Around 200 Advantage members are onboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience for the Latitude Cruise Conference. But plans to call at Amsterdam have been shelved “as a precaution” because of planned protests on Friday and Saturday.
The ship had been due to dock at Amsterdam’s cruise terminal on Friday (25 October) as part of a three-night Amsterdam City Break itinerary from London. But Ambassador has now decided to berth overnight at the nearby port of IJmuiden, which is about a one-hour drive from the city.
“The safety, security and comfort of all our guests, crew and partners is paramount,” said a spokesperson for Ambassador.
“As a precautionary measure, and in consultation with the Advantage Travel Partnership and Ambience’s captain, we have today (24 October) advised all guests on this sailing that we will be amending our call into Amsterdam and berth at Ijmuiden overnight.”
The cruise line said it had arranged for a free transfer service for passengers wanting to visit the city, with its excursions also operating as normal.
“All guests travelling on the sailing have been advised that the duration of these experiences will be extended to allow for the additional transfer time to Amsterdam,” added Ambassador in its update.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to thank Ambience guests for their understanding and our partners at the Advantage Travel Partnership for their support following this change to the itinerary.”
Activists from Extinction Rebellion have been targeting cruise ships calling at Amsterdam this summer, which has included group members chaining themselves to locks to block ships coming into central Amsterdam.
