Ambassador Cruise Line's Ambition Adds Dialysis Center in Drydock

Ambassador Cruise Line has sent Ambition into a multimillion-pound drydock refurbishment at APCL A&P Falmouth, launching a first-time partnership with the Cornish shipyard. The maintenance period began on Nov. 8 and is scheduled to run through Dec. 1, ahead of the ship’s planned return to service on Dec. 2, 2025.

Why Ambassador chose A&P Falmouth for the drydock

Ambassador said A&P Falmouth was selected via a competitive tender process, with the cruise line also pointing to operational advantages in the shipyard’s proposal. The yard’s plan included a shorter repositioning voyage from Liverpool, where Ambition completed its previous sailing, to Falmouth.

According to Ambassador, the reduced deviation created additional time for the ship to remain in drydock and lowered fuel consumption compared with longer routing options. Nick Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, also framed the award as support for domestic industry alongside the company’s standards goals.

What the refurbishment covers: technical work, exterior renewal, and hotel updates

Ambassador said the drydock scope combines technical maintenance and guest-area improvements, with technical teams and hotel refurbishment specialists working across multiple parts of the vessel.

• Propulsion and stabilizers: The shipyard visit includes servicing of Ambition’s propulsion and stabilizer systems as part of a broader mechanical program intended to support reliable operations after the 2025 season.
• Mechanical overhauls and systems servicing: Ambassador said engineers will carry out mechanical overhauls and other systems-related maintenance during the Nov. 8 to Dec. 1 drydock window.
• Steel repairs and hull work: The project includes essential steel repairs as well as a full hull repaint, combining structural upkeep with exterior renewal.
• Public areas, cabins, and crew accommodation: On the hotel side, Ambassador said Ambition is receiving updates to soft furnishings, finishes, and fabrics, alongside refurbishments in restaurants, entertainment spaces, guest cabins, and crew areas.

New onboard medical capability: a kidney dialysis treatment center

One of the most significant changes planned for Ambition is the conversion of a spa treatment room into a dedicated kidney dialysis treatment center. Ambassador said the new space is intended to support guests who require hemodialysis while traveling at sea, with care provided under the supervision of an expert medical team.

What the company and shipyard are saying

Hughes said the refit represents a significant commitment to the ship. “We are delighted to be working with A&P Falmouth for the first time,” he said, adding that the drydock is a “multimillion-pound investment” tied to maintaining technical, environmental, and hospitality standards. He also said Ambassador was pleased to see a U.K. yard selected and to support the regional economy.

From the shipyard side, Mike Spicer, Managing Director at APCL A&P Falmouth, said the facility already knew the vessel from its port calls. “APCL is familiar with Ambition and her crew,” Spicer said, noting that the ship and its passengers are regular visitors to Falmouth’s International Cruise Terminal. He added that the team was pleased to welcome the ship into the repair yard for the refit.

Ambition’s background and its role in no-fly cruises from regional U.K. ports

Ambition is a 48,000-ton ship built in 1999 that joined Ambassador Cruise Line’s lineup in 2023. Over its career, the vessel previously sailed under several operators, including Festival Cruises, Ibero Cruises, Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises, before entering Ambassador service.

Ambassador has positioned the ship around departures from regional U.K. ports for travelers who prefer to embark closer to home. The cruise line has marketed sailings from ports including Liverpool, Bristol, Dundee, Newcastle and London Tilbury.

Ambassador has also described Ambition as catering to a predominantly British audience seeking traditional cruising, including gala dinners and familiar onboard traditions such as Beef Wellington and a Baked Alaska parade, paired with refreshed public spaces and accommodations following the drydock.

Return to service and the next scheduled drydock in the fleet

After the shipyard period concludes, Ambition is scheduled to resume operations on Dec. 2, 2025, with a three-night “Christmas Markets of Bruges & Amsterdam” sailing visiting Bruges and Amsterdam.

Ambassador’s next planned maintenance period will then shift to its other ship, Ambience, which is set to enter drydock at A&P Tyne in Newcastle on Jan. 7, 2026, for a three-week refurbishment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the timeline for Ambition’s drydock refurbishment?

Ambition entered drydock on Nov. 8, 2025, at APCL A&P Falmouth. The maintenance period is scheduled to run through Dec. 1, with the ship planned to return to service on Dec. 2, 2025.

What work is included in Ambition’s refurbishment?

Ambassador said the program combines technical maintenance and hotel upgrades. It includes mechanical overhauls, steel repairs, a full hull repaint, and servicing of stabilizer and propulsion systems, as well as refreshed soft furnishings and updates across public spaces, restaurants, entertainment areas, guest cabins, and crew accommodations.

Why did Ambassador select A&P Falmouth for the project?

Ambassador said A&P Falmouth was chosen through a competitive tender process, and that the yard’s proposal included a shorter repositioning voyage from Liverpool to Falmouth. The cruise line said the reduced deviation helped lower fuel consumption and created additional time for Ambition to remain in drydock.

When and where will Ambience undergo its next drydock period?

Ambience is scheduled to enter drydock at A&P Tyne in Newcastle on Jan. 7, 2026, for a three-week maintenance period, according to Ambassador.