The line announced on Friday (25 March) it had been forced to push back Ambience’s first sailing, scheduled to depart on 6 April from Tilbury, by a fortnight owing to "supply-side delays" during dry-dock in Croatia.

In a further update to the trade, chief executive Christian Verhounig said supply issues around marine gas oil in Croatia had been “exacerbated by the terrible events in Ukraine” and despite being rectified, the ship would arrive too late for its maiden cruise.

Verhounig added that the inaugural sailing “is one of two events and three initial cruises” we need to reschedule or cancel”.

Clients booked to sail from Tilbury next week have automatically been transferred to Ambience’s new maiden voyage, a four-night itinerary from Tilbury to Hamburg, on 20 April.

“We want to be sure that we give first priority to your customers who have been inconvenienced by the rescheduled sailing,” said Verhounig.

Guest choosing to keep the booking will also receive 10% onboard credit (based on the original value of their paid ticket fare), plus a 20% future cruise discount.

Those unable to sail will receive a full refund plus a 10% future cruise discount within 14 working days of confirming their cancellation. 

Customer must confirm their chosen option by Friday (1 April) and agents with further queries are encouraged to contact Ambassador’s trade sales team at tradesales@ambassadorcruiseline.com 

“I would like to thank you for your understanding. Having put so much effort into building this new cruise line with a product and service offering which we believe we can be proud of, it is heart-breaking to deliver this news and to disrupt your customers’ holiday plans. Thank you for your support of Ambassador Cruise Line,” Verhounig added.