· Premium value, no-fly cruise line launches premium value sailings from the South West
· Four incredible itineraries depart from Falmouth this cruise season
· Exclusive 10% discount on all Falmouth sailings when using discount code Setsail10
A&P Falmouth welcomed Ambassador Cruise Line’s ‘Ambition’ yesterday, Wednesday 6 September, for the first cruise turnaround to take place in Falmouth in seven years.
Ambassador Cruise Line, the UK’s leading premium value, no-fly cruise line, launched its second lady of the sea, Ambition, in May, and Wednesday 6 September saw her arrive in Falmouth ahead of her inaugural sailing from the South West on the British Isles Discovery sailing.
The cruise sees Ambassador offer guests from the region the chance to enjoy the convenience of a cruise holiday departing from a port that’s close to home for the very first time. The addition of Ambition to the fleet along with sister ship, Ambience, sees Ambassador welcome guests onboard from eight different UK departure ports, enabling more of the population to enjoy the convenience of a no-fly cruise holiday. In addition to Falmouth, guests from London Tilbury – Ambassador’s home port in Essex – Newcastle Tyne, Dundee, Edinburgh Leith, Bristol, Liverpool and Belfast are now able enjoy a range of exciting itineraries.
Specialising in no-fly itineraries and offering adult-only sailings combined with multigenerational cruises in school holidays for the whole family to enjoy together, Ambassador has four sailings departing from Falmouth in the cruise season, with an expected 4,960 guests from the region to experience sailing the seas with the cruise line.
A&P Group operates Falmouth’s 1300sqft International Cruise Terminal, and in preparation for the visit has made significant investment in the port and its facilities – including working with long standing partner Newquay Airport to provide baggage screening services.
Drystan Jones, Director Port Development and Director, General Manager FDEC, said: “Our aim is to provide a sustainable port environment that allows cruise tourism to be optimised. Together with other Cornish ports we will continue to improve the quality of the offer to this market.
“Cruise tourism delivers substantial economic impact to the region – this year alone, we have welcomed over 26 cruise ships and 26,617 of passengers through the port and into the town of Falmouth, in addition to the thousands of visitors who attended the cruise facility for the Tall Ships Festival.
“The warm welcome provided by the Falmouth Cruise Ambassadors – our wonderful team of volunteers – should also not be overlooked in driving this continued success – after all, it is the excellent feedback from the cruise ship passengers that ultimately leads to return visits.”
Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador, said: “Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador, said: “Ambassador has, in the short time it has been in operation, firmly established a unique premium value offering and is now renowned within the cruise sector for offering the warmest welcome at sea. We have long been looking forward to celebrating the official launch of sailings from Falmouth onboard our second lady of the sea, Ambition.
“Adding another ship to our fleet is evidence of the strength of both Ambassador and the wider cruise industry. Demand for sailings from the South West has been very strong, indicating that holidaymakers see a holiday as a necessity, not a luxury, and are eager to get away. Given the current economic climate, our premium value, no-fly offering is proving very popular with new-to-cruise customers and seasoned cruisers alike, courtesy of our inflation-defying prices.
““We’re seeing significant demand for Falmouth sailings on our small to mid-size ships with holidaymakers from the region eager to get away this year. Our no-fly holiday options have proved a real hit, with guests telling us that they love driving to a port, parking their car and boarding our ships with a minimum of hassle – and that’s without mentioning how they can avoid airport queues, flight cancellations, baggage limits or exchange rate fluctuations when sailing from the UK, where the currency onboard the Ambassador fleet is in pound sterling.
“Ambition setting off on her maiden voyage from Falmouth marks a significant step in Ambassador’s regional departure programme. With nine out of ten guests recommending a sailing with us, we’re looking forward to offering guests from the region the warmest welcome at sea in the months and years to come.”
The inaugural sailing of Ambition from Falmouth comes almost 18 months on from Ambassador’s first ship, Ambience, welcoming guests onboard her inaugural sailing in April 2022. In her first season, Ambience sailed 18 cruises and welcomed almost 30,000 guests onboard, 9 out of 10 of whom said that they would recommend a sailing with Ambassador.
Over the course of her inaugural season, Ambition will visit 29 countries, call at 91 ports and travel more than 70,000 nautical miles. Together with her sister ship, Ambience, the 2023/24 season will see Ambassador’s portfolio of breathtaking destinations grow to 60 countries, with ships visiting 166 ports and sailing more than 160,000 nautical miles. Cruise experiences will last from two to 120 days, and almost 70,000 guests will travel with Ambassador.
Ambassador offers highly competitive fares and promotions available to guests throughout the year. Guests looking to book a sailing on Ambition from Falmouth can take advantage of Ambassador’s autumn sales campaign, which runs until 27 September. Offers include great deals on selected sailings across the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 seasons; up to 50% off second guests available on both Saver & Ambassador fares on sailings after 7 April 2024; discounts on group bookings; and great single supplements.
Introductory Offer: 10% off any sailing from Falmouth with Setsail10
Ambassador offers highly competitive fares and promotions available to guests throughout the year. As an exclusive introductory offer to guests from the South West, those looking to book a sailing on Ambition can take advantage of a dedicated 10% discount on all sailings from Falmouth. Valid on Saver and Ambassador fares, simply enter the discount code Setsail10 when booking on www.ambassadorcruiseline.com or by quoting Setsail10 when making a telephone booking via 0808 1028701.
Sailings from Falmouth featuring prices good at 17.00 on 24 August include:
Inaugural Sailing: British Isles Discovery – 11 nights
Departing Falmouth on 6 September 2023, guests who like to leave the beaten track will love this cruise around Britain and its charming islands. After visiting the historic port of Falmouth, the quintessentially French town of Honfleur and vibrant Newcastle, the cruise will head north to Portree in Skye, set amid surreal craggy peaks, and Tobermory in Mull, famous for its pretty pastel houses, before taking in Belfast – a city with a proud maritime heritage. Prices start from £619 per person.
Jewels of the Mediterranean – 17 nights
Departing Falmouth on 17 September 2023, guests will learn that cruising through the Mediterranean is the ultimate way to enjoy the magic of the region’s historic cities and pristine beaches. From the enchanting city of Rome, with its ancient ruins and breath-taking colosseum, to the aqua blue waters and stretches of golden sand in Menorca, there is something for everyone. Prices start from £1,479 per person.
Maritime Cities & Scenic Waterways – 9 nights
Departing Falmouth on 16 October 2023, the diamond capital of Antwerp is just one of the sparkling highlights of this 9-night sojourn around the continent. Along the way, guests will take in the stunning medieval city of Rouen, with its legendary cathedral, and the tranquil port of Honfleur that inspired Claude Monet. Also includes cruises along the Rivers Seine and Scheldt. Prices start from £479 per person.
