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Behind the Headlines: How Ambassador’s Ambition originally looked

Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition is the renovated newboy of the cruise sector. Having delved into the archive, we can show you the ship’s original guise – all the way from 1999.

Built by the celebrated Chantiers de l’Atlantique (crafters of SS Normandie and Cunard’s QM2) back when denim-dungarees remained fashionable, Ambassador’s new flagship – Ambition – has recently grabbed headlines as the blueprint for “premium value” success.

Her transformation has been nothing short of spectacular, costing £10 million and disproving sceptical notions that older ships cannot be revived for contemporary use.

Industry pessimists have been given little to work with; we’ve been aboard , and the ship’s quality and mantra offered a spectacular first impression.

Ambition’s hefty renovation also helps to write a new chapter in the ship’s history , following a turbulent parentage under a plethora of different names for various cruise firms. From flying the flag as AIDAmira to adolescence with Costa Cruises, Ambition has traversed the globe for a record number of cruise lines during her first 25 years.

So, to mark a new beginning for Ambition , we’ve delved into the fathomless pits of our archives to reveal the ship’s genesis, and subsequently uncovered how she originally appeared when first entering service.

MS Mistral: the original press release

Dated 10 November 1999, the ship’s first post-launch report highlighted her first name – Mistral – and announced that she was the first new build to be commissioned by Festival Cruises.

It was also stated that two subsequent ships had been awarded to the French yard; scheduled to be delivered in 2001 and 2002 (later to become European Vision and European Stars ).

“Designed and built by Europeans, the vessel is aimed at the European passenger market,” the release pointed out.

On a more majestic note, Mistral was cited as the “largest French-flagged” cruise ship built since the SS France of 1960 – despite public knowledge that Festival Cruises was headquartered in Greece, but they missed the point.

After entering service, Mistral spent four months touring the Mediterranean before embarking on a series of winter cruises in the Caribbean, operating out of Guadeloupe.

The originally stated dimensions match the ship’s current status, which won’t come as a surprise. The 47,900t vessel remains 216m long (shock) with a beam of 28.8m, although interestingly the draft has changed after various timely revisions have followed Mistral during her lifespan. The original draught of 6.85m has now changed to 7.016m (23ft).

Ambassador Ambition’s original powerplant

Mistral was powered by the latest high-performance diesel-electric propulsion system when launched and boasted four Wärtsilä 38-series genset engines, which spun the alternators at 600rpm.

The 12-cylinder diesel units had a nominal rating of 7,920kW, giving a maximum installed capacity of 31,680kW. That’s probably getting a bit heavy on the geekery front, but all that power ensured a cruising speed of 19.5 knots, with maximum thrust at 21.5 knots (roughly 25mph).

Stability arrived courtesy of a pair of folding Mitsubishi fin stabilisers, while passenger and service elevators, provision stores and associated refrigeration machinery were supplied by MacGregor. All top brands in their day that would help reinforce the new ship’s serious attitude towards quality.

The original cabins and restaurants

Not a fan of the flowery-Waif look? Then brace yourself. Mistral offered a double occupancy passenger capacity of 1,196, and those rooms were clearly designed by Hyacinth Bucket following an all-night fairy-cake binge.

Compared to modern trends, these rooms hit the senses hard.

Don’t judge too harshly, however. That was very much the design of the era, and there’s a homeliness to all those huggable colours and dense, light-eating fabrics.

Setting the décor aside, Mistral’s interactive television and information system (accessible to passengers from their cabin) was a revelation compared to what people had in their homes.

The interactive system could be operated in a number of different languages to relay important ground rules about life on board – such as the freshly established Euro standing firm as official on-board currency.

Mistral’s 598 cabins were arranged over eight hotel-style decks, each of which was named after iconic European cities – Paris, Rome, London, Berlin, Brussels, Athens, Cannes and Madrid.

Just as Ambition’s contemporary layout is currently presented, public areas on Mistral were mostly situated on decks five, six and 11 and were designed to be as open-plan as possible.

The centre point of the lobby revolved around a marble centrepiece that showcased a running waterfall (now sadly removed), leading towards the 600-capacity carrousel show lounge spanning two decks, featuring an entrance on each one.

The Saint-Honoré shopping gallery and L’Etoile, Mistral’s main restaurant, could initially be found on deck five, while deck six (Rome) featured the Greco café, overlooking the lobby and aft, the Rialto restaurant which, in summer, offered diners outdoor tables partly shaded by a canvas tent.

The Cannes deck featured the ship’s sports club and a spacious leisure area incorporating a main pool, splash pool and thalassotherapy facilities.

The health spa, designed by UK specialists The Syntax Group, was one of the largest afloat at the time. Cannes deck also features a stern cafeteria/tea room, La Croisette, which was surrounded by an enclosed promenade offering panoramic views.

Other facilities on offer to passengers included a theatre and discotheque, cigar and card rooms (ah, the 1990s…), and facilities for teenagers and children.

Time’s onward march waits for no one and progress is progress as we stride into the modern day.

There’s a bittersweet tang of sentimentality when looking through the pictures of Ambition in her original Mistral guise, but as the times move on, the ship has had to adapt.

There is no denying that Ambition now feels firmly planted in modern times, and reviewing the original press release only goes to prove how far the vessel has come.

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Everything you need to know about Britain's newest cruise line - Ambassador Cruise Line

Author: Lucy Abbott

Published on: 24 July 2022

Updated on: 01 September 2022

Ambassador Cruise Line offers a new era of no-fly British cruising for you to dive into - from the West End style entertainment to fresh and delicious food, you'll be impressed.

Calling all cruise lovers – Ambassador Cruise Line is the newest British cruise line on the block.

This British cruise line is sparkling new and ready to impress. Don't you worry – there are plenty of opportunities to get onboard, with the first ship, Ambience , having embarked on her inaugural season in April 2022 and sailings on sale until spring 2024.

Cruising should be easy, and Ambassador delivers exactly this with all of its year-round sailings departing from London Tilbury, and from 2023 Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol and Falmouth.

From glitzy entertainment, with choreography by the one and only, Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke to indulgent locally inspired cuisine in the Borough Market restaurant and the main Buckingham restaurant, Ambassador is a must-cruise.

If you want to try something new, with British quality infused throughout, read on to find out more about this fresh cruise line...

Ambassador Cruise Line launches ‘Refer a friend’ scheme

Special guests at sea: ambassador cruise line invites keynote speakers for special events, newly launched: take the whole family to the balearics with ambassador cruise line, the world awaits: ambassador cruise line launches its first ever world cruise, olympic gold medallist named godmother of ambassador cruise line's ambition, star on board: tim vine, competition: win an ambassador cruise line cruise for two worth £3,000 - competition now closed, save hundreds in ambassador cruise line's latest sale - cheap drinks, cabins and cruises, most popular cruise destinations for 2022 and beyond, ambassador cruise line unveils amazing savings of 25% off - but you have to be quick, the ambassador difference, no-fly, no stress.

Look, we all know the stress of flying. The early mornings, the passport panic, the waiting around and, not even to mention, the airport delays - well imagine if your holiday could start straight away.

With Ambassador, this is a reality. Hop on your plush mid-sized ship and enjoy the classic joy that cruising brings.

- READ MORE: Discover new itineraries and ship released by Ambassador -

You could even take advantage of departing from the bustling city of London and enjoy an overnight stay beforehand to start your holiday earlier.

What's more, after finishing its spring 2023 season, Ambassador will be expanding its departure ports to six new regional ports (Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast and Falmouth) the line will be welcoming its second ship to the fleet in March 2023, Ambition - lucky you.

Not only do you not have to worry about flying and any additional cost, but you can also sit back and relax as every cruise with Ambassador include all three meals, afternoon teas and complimentary tea and coffee stations 24 hours a day (Brits rejoice).

Find your ideal cruise

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Adults-only galore

Enjoy the peace and quiet that an adults-only cruise line brings. No more worrying about where the children or grandchildren have run off to - just worry about what cocktail you'll order next!

Although the cruise line primarily caters for over 50s cruises, all ages over 18 are welcome onboard.

- READ MORE: First look at Ambassador's Ambience -

Ambassador also is the perfect base for singles , dedicating 89 cabins onboard Ambience to solo cruisers across five varying suite/balcony categories.

Couples and larger groups are welcome onboard too. The line also lifts its adults-only rule for two multi-generational cruises over the summer holidays, so you can enjoy valuable time with children and grandchildren while exploring the world.

Let me entertain you

If you are the first one to be seated for a night of entertainment onboard, then you'll thoroughly enjoy the thought and glamour that is put into the onboard entertainment.

Ambassador offers an entertainment and enrichment programme where you can delve into a multitude of new skills - from crafting to salsa classes.

Have a drink (or two) at Raffles Bar before heading over to the tiered theatre and admire impressive performances that take you away to countless imaginary lands or opt to learn about an intriguing new subject from a selected guest speaker.

If you want to learn more, then take advantage of the programme 'In Conversation with...' where you can drink up the knowledge of a celebrity performer or speaker talk about their life, with a chance to ask them all your burning questions.

You can also look at the lighter side of life in the Laughter Lounge, which puts on both evening and late-night shows, and laugh your socks off.

Whip out your dancing shoes and get swept up in the whirlwind of a world tour of the top dances throughout the decades - keep an eye out for a virtual guest appearance from none other than Anton Du Beke.

Foodie galore

Let's all admit that food is one of the main reasons why we cruise - okay, now we have that in the open, Ambassador has got a range of impressive dining options that are already proving popular with guests.

Onboard their flagship Ambience you will find Borough Market with its variety of food stalls that cater for most tastes; The Oven offering carvery options, Points East for Asian delights and Graze ‘n’ Grains for Vegan specialities to name but a few.

The traditional Buckingham Restaurant is the ship's main restaurant and brings the glamour of dining on board a cruise ship; gala nights, baked Alaska parades and more courses than you can shake a stick at, need we say more?

- READ MORE: Six of the best no-fly cruises -

An increased amount of speciality restaurants onboard result in plenty of choices for those special occasions - the supplementary charge is totally worth it as you devour a slice of sumptuous steak at Sea & Grass or tuck into crafted Asian cuisine in Saffron.

For those of you who are looking for something extra special, opt for the Chef's Table and get treated like a true VIP.

Here, you'll indulge in multiple courses that have been hand-selected by the Executive Chef - it's only right that you try out every dining venue onboard, right?

Peace of mind

Sailing nowadays, we want to feel safer than ever, which is why Ambassador's peace of mind guarantee is so great.

Enjoy a heightened level of commitment from the line, with a refund guarantee and the opportunity to book with just a deposit and only having to pay up to 90 days before embarking.

To protect your booking further, be reassured by the financial insurance cover that is in place to financially protect your booking as well as the fact that your money will be held in a trust account until you sail. Peace of mind also counts when thinking about the way we travel, and Ambassador has reduced Ambience's emissions by 95% from her first sailing in April 2022 after modifications – impressive stuff.

So if good food and entertainment backed by British excellence sounds like your kind of cruise, Ambassador is the cruise line for you.

Gloria Gaynor to join Crystal Serenity cruise

Riviera travel unveils new 2024 themed river cruises, carnival firenze christened in long beach, first celebrity cruises passengers visit perfect day at cococay, ncl marks milestone with float out of norwegian aqua, hannah waddingham christens sun princess, heaven on the high seas: tom parker bowles on his p&o cruises' voyage, atlas ocean voyages announces 2025-26 antarctica season, cunard takes delivery of new ship queen anne, australian traditional owners announced as godparents of seabourn pursuit, about lucy abbott.

Lucy is a cruise journalist who has sailed on a variety of ships, from expedition to river – with her favourite being expedition cruising.

Lucy is interested in new sustainable ways to cruise as well as how cruising is becoming accessible for all.

She works together with Kaye Holland to keep the World of Cruising website up to date with all the latest cruise news.

Autumn Fjordland

• 7 nights, departs on the 26 Sep 2024
• Ambassador Cruise Line, Ambience
• Tilbury, Bergen, Flåm, + 3 more

Scotland, Shetlands, and Norwegian Fjords

• 12 nights, departs on the 16 Sep 2025
• Ambassador Cruise Line, Ambition
• Liverpool, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Åndalsnes, + 6 more

Iceland's Land of Ice and Fire

• 14 nights, departs on the 30 May 2025
• Bristol, Falmouth, Runavik, + 6 more

UK, Ireland & France Discovery

• 12 nights, departs on the 18 May 2025
• Liverpool, Douglas, Londonderry, + 7 more

Northern Isles & Fjordland Adventure

• 11 nights, departs on the 24 Jun 2024
• Belfast, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Stavanger, + 7 more

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Ambassador Cruise Line

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Ambassador Cruise Line fleet

Review of ambassador cruise line.

Ambassador Cruise Line is a new cruise travel brand (2020-established/2021-inaugurated) and a UK-based company headquartered in Purfleet-on-Thames (Essex England). The company targets the British source market exclusively (50+ age travelers), trying to take the place of the popular Cruise And Maritime Voyages/CMV (2009-2020).

The company's Founder, President and CEO is Christian Verhounig, who is also the Owner and CEO of CVI Group Ltd (shipowner).

The shipowner CVI Group Ltd is a London City-based company incorporated on August 18, 2020, with first statement date August 17, 2021.

Ambassador's current executive managers include Phil Gardner (CCO-Chief Commercial Officer), Matthias Seeger (CFO-Chief Financial Officer), Nick Hughes (COO-Chief Operating Officer), Gordon Wilson (Board of Directors' Chair), Gordon Nardini (CMO-Chief Marketing Officer), Simon Weeks (CAO-Chief Administrative Officer), Mo Parvez (Finance's Director), Michelle Lupino (Destination Management's Director), Glynn Perkin (CTO-Chief Technology Officer), Chris Coates (Ambassador-at-Large), Dave Eastwood (Reservations' Director), Bob McGowan (Guest Experience's Director), Nicola Harper (Head of Distribution), Ian Benjafield (Head of Communications).

Ambassador's principal homeport is Tilbury-London , and all itineraries are roundtrips. The company doesn't offer fly-cruise deals. In April 2022 was announced the Ambition ship's UK homeports - Tilbury, Newcastle Port Tyne , Liverpool , Avonmouth-Bristol , Falmouth , Dundee Scotland , Belfast .

Company history/changes

In late-August 2020 was announced that CVI Group acquired/purchased most of the CMV 's assets, including websites, intellectual property, and customer databases.

In May 2021 was announced that Ambassador is the new operator of the "Crypto Cruise Ship" Satoshi/now Ambience .

In September 2021 Ambassador announced the "premium coach service" providing nationwide/UK access to Port Tilbury from 80 bus pick-up points in England and Wales. All buses are air-conditioned, with restrooms, media/TV, executive seats.

On January 27, 2022, was announced that Carnival Corporation/shipowner (via Costa Crociere SpA) sold AIDAmira to Ambassador Cruise Line. The ship (renamed Ambition ) starts services for Ambassador in 2023.

In May 2022, Ambassador launched the partnership with Readly AB (2012-founded Swedish digital subscription service with 6000+ newspapers and magazines/UK and global/ available via a mobile app for a monthly fee). The partnership deal was signed by Bob McGowan (Ambassador's Head of Guest Experience) and Ranj Begley (Readly's UK Managing Director and CCO/Chief Content Officer).

In June 2022, Ambassador signed a deal with Telenor Maritime to design, install and support the shipboard Internet and WiFi connectivity networks fleetwide. The system combines Ku-band VSAT antennas (12-18GHz) and Mobile Backhaul broadband technology (wireless communication systems transporting data between the shipboard network and the Internet).

For summer 2022 (on MS Ambience) Ambassador launched a kids-sail-free promotion (offering prices as low as GBP 1 per child). The promo was for the 14-night "Hidden Nordic Treasures Multi-Generational Cruise" roundtrip from London-Tilbury (first departure July 23rd) visiting Denmark (Copenhagen, Ronne/Bornholm Island, Skagen), Estonia (Tallinn), Finland (Helsinki), and Sweden Stockholm, Visby/Gotland). The kids sailings also featured circus-themed activities and workshops.

In February 2023, Ambassador Cruise Line signed a multi-year partnership deal with London Stadium 185 Ltd the operator of the 2012-opened, 66000-seat London Stadium owned by E20Stadium LLP). By the deal, the cruise brand is promoted across the stadium’s events calendar - including Premier League Football, Major League Baseball, Athletics and Concerts. The deal was signed by Gordon Nardini (Ambassador's CMO) and Graham Gilmore (London Stadium's CEO).

In mid-October 2023 was launched the Ambassador Cruise Line App (mobile application). The App is for devices with iOS and Android systems, and is available for download at Apple's App Store and Google Play's Android Apps.

In January 2024 was launched the "Ambassador Guarantee". The initiative targets first-time cruise customers booking a 4-night or longer itinerary. If the guest didn’t enjoy his/her first voaye, the company offers to cover all transportation costs for the return back home from the next available call port to the homeport, plus issuing a full refund for the fare paid.

In March 2024 was appointed Carly Bowkett as the company's BDM/Business Development Manager. Previously employed by Protected Travel Ship (Store Manager), she manages Ambassador's trade sales in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, reporting directly to Karen Cameron (Divisional Sales Manager).

Itinerary of Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador Cruise Line UK currently owns and operates two ships - Ambience (1991-built, fka MS Satoshi, CMV Amy Johnson, P&O Pacific Dawn, Regal Princess) and Ambition (1999-built, fka AIDAmira, Costa neoRiviera, Grand Mistral, MS Mistral).

Ambassador's principal homeport is  Tilbury-London , and all itineraries are roundtrips. The company doesn't offer fly-cruise deals.

Ambition ship's itinerary program (the inaugural 2023 season) started with the Maiden Voyage from Tilbury on March 4th (2023). The liner's UK homeports are London-Tilbury , Newcastle Port Tyne , Liverpool , Avonmouth-Bristol (Royal Portbury Dock), Falmouth , Dundee Scotland , Belfast Northern Ireland . In May 2022 was announced Ambience ship's "Grand Round the World Cruise" (120-night itinerary roundtrip from Tilbury) as well as the 6x UK homeports for the boat (Newcastle, Liverpool, Avonmouth-Bristol, Falmouth, Dundee, Belfast).

Ambassador's 2024-2025 itinerary program groups Ambience's and Ambition's voyages visiting a total of 127 call ports in 34 countries (6 continents). The itineraries visit popular European destinations like the Mediterranean and the Norwegian Fjords, as well as the Caribbean. The program includes two multigenerational voyages as well as themed cruises attended by celebrity guests (experts, lecturers, entertainers) and short breaks popular among the British as weekend getaways and for visiting Europe's largest Christmas Markets.

In March 2024, Ambassador Cruise Lines unveiled its 2025-2026 itineraries, featuring departures from 7 ports across the UK. The ships  Ambience  and her sistership  Ambition  are scheduled to visit a combined total of 130 ports across 3 continents starting 2025. Destinations include Western Europe, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, and the Caribbean. Departures originate from 7 regional ports across the UK, spanning from  London Tilbury  to  Newcastle Tyne ,  Dundee ,  Liverpool ,  Belfast ,  Bristol Royal Portbury , and  Falmouth . Ambience is due to host 31 sailings and two festive events, while Ambition is expected to offer an additional 45 sailings and 2 festive events. The itineraries cater to the over 50s market, with 5 multi-generational sailings also available.

Ambassador Cruise Line related cruise news

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In the early hours of Friday, April 5, the cruise ship Ambience, operated by the UK-based Ambassador Cruise Line, was involved in a collision with...

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During the upcoming Easter weekend, Port Lerwick is set to welcome its first cruise ship of 2024, marking the beginning of what is anticipated to be...

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Ambassador Cruise Lines unveiled its 2025-2026 itinerary program, featuring departures from 7 UK homeports, and a selection of half-price discounts...

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Ambassador's 2-ship fleet to boast SpaceX Starlink connectivity

The UK-based Ambassador Cruise Line is poised to join the ranks of leading cruise companies by introducing state-of-the-art internet connectivity...

MSC Cruises chooses Bilbao (Spain) as embarkation/homeport for MSC Grand Voyages itinerary

Starting on October 30th, MSC Virtuosa will embark on a 23-night voyage encompassing various destinations like Naples Italy, Piraeus-Athens Greece...

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Ambassador Cruise Line: In With the New

• July 23, 2021

A new cruise line with a host of familiar faces in management is what Ambassador Cruise Line brings to the British cruise market.

Former executives of Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), a cruise line that went into administration nearly a year ago, have teamed up to launch a new brand with a ship that was once meant to start sailing for CMV.

The ship was the former Pacific Dawn and was set to move to CMV in 2021 before it ceased operations. Originally launched as the Regal Princess, the ship moved to P&O Australia and enjoyed a short time as the “crypto cruise ship” in late 2020. Now renamed the Ambience, the ship will start sailing for Ambassador in spring 2022.

“We do have the benefit that we have experience in this area and have managed to build something that unfortunately didn’t make it through COVID,” CEO Christian Verhounig told Cruise Industry News . “But (Ambassador Cruise Line) is very new; we set a new vision behind it with new values. And I think it’s extremely exciting.”

Verhounig said that the concrete idea to start the cruise line was born in autumn 2020, some months after the demise of CMV.

“We’d seen a niche which was vacated. We’d seen a massive pent-up demand on the market. While the cruise industry has faced some negative press, frequent cruisers or past cruisers especially recognize how safe cruises are and what great value for money it is. Therefore, we have decided to open up a premium-value product, which is very self-centric around the future, sustainability and ethics,” he noted.

Bringing the 1,590-passenger vessel back into the fleet was not a question of taking what was going to be CMV’s ship in 2020, Verhounig said.

“It’s about the ship herself. The ship has a perfect size for the market entry we are planning. She has a massive space ratio, nearly incomparable to anything in the mainstream market today. She has very spacious cabins, which are a good fit for the cruises we are planning, which are generally longer itineraries,” he explained.

Ambitious Ambassador

While the first 33 cruises put out by Ambassador are relatively short cruises, Ambassador’s goal for the future is to offer longer itineraries. This would ultimately include world cruises. But for now the initial deployment package includes the Baltic, Greenland, the Arctic and Iceland, as well as a range of expedition-style voyages to the Canaries, Cuba, the Caribbean, Cape Verde and Scandinavia in the winter months.

Making the Ambience environmentally friendly has been one of the biggest tasks in the lead-up to Ambassador’s launch.

“She has come at the right price for us, which allows us to invest heavily into all environmental aspects. We’ve decided that before she enters the market, we will upgrade the vessel on the engine side, to make her fully IMO Tier III compliant to be able to go into environmental protected areas that have already ratified the IMO requirements,” Verhounig said.

Verhounig did not reveal which or how many other cruise ships Ambassador is looking at, but said that they would be of a similar size to the Ambience.

“A project as such is not about how many ships we have; I don’t think we have a target for that. We do want to become the leading provider of premium-value cruises for the silver market. We want to have this in the UK, but also other national markets,” he said, clarifying that adding homeports in other countries is on the agenda.

Excerpt from Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine :Summer 2021 

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Ambience: pictures from the Ambassador’s flagship

Ambience , first ship for the Ambassador Cruise Line ‘s fleet, in the Cruising Journal Photo Gallery. All areas on board, restaurants, lounges, services but also an overview of the cabins and outdoor spaces, from the swimming pools to the Sun Deck.

Do not miss the Reportage, the Video and all the Reviews of Ambience on Cruising Journal, with advice, opinions and cruises on offer.

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Find amazing offers at Ambassador Cruise. A hotel & cruise combo – an ideal combination of peaceful heavens above water to experience Northern Vietnam’s must-see landmarks or an all-inclusive cruise dedicated to discover the finest Halong Bay – you might have them all.

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TESTIMONIAL

We had an amazing time on the ambassador cruise. The boat looks amazing, the food was delicious and the staff were absolutely fantastic. Huge thanks to Dai, the cruise manager who made our stay so fabulous by making us feel welcome. Highly recommended!

Had a very relaxing cruise into the Halong Bay islands; beautiful settling and most unusual. Tour included visits to a pearl farm and climbing island with amazing caves. Boat was comfortable, staff friendly and food very good. Don’t miss this if in Vietnam.

This was an experience of a lifetime, amazing scenery.

The accommodation on the boat was excellent and the service provided by the staff made the trip even more special.

Absolutely wonderful. Halong Bay is spell binding, and the Ambassador cruise enabled us to enjoy it in absolute luxury. Top class

Great trip, everyone on the staff were excellent, doing above and beyond their duties! We were on the 1 night cruise. Dai our butler was excellent. We enjoyed very much and would highly recommend it

It is our first time here in Vietnam and we chose Ha Long bay as one of our destination and we made the best choice. Places are so majestic, foods are very good especially the seafood. The staff was great.

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• Breaking Baz: ‘Cruising’ Star Jane McDonald Cruises Into Lavish London Palladium ‘Robin Hood’ Panto Starring Julian Clary In Title Role

By Baz Bamigboye

Baz Bamigboye

Columnist/International Editor At Large

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EXCLUSIVE : Comedian and writer Julian Clary ( Julian Clary: Live – Lord of the Mince ) will play the title role in this festive season’s London Palladium pantomime   Robin Hood , with singer and travel show presenter Jane McDonald ( Cruising with Jane McDonald ) topping the bill as Maid Marion.

The annual Palladium show, now in its ninth consecutive season, has become an eagerly awaited staple in the West End’s calendar. It runs from December 7 through January 12, 2025. Priority booking opens 10 AM (GMT) April 25.

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When tickets went on sale, there was a moment when 90,000 people were in the queue, waiting their turn to book seats.

“That’s bigger than any 02 concert and bigger than any other West End show,” boasted Michael Harrison, who directs and writes the Palladium theatrics in collaboration with Clary. 

This year’s show, produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, of which Harrison is chief executive and David Ian is chairman, presents a cast of regulars and newcomers.

Returning are Paul Zerdin ( Muppet Treasure Island ) and Nigel Havers ( Chariots of Fire ), this year playing Will Scarlet and Friar Tuck.

Marisha Wallace, who appeared in Guy Ritchie’s  Aladdin , was an Olivier award nominee for her Adelaide in Nicholas Hytner’s glorious revival of  Guys & Dolls  at the Bridge Theatre. She makes her panto bow as the show’s baddie, the Sheriff of Nottingham. West End audiences were introduced to her when she played Effie in  Dreamgirls  at the Savoy Theatre.

Comic artist Rob Madge ( My Son’s A Queer ( But What Can You Do? ), no stranger to pantomime antics at the Palladium, returns as the Spirit of Sherwood.

Tosh Wanogho-Maud, standing tall at over six foot, debuts as Little John. I’ve been a fan of Wanogho-Maud’s ever since I spotted him as Young Simba in  The Lion King , which is still playing to strong houses at the Lyceum. More recently, the actor wowed as Ben E. King and Rudy Lewis in  The Drifters Girl,  which starred Beverley Knight .

Harrison told me that he wanted to have a year where Clary could play the title role, “Because obviously, he is central to it all. But he never plays the main role. It’s always kind of a role on the side looking in, even though the show’s always about him.”

The panto king shared that he thought it would be funny to have Robin Hood played by the famously camp Clary, and pair him with McDonald. The performer kicks off her  With All My Love  concert tour at Blackpool Opera House on October 11.

“Jane leapt at the chance,” Harrison said.

“I said, ”Look, can you imagine you and Julian Clary being in love?!” Talk about Robin Hood’s camp.”

McDonald has an enormous following in the U.K., thanks to her  Cruising  and other tv travel shows, including her  Jane and Friends  variety show and two decades, ending in 2023, as a presenter on  Loose Women . Recently, she stopped by on an episode of  RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World . 

Harrison told me that Clary relishes the idea of playing Robin Hood, though he won’t be as strapping as those who have played the outlaw on the big screen. I’m thinking of Kevin Costner in  Prince of Thieves , Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott’s gritty  Robin Hood , and Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn in  Robin and Marion , playing the famous lovers in their twilight. Television’s first  Robin Hood was Richard Greene in  The Adventures of Robin Hood . It was in re-run by the time I caught up with it during my childhood. And let’s not forget Errol Flynn, with Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian, dashing about in Michael Curtis’s 1938 swashbuckler,  The Adventures of Robin Hood .

Harrison laughed, then shook his head. “I’ve a funny feeling Julian’s Robin Hood will be getting Al-A-Dale to do a lot of the dirty work in this production.

“I think Alan-A-Dale might be the one to fire the bow and arrow.”

Harrison acknowledged that part of the Palladium pantomime’s appeal is its familiarity, though he admitted that “There’s always the criticism that it’s always the same. Well, I think people want the same, but also a little bit different, and this year’s going to be a little bit different.”

Each year, award-winning designer Hugh Durrant, in consultation with Clary, attempts to outdo the previous year’s gloriously outlandish costumes. “There are huge creations being cooked up at the moment, all linked to Sherwood and the forest,” Harrison promised.

Hesitating a moment before asking, but I wondered whether Clary would be wearing a frock or tunic and tights?

“He’ll be in the Robin Hood gear, but all on a gargantuan scale,” Harrison assured. 

Not that Clary’s complaining.

With a wink, Harrison told me that Clary’s “looking forward to working with his Merry Men.”

My social media’s packed with folk seeking to know the title of this year’s Palladium pantomime.

Harrison observed that “Audiences are kind of like another cast member, and they come along in the spirit of it, which is why I think we get away with things that, perhaps ordinarily, you wouldn’t.“

Though we both loath the word ‘woke’, Harrison agreed that the Palladium pantomime “is a woke-free zone.”

The clamor for tickets last year was such that Harrison, in agreement with Palladium owner Andrew Lloyd Webber, decided to allow standing spaces at the rear of the Palladium’s stalls. However, it caused a commotion at the first performance, when the creative team couldn’t stand in their usual spots because the general public were there.

“If only we had five more rows,” Harrison mused in jest.

The producer has a packed season, with Imelda Staunton’s turn in  Hello,Dolly!  opening at the Palladium for a limited run from July 6 through September 14, and the transfer to Broadway of  Sunset Boulevard , previewing at the St. James Theatre from September 28, starring Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, fresh from last weekend’s wins at the Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall. The show won a total of seven Olivier Awards, including  best musical revival for Lloyd Webber, Don Black, Christopher Hampton, director Jamie Lloyd’s The Jamie Lloyd Company, Adam Speers and the Ambassador Theatre Group, and Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, the company formed by Lloyd Webber and Harrison to further exploit the composer’s oeuvre. 

A revival of Lloyd Webber’s  Starlight Express , directed by Luke Sheppard, is also being overseen by Harrison. Sheppard’s recent productions include Live Aid  musical  Just For One Day , and  The Little Big Things , which saw Amy Trigg win the best supporting actress in a musical Olivier Award.  

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