Ambassador introduces Renaissance (Malcolm Ginsberg reports)
It has never happened before in the history of cruising. Having arrived earlier in the morning as CFC Renaissance, Ambassador Cruise Lines MV Renaissance departed Tilbury last Thursday (30 October), en route to Barbados late afternoon.
Stops were to be made at Amsterdam, (IJmuiden), ideal for a day out at historic Harlem, and Dunkirk to collect Continent-based passengers.
It is a remarkable story and seems to be working. A French liner became effectively a British ship within a few hours. The multi-lingual crew adapted quickly to English and the safety drill was completed for all. It may have been hectic behind the scenes, but reports are very positive.
Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) and Ambassador merged earlier this year to form Ambassador Group.
The former Maasdam of Holland America Line, now called Renaissance and due in Bridgetown (Barbados) 17 November for a series of Caribbean cruises before returning to Tilbury in March. During summer 2025 it served the French market as it will next year.
Problems?
It is not perfect, and Ambassador has high standards. There were not enough electric adapters to go around but the team on board seemed to adjust to the new guests very quickly.
Our on-board spy confirms that the executive chef from Ambassador Ambience has joined the ship to sort things out for the British palate. Otherwise, he says the cruise liner is delightful and similar to Fred Olsen’s Borealis, also ex-Holland America. And no problems with the cold weather for its passage south. Renaissance has a retractable roof and unlike Ambassador’s other two ships offers a covered but not heated pool.
As for the dining it is “so so” at the moment but there is plenty of time to get it right. Our man is going to try some French cuisine. He occupies a balcony suite including a full-length bath and shower overhead. Entertainment and daytime activity reports will follow.
Numerous spaces for hanging men’s jackets and ladies dresses and in excess of 17 drawers. A very big TV in excess of 43 inches. Two chairs and a couch seating six, which can turn into another bed. In addition, there is a dressing room next to the bathroom. Only two plugs in the cabin with French fittings. As a suite patron there is a special lounge which has tea and coffee and snacks appropriate for the time of the day. Generally speaking he describes the service as friendly organised chaos.
The different languages do not seem to be causing problems. There are more Dutch people than French and the British are the majority.
Sunday (2 November) and the Bay of Biscay was fine towards Vigo. Next the Azores and on to the Caribbean. The holiday package includes a return flight to Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic. Some passengers will return to Manchester.
The ‘new ship’ gamble seems to have come off. Well done Ambassador says our man on board.
(Ambassador introduces Renaissance – Malcolm Ginsberg reports)
