By
Alice Chambers |
Alice Chambers and Rebecca Gibson caught up with Sally Gunnell OBE, the former British athlete and Olympian who christened Ambassador Cruise Line’s first ship as Ambience on 19 April 2022.
After the Ambience renaming ceremony, Sally Gunnell joined us in Ambience’s Botanical Lounge, where we spoke about her role as godmother, her experiences of cruising and her connection to the newly refurbished ship.
Why did you agree to be godmother to Ambience?
Wow, it was a no-brainer. It was a massive honour and I never dreamt in a million years that I’d be asked to be a godmother for a cruise ship. It's a little bit like those things that you don't expect to happen, like when I was given an MBE. This opportunity just sort of appeared and I thought, wow!
I think that the more that I looked into it and Ambassador Cruise Line’s sense of onboard community and friendliness, as well as its aims for well-being and sustainability goals, there just seemed to be so many connections to myself. I’m from Essex and with Ambience’s homeport being in Tilbury, I felt that this was meant to be.
What is most exciting about your role as godmother?
I get a plaque that I can put up anywhere that I want, and have been given the world’s biggest bouquet!
Really, it’s a new company that has just been launched. It’s a very special day to be part of Ambassador’s journey with the christening of its first ship. My role is to oversee the ship and because of that, I feel attached to it really.
Are you looking forward to a cruise onboard Ambience?
Yes, very much! I like the idea of next March. Ambience is going up to see the Northern Lights and that’s something that I’ve never done. It would be amazing to join that trip.
What are your past experiences with cruising?
Well, I’ve done the Caribbean, like lots of people. I often go onboard other cruise ships for motivational speaking, you see. I’ve also been on a few cruises in the Mediterranean.
Cruising has probably been in our lives for about 10 years now. Cruising is a whole new world and it’s about getting away from everything that you have at home and sometimes that’s really needed – we’re still working out though, when on holiday! We tend to go to the gym in the morning and to take cruises as a chance to recharge.
How does Ambience compare to other ships that you’ve been on?
What I love about this ship is that it’s very British and that it’s small – a lot of the other ships that I’ve been on have been very big. The rooms on Ambience feel very homely and comforting and, of course, you’re not as likely to get lost on a smaller ship!
Do you have a favourite room on this ship?
I love it here, in the Botanical Lounge. Each bar and restaurant has its own theme which is fun, but in here, the layout of the seats and tables means that guests can come inside and everyone is just friendly with each other. To be honest, I think that’s what sums up Ambassador Cruise Line – the people and the friendliness that you can expect onboard.