Ambassador Cruise Line had to alter plans to dock in Amsterdam this weekend because of a demonstration by Extinction Rebellion.
The cruise line’s ship Ambition had been due to call at Amsterdam on Sunday, as part of its six-night sailing from Edinburgh to the Dutch capital and Antwerp.
It’s the third time a cruise ship heading to Amsterdam has been disrupted by climate protestors in just over a week and Ambassador decided to divert to IJmuiden, about an hour’s drive away, as a precaution.
Ambassador told passengers via social media: “Following last week’s protests, we have been informed by our local port agents in Amsterdam that Extinction Rebellion are planning to do the same again this week and prevent Ambition from entering the locks for her passage to the Amsterdam cruise terminal.
“As a precaution, we have decided with the Captain to amend our call and berth at IJmuiden. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.”
Ambassador put on coach transfers to Amsterdam and destination experiences were able to continue as planned.
Passengers praised Ambassador for ‘putting safety first’, with one posting: “I’m on the ship at the moment. The organisation from Ambassador Cruise Line to allow their guests to continue with their planned excursions is truly tremendous and greatly appreciated. The free shuttle is amazing service so on behalf of all your guests thank you so very much.”
Another said: “We are on this cruise and appreciate the hard work being put in by Ambassador Cruise Line to ensure we have a great time in the Netherlands.”
On 10 August Royal Caribbean International’s Jewel of the Seas had to divert to IJmuiden after protestors blocked it from entering Amsterdam.
The following day, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Mariner was delayed for more than four hours entering IJmuiden, where it was calling into as part of its 83-night Grand Arctic Adventure, when eight members of Extinction Rebellion chained themselves to the lock gates.
An Ambassador Cruise Line spokesperson told Travel Gossip: “We were informed on Friday 16 August by our local port agents in Amsterdam that Extinction Rebellion were planning to mount protests on Sunday 18 August that could have prevented Ambition from entering the locks for her passage to the Amsterdam cruise terminal during the Amsterdam & Antwerp City Break.
“As a precautionary measure, we decided with the Captain to amend our call and berth at Ijmuiden, which is approximately a 45-minute drive to the city of Amsterdam. We arranged a complimentary transfer service for those wishing to go to the city and Destination Experiences operated as normal, with guests advised that the duration would be extended to allow for the additional transfer time to Amsterdam.
“We apologised for any inconvenience this may have caused and would like to thank our Ambition guests for their understanding regarding this change.”
Ambassador’s other ship, Ambience, is due to call at Amsterdam next week and the will also host delegates at the Advantage Travel Partnership Latitude Cruise Conference in October.
The spokesperson added: “Ambience is due to call at Amsterdam on Monday 26 August on the penultimate day of her Bank Holiday Escape. We work closely with all the ports to which we operate and our team will continue to liaise closely with our colleagues in Amsterdam ahead of this sailing. While no amendments to the itinerary are envisaged at this time, the safety, security and comfort of all our guests is and will remain paramount, and any changes to the itinerary will be communicated to them as a priority.
“The Latitude Cruise Conference set to take place from Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 October 2024 is due to operate as planned at this time. As with the Bank Holiday Escape, any changes to the three-night Amsterdam City Break itinerary will be advised as appropriate.”
