Ambition was named in Newcastle on Thursday evening (11 May) with Robertson, the first British woman to take gold at two consecutive Olympics, speaking of how her ambition and determination reflected the UK-based line’s own drive, having launched in January 2021.

Ambassador chief executive Christian Verhounig talked of his love for the ship since he was involved at its original launch as Mistral for now defunct Festival Cruises in 1999.

He said the revamp – and the company’s focus on offering “premium value on small- to mid-size classic ships” for an over-50s audience – had boosted the industry.

“Travel agents are very important to us, especially with our demographics – so many of our guests want a travel agent to help them choose,” said Verhounig.

“We have just made a massive input on the travel trade side, brought in a new, enlarged team… we want to work with the trade and are giving a lot of support.”

Chief commercial officer Phil Gardner called Ambassador’s aim since it launched first ship, Ambience a year ago, providing “Hilton at the price of a Premier Inn”, claiming “huge loyalty” from its customers – with a third of the line’s 30,000 guests who sailed last year already rebooked.

Gardner said in its 2023-24 season Ambition would help Ambassador carry 100,000 guests from eight UK ports – including 11 sailings from Newcastle.

Ambition, capable of carrying 1,200 guests, steers away from the modern trend of pale, Scandi design, instead mixing the company’s signature purple with golden wood panelling and other rich colours.

There are a number of bars, a theatre, main restaurants Buckingham and Holyrood, the Borough Market buffet and speciality spots Saffron (Indian) and Lupino’s (Italian).

As well as creating the visually striking interior, a major refit has introduced new environmental technology including water treatment and food disposal.

Ambition honoured its godmother by calling at Dundee, Robertson’s birthplace, before sailing its maiden voyage to France.