Until now, the line has staunchly positioned itself as a no-fly cruise operator with sailings departing from various UK regional ports such as Tilbury, Newcastle, Liverpool and Portsmouth.
However, following Ambassador’s merger with French cruise operator Compagnie Francaise de Croisieres (CFC) in January, the line has decided to offer a fly-cruise Caribbean programme in October, with charter flights operated by Virgin Atlantic.
The programme includes 10 sailings onboard 1,100-passenger Renaissance, a former Compagnie Francaise de Croisieres’ ship, which was "fully renovated" in 2023. Passengers will be sourced through the UK, French and the Dutch markets.
Prices for the 14-night Tropical Autumn Escape sailing onboard Renaissance, departing 17 November 2025 from Bridgetown, Barbados, start from £1,799pp. Ports of call include Basseterre, Saint Kitts; Saint John’s in Antigua and Barbuda; and the British Virgin Islands.
Passengers who fancy cruising at Christmas can book the 14-night Christmas in the Caribbean sailing, departing on 15 December 2025. Prices start from £2,399pp.
Ambassador chief executive Christian Verhounig said: "For the first time, we’re introducing fly-cruise adventures with Virgin Atlantic, giving you the chance to explore the Caribbean’s stunning islands with ease.
"Whether you choose to sail from London, spend Christmas in the tropics or ring in the New Year under starry skies, there are 10 unforgettable sailings from October 2025 to March 2026."
He added: "With smaller ships come bigger adventures, carefully crafted to blend exploration, relaxation and cultural discovery. Alongside exceptional service, outstanding cuisine and world-class entertainment, you’ll experience the warmest welcome at sea."
At the time of the merger announcement, Maelysse Pierrot-Guibourt, CFC chief executive, said the “exciting” merger underlined the “collective confidence” in the cruise industry’s future.
