Ambassador Cruise Line announced that it celebrated a milestone on Monday, January 12, with the 100,000th guest setting sail on the Ambition from London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, Essex.

Carole Cotton from Leatherhead, Surrey, was welcomed aboard the Ambition ahead of the 23-night “Enchanting Escapes and Iberian Charm: Madeira to Morocco” sailing.

The company said in a press release that the Ambition’s 100,000th guest enjoyed a champagne reception on arrival at London Cruise Terminal along with the Ambition’s Hotel Director, Michael Shaji, her Guest Services Supervisor, Beth Macayanan, and the Cruise Director, Emily Shortall.

Following the embarkation, Cotton said she felt “completely overwhelmed” to be named the 100,000th guest to sail aboard the Ambition. “Things like this don’t happen to me. It was a great welcome being met by the Hotel Director and their team, and it was lovely to be made a fuss of! I can’t thank Ambassador enough for this very special and unexpected surprise.”

Bob McGowan, chief experience officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome Carole aboard our second lady of the sea as her 100,000th guest.”

“Ambition sailed for the first time in May 2023, so to have welcomed so many guests aboard in such a short amount of time is a true reflection of the incredible community at sea we’ve created on board. It’s the dedication of our friendly crew and the exceptional service we offer, combined with the true voyages of discovery all our guests enjoy, that make this milestone so special,” added McGowan.

“Here’s to offering the warmest welcome at sea to new and returning guests aboard the Ambassador fleet for many more years to come – not least Carole Cotton, who we hope to welcome back on board in the very near future.”

Image from left to right: the Ambition’s Guest Services Supervisor, Beth Macayanan; Hotel Director, Michael Shaji, Carole Cotton; and Cruise Director, Emily Shortall