Three-year partnership will bolster charity’s commitment to improving veterans’ mental and physical health

Help for Heroes, the UK’s leading Armed Forces and veterans Charity, alongside premium value, no fly cruise line, Ambassador Cruise Line, has announced a brand-new three-year partnership agreement that unites both organisations’ dedication to better the physical and mental health of their communities.

As part of the partnership, Ambassador will raise funds for the charity, provide exclusive access to Help for Heroes veterans and host a series of onboard activities including talks and competitions that will promote the goals and ambitions of the charity.

Help for Heroes provides a holistic support service for veterans and their families across the Armed Forces community, having already helped more than 30,000 people in the UK. They aim to provide lifelong support for every veteran, no matter when or where they served, for as long as it takes.

June 6 2024, also sees the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and to mark the occasion, both Ambassador cruise ships – Ambition and Ambience – will sail in tandem to the Normandy coast as part of two special D-Day anniversary cruises.

Ambition will depart from Bristol Royal Portbury on 2 June for the six-night D-Day Anniversary Voyage, while Ambience sets off from London Tilbury on 4 June for the 13-night Round Britain D-Day Anniversary Voyage. On 6 June, both Ambience and Ambition will anchor off the five beaches of Normandy that troops landed on 80 years ago with Help for Heroes taking part in each ship’s journey. They will be raising their flag to commemorate the partnership and will also be providing very special guests to participate in various commemorative events onboard.

Christian Verhounig, Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Cruise Line, said: “As a company, we are proud to partner with Help for Heroes, which is close to the hearts of many people. The Ambassador family, ship and shoreside, guests and crew, are known for their passion in making connections through exploration and promoting physical and mental wellbeing, making our partnership over the next three years a natural fit. Both Ambassador and Help for Heroes share the same values, and we’re thrilled to be working together with the charity to help raise awareness of their ongoing work to support these incredible veterans who have given so much through their service.”

James Needham, CEO of Help for Heroes, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to start this voyage with Ambassador Cruise Line who share in our dedication to help the Armed Forces Community. We know that some of our veterans will have to deal with feelings of loneliness and isolation and these inclusive cruises provide access to a world of amazing sights that can be experienced in the company of friends and families.”