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Ambassador and CFC Merge to Create New European Cruise Brand With Three-Ship Fleet

Curious about the ships behind the merger?

Explore Ambassador’s ships

UK-based Ambassador Cruise Line and France’s Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) are merging to form Ambassador Group, a new European cruise brand.

Ambassador Group Ships

The combined fleet will feature three mid-size ships and focus on expanding into key European markets, offering no-fly cruises alongside new Caribbean itineraries.

Curious about the ships behind the merger?

Explore Ambassador’s ships

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The newly formed brand will unite Ambassador’s Ambience and Ambition with CFC’s Renaissance, each retaining its distinctive British and French onboard experiences.

The merger is set to be finalised by the end of January 2025.

Caribbean Expansion and Sustainable Initiatives

A notable highlight of the merger is the launch of a Caribbean cruise program in October 2025, marking a significant departure from the cruise lines’ traditional no-fly offerings.

Cruises will target source markets in the UK, France, and the Netherlands, with embarkation ports including Barbados, Martinique, and Curaçao.

The Caribbean series will be operated in partnership with Dutch travel operator Corendon, which also owns Corendon Airlines, a likely backbone for the fly-cruise packages. Few additional details about the itineraries have been revealed.

Sustainability remains a key focus for the new company. The 1,200-guest Renaissance, refurbished in 2023, will enter dry dock in January 2025 to install IMO Tier III environmental technologies, aligning it with the International Maritime Organization’s stringent nitrogen oxide emission standards. Both Ambassador ships are already compliant.

Tapping into a growing market

The merger positions Ambassador Group to tap into Europe’s growing cruise market, projected to increase by 12% over the next five years.

“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.”

Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line

“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.”

Maëlysse Pierrot-Guibourt, CEO of CFC

The three ships in the fleet reflect the unique legacies of both brands.

  • Renaissance: Formerly Holland America Line’s Maasdam, entered service in 1993. It underwent a major renovation before launching with CFC and accommodates 1,200 guests.
  • Ambience: Built in 1991, this 1,400-guest vessel joined Ambassador in 2022 and previously sailed with P&O Cruises Australia.
  • Ambition: Formerly known as AIDAmira, this 1,248-guest ship joined Ambassador in 2023 after serving with AIDA Cruises and several other lines.

Following the merger, the new company aims to maintain the cultural identity of each ship, appealing to a broad range of European cruisers.

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Royal Caribbean Passenger Faces $1,300 Cell Phone Bill Due to Common Oversight

A Royal Caribbean passenger’s relaxing cruise turned into a costly lesson after returning home to discover a $1,300 cell phone bill, stemming from a simple but expensive mistake.

Royal Caribbean Phone Bill

The incident highlights the importance of preparation and vigilance when managing technology on cruise vacations.

The passenger, who has not been named, assumed their purchase of Royal Caribbean’s WiFi package covered all cell phone use while onboard.

However, their device was not set to Airplane Mode, allowing it to connect to the ship’s roaming network.

As a result, the phone silently racked up roaming charges, downloading background updates and data throughout the cruise.

Adding to the financial sting, the passenger’s child unknowingly compounded the issue by streaming videos using the same phone. The combined usage led to the eye-watering bill.

When contacted, Royal Caribbean stated that it is each passenger’s responsibility to ensure devices are placed in Airplane Mode, and the cruise line declined liability for the charges.

A common problem at sea

This type of issue is not unique to Royal Caribbean.

Smartphones can incur substantial roaming charges on cruises, even when locked away in a cabin safe, as apps, updates, and downloads continue to run in the background.

Popular YouTube personality Jayson Judson brought attention to this case, cautioning viewers about the financial traps onboard cruise ships, which often result from passenger oversights.

While some carriers like T-Mobile occasionally adjust bills for roaming charges, others, such as AT&T and Verizon, may not be as forgiving.

Mobile technology isn’t the only source of unexpected expenses.

Cruise ship arcades are another potential financial pitfall, especially for families. Arcade machines typically require passengers to swipe their cabin room key for access, but costs aren’t always displayed.

This makes it easy for children to unknowingly rack up hundreds of dollars in charges, often only discovered when the final bill arrives.

To avoid such surprises, parents are encouraged to:

  • Set spending limits on room key cards before boarding.
  • Switch all devices to Airplane Mode to prevent roaming charges.
  • Monitor children’s activities closely, particularly in areas like the arcade.

While cruising offers incredible experiences, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about potential financial pitfalls.

By taking proactive steps and educating all travellers about spending limits and device management, cruisers can avoid unexpected costs and enjoy a stress-free vacation.

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Father Dies After Jumping From Cruise Ship on Boxing Day With Harrowing Final Words

A 51-year-old father-of-four tragically died on Boxing Day after jumping from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic in the Caribbean, despite his family’s desperate attempts to restrain him.

Norwegian Epic

Dan McGilvray, a financial advisor from Broomfield, Colorado, reportedly overpowered his family members, including his 75-year-old mother, before leaping from the balcony of the cruise ship at approximately 3 pm.

McGilvray is said to have screamed, “I can’t take it anymore,” before plunging into the sea.

The incident unfolded as the ship sailed near the Bahamas.

Failed rescue efforts

The Norwegian Epic immediately halted its journey to initiate search and rescue operations.

Efforts by the Royal Bahamas Police Force and OPBAT, a multi-agency rescue unit, were unsuccessful.

“Preliminary reports indicate that despite attempts to restrain him, he jumped from a balcony into the sea. Rescue efforts…proved fruitless in locating him,”

Police statement

The ship eventually diverted to Nassau, where the Royal Bahamas Police Force concluded their search.

A GoFundMe campaign launched to support McGilvray’s wife, Heather, and their four sons has raised over $36,000 (£29,000) to assist the family during this difficult time.

The campaign described McGilvray as “brilliant, honest, hardworking, funny and devoted to his family and friends.”

It continued: “Dan was the primary provider for their family, and the next year will be incredibly difficult for Heather to support her boys and learn to live without Dan. Thank you for honouring his legacy with any support you can provide.”

Norwegian Cruise Line issued a statement offering condolences.

“The guest was traveling with a large group and his family on board is being attended to and supported during this very challenging situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

NCL statement

McGilvray’s death is being investigated by authorities in the Bahamas, who suspect a possible reaction to medication prescribed for seizures may have contributed to the distressing event.

While rare, it’s not unheard of for people to jump from a cruise ship, although when it does happen it often occurs overnight, implying that alcohol may be a factor.

There were other incidents in December 2024, including a woman who attempted to jump from Sky Princess but instead hit a lifeboat and landed on a lower deck. Tragically she also lost her life.

It is extremely unlikely that anyone jumping from a ship could survive.

Incidents are almost always intentional too – there are railings in place to prevent anyone slipping and falling, and so only someone choosing to jump or acting unsafe by climbing on railings would be likely to fall.

It also highlights how jumping overboard is a very serious issue, and not one to be trivialised – as this TikTok content creator found out after a huge backlash to her onboard ‘prank’ when she told a crew member she was going to jump off the ship.

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Carnival Confirms New Onboard Package Is Real (And Can Save You $$$!)

Carnival is often changing up the packages and deals that it offers to guests and so it can be hard to keep track of what’s new, what’s old and even what’s real. But a new package has been confirmed to be authentic, and it could save some families a lot of money.

Carnival cruise save money

Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald posts daily on his Facebook page inviting questions and requests, and one passenger posted a screenshot of an arcade package deal, asking if it was real and if John could provide more information on it.

The package allows guests to buy bundles of “chips” to use in the arcades. Onboard arcade machines tend to work with these digital chips or tokens rather than having to carry cash to play.

Arcade packages on Carnival

John replied to confirm that yes, this was a real image and that the arcade packages had recently launched on Carnival ships.

It’s also available to book online in advance as well as purchase on the ship, making it useful for anyone who likes to budget for their cruise before they sail.

John agreed that more could be done to promote the new package and reassure guests that the images circulating are genuine, and not of an old discontinued package.

Thank you, yes, this is something that we do now and it is available to book online and also when you are on the ship. I’m going to ask you to leave this with me and I’m going to try and see if I can advertise this properly. Thank you, for those who love the arcade it certainly sounds great.

I agree that it is a great option for families who love playing the arcades on cruise ships. You could get a lot more value from the machines by using these packages.

For example, $10 gets you 50 chips, so if you bought that 10 times you’d get 500 chips to use for $100.

But if you buy the $100 bundle upfront, you get 800 chips instead – that’s an extra 300 to put towards your favourite games!

Machines don’t tend to use one chip per play. It’ll vary by machine but expect each one to cost several chips, so $100 doesn’t get you 800 plays.

However, if you’re sailing with kids or you just love playing those arcade machines yourself to win some prizes with the tickets you earn, you should definitely check out the new arcade bundles.

The machines that are available on each Carnival ship will vary but here’s a look at the arcade on Carnival Celebration, so you can get an idea of what to expect:

I hope that the new bundles help you win even more tickets and bring home some cool prizes!

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Cruise Ship Wake Capsizes Boat Leaving Two People & A Dog To Be Rescued

Two people needed rescuing from the waters near Tampa Bay, along with their dog, after their small boat sank after colliding with the wake of an unnamed cruise ship.

Small boat rescue
Photo credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

The two adults were left stranded after their boat hit the wake of the cruise ship and capsized. Along with their dog, they were able to swim to a buoy where they awaited rescue.

The exact cruise ship responsible for the wake remains unclear, but both Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas were docked at Florida’s Port Tampa Bay that day.

It’s also not clear who was at fault for the incident, with the focus being on the passenger rescue.

The victims, left clinging to a buoy after their vessel sank, were spotted by passengers onboard one of the ships, who alerted the crew.

Tampa Bay Harbor pilots Michael Stutevoss and Dan Hammer, guiding one of the cruise ships out of the port at sunset, quickly acted upon the sighting.

You can see a video of the rescue here:

The cruise line deployed its “man overboard” team, and the pilots contacted the US Coast Guard St. Petersburg Sector and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to expedite the rescue.

At approximately 6 pm, first responders successfully located the two passengers and their dog clinging to the buoy, about 200 yards from the debris of their boat.

Both individuals suffered unspecified injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

A challenging operation

The rescue was fraught with complications, from poor visibility during twilight hours to the risk of hypothermia in Tampa Bay’s 64°F waters. Harbor pilot Michael Stutevoss highlighted the dangers:

“Hypothermia can set in very quickly. Even though we are in Florida, hypothermia can set in.”

Michael Stutevoss, Tampa Bay Harbor Pilot

Matthew Riley, piloting a nearby cargo ship and aiding the search, emphasized the difficulty of spotting the stranded trio. He said it was like looking for “shadows in the water” and said he was worried about potentially running over the victims while trying to find them.

This incident underscores the risks that large cruise ships pose to smaller vessels.

Cruise ship wakes, powerful and often deceptively far-reaching, can violently destabilize nearby boats, leading to capsizing and injuries.

In this case, the timely actions of harbour pilots, first responders, and alert passengers turned what could have been a tragic situation into a successful rescue, emphasising the importance of vigilance and coordination in protecting lives on the water.

Hopefully the victims recover from their injuries quickly!

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‘Entitled’ Cruise Blogger Splits Opinion On Cruise Ship Jogging (It’s Me, By The Way…)

The online cruise community is split over whether a ‘No Jogging’ sign on a Celestyal cruise ship should always be obeyed, after I shared a Facebook post admitting I ran a 5K on the ship.

Cruise Mummy Celestyal jogging controversy

I was sailing on Celestyal Journey over the New Year and I often like to go for a run whenever I’m cruising, so I decided to run on the promenade deck as I normally do.

There is a sign on the deck that says “No Jogging”, so technically I was breaking the rules, and this has caused some people to say that I was acting entitled.

However, there are some mitigating circumstances.

Firstly, on Celestyal Journey’s own website, it is described as a “Jogging Track”, where guests are encouraged to “stroll, jog or sprint”.

I’ve also sailed on Celestyal Journey’s sister ships which are essentially identical twin ships, except for very minor differences – such as how they don’t have the ‘No Jogging’ sign at the track.

It wasn’t wet or slippy (although I’ve ran on other ships that had puddles, without issue) and the corners weren’t very tight, so it’s not like there was any risk I’d accidentally bump into someone I hadn’t seen. I’m not a sprinter anyway! Plus when I took part in an official organised 5K fun run on Disney Dream, the corners were much tighter.

I didn’t run super-early either. I waited until 10 am.

By that point, everyone would likely have been awake – announcements are played into every cabin at 8 am in several languages (so they aren’t quick), and the breakfast buffet has already opened and then closed by 9.30 am. I doubt anyone below would’ve been bothered by the minimal sounds I was making above them.

When I shared this story with my own Facebook fans, initially the reaction was split as some said they understood while others felt I should’ve just followed the sign and not jogged.

However the post gained traction and soon ended up on popular Facebook group Entitlement of the Seas, and as a result a lot more comments were made on the original Facebook post (and on other, completely unrelated posts too with some people encouraging a pile-on).

It's okay if you don't get caught?

I was accused of mentioning it was a 5K as a flex (thanks, I think?) or that I’d be the first person to sue if I fell over (I wouldn’t, but OK).

Arguably the worst comment was this one:

I was on this cruise… with her 😂Rules are very important to me, so rest assured I didn’t go running even once.

Thanks for throwing me under the bus, Matt (my husband).

So, was I entitled? Or was my 10 am jog acceptable?

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Fred. Olsen’s Bolette to Star in New Series of Susan Calman’s Cruise of a Lifetime

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ flagship ship, Bolette, will feature in an upcoming episode of Susan Calman’s Cruise of a Lifetime, airing later this month on Channel 5.

Susan Calman on board Bolette

The episode will showcase an eight-night voyage to Norway’s breath-taking fjords, offering viewers a glimpse into the natural wonders and unique experiences available on Fred. Olsen’s smaller-sized ships.

Presenter Susan Calman embarked on her adventure from Liverpool, sailing to ports including Olden, Ålesund, Åndalsnes, and Geiranger, while enjoying scenic cruises through Nordfjord, Geirangerfjord, and past the iconic Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Calman’s journey was a celebration of Norway’s friluftsliv – or “open-air life” – as she explored the Briksdal Glacier, kayaked through the Brosundet canal, and conquered her fear of heights via the Loen Skylift and Romsdalen Gondola.

The presenter also enjoyed one of Europe’s most scenic train rides, travelling aboard the Golden Train on the historic Rauma Line.

Onboard Bolette, Calman participated in behind-the-scenes tours, joined formal night festivities, and relaxed in the ship’s spa.

Fred. Olsen CEO Samantha Stimpson expressed her excitement about the episode, noting the cruise line’s deep connection to Norway:

“We are incredibly excited to see Bolette make her Channel 5 debut. Norway is at the heart of our heritage, and our smaller ships allow us to access fjords that larger vessels simply cannot reach. To share this experience on such a platform is truly special.”

Fred. Olsen CEO Samantha Stimpson

Upcoming fjordland cruises

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a variety of Norwegian Fjord itineraries in 2025, offering similar awe-inspiring landscapes and activities:

  • Bolette’s eight-night ‘Mountain Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords’ departs Liverpool on 29th May 2025. Highlights include cruising Romsdalsfjorden and Innvikfjord, exploring Åndalsnes, and witnessing powerful waterfalls.
  • Bolette’s nine-night ‘Glaciers, Mountains and Fjords of Norway’ departs Liverpool on 9th July 2025. Guests can enjoy the scenic railways of Flåm and Rauma and marvel at glaciers like Briksdal and Nigardsbreen.
  • Balmoral’s seven-night ‘Mountains and Fjords of Norway’ departs Rosyth on 7th August 2025. Activities include kayaking, hiking, and travelling the legendary Atlantic Ocean Road.
  • Balmoral’s seven-night ‘Mountainous Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords’ departs Newcastle on 8th September 2025. Guests can experience the Hardangerfjord apple harvest and explore the fjordlands via rail, cable car, and winding roads.

Susan Calman’s Cruise of a Lifetime featuring Bolette will air on Channel 5 on Friday, 17th January 2025, and will be available on demand via My5 after its initial broadcast.

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MSC Cruises to Sponsor Three 2025 Formula 1® Races in Landmark Partnership

MSC Cruises has announced it will serve as the title sponsor for three key races in the 2025 Formula 1® World Championship, strengthening its global partnership with the prestigious motorsport.

MSC Grand Prix Sponsorship

The races held in Austria, the USA and Brazil will carry the cruise line’s name, highlighting the collaboration between these two world-class brands.

This marks the first time MSC Cruises’ branding will be featured in the official titles of these Grand Prix races, in addition to its trackside presence as a Global Partner since 2022.

The sponsorship reflects both the global expansion of Formula 1® and the growing appeal of cruising as a premier holiday choice.

MSC Group’s luxury travel brand, Explora Journeys, will also join the excitement with the docking of its new ship, EXPLORA II, at Port Hercule during the Monaco Grand Prix, providing an ultra-luxurious hub for race fans and exclusive events.

The events in question…

  • FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX 2025:
    Taking place from 27-29 June 2025 at Austria’s Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, this thrilling mid-season race features 71 laps of high-octane action.
  • FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2025:
    Scheduled for 17-19 October 2025, this race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, is a favourite among fans, blending state-of-the-art facilities with a vibrant atmosphere.
  • FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES GRANDE PRÊMIO DE SÃO PAULO 2025:
    A highlight towards the season’s end, this race will unfold at Brazil’s iconic Interlagos track from 7-9 November 2025, known for its unpredictable weather and dramatic finishes.

In May, the luxury EXPLORA II will dock at Port Hercule during the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2025.

Guests onboard will enjoy unparalleled views of the race and a series of exclusive events, ensuring a lavish experience at one of Formula 1’s® most glamorous venues.

MSC Cruises’ partnership with Formula 1® underscores the synergy between two industries focused on delivering world-class experiences.

With 2025 marking this significant step, fans can look forward to unforgettable races paired with the sophistication of MSC’s luxury offerings.

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Carnival Reinforces Rules on Gambling on Cruise Ships Following Guest Feedback

Carnival Cruise Line has reiterated its strict policies regarding gambling outside of its onboard casinos, following questions from guests about popular games like Left-Center-Right (LCR).

Carnival Casino

Brand Ambassador John Heald recently addressed the topic after a passenger inquired about playing the game for cash during an upcoming sailing on Carnival Radiance.

The query centred around whether Carnival would permit LCR – a dice game often played for money – during a 14-night Hawaii cruise.

The guest pointed out that other cruise lines allow the game, but Carnival has confirmed its stance on prohibiting all forms of gambling outside the designated casino areas.

Carnival’s rules explicitly prohibit gambling, including cash-based games like LCR, outside of the casino. Heald confirmed that this policy applies across the fleet.

The game itself, however, is not banned. Guests are free to enjoy LCR as long as there is no exchange of money or betting involved. Heald suggested playing for fun or using non-cash alternatives such as small candies or prizes, saying:

“We do not allow gambling outside of the casino in any way, shape, or form. There are very strict rules about this.

“You can play for fun or mini Twix bars but not money. Thank you for your understanding.”

John Heald

Carnival has previously addressed similar concerns, such as when a large group was found playing for money on the Carnival Luminosa in April 2024.

Why Carnival enforces this policy

The prohibition stems from legal obligations and compliance with international gambling laws. Carnival Cruise Line must adhere to regulations governing betting and gaming, which vary depending on the ship’s itinerary and the countries visited.

The policy is not a for-profit measure but rather ensures the cruise line complies with legal definitions of gambling.

Carnival also provides dedicated spaces for guests who wish to enjoy games in non-dining areas, ensuring a pleasant experience for all passengers.

Heald explained that card-playing tables are often set up in quieter areas, such as the upper level of the main dining room or in lounges, to accommodate such activities without disrupting other guests.

For guests looking for alternative ways to enjoy games onboard, Carnival ships offer a variety of spaces for activities, including empty lounges, libraries (on select ships), and seating along the promenade.

These locations provide a relaxed environment for board games, puzzles, and card games without violating the cruise line’s policies.

While Carnival Cruise Line strives to ensure all guests have a fun and engaging cruise experience, rules like these are in place to create a safe and lawful environment for everyone on board.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Carnival Cruise Line Remakes Iconic Kathie Lee Gifford Commercial with Jonathan Bennett

Carnival Cruise Line has recreated one of its most iconic advertising moments with a modern twist, enlisting Hallmark star Jonathan Bennett to pay tribute to Kathie Lee Gifford’s popular 1984 television commercial.

Carnival recreates classic commercial

The new video is a scene-by-scene homage to the original “Fun Ships” ad, in which Gifford famously sang “Ain’t We Got Fun.”

Bennett follows the same choreography and dons updated costumes inspired by the original, while singing his own rendition of the catchy tune.

Honouring Kathie Lee Gifford’s legacy

The remake, shared on Carnival and Bennett’s Instagram accounts on 2nd January 2025, quickly garnered thousands of likes.

Fans celebrated the tribute as a nod to both Gifford’s enduring legacy with Carnival and the cruise line’s commitment to fun-filled vacations.

Jonathan Bennett holds a special connection to Carnival as the godfather of Carnival Firenze, which debuted in April 2024.

Alongside his husband, Jaymes Vaughan, the actor also celebrates their anniversary annually on a Carnival cruise.

Kathie Lee Gifford’s association with Carnival began with her 1984 commercial, the first national TV advertisement in the cruise industry.

She became a defining spokesperson for the brand throughout the 1980s and 1990s, serving as godmother to the original Celebration and Carnival Ecstasy.

While Gifford hasn’t reprised the role of godmother recently, she participated in the naming ceremony of Carnival Sunrise in 2019 and passed on the tradition to her daughter, Cassidy Gifford, who became godmother to Carnival Celebration in 2022.

Gifford’s GIFFT Wines, launched in partnership with Scheid Family Wines, are another lasting mark of her involvement with Carnival.

Introduced in 2015, the wines remain available across the fleet in main dining rooms, bars, and as part of beverage packages.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

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