Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition entered drydock on Nov. 8 for a large refurbishment at APCL A&P Falmouth, as per a press release.

The drydocking will run until Dec. 1, marking the first time the Cornish shipyard and Ambassador Cruise Line have partnered on the Ambition, following a competitive tender process.

“We are delighted to be working with A&P Falmouth for the first time on Ambition’s dry dock project. This multimillion-pound investment demonstrates our continued focus on delivering affordable quality while ensuring the Ambassador fleet operates to the highest technical, environmental, and hospitality standards. We were delighted to see a UK yard win our competitive selection process and to be able to support local industry and the regional economy,” said Nick Hughes, COO at Ambassador Cruise Line.

Ambassador said in a statement that Falmouth was selected for its compelling proposal, which included a shorter deviation voyage between Liverpool, where Ambition ended her most recent sailing, and Falmouth. This allows extra days in drydock and reduces fuel consumption.

During this maintenance program, hotel refurbishment specialists, skilled engineers and technicians will undertake a detailed refurbishment program.

“APCL A&P Falmouth is delighted to welcome Ambition to its Falmouth facility for its refit. APCL is familiar with Ambition and her crew, as she and her passengers are regular visitors to Falmouth’s International Cruise Terminal. We are now delighted to be welcoming Ambition to our ship repair facility, where she will benefit from our ship repair capabilities,”  added Mike Spicer, managing director at APCL A&P Falmouth.

The technical scope of the program of work will include mechanical overhauls, essential steel repairs, a full hull repaint and servicing of stabilizer and propulsion systems.

A spa treatment room will be converted into a new, fully equipped kidney dialysis treatment center. This will enable guests requiring hemodialysis to continue receiving treatment while at sea, under the guidance of an expert medical team.

As for interior upgrades, the Ambition will receive a series of refurbishments of its soft furnishings, finishes, and fabrics in hotel areas, restaurants, guest cabins and entertainment areas. In addition, crew accommodations are also receiving improvements.

Following its maintenance period, the Ambition will return to service, embarking on a three-night Christmas Markets of Bruges & Amsterdam sailing on December 2, 2025.

Attention will then turn to Ambassador’s Ambience, which will undergo drydocking and its own period of maintenance at A&P Tyne in Newcastle from January 7, 2026, for a period of three weeks.