Ambassador Cruise Line and Compagnie Française de Croisières have announced an upcoming merger to create the Ambassador Group, enabling them to offer Caribbean fly cruises.
A United Vision for Growth in Europe’s Cruise Sector
This strategic partnership combines Ambassador’s success in the UK market with CFC’s expertise in the French no-fly cruise sector, creating a robust platform to capitalise on the European cruise industry’s rapid growth. The Ambassador Group aims to establish new destinations while offering authentic and sustainable cruising experiences.
Fleet Expansion and Retained National Identity
The newly formed group will operate a fleet of three small-to-mid-sized vessels, including Ambassador’s Ambience and Ambition, as well as CFC’s recently refurbished Renaissance, which accommodates 1,200 guests. Despite merging, both brands will maintain their distinct national identities, ensuring a tailored onboard experience for British and French passengers alike.
CFC’s Renaissance will undergo further upgrades to meet IMO Tier III compliance, aligning with Ambassador Group’s high environmental standards and commitment to sustainable cruising. The upgrades, scheduled for January 2025, will incorporate the latest environmental technologies.
Introducing a Joint Fly-Cruise Caribbean Programme
In a move to diversify its offerings, Ambassador Group is launching a joint fly-cruise programme to the Caribbean in partnership with Corendon, a prominent European travel operator. Scheduled for Winter 2025/26, the itineraries will homeport in Barbados, Martinique, and Curaçao, catering to guests from the UK, France, and the Netherlands. This marks the Group’s entry into the fly-cruise market and expands its year-round cruise options.
Leadership Perspectives on the Merger
Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line, expressed enthusiasm for the merger:
“The combination of Ambassador and CFC is a bold step towards our shared vision for the cruise industry. By uniting our strengths, we are creating an organisation that delivers exceptional experiences to our guests while upholding sustainable practices. Together, we will lead the way in offering affordable, high-quality, authentic and environmentally responsible cruises.”
Maëlysse Pierrot-Guibourt, CEO of Compagnie Française de Croisières, echoed this sentiment:
This exciting merger underscores our collective confidence in the cruise industry’s bright future and our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. CFC is a new and growing French brand, and this merger with Ambassador, a successful, ambitious British brand that wants to grow markets and destinations, is extremely positive for both businesses, maximising synergies to create a formidable force in the cruise industry.
With this merger, the Ambassador Group sets sail toward an exciting future, promising unparalleled cruising experiences while championing sustainability and innovation in the growing European market. Stay tuned for updates on their Caribbean itineraries and beyond.
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