Ambassador Cruise Line UK's second ship Ambition/fka AIDAmira set sail on her maiden voyage after being christened by former sailing champion and double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson.
The Ambition set off on her maiden voyage from Port of Tyne/Newcastle (England UK) at 6 pm on Friday, May 12th.
The vessel, previously known as AIDAMira in the AIDA fleet, was drydock refurbished to accommodate 1200 passengers and is currently part of the Ambassador's fleet, joining Ambience/fka Pacific Dawn.
Ms Robertson said it was "a massive honour to be godmother of this ship."
"Thousands of people will come on board for years to come and have the trip of their lifetime and I'm the lucky mascot."
Christian Verhounig, chief executive of Ambassador Cruise Line, said it was an extremely important day for them as they were launching "the second lady of the sea Ambition" and were "brining premium value, no fly, authentic cruising to eight regional ports."
The ship has been upgraded to operate at IMO-International Maritime Organization’s Tier III emission standards, reducing her production of nitrogen oxide.
After leaving Port of Tyne, the Ambition will visit Dundee (Scotland UK) prior to leaving for France and Spain.