Semester at Sea will operate a new ship from 2028 as part of a long-term partnership between Ambassador Cruise Line and the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE).

The non-profit organization will operate the current Oceania Sirena for approximately eight months each year, Ambassador said.

The British cruise line acquired the 2000-built ship for a new cruise operation in Germany. Renamed the Ambella, the vessel will offer cruises in Europe during summers.

As part of the ten-year partnership with ISE, the former R4 will also host Semester at Sea’s programs during winter seasons.

“Without a doubt, Ambassador will be the right partner and the Ambella the right ship to advance the ‘Semester at Sea’ program in a profound and positive way. Our goals and values ​​align with those of Ambassador,” said Scott Marshall, president and CEO of the ISE.

“Onboard the Ambella, our ambitions for the program will be amplified even further. I am incredibly excited for the voyage to set sail in the fall of 2028 with students, faculty, and staff all prepared for the most significant learning experience of their lives,” he added.

ISE will initially operate the Ambella between September 2028 and April 2029, with itineraries still to be announced.

Originally built for Renaissance Cruises, the 670-passenger ship is currently operating for Oceania Cruises.

Founded in 1963, Semester at Sea has welcomed over 70,000 students and lifelong learners since its inception.

The program, which combines academic learning with international travel, is primarily aimed at college and university students from the United States and other parts of the world.

Since 2015, ISE has been operating the World Odyssey during winter seasons as part of an agreement with the vessel’s owner. The 520-passenger ship is scheduled to sail for the company through early 2028.