Stunning cruise ship MS Ambition to take Portsmouth passengers to fabulous destinations - when and where
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
A gorgeous new cruise ship will be taking passengers in Portsmouth to brilliant destinations over the holiday period.
MS Ambition, operated by Ambassador, will be visiting Portsmouth International Port for the first time in April. She will be among the 77 calls scheduled for the city this year.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said this will generate up to £195m for the local economy. He added: “Portsmouth is looking forward to welcoming Ambassador Cruise Line for a series of turnaround calls this spring, marking the UK brand’s first season operating from the city. Cruise passenger spend in Portsmouth has recently been valued at £10.8m each year, supporting our businesses and benefiting the whole city.
“As a local authority, we are proud to own the international port and Ambassador’s homeporting in Portsmouth is a result of the investment and hard work from the team and partners. As well as being our city’s centenary year, 2026 also celebrates 50 years since the port opened.”
This will be the first time ever that Ambassador will be operating from Portsmouth, with calls taking place on April 6, 12, and 22. The firm will operate three sailings, with passengers visiting Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Ireland. Destinations experiences will allow guests to explore Flanders, Lisbon, Dublin, Amsterdam, Antwerp and other locations. MS Ambition made her inaugural voyage in spring 2023, with more than 220,000 guests travelling on more than 100 sailings to 60 countries and 200 ports.
Chief Executive Officer Christian Verhounig said: “We have cemented our position as the preferred cruise company for thousands of people. Launching our first season of sailings from Portsmouth is a significant moment for Ambassador and an important step in expanding our regional departure programme. Our guests value the simplicity and convenience of no-fly cruising, and the launch of Portsmouth as a new departure port provides the ideal gateway for guests living across the South of England.
“With a choice of itineraries visiting some of Europe’s most popular destinations, we’re looking forward to welcoming our valued guests from Portsmouth and further afield on board for the warmest welcome at sea in the months and years to come.”
Port director Mike Sellers previously said he expects 2027 to be an even better year for the cruise industry in Portsmouth, projecting over 100 calls. He added: “We’re still building that reputation for being the port of choice when it comes to boutique expedition cruising, and tourist calls. We’re starting to see the build up of interest from multiple cruise liners.”