Ambassador Cruise Line has reached an agreement to merge with French cruise operator Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) to form the Ambassador Group.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of January 2025 and opens the door to the company’s first fly-cruise programme in the Caribbean later this year.
The Ambassador Group will operate a fleet of three small to mid-sized vessels, including Ambassador’s Ambience and Ambition as well as CFC’s Renaissance, which has recently undergone a multi-million euro refurbishment.
The group plans to introduce a joint fly-cruise Caribbean programme for winter 2025/26 in partnership with Corendon, while continuing to offer “a traditionally British or French” cruise-only product in the line’s respective markets.
The focus is to create “a leading European premium affordable value cruise line” which targets the “no-fly silver market”.
The company will be majority owned by Ambassador’s existing shareholders Njord Partners, with Cheyne Capital taking a minority stake.
Christian Verhounig, Ambassador Cruise Line chief executive, said: “The combination of Ambassador and CFC is a bold step towards our shared vision for the cruise industry.
“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 cruises.”
Maëlysse Pierrot-Guibourt, CFC chief executive, added: “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.”