As a result, the vessel’s sailings from 3 July 2023 through 17 August 2023 have been cancelled.
In response, the line has repositioned Norwegian Getaway to take over Viva’s cancelled European voyages.
A spokesperson said: “Guests can rebook on Norwegian Getaway and receive a 20% discount on the voyage fare paid, or they can receive a full refund.
“Guests choosing either option will receive a 10% discount valid for any future sailing bookable from 23 August 2022 through 31 December 2024. We appreciate the understanding of our guests and travel partners.”
“We’ve over-scaled the amount of lounge space for guests on the icon of the Seas versus any other ship. That is purposeful to give more space,” said Jay Schneider, senior vice president and chief product innovation officer for Royal Caribbean international.
“You’ll find more share and more deck chairs,” he added.
The 250,800-ton ship will have a capacity for over 5,600 guests at double occupancy, becoming the largest cruise ship in the world when it debuts in Miami in January 2024, sailing week-long cruises.
Guests will first be “wowed” by a massive multi-deck pearl structure when boarding the ship, which Schneider said would provide a jaw-dropping moment.
Royal Caribbean’s neighbourhood concept will also be back, with new five areas and returning favourites, plus some tweaks.
The popular Central Park will be lusher, said Schneider, with 20 per cent more greenery.
“Guests will also be able to see the ocean for the first time,” he said. Currently, on Oasis-class ships, Central Park sits in the middle of the superstructure, without ocean views.
Central Park will also feature a dedicated entertainment venue and Izumi, the company’s sushi and hibachi restaurant will be in its biggest-ever form in Izumi on the Park. Guests can dine in and there will also be a takeout window for a bento-box-style experience.
In addition, the cruise line has worked hard on passenger flow, Schneider said, really trying to eliminate dead ends.
“There are dead ends on every cruise ship,” he continued. “We’ve tried to solve that here. The upper deck six mezzanine of the promenade is a complete 360.”
The line is advertising for several new roles including national sales manager, business development manager, business development executive and trade support assistant.
Ambassador said the exact structure of the team would be agreed once the recruitment process had taken place, and interested candidates should apply to nicola.harper@ambassadorcruiseline.com
As part of its expansion, Ambassador will split its group and trade booking function into two “distinct” departments among its new-look distribution team.
Meanwhile, the line has also announced the departure of business development manager Moira Gregson, who is set to leave the company on 25 November to take up a new role.
Ambassador’s chief commercial officer Phil Gardner said the company had “stepped out of start-up mode” and “firmly into a day-to-day operation with all the regular workings of a business built for success”.
“Following the arrival of Nicola Harper as our new head of distribution last month, I’m delighted to announce our exciting plans as we look to ensure that Ambassador has the right commercial structure in place for distribution so that it serves our business in the most effective and productive way possible.”
“I would like to sincerely thank Moira for the great work she has done during her time with us and wish her well for the future,” added Gardner.
