Ambassador Cruise Line and Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) have reached an agreement to merge, forming the “Ambassador Group,” according to a press release.
The new group aims to establish itself as a leading European cruise operator, specializing in premium, affordable, no-fly cruises for older travelers. The transaction is expected to close by the end of January 2025.
The Ambassador Group will operate three ships: Ambassador’s Ambience and Ambition and CFC’s recently refurbished Renaissance. Both cruise lines will continue offering traditional British or French products to their respective markets.
Leveraging Ambassador’s UK presence and CFC’s strong presence in the French no-fly cruise sector, the group plans to capitalize on the projected 12 percent annual growth of the European cruise market over the next five years. The focus will be expanding into new destinations while offering sustainable and authentic cruise experiences.
Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line, said: “The combination of Ambassador and CFC is a bold step towards our shared vision for the cruise industry. By uniting our strengths, we are creating an organization that delivers exceptional experiences to our guests while upholding sustainable practices. Together, we will lead the way in offering affordable, high-quality, authentic and environmentally responsible cruises.”
Maëlysse Pierrot-Guibourt, CEO of Compagnie Française de Croisières, added: “This exciting merger underscores our collective confidence in the cruise industry’s bright future and our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. CFC is a new and growing French brand, and this merger with Ambassador, a successful, ambitious British brand that wants to grow markets and destinations, is extremely positive for both businesses, maximizing synergies to create a formidable force in the cruise industry. CFC, with its highly impressive levels of guest satisfaction and repeat business, offers authentic and unique premium French cruise experiences which will not only be retained but further enriched.”
The group plans to upgrade the Renaissance with advanced environmental technologies during drydock in January 2025, ensuring IMO Tier III compliance and aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.
Starting Winter 2025-26, the Group will launch a fly-cruise Caribbean program in partnership with Corendon, with homeports in Barbados, Martinique and Curaçao. This marks the Group’s entry into the fly-cruise market and expands its year-round offerings, targeting guests from the UK, France and the Netherlands.
Ambassador Group will be majority-owned by Njord Partners, with Cheyne Capital holding a minority stake.
Jakob Kjellberg, co-founder of Njord Partners, said: “We are very proud to announce another significant milestone in Ambassador’s journey to becoming a leader in the European affordable value silver cruise market. We are committed to continuing to invest in the sector, confident in its potential and our ability to become a market leader. This partnership underscores our belief in the strength and growth of the European cruise market.”
