Ambassador Cruise Line sends Ambition and Ambience for major refits at UK shipyards

Ambassador Cruise Line is sending two of its vessels, Ambition and Ambience, into drydock for significant refurbishment and maintenance works over the coming months, marking one of the company’s largest upgrade programmes to date.

Ambition, built in 1997, entered drydock at A&P Falmouth last week for a comprehensive refit scheduled to run until December 1^st, 2025.

“We are delighted to be working with A&P Falmouth for the first time on Ambition’s dry dock project,” said Nick Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line. “This multimillion-pound investment demonstrates our continued focus on delivering affordable quality while ensuring the Ambassador fleet operates to the highest technical, environmental, and hospitality standards.”

“We were delighted to see a UK yard win our competitive selection process and to be able to support local industry and the regional economy,” he added.

During the refit, teams of engineers, technicians, and hotel refurbishment specialists will carry out wide-ranging technical and interior works. These include a full hull repaint, mechanical overhauls, essential steel repairs, and servicing of propulsion and stabiliser systems.

A new, fully equipped kidney dialysis treatment centre is also being installed, converting one of the spa’s treatment rooms into a dedicated medical facility. The addition will allow guests requiring haemodialysis to continue receiving treatment while at sea under medical supervision.

On the hotel side, the ship is receiving refreshed furnishings, fabrics, and finishes across cabins, restaurants, and entertainment venues, with improvements also being made to crew quarters.

Ambition is due to return to service on December 2nd with a three-night Christmas Markets of Bruges and Amsterdam cruise from London Tilbury.

“APCL A&P Falmouth is delighted to welcome Ambition to its Falmouth facility for its refit,” said Mike Spicer, Managing Director of A&P Falmouth. “We are familiar with the vessel and her crew, as she and her passengers are regular visitors to Falmouth’s International Cruise Terminal. We are now delighted to be welcoming her to our ship repair facility, where she will benefit from our ship repair capabilities.”

Following Ambition’s return to service, Ambassador’s first ship, Ambience, will enter drydock at A&P Tyne in Newcastle on January 7^th, 2026 for a three-week programme.

The 1991-built vessel, originally constructed for Princess Cruises, will become the largest cruise ship to enter drydock in the region in more than two decades.

Passenger-facing upgrades will include refreshed décor and furnishings in suites and public spaces, reconfigured seating in the Sea & Grass restaurant, and a full spa and wellness area enhancement. Technical work will also cover lift refurbishments and the installation of additional plug sockets and USB ports in cabins and suites.

The two-vessel programme follows the refurbishment of Ambassador’s third ship, Renaissance, which was overhauled in 2023 prior to the company’s merger with Compagnie Française de Croisières. Together, the upgrades form part of Ambassador Cruise Line’s ongoing investment in maintaining modern, sustainable ships while supporting UK shipbuilding and refit and refurbishment industries.