Ambience

The 1991-built MV Ambience cruise ship is currently owned and operated by the UK-based Ambassador Cruise Line and has as fleetmate Ambition (1999-built, fka AIDAmira/Costa neoRiviera). The vessel was previously known as "Pacific Dawn" (P&O Australia), "Amy Johnson" (CMV) and "Satoshi" (Ocean Builders' "Crypto Cruise Ship" 2020-2021). The boat was launched as Regal Princess (link to the 2014-built liner). As "Pacific Dawn", the vessel was operated by P&O Australia (Carnival Corporation-owned company) in the period 2007-2020. Under P&O, Pacific Dawn sailed ~1,37 million mi (~2,2 M km) and served ~2 million passengers.

While operated by P&O Australia, the vessel (IMO number 8521232) was UK-flagged (MMSI number 235059368) and registered in Southampton. Under the Ocean Builders' "Crypto Cruise Ship" ownership, the vessel was re-flagged to Panama (MMSI 355852000) and registered in Colon.

Ambassador Ambience is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001109) and registered in Nassau.

History and ownership

On December 18, 2020, the previous shipowner (Ocean Builders Panama) announced that the "Crypto Cruise Ship" project is terminated and MS Satopshi sold for scrapping at Alang India.

In February 2021, Pacific Dawn was planned to leave P&O Australia. The ship's last cruise for P&O was scheduled for February 8, 2021 (departing from Melbourne to Singapore via Brisbane). The last voyage was bookable as short-break (Melbourne-Brisbane), Asia Explorer (Brisbane-Singapore) and "full farewell" (17-night B2B cruise Melbourne-Brisbane-Singapore). In April 2021, P&O Australia's fleet was also planned to leave Pacific Aria (now Celestyal Journey).

In November 2019, for both vessels were signed presale agreements with Cruise & Maritime Voyages/CMV UK. In 2021, Pacific Dawn was to be renamed to "CMV Amy Johnson", Pacific Aria - to "CMV Ida Pfeiffer". Following the CMV's collapse (filed for bankruptcy in July 2020), Carnival Corporation reopened both ships for sale.

• On September 29, 2020, P&O Australia announced Pacific Dawn's sale, but the buyer (new shipowner) was not disclosed. The liner was last refurbished (by P&O AU) in 2017 and scheduled for refurbishment in 2021 April. Pacific Aria was sold in mid-October 2020.
• A total of 14x Pacific Dawn cruise itineraries (departures planned for the period December 4 through February 11 including) were canceled. For these last-scheduled by P&O AU voyages see at the ship's Wiki section.

The new shipowner Ocean Builders (via the Panama-based company Wake Asset Co Ltd) reconstructed Pacific Dawn into a residential ship ("Crypto Cruise Ship") and renamed it "MS Satoshi". Prior to the Transatlantic repositioning crossing from Europe to Panama, the ship entered drydock at Gibdock Shipyard (Gibraltar).

Starting November 5, 2020, the first 100 (of the ship's total 777) staterooms were opened for purchase, with prices ranging between USD 25-50,000. Short-term stateroom rentals are also available. The auction for the first 100 staterooms/apartments ended on November 28.

The vessel's name honored Satoshi Nakamoto (Bitcoin's creator).

Ocean Builders company's CEO is Chad Elwartkowski. The "Crypto Cruise Ship" project generally targeted Bitcoin enthusiasts. The ship was marketed as a floating residence where payments (in all onboard shops and restaurants) can be made in BitCoins, in addition to conventional currencies. The access to the off-coast drifting MS Satoshi was intended to be via a 30-min ferry ride from Panama City. Some of the privately-owned staterooms on the liner were opened for rent as living accommodations or business offices.

In May 2021 was announced that the new brand "Ambassador Cruise Line" (UK-based company, with headquarters in Purfleet-on-Thames, Essex England) is the new operator of the renamed "MS Ambience" liner. Ambassador Cruise Line targets the UK source market exclusively, trying to take the place of the popular CMV-Cruise And Maritime Voyages (2009-founded, 2020-defunct).

•  Ambassador Cruise Line's President and CEO is Christian Verhounig (Owner and CEO of CVI Group Ltd). The company's executive managers also include Phil Gardner (CCO-Chief Commercial Officer), Matthias Seeger (CFO-Chief Financial Officer), Nick Hughes (COO-Chief Operating Officer).
• The shipowner CVI Group Ltd is a London City-based company incorporated on August 18, 2020, with first statement date August 17, 2021.
• In late-August 2020 was announced that CVI Group acquired/purchased some of the CMV assets, including websites, intellectual property, and customer databases.

On the next photo is also shown floating "SeaPod homes" planned by Ocean Builders for MS Satoshi ship's residents and guests.

On November 18, 2020, the 29-year-old MS Satoshi left Malta en route to Gibraltar UK (arrived on November 23) where was drydock renovated (including repainting the hull and superstructure) at Gibdock Shipyard. The vessel's permanent deployment in Panama started in December 2020 as it remained at anchorage (off Colon) through February 2021.

On February 23 started the Transatlantic crossing from Panama to Europe (Colon to Valetta Malta). The ship arrived in Malta (for bunkering) on March 24 and docked at Port Bar (Montenegro) on March 27. According to rumors, MS Satoshi was resold to a new cruise company (not revealed at the time) which plans to start operations in 2021-Q3.

The 1900-passenger ship Ambience was designed by Renzo Piano (Italian architect). The vessel is interesting for providing connections between most staterooms (making it a great choice for families and group/party travelers). Following Pacific Dawn's drydock 2017, the ship now features the enormous Big Screen (outdoor theater / midship on Sundeck), new Aqua Park (waterpark with a dual-waterslide / aft on Sundeck), The Pantry (buffet-style market with fresh-food outlets), redesigned Atrium (decks 5-6-7), fully-renovated bars, lounges and wellness facilities.

Ambassador Cruise Line Ambience ship's max passenger capacity (1915) is limited to 1400, which as space ratio makes her comparable to many luxury cruise ships.

In July 2024, Ambassador introduced the cruise ship tours "Exploring Ambition" and "Exploring Ambience". The guided tours allow passengers a behind-the-scenes look at the vessel, visiting its galleys/kitchens, the Engine Control Room, the Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse, and the Theater Lounge. The ship tour package includes a gift bag with branded merchandise (lanyard, souvenir mug, paper and pen); a Visitor Pass, a photo with the Captain (in the Wheelhouse), a Q&A session (with the ship's Hotel Director), snacks and beverages. Ambassador Cruise Line's ship tour is limited to 10 guests (per group) and is priced at GBP 89 per person.

Decks and Cabins

Ambassador Ambience staterooms (total 798, in 27 grades) include 50x Suites, 134x Balcony, 436x Oceanview and 178x Inside cabins. Most staterooms are 190-ft2 (18 m2) and nearly 25% have private balconies. The largest passenger accommodations (Balcony Suites) are sized 560 ft2 (52 m2).

• Two-Room Deluxe Suites (52 m2) have private step-out balcony, twin beds (convertible to double), single sofabed (for 3rd passenger), separate bedroom-lounge. One Suite is wheelchair-accessible.
• Junior Suites (35 m2) have private step-out balcony, twin beds (convertible to double), double sofabed (rollaway bed). Two Junior Suites are wheelchair-accessible.
• Sized 20 m2 are categories 14 (Superior Balcony), 15 (Superior Plus Balcony) and 16 (Premium Twin Balcony).
• Most oceanview cabins are with twin beds (convertible to double bed), some have 3rd-4th upper beds (bunks). Some outside cabins are wheelchair-accessible and some are interconnecting.
• All interior cabins are with two single beds (lower twins) convertible to a double bed (Queen-size) plus 3ird-4th upper beds (bunks). Some inside cabins are wheelchair-accessible and some are interconnecting. Most Premium Twin Inner (category 4) cabins are double-occupancy (convertible twin beds).

Standard cabin amenities include an en-suite bathroom (WC-toilet, curtain shower, single-sink vanity, toiletries), bedside cabinets (4-drawer), wall-mounted reading lamps, individually-controlled air-conditioning, mirrored dressing table (writing desk with chair and lamp), smart HDTV (satellite reception), seating area (armchair with a coffee table), wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), moquette flooring. Balcony furniture consists of 2 deckchairs and a low table).

The boat has 13 decks, of which 11 are passenger-accessible and 7 with cabins.

Pacific Dawn ship review (facilities and amenities)

Sophisticated and various food is available onboard Pacific Dawn. The buffet restaurant, a la carte main dining room, and The Grill give a chance to choose from. For a little fee, passengers can sense the flavors of Asia with an 8-course banquet at La Luna or, dine in style at celebrity chef restaurant Salt grill by Luke Mangan. Back by popular demand are favorites, such as the exclusive 14-seat Chef's Table. The Waterfront Restaurant (main dining room) continues to serve classic Australian dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a stylish setting.

Follows the complete list of Pacific Dawn restaurants and food bars.

• Waterfront Restaurant (open-seating dining room; each of all three dining rooms on Pacific Dawn is operated with "Your Choice Dining" (a la carte) menus for breakfast and lunch, and offers a 4-course dinner menu. Tables seat up to 10 guests. Dining times vary according to sea/port days)
• Part of the Waterfront restaurant is the "Wine Room" with cases of wine and Champagne bottles on display. The Wine Room also serves PO Cruises Australia's "Chef's Table" experience (specialty dining venue with gourmet private dining and tour of the galley)
• Salt Grill (reservations-only specialty restaurant via a partnership with Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan)
• The Pantry (self-service buffet restaurant with several fresh-food outlets and an open-air terrace) replaced the traditional Lido Buffet "Plantation Restaurant". The Pantry's features are the new restaurants "Nic and Toni's" (Mediterranean cuisine) and "Shell and Bones" (seafood). The "Shell and Bones Seafood and Grill" is part of "The Pantry" (food market) and is complimentary during the day. In the evenings, it transforms into a la carte-priced restaurant. The seafood menu features popular Australian dishes, like Singaporean Chili Crab (from Queensland) and Steamed Blue Mussels with Wine (from South Australia), The daily grill bar menu offers items like Slow-cooked Beef Short Ribs, Portuguese-style roast chicken, also vegetarian options.
• The Luna room (Asian-cuisine banquets; features Japanese and Thai specialties); The Grill (lido BBQ)
• The "Shell and Bones" (a la carte pricing) is open daily between 5:30-9 pm. The menu features dishes like Portuguese-style roast chicken, Singapore-style crab (US$25), hot seafood extravaganza (US$50 for 2). Sides like garlic bread, potato wedges, and grilled corn cobettes are complimentary as are the kids' options of fish fingers or seafood party plate. One dessert is only offered: apple and rhubarb crumble with New Zealand Natural ice cream (US$9) designed to share.

Daytime activities range from whiskey tastings and martini mixology classes to quilling and salsa dance classes. Passengers can find karaoke, bingo, and trivia almost every day. The daily itinerary on sea days is packed with activities. The big-screen on the pool deck proved to be a big hit and is largely used for broadcasting full-length concerts, live sports, and movies. Major international sporting events are also shown (such as the FIFA World Cup). Evening entertainment is standard cruise ship fare with a mix of guest entertainers and Broadway-style production shows. For kids, innovative activity clubs include Turtle Cove (ages 3-6-yo), Shark Shack (ages 7-10-yo) and HQ for teens. Adults can relax in the child-free Oasis on ship's top deck, while all ages enjoy the swimming pool on Lido deck and the adventures of the P&OEdge program, held all over Dawn, with a climbing course on the funnel and a zip line across the top deck.

In January 2022, Ambassador Cruise Line signed with The Peel Entertainment Group (Skipton, North Yorkshire England-based agency) a 5-year partnership deal (though 2027) to provide the onboard entertainment on the Ambience ship.

Follows the complete list of Pacific Dawn lounges, bars, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Pacific Dawn Atrium (3-decks central open floor area and social hub)
• Charlie's Bar; The Orient bar (English pub); Promenade Bar; MIX (specialty cocktails bar); The Cafe; Lido Pool Bar
• Essentials Store; Tax and Duty-Free Shops; PANDORA shop (jewelry); Aqua Hut (snorkeling equipment)
• The Marquee Theatre is a 2-decks show lounge hosting large-scale production shows, magic and stand-up comedy acts in the evenings. During the day, the Theater hosts Jackpot bingo games, live performances (musical- and gameshows), trivia quizzes, enrichment lectures (guest speakers, craft tutors), theatrical plays.
• Wine Room (boutique winery)
• The Big Screen (outdoor LED screen for movies, show programs, sports games)
• The Dome Bar (indoor observation lounge with floor-ceiling windows, large dance floor, and a full-service bar; transforms into a disco nightclub in the evenings)
• Players Bar and Casino, Techno Store
• Expressions Studio (Photo Gallery and Shop); Art Gallery; The Library; Internet Cafe
• The Oasis (adults-only relaxation complex)
• Promenade (deck 7), 2 pools, 4 jacuzzis
• Aqua HealthSpaFitness (Wellness Centre with Day Spa, Thermal Suites, Fitness Centre with a separate room for classes, Massage Rooms, Aqua Beauty Salon)
• Teen- and Kids club lounges (offering complimentary activities by P&O youth program: "Turtle Cove"; "Shark Shack"; "HQ" lounge; "HQ+" teen lounge)
• P&OEdge Adventure Park experience ("high adrenalin" program with 20 different activities, such as climbing, jumping, racing, flying on ropes)
• Jogging Track; Traditional deck games area (Deck Chess, Deck Quoits, Shuffleboard); Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, tennis); Table Tennis; Golf Nets.
• On its top deck, the ship has an Aqua Park.

CMV Amy Johnson ship review (facilities and amenities)

Follows the review of CMV Amy Johnson cruise ship facilities and onboard amenities.

The "Waterfront Restaurant" is the dining room which operates with open-seating and a la carte menus ("Your Choice Dining") for breakfast and lunch, and offers a 4-course dinner menu. Tables seats from 2 to 10 guests. Dining Room times vary (sea / port days): Breakfast (7:30-9:30 / 7-9am), Lunch (12-2pm), Dinner (5:30-9:30pm).

Part of Waterfront Restaurant is the "Wine Room". It serves the CMV line's "Chef's Table" dinner package. The "Chef's Table" is a gourmet private dining package for up to 14 guests (surcharge PP apply, reservations required), inclusive of a cocktail reception, canapes by the Columbus ship's Executive Chef, and a tour of the galley.

"The Grill" is a specialty restaurant (surcharges PP) run by celebrity chef Luke Mangan (reservations-only, closed on port days).

The "Pantry Restaurant" is the lido buffet restaurant. Dining times here vary (sea / port days): breakfast (6:30-11am / 6-11am), lunch (11:30am-2:30pm / 11:30am-3pm), and dinner (5-9pm).

The "Fusion" room is an Asian-cuisine specialty restaurant annex (cover charges PP apply). Fusion's menu features Japanese and Thai food specialties.

"The Palladium Show Lounge" is a 2-decks high theatre hosting large-scale show productions in the evenings with live music, magic, and comedy performances by guest entertainers. The daily program here has Jackpot bingo games and trivia quizzes. The Palladium Bar serves the theatre and the foyer area.

"Jade HealthSpaFitness" (wellness complex) that consists of Spa (Sauna, Steam Rooms), Gym (with modern equipment, also offering personal trainers on Yoga, Pilates and fitness classes), Massage Rooms (facials, scrubs, reflexology, acupuncture, spa massages, aaa), Jade Beauty Salon (hairdresser and barber services - cutting, styling, colouring, conditioning treatments, blow-dry, brow and lash treatments, shaving, also waxing, manicure, pedicure, teeth-whitening, botox, aaa).

Thermal Suites are accessed via single passes and unlimited passes (throughout the cruise). The 10-20-30 Thermal Suite deals allow choosing 3 signature treatments with a 10% discount off the first treatment, 20% off the 2nd, and 30% off the 3rd.

The Gym has 5 treadmills, 3 stationary bikes, and 3 stair runners with 1 each of the following machines: leg pull down, leg extension, leg press, weight bench, multi-press, lower back, and abdominal. Professional training staff holds individual and group classes.

Medical Centre is Amy Johnson ship's hospital, operated by resident doctors and nurses on 24-hour duty. Payments are made by the CMV boarding pass (treatments equivalent to a private doctor's visit). Buying cruise health insurance is recommended.

CMV Amy Johnson ship's Atrium is a 3-deck high open-floor design area with live music and show entertainment. The Lobby level is served by the Hemmingway's Bar (portside lobby bar serving the foyer).

Reception Desk provides 24-hour guest services, assistance, information, purser).

Shore Excursions' Office (open between 10:30 am - 1 pm, and 3 - 6 pm) is for shore excursions booking and provides information on Cruise Maritime tours offered in ports of calls along the Columbus cruise itineraries.

Future Cruise Sales office allows discount booking of CMV cruise deals while on the ship.

Meeting Room

Part of the Atrium is the ship's "Tax & Duty-Free Shops" / Shopping Galleria. These shops sell liquor, tobaccos, brand cosmetics, perfumes, fashion clothes and accessories, luxury jewelry and watches at duty-free prices (up to 40% off their retail prices).

The Atrium's upper level served by the Ocean Bar. Ocean Bar provides a home-like environment and is furnitured with comfortable lounges and small coffee tables. Ocean Bar is designed to be the living room of the ship. Armchair aerobics, trivia, and word games are also held here. At 7:30 p.m. live music starts and guests can partake of the selection of wine, beers on tap, and cocktails.

Also part of this Atrium level is the "Raffles" bar serving premium cocktails.

Casino Royale has limited seating, offers off-shore gambling on roulette/blackjack tables and poker machines, and complimentary casino gaming lessons for beginners.

The "Trumps & Aces" club (kids 3-6 yo, must be toilet-trained) has toys, educational games, and kids fun activities supervised by certified staff. In the "Trumps & Aces," there is a Nursery Room where babysitting service is available between 10:30 pm-1 am (charges apply). The list of activities here includes arts/crafts, music, cartoons, parties, "Sleepyheads Storytime" (storytelling).

The "Crafters Studio" club (kids 7-10 yo) offers as activities arts-crafts, movies, scavenger hunts, pirate games, iPad learning, PS and Nintendo gaming consoles, themed parties, air hockey, table tennis, sports tournaments, karaoke, talent shows, kids-only dinners held in the Waterfront Restaurant.

The "Photo Gallery" area, with the "Expressions Studio" for professional video-photo services.

"The Internet Cafe" has a limited seating and several Internet computers (charges per minute apply, Internet packages start from 100 mins)

"The Orient" bar is an English pub bar with a nice selection of local and international beers.

Livingstone Library offers staff assistance between 9 - 11 am and 3 - 5 pm. This is a quiet room furnished with antique leather sofas and chairs. It has a nice selection of books (all in English), newspapers, jigsaw puzzles, popular board games.

Taverners' Pub is an English pub bar with a nice selection of local and international beers.

"The Oasis" retreat, served by Oasis Bar (aft-location, lower level 1 of 2) is an adults-only outdoor relaxation area with premium sun loungers, couches, and deck chairs. It has for decoration fake plants, 2 hot tubs (on the lower level), and a bar serving drinks.

"Cappuccino's" bar serves the pool area with light snacks and drinks.

Amy Johnson's ship's pool area has 2 large swimming pools (the forward one is adults-only) and 2 hot tubs. The area is served by the Lido Pool Bar, "Alfresco Grill" (complimentary fast food choices with AU BBQ fare /charges apply at dinner, after 5 pm) and an Ice Cream Bar "Gallato's" (charges apply; offers "New Zealand Natural" ice cream, including the CMV's "Choc Hokey Pokey" flavour). In the evenings, here are organized open-air deck parties.

"The Dome" - an indoor observation lounge during the day, covered with a glass roof. This lounge has ample seating, a large dance floor, a full-service bar, and floor-ceiling panoramic windows for 180-degree seaport and ocean views. Late in the evenings (after 10:30 pm), The Dome becomes a disco nightclub.

There is a Walking/Jogging Track and Deck Games: area (quoits, giant chessboard, golf putting green, shuffleboard).

The ship's "Big Screen" is a large-size outdoor LED screen for movies, live sports games (including NRL/AFL), and show programs. There is a stage for live music and show performances, including the "Pacific Cirque" show.

The Sun Deck also has the CMV Active Studio with outdoor sporting equipment for unique open-air activities, such as bow-ladder- and funnel climbing, trampoline jumping, net racing, Bouncing Bridge, racing through the ship, and even flying on ropes around the Atrium area.

Itineraries

Ambassador Ambience ship's itinerary program started in April 2022. The Maiden Voyage was initially planned for April 6th (4-night short break roundtrip from homeport Tilbury-London to Hamburg). However, due to "supply chain disruptions" caused by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the brand's launch/Ambience ship's inauguration was eventually rescheduled for April 20th (4-night roundtrip from Tilbury-London to Hamburg) and two Norwegian Fjords voyages were canceled (departures April 10th and 16th).

The inaugural season (2022) included British Isles and Baltic itineraries (including Norwegian Fjords, Arctic, Scandinavia and Russia/St Petersburg), Faroes Islands, Iceland, Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Black Sea, Transatlantic crossings (roundtrip from the UK) to Canada and the Caribbean.

• The inaugural season included a total of 33x itineraries and 88x ports in Northern Europe, Greenland, and Iceland. For winter 2022 are scheduled roundtrips from the UK (Tilbury) to the Canary Islands, Caribbean (including Cuba), Cape Verde Islands.
• Prices started from GBP 850 per person with double occupancy (~EUR 990 / ~USD 1190 pp) for a 7-night ex-UK roundtrip European voyage.
• All Ambassador voyages are roundtrips from Tilbury-London. The company doesn't offer fly-cruise deals.

Ambassador Cruise Line listed its 2021-2022 program in May and opened the itineraries for booking on June 4, 2021.

In mid-May 2022 was announced MS Ambience's "Grand Round the World Cruise" (120-night itinerary roundtrip from Tilbury) as well as 6x UK homeports for the boat - Newcastle Port Tyne, Liverpool, Avonmouth-Bristol, Falmouth, Dundee Scotland, Belfast Northern Ireland.

Ambassador Cruise Line's inaugural schedule 2022

MS Ambience's schedule 2022 included the following itineraries (length/theme/departure date) all of which are roundtrips from Tilbury:

• 4-night "MAIDEN VOYAGE TO HAMBURG" (Apr 6)
• 6-night "A TASTE OF FJORDLAND" (Apr 10)
• 8-night "MAJESTIC EASTER FJORDLAND" (Apr 16)
• 7-night "SPRINGTIME FJORDLAND" (Apr 24)
• 11-night "BRITISH ISLES DISCOVERY" (May 1)
• 14-night "BALTIC TREASURES and ST PETERSBURG" (May 12)
• 12-night "ROUND BRITAIN and QUEEN'S PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION" (May 26)
• 14-night "LAND OF ICE and FIRE" (June 7)
• 21-night "ARCTIC VOYAGE TO GREENLAND & ICELAND" (June 21)
• 11-night "BRITISH ISLES DISCOVERY" (July 12)
• 14-night "BALTIC TREASURES and ST. PETERSBURG" (July 23)
• 7-night "SUMMERTIME FJORDLAND" (August 6)
• 12-night "ICELAND, FAROES & EDINBURGH FESTIVAL" (Aug 13)
• 7-night "SUMMERTIME FJORDLAND" (Aug 25)
• 11-night "BRITISH ISLES DISCOVERY" (September 1)
• 34-night Transatlantic "GRAND CANADA, GREENLAND and ICELAND EXPERIENCE" (Sept 12)
• 7-night "AUTUMN FJORDLAND" (October 16)
• 32-night "GRAND BLACK SEA and MEDITERRANEAN" (Oct 23)
• 15-night "CANARIES, MADEIRA and MOROCCO WINTER SUN" (November 24)
• 5-night mini-cruise "GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS" (December 11)
• 3-night mini-cruise "FESTIVE MARKET GETAWAY" (Dec 18)
• 15-night "CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR CANARY ISLANDS" (Dec 21)

P&O Pacific Dawn itineraries

Pacific Dawn itinerary program was based on Australia cruises leaving roundtrip from homeports Brisbane (Queensland) and Melbourne (Victoria Australia). The voyages were themed as "South Pacific Islands" (Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia), Great Barrier Reef, cruises to nowhere and short breaks to Queensland port and island destinations.

CMV Amy Johnson inaugural cruise itineraries 2021 (CANCELLED)

CMV Amy Johnson ship's inaugural cruise (repositioning voyage) was scheduled for April 15, 2021, leaving from Singapore to Tilbury-London. The 43-night westbound itinerary (Asia to Europe-UK) included transition through Suez Canal. Fares started from GBP 3400 (EUR 4020 / USD 4400) per person with double occupancy.

CMV ship's inaugural cruise season was to officially start from London-Tilbury on October 9 (2021) with the 32-night "Black Sea and Mediterranean" (maiden voyage) visiting ports in Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Malta, Sicily, Gibraltar, Spain. Fares started from GBP 2240 (EUR 2650 / USD 2900) per person with double occupancy. For these maiden voyages (all canceled) as call ports and times see in the ship's Wiki section.

CMV Amy Johnson had to start operations in 2021 with 3 roundtrips from homeport Tilbury-London visiting Europe's Arctic (Norway), Iceland and Greenland. Departure dates were scheduled for:

• June 20, 2021 (22-day itinerary "Arctic Voyage Greenland and Iceland Experience") with overnight in Reykjavik Iceland
• July 22, 2021 (38-day itinerary "Grand Arctic Voyage to Greenland, Spitsbergen and Iceland) visiting visit to Spitsbergen Island
• August 7 (22-day itinerary "Arctic Voyage Greenland and Iceland Experience") with overnight in Rotterdam Holland. The visit to Rotterdam (Aug 28) coincides with the CMV Fleet Parade and the "Rotterdam Regatta 2021".

The Fincantieri Monfalcone-built ship Pacific Dawn (hull/yard number 5840) started operations under the name "Regal Princess" in 1991. The vessel was initially operated by Princess Cruises (between 1991-2007) when it was transferred to P&O Australia's fleet, renamed "Pacific Dawn" (on Nov 8, 2007, following an extensive drydock refurbishment) and homeported in Brisbane QLD (leaving from port Hamilton, Queensland Australia). The vessel was launched (floated out from drydock) on March 29, 1990, delivered on July 20, 1991, and christened (as Regal Princess) on August 8 in NYC New York by godmother Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013, UK's Prime Minister in the period 1979-1990).

By design, Pacific Dawn is sistership to Pacific Jewel (MS Karnika) and similar to Pacific Pearl (CMV Columbus) and Crown Princess.

The ship has volume 70285 GT-tons, weight 7002 tons, max width 36 m/118 ft, max draft 8,1 m/26 ft. The powerplant is based on two MAN marine diesel engines (model 8L58/64) with total output 38,88 MW.

For P&O Australia, the vessel (IMO 8521232) was UK-flagged (MMSI number 235059368). Pacific Dawn's itineraries offered Queensland roundtrips to South Pacific Islands ("Pacific Island Hopper" itinerary to Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo), also to Papua New Guinea and several Australian ports. The list of visited destinations featured Queensland, Great Barrier Reef (Willis Island) and Moreton Island (on short breaks). Pacific Dawn's Cruises to Nowhere were specially-themed Australian roundtrips (with no additional ports of call along the route). These short breaks were usually themed "Food and Wine", "Music" (various styles/performers), "Comedy", "Sports". P&O Australia "cruises to nowhere" prices are inclusive of all special activities and themed entertainment on the ship, including classes and workshops, lectures, presentations, guest performances, theme parties.

In early-July 2020, CMV UK (Cruise & Maritime Voyages) announced that the company's new flagship Amy Johnson (Pacific Dawn) cruises for season 2021 were already 50% sold. Bookings made through July 31, 2020, benefitted from CMV's buy-one-get-one-free cruise promo.

Between March-October 2021 the ship remained docked at Port Bar Montenegro. On October 14, 2021, the boat (as Satoshi) entered Viktor Lenac Shipyard (Rijeka Croatia) for an extensive drydock refurbishment, scheduled for completion in February 2022. The refit had planned installations of new machinery (equipment, wastewater treatment plant, water purification system, ballast water, scrubbers) as well as maintenance works and recertification.

MS Ambience ship's Maiden Voyage and Ambassador Cruise Line's inauguration in 2022 was rescheduled from April 6th to April 20th (4-night itinerary roundtrip from London-Tilbury to Hamburg). The brand's inaugural season was based on European deployments (7- to 14-night itineraries) visiting ports in the UK/British Isles, Baltic, Norway/Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, Mediterranean.

Ambassador Ambience's Master is Captain Hugh Maynard (born in Maldon, Essex England UK), whose maritime career started in 1979 as an assistant steward.

On March 31, 2022, Ambassador Cruise Line announced that the Ambience ship will be named by godmother Sally Jane Janet Gunnell (1966-born British track and field athlete/active between 1984-97). Sally Gunnell joined the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire/order of chivalry in 1993 (MBE-Member) and in 1998 (OBE-Officer). In 2011, she was appointed West Sussex's Deputy Lieutenant.

The christening ceremony was held on April 19th, at Port Tilbury, and attended by Christian Verhounig (Ambassador's CEO) as well as 500+ VIP guests, including media representatives, travel agents, company partners, suppliers.

In May 2023, MAN Diesel & Turbo France SAS (subsidiary of MAN Energy Solutions) retrofitted Ambassador Ambience ship's diesel engines. The MAN PrimeServ contract included installing a Selective Catalytic Reduction system (reducing NOx emissions by ~90%) and replacing both engines' turbocharger units with the new MAN TCA 66 turbochargers.

Ambassador Ambience refurbishment 2023

The ship's last drydock was in 2023 (initially scheduled for the period November 18 through December 10) and conducted by Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven GmbH (in Bremerhaven Germany).

The drydocking project included routine maintenance works, propeller shaft repairs, hull cleaning and painting, technical overhaul and machinery upgrades (including new propeller shaft seals), as well as classification inspections.

The routine inspections found that the ship's propeller shafts and their stern bearings were damaged (by metal grinding) risking oil leaking/pollution. The damaged parts (each propeller shaft is 20 m/66ft long and weighs 30+ tons) were shipped to a Danish company specializing in metal repairs. As the emergency repairs required more time, the prolonged drydocking affected the ship's remaining 2023 schedule. As a result, four voyages were canceled and Ambassador Cruise Line switched MS Ambience’s schedule to MS Ambition.

MS Ambiance resumed operations (Grand Around the World Cruise 2024) on January 6th.

"Grand Round The World Cruise 2024"

The next table shows the Ambassador Cruise Line's maiden Grand Voyage (2024) which was scheduled for the Ambience ship.

There were two roundtrip ex-Europe itineraries (both with duration 120 days) - out of England (London-Tilbury, Jan 6 thru May 5) and out of Holland (Rotterdam, Jan 7 thru May 6).

Grand Voyage 2024 was also available in smaller segments:

• 43-day from Rotterdam to Auckland
• 76-day from Auckland to London-Tilbury
• 71-day from Sydney to London-Tilbury
• 55-day from Singapore to London-Tilbury
• 30-day from Cape Town to London-Tilbury

Pacific Dawn refurbishment 2017 review

The list of deck plan changes after the ship's 2017 drydock refurbishment in Singapore (February 19 - March 15) included:

• new Aqua Park (state-of-the-art waterpark on its top deck)
• On Lido Deck 12, The Pantry (a buffet-style marketplace with several fresh-food outlets) replaced the traditional Lido Buffet restaurant "Plantation Restaurant". The Pantry's features include the new Mediterranean cuisine "Nic & Toni's" and the new seafood restaurant "Shell & Bones".
• The "Shell & Bones Seafood & Grill" is part of "The Pantry" (aft-located buffet-style food market) and is complimentary during the day. In the evenings, it transforms into a la carte-priced restaurant. The seafood menu features popular Australian dishes, like Singaporean Chili Crab (from Queensland) and Steamed Blue Mussels with Wine (from South Australia), The daily grill bar menu offers items like Slow-cooked Beef Short Ribs, Portuguese-style roast chicken, also vegetarian options.
• On Deck 14 was installed a dual waterslide.

During the extensive drydock in Singapore, the following lounges and venues on Pacific Dawn were redesigned - the Atrium areas (midship on decks 5-6-7), Charlie's Bar (deck 5), The Orient bar (deck 7), The Dome Bar Lounge (deck 14), Pool Cafe (deck 12), Promenade Bar (deck 7), Techno Store, Lobby Reception, Spa.

MS Pacific Dawn's last P&O Australia cruises 2020-2021 (CANCELED)

Next tables show the ship's last-scheduled by P&O AU itineraries, all of which were canceled following the vessel's sale in October 2020.

(2020) 3-day "Cruise to Nowhere" (Comedy-themed)

(2020) 7-day "A Taste Of Tasmania"

(2020) 5-day "Southern Getaway"

(2020) 8-day "Christmas Cruise"

(2020) 11-day "New Year's Eve Cruise"

(2021) 5-day "A Taste Of Tasmania"

(2021) 12-day "Discover Vanuatu"

(2021) 4-day "Australia Day Cruise"

(2021) 4-day to Kangaroo Island from Melbourne

(2021) 4-day to Kangaroo Island from Melbourne

(2021) 3-day relocation from Melbourne to Brisbane

(2021) 17-day repositioning from Melbourne to Singapore

(2021) 14-day repositioning from Brisbane to Singapore

CMV Amy Johnson Inaugural Cruise 2021

Next are listed the ship's first for CMV cruises - one repositioning itinerary (from Asia to Europe) and one roundtrip from the UK.

43-day relocation from Singapore to Tilbury-London

32-day "Grand Black Sea and Mediterranean" cruise roundtrip from Tilbury-London