Due to technical problems with Ambassador Cruise Line’s cruise ship Ambience, which is in dry dock in Bremerhaven undergoing repairs to the ship’s propeller shaft, the Line’s other ship, Ambition, has stepped in to replace her sister ship.
During the dry docking, significant issues were uncovered that prevented Ambience (ex-Regal Princess) from returning to service.
The maintenance work, which involves repairing propeller shafts and stern bearings damaged by metal grinding, is necessary to prevent environmental risks. Both propeller shafts and the bearings will be taken by sea to Denmark to be repaired by a specialist company.
The announcement comes ahead of a busy season of sailings, with thousands of guests booked on the vessel. In response to the setback, Ambassador Cruise Line decided to swap itineraries between Ambience and its other cruise ship, Ambition.
Ambition is pictured alongside London International Cruise Terminal. The 216m ship has 679 cabins and accommodates 1,200 guests; she was built in 1999 and has undergone a major refit in 2023.
Photo and report by Fraser Gray