A second passenger ship is scheduled to house Ukrainian refugees in Scotland.
The Scottish Government is to charter Ambassador Cruises’ ‘Ambition’, which will be berthed on the River Clyde in Glasgow.
Ministers claimed the ship will be fully operational by next month and will provide accommodation for up to 1,750 people.
It will join the ropax ‘Victoria’, currently docked in Leith, near Edinburgh, which is accommodating between 1,600 and 1,700 refugees.
Ambassador Cruise Line CEO, Christian Verhounig said that the press announcements emanating from Scotland was disappointing, as he claimed the news was released prematurely without appropriate advance communications and consultation with the company’s guests and trade partners.
“As a new brand in the cruise industry, we were adversely affected by the war in Ukraine. ‘Ambience’s’ initial launch was delayed and many of our crew incurred additional unforeseen personal challenges.
“We personally felt the impact acutely and the experience heightened our interest in wanting to support those most detrimentally affected by the devastation of the war.
“When we got the opportunity to work with the Scottish Government to support the Ukrainian population, we felt morally obliged to accommodate such as worthwhile cause and amend some of ‘Ambition’s’ initial itineraries for 2023,” he said.
He explained that ‘Ambition’ will arrive in Scotland in September, initially for six months and then drydock for the refurbishment of the public areas and cabins before entering service.
This will result in her inaugural season being delayed until mid May, 2023.
The charter rate was not revealed.
