THURROCK-based Ambassador cruise line has added a fourth ship to its fleet – though it will operate outside the direct UK market currently served by the Ambience and Ambition vessels.

Ambassador launched in May 2021, stepping into the Purfleet offices previously occupied by failed cruise company Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV), which folded in July the previous year. Some directors and staff from CMV took roles in Ambassador, including its chairman Christian Verhounig, now CEO at Ambassador

The company, whose third ship Renaissance targets the French market during the summer and operates Ambassador's Caribbean fly-cruise programme for British, French and Dutch passengers during the winter, has acquired the Oceania Sirena from Oceania Cruises.

The 670-passenger ship originally launched in 1999 will continue to operate under the Oceania Cruises brand until spring 2028 under a leaseback agreement.

The vessel, which previously operated for Princess Cruises as Ocean Princess, will then join the Ambassador fleet and be renamed Ambella.

Ambella will become the first ship to operate for a new dedicated German cruise brand, Ambassador Kreuzfahrten, from summer 2028, sailing from Bremerhaven and Kiel, and offering a fully German-speaking passenger experience.

The acquisition comes on the heels of an announcement earlier this month that after its merger with Ambassador last year, Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) has officially become Ambassador Croisières. At the time of the merger Maëlysse Pierrot-Guibourt, chief executive of CFC, 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. "

Ambience, Ambition and Renaissance now have a sister ship in the fleet.

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Speaking after revealing the company's fourth ship, Mr Verhounig said: "The acquisition of Oceania Sirena, her future introduction as Ambella and the launch of Ambassador Kreuzfahrten mark a major milestone in our ambition to establish Ambassador as Europe's leading cruise operator offering affordable quality experiences for the silver market ('silver sailors' are those aged over 55).

"When we launched Ambassador in 2021, we identified a clear gap in the market for an affordable quality cruise experience that was authentic, welcoming and accessible. We set out to combine the traditions of classic cruising with the standards and expectations of today's guests, and that philosophy remains fundamental to our success.

"Our merger with French cruise company CFC gives us greater scale, financial resilience and a stronger European platform, while allowing us to retain the individual character of the markets we serve.

"Entering Germany with Ambassador Kreuzfahrten is the next stage of that growth strategy."