Ambassador Cruise Line and CFC Agree to a Merger Forming the Ambassador Group

• Combined company will operate a fleet of three vessels of small-to-mid-size vessels: Renaissance, Ambience and Ambition

• ​Ambassador Group will focus on no-fly European cruises, with a Caribbean programme introduced in Q4 2025

An exciting new chapter in cruising has arrived! Ambassador Cruise Line and Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) have announced a groundbreaking merger, forming the Ambassador Group—a major player in premium, affordable no-fly and fly-cruise holidays.

This strategic partnership brings together two successful cruise lines, creating a powerful force in the European cruise market. With an expanded fleet and the introduction of fly-cruise options, the new Ambassador Group is set to offer even more opportunities for guests to explore the world by sea.

A Powerful Fleet for a Growing Market

The newly formed Ambassador Group will operate a fleet of three small-to-mid-sized cruise ships, each offering a unique blend of comfort, service, and sustainability:

Renaissance (CFC) – Small-Ship Luxury with French Flair

 • Gross Tonnage: 55,575

 • Guest Capacity: 1,200

 • Cabins: 629, including balcony cabins and suites

 • Crew: ~500

 • Year Built: 1993 (Refit 2023)

 • Environmental Compliance: IMO Tier III (from April 2025)

Ambience (Ambassador) – Spacious & Elegant

 • Gross Tonnage: 70,285

 • Guest Capacity: 1,400

 • Cabins: 798 (23% featuring balconies)

 • Crew: ~700

 • Year Built: 1991

 • Environmental Compliance: IMO Tier III

Ambition (Ambassador) – Intimate & Stylish

 • Gross Tonnage: 48,123

 • Guest Capacity: 1,200

 • Cabins: 713

 • Crew: ~500

 • Year Built: 1999

 • Environmental Compliance: IMO Tier III

This diverse fleet positions Ambassador Group as a leader in the no-fly cruise market, catering to mature travellers looking for premium, high-value experiences from UK and French homeports.

No-Fly & Fly-Cruise – More Ways to Explore

While the Ambassador Group remains committed to stress-free, no-fly cruises from the UK and France, it is also introducing an exciting new Caribbean fly-cruise programme.

✔️ Expanded No-Fly European Cruises – Continued departures from key UK and French ports, offering guests more choice and convenience.

✔️ New Fly-Cruise Caribbean Adventures – From Winter 2025/26, the group will introduce fly-cruise sailings homeporting in Barbados, Martinique, and Curaçao. These itineraries will be available to guests from the UK, France, and the Netherlands, in partnership with leading European travel operator Corendon.

✔️ Commitment to Sustainability – Renaissance will receive environmental upgrades in early 2025, ensuring she meets IMO Tier III standards, reinforcing Ambassador Group’s dedication to responsible cruising.

✔️ Authentic British & French Experiences – While merging, each brand retains its distinct identity, ensuring UK and French guests continue to enjoy the unique onboard experiences they love.

Shaping the Future of Cruising

This merger is set to drive operational efficiencies, unlock new destinations, and deliver an enhanced cruise experience for mature travellers looking for premium yet affordable holidays.

Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line, describes the merger as “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.”

Meanwhile, Maëlysse Pierrot-Guibourt, CEO of CFC, highlights the partnership’s benefits: “CFC is a new and growing French brand, and this merger with Ambassador, a successful and ambitious British brand, is extremely positive for both businesses, maximising synergies to create a formidable force in the cruise industry.”

What’s Next?

With the deal set to close by the end of January 2025, travellers can expect exciting announcements in the coming weeks. The full details of the Caribbean programme will be revealed soon, alongside new itineraries and fleet enhancements.

For those looking to explore the world by sea—whether from a local port or a tropical paradise—the Ambassador Group is ready to offer more choice, more destinations, and more unforgettable experiences than ever before.

Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to set sail on your next adventure!