Sally Gunnell and CEO Christian Verhounig on stage. Image courtesy of Ambassador.

Ambassador names first ship Ambience in ceremony

By Janine Kelso Last updated Apr 20, 2022

Ambassador Cruise Line officially named its first ship, Ambience, with godmother Sally Gunnell OBE at a special ceremony last night.

The former British athlete and Olympian named the first ship in Ambassador’s fleet at a ceremony at London Tilbury on Tuesday April 19.

Ambassador is the first British cruise line to launch in more than a decade. Sailing from London Tilbury, the line’s no-fly itineraries are aimed at the 50-plus traveller.

More than 500 guests, partners and suppliers were onboard to see the naming and blessing of the ship, and enjoy a nine-course meal, including Ambassador’s signature Baked Alaska parade.

CEO Christian Verhounig, said: “Nearly 25 years ago on this day, I joined my first cruise ship as a bar waiter. While I instantly fell in love with the cruise industry, I could never have imagined that one day I would be the CEO of a brand-new cruise line and witness the naming its first ship.”

He added: “Launching a cruise line during the pandemic shows our belief in and commitment to the cruise and travel industry. Sustainability is also important to us. We have invested significant amounts into upgrading Ambience, including making the ship IMO Tier III compliant, making it possible for Ambience to sail in the most environmentally protected areas around the world.”

Godmother Sally Gunnell said: “It is an absolute pleasure to be godmother for Ambassador Cruise Line’s first ship, Ambience. Ambassador celebrates its first anniversary this month and since its launch in 2021, has firmly established itself in the cruise industry. Ambassador has a collection of brand values that I too strongly believe in, from community and wellbeing to being sustainable and ethical. This commitment demonstrates that Ambassador is a responsible cruise line and one that I’m extremely honoured to be working with.”

Ambience’s first season includes 31 sailings calling at more than 90 different ports. The ship set sail on its four-night maiden voyage to Hamburg at 5pm today (April 20). Subsequent itineraries include exploring the British Isles, the Norwegian Fjords, The Nordics, Greenland, the Arctic, and Iceland. During winter, the ship will head to the Canaries, Cuba, the Caribbean, Cape Verde, and Scandinavia.