Ambassador Cruise Line has altered a scheduled trade sailing in response to impending protests by Extinction Rebellion in Amsterdam.
- The ship Ambience, initially set to dock in Amsterdam, will now berth in Ijmuiden due to the protest.
- Protests were anticipated to obstruct the vessel’s access to Amsterdam’s cruise terminal.
- Complimentary transfers will be provided for guests wishing to visit Amsterdam despite the change.
- This alteration comes amid wider efforts to address over-tourism in Amsterdam, including moving the cruise terminal.
Ambassador Cruise Line has been compelled to alter its trade sailing course due to anticipated protests from Extinction Rebellion in Amsterdam. The vessel, Ambience, was originally scheduled to dock at the Amsterdam port on Friday, 25 October. However, in light of the protest activity planned for 25 and 26 October, the ship will now berth in Ijmuiden. This alternative location is approximately an hour’s drive from Amsterdam.
The trade sailing serves as a significant event, hosting approximately 200 agents from The Advantage Travel Partnership for their Latitude Cruise Conference 2024. Ambassador Cruise Line, acknowledging the inconvenience caused, has prioritised the safety, security, and comfort of all passengers and partners. “The safety, security and comfort of all our guests, crew and partners is paramount,” stated the cruise line.
To mitigate any impact on the guests’ experience, Ambassador has organised a complimentary transfer service for those wishing to visit Amsterdam. While Destination Experiences will proceed as initially planned, attendees have been informed that the duration of these experiences will be extended to compensate for the additional transfer time.
This diversion is not in isolation but aligns with Amsterdam City Council’s broader strategy to manage tourism impact. Earlier in the year, the council announced the future relocation of its cruise terminal away from the city centre by 2035, alongside plans to considerably reduce the number of ships docking at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam by 2026. Such measures aim to ease the issues of ‘nuisance’ and over-tourism experienced in the city.
Ambassador Cruise Line appreciates the understanding and support from guests and partners at The Advantage Travel Partnership following this change in itinerary. The decision reflects a proactive response to ensure minimal disruption while maintaining commitment to offering a fulfilling cruise experience amidst unforeseen challenges.
This strategic decision underscores a balanced approach to ensuring guest safety amid evolving external challenges.
