8 3 REV ITAL I SATION When Ambassador Cruise Line launched as the first new British cruise line in over a decade in May 2021, the brand began building its fleet by acquiring Pacific Dawn, which operated for P&O Cruises between 2007 and 2020. After that, the ship underwent refurbishment work at the Viktor Lenak shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia, to ensure it will deliver a unique and high-quality onboard experience for guests. The newly renovated ship was at Viktor Lenak for six months, with work having been completed by Atlantic Marine Interiors and interior designer Guri Blindheim. It was christened as Ambience during a ceremony at London Tilbury in the UK on 19 April 2022. “We refreshed all guest cabins, including the 14 new deluxe suites,” says Bob McGowan, head of guest experience at Ambassador. “We were keen to introduce new soft furnishings and linens throughout. Guest experience was obviously our focus, so we have also installed tea and coffee-making facilities, along with UK plug sockets and USB outlets for convenience, in all cabins and suites. “We have also relocated the original casino and turned the remaining space into our exclusive Purple Turtle pub, which will be the main hub of activity for our guests with nightly game shows, bespoke cocktails and other evening entertainment. In addition, there is the new active studio named Wellness, our bridge and cardroom called Aces & Eights, and a dedicated craft area, Kapoor’s.” Refurbishment work has also been carried out on the ship’s spa area and the cruise line has added a digital photo gallery, new digital signage and interactive screens throughout the ship to assist guests with accessing Ambassador’s onboard application, which is designed to help with navigating around the ship and guest assistance. In addition, Ambassador focused on improving onboard health and safety Bob McGowan talks with Alice Chambers about the renovations that were carried out on Ambassador Cruise Line’s first ship, Ambience, including the teams and challenges that were involved Goodbye Pacific Dawn, hello Ambience “ We were delighted that we were able to take a well-loved ship with a great history and bring it back to life” Ambassador Cruise Line installed tea and coffee-making facilities, along with UK plug sockets and USB outlets for convenience, in all cabins and suites
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