-week maiden voyage, visiting destinations in France and Spain. It will then offer journeys from six regional UK ports, including London Tilbury, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol and Falmouth.
