| Ambassador, CFC merge

BRITISH-BASED line Ambassador Cruise Line is set to merge with French brand Compagnie Francaise de Croisieres (CFC) to create a new marque targeting “silver sailors” over the age of 55.

The newly formed Ambassador Group will see both brands operating independently in their respective markets, offering “premium affordable value”.

The deal, expected to be completed this month, will take the company’s total fleet to three ships: Ambassador Line’s Ambience and Ambition, and CFC Croisieres’ 1,200-passenger Renaissance – formerly Holland America Line’s Maasdam.

The CFC ship will also enter dry dock this month to bring her up to Ambassador’s environmental standards, the company said.

The Group added the merger will help the brands combine resources and target new markets – which will include the introduction of a joint fly-cruise Caribbean program at the end of the year, in partnership with Corendon Airlines Europe.

Itineraries will launch in Oct, with the ships based in Barbados, Martinique, and Curacao.

“The combination of Ambassador and CFC is a bold step towards our shared vision for the cruise industry,” Ambassador Cruise Line Chief Executive Officer Christian Verhounig said.

“By uniting our strengths, we are creating an organisation 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.”

Chief Executive of CFC Maelysse Pierrot-Guibourt said: “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, maximising 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,” she added. MS