By
Alice Chambers |
Former sailing champion and double Olympic Gold medalist Shirley Robertson OBE will christen Ambassador Cruise Line’s second ship Ambition on 11 May 2023 at the Port of Tyne in Newcastle, UK.
Robertson was the first British woman to win gold at two consecutive Olympic Games and was named World Sailor of the Year by the International Sailing Federation in 2000. Since, Robertson has presented on multiple sports channels including CNN’s Mainsail and the BBC’s Olympic sailing coverage. She also acts as Deputy Lieutenant for the Isle of Wight and recently took part in the Round Britain and Ireland race that involved double-handed offshore sailing.
“I was drawn to Ambassador from the very first contact – I love their passion for quality service and their drive to look for sustainable options at every turn,” said Robertson. “I’m also a big fan of holidays that don’t involve the stress of airports and love the beauty and variety our very own coastline offers. Being at sea, and the excitement of arriving somewhere by sea, is very special. I’m very much looking forward to being a regular on Ambition and partnering with the dynamic team at Ambassador – I can’t wait.”
Ambition is the second ship to join the line’s fleet following Ambience, which debuted in April 2022. The vessel, which previously as AIDAMira in the AIDA Cruises fleet, has been refurbished to accommodate 1,200 passengers across 714 cabins. It has two main restaurants, a bistro-style café, four bars, lounges and a wine bar, and it will offer a variety of entertainment options in its main theatre, card room, library and craft studio.
Like its sister ship, Ambition will be upgraded to operate at International Maritime Organization’s Tier III emission standards, which will reduce its production of nitrogen oxide.
“As one of the most recognisable faces in sailing, there seemed no better fit for Ambition’s godmother than Shirley Robertson,” said Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line. “As a trailblazer for women in the sport, not only is she passionate about all things nautical, but Shirley’s story is an inspiration to us all. What’s more, with the launch of our second ship we are also announcing cruise departures from seven regional UK ports, including Shirley’s hometown of Dundee.”
Following its naming ceremony, Ambition will sail on its two-week maiden voyage, visiting destinations in France and Spain. It will then offer voyages from Ambassador’s six regional UK ports including London Tilbury, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol and Falmouth.