Ambassador Cruise Line has revealed plans to double its trade team

Posted on 23 November, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Ambassador Cruise Line has revealed plans to double its trade team following the arrival of head of distribution Nicola Harper last month.

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.

Borealis Docks at Port of Cork to Wrap Up the Cruise Season

Posted on 27 October, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

The Borealis from Fred. Olsen was the last cruise ship to call at Port of Cork for the 2022 cruise season last week, capping off a successful restart for the port that saw over 115,000 passengers and 90 vessels visit, according to a press release.

The cruise industry is estimated to contribute €70 million to the national economy and €14 million to local economies such as Cork annually. This year, 90 cruise ships docked in the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay Port, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the port.

“We made many strides in rebuilding the sector to pre-pandemic levels and the outlook for 2023 is even more positive – with in excess of 100 vessels scheduled to call to the Port of Cork so far,” said Conor Mowlds, chief commercial officer, Port of Cork Company.

Some COVID precautions and practices were still in place this season, with many ships operating at 75 per cent capacity. Prior to the pandemic, the Port of Cork had planned for 100 cruise ships per year, while in 2022 it received 12 first-time calls, bringing the total number of calls to 81.

“The atmosphere in the town when a ship is in is just electric – not only from the influx of passengers on board visiting Cobh but from the many people who visit from all over the country to see these ships up close. It has been especially beneficial for Cobh tourism and trade,” added Johanna Murphy, president of, the Cobh and Harbour Chamber.

The docking of the MSC Virtuosa, which made its maiden call on September 29, was one of the season’s highlights, as it became the largest vessel to dock in Cork this year.

The city of Liverpool turn to the Cruise Industry for floating hotels for the EuroVision 23

Posted on 13 October, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Celebrity Silhouette berthed in the city of Liverpool Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Cruise ships are being considered as alternative accommodation options for those travelling to Liverpool for Eurovision 2023 after the city’s hotels begin to sell out, according to reports in the national press.

Within minutes of the announcement, many of Liverpool’s hotels were reportedly fully booked on 13 May, including all of the city’s Premier Inns and Travelodge hotels.

According to ITV, some city-centre rooms and apartments were available on Booking.com, with the cost of a one-night stay ranging between £855 and £1,444.

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and visitor economy, Cllr Harry Doyle, said: “I’m disappointed with some accommodation providers who have hiked prices.

“That’s normal, apparently after the initial announcement. We had planned for this and are looking at alternative arrangements including a cruise ship and campsites.”

Speaking to BBC News, Chris Brown, director of Marketing Liverpool, said the city will release more accommodation options “soon”.

“That could involve cruise ships or opportunities around a campsite, but we do have a pretty robust plan,” he added.

“We will certainly be addressing [hotels who have hiked their prices] who we feel are put together, or behaving in a way that we would not say is in the spirit of the ethos of why Liverpool went for Eurovision.”