Essex-based Ambassador Cruise Line, a Njord Partners portfolio company, and French cruise operator Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) have reached an agreement to merge, forming the Ambassador Group.
The newly formed entity aims to focus on premium, affordable experiences tailored to the “no-fly silver market.”
The deal is expected to close by the end of January 2025.
The aim of the newly formed Ambassador Group is to expand its footprint in the European market, as the European cruise sector is expected to experience a significant growth over the next decade, according to the cruise line Ambassador.
The combined company will operate a fleet of three small-to-mid-sized vessels incorporating Ambassador’s ships Ambience (1991-built, 70,285grt) and Ambition (1999-built, 48,123grt), and CFC’s ship Renaissance with 1,200 guest-capacity.
The merger maintains the distinct identities of the brands, the company said, with the Ambassador and CFC vessels continuing to provide traditional British cruising experiences, and an authentic French cruise product.
As part of its initial initiatives, the Ambassador Group plans to introduce a joint fly-cruise Caribbean program in collaboration with European travel operator Corendon.
Launching in the winter of 2025-2026, these itineraries will target travellers from the UK, France, and the Netherlands, departing from homeports such as Barbados, Martinique, and Curaçao.
