Ambassador introduces Renaissance

Malcolm Ginsberg reports whilst his new web site is being prepared with a target date for December 1^st.

It has never happened before in the history of cruising.  Having arrived earlier in the morning as  CFC Renaissance Ambassador Cruise Lines MV Renaissance departed Tilbury last Thursday(30 October), en route to Barbados late afternoon. Stops were to be made at  Amsterdam, (IJmuiden) ideal for a day out at historic Harlem, and Dunkirk to collect Continent based passengers

It is a remarkable story and seems to be working.  A French liner became a virtually British ship within a few hours.  The multi-lingual crew adapted quickly to English and the safety drill was completed for all.  It may have been hectic behind the scenes, but reports are very positive.

Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) and Ambassador merged earlier this year to form Ambassador Group.

The former Maasdam of Holland America Line now called Renaissance is due in Bridgetown (Barbados) 17 November for a series of Caribbean cruises before returning to Tilbury in March. During summer 2025 it served the French market as it will next year.

Problems?

It’s not perfect, and Ambassador have hight standards.  There  were not  enough electric adapters to go around but the team on board seemed to adjust to the new guests very quicky.

Our on-board spy confirms that the executive chef from Ambassador Ambience has joined the ship to sort things out for the British palate. Otherwise, he says the cruise liner is delightful and similar to Fred Olsen’s Borealis, also ex-Holland America.  And no problems with the cold weather for its passage south. Renaissance has a retractable roof and unlike Ambassador’s other two ships offers a covered but not heated pool.  As for the dining it is “so so” at the moment but there is plenty of time to get it right.  Our man (and family) are going to try some French cuisine.  Entertainment and  daytime activity reports will follow

Our couple are on deck 10 with a balcony suite including a full length bath and shower overhead.  Separate lounge area and make up area.  Numerous spaces for hanging men’s jackets and ladies dresses and in excess of 17 drawers.  A very big tv in excess of 43 inches. Two chairs and a couch seating 6 which can turn into another bed. In addition there is a dressing room next to the bathroom. Only two plugs in the cabin with French fittings.  As a suite patron there is a special lounge which has tea and coffee and snacks appropriate for the time of the day. Generally speaking he describes the service as friendly organised chaos.

The different languages don't seem to be causings problems. There are more Dutch people than French and the British are the majority.

Sunday (2 November) the Bay of Biscay was fine towards Vigo.  Next the Azores and on to the Caribbean.  The holiday package includes a return flight to Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic.  Some passengers will return to Manchester.

The ‘new ship’ gamble seems has come off. Well done Ambassador says our man on board.

A further report will  follow next weekend.

Malcolm will again be talking cruising at the Jewish community gathering called Limmud at the Hilton NEC over the year end  holiday period.  Short promotional videoes welcome and any 'what's new' for 2026.  

MALCOLM GINSBERG

07973 210631

www.ginsberg.co.uk

malcolm@ginsberg.co.uk

Renaissance at Tilbury during a remarable turnaround. Image courtesy Ambassador.

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