Ambassador Cruise Line has been named as an official partner of Hampshire Cricket following the signing of a multi-year agreement.

The company said in a press release that the partnership will see Ambassador receive brand and marketing exposure opportunities at Utilita Bowl on matchdays from next season, including pitch-side branding and online and social media exposure across Hampshire Cricket’s channels.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Hampshire Cricket, a club with a rich heritage and a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences for supporters,” said Gordon Nardini, chief marketing officer at Ambassador Cruise Line.

“With Ambition making her debut in Portsmouth for the 2026-27 season, the partnership feels especially well-timed. Many of our guests are passionate cricket fans, and we look forward to meeting members and supporters across the season while introducing the Ambassador brand and our affordable quality sailings to a new audience in the South of England,” added Nardini.

Rob Paddon, commercial director at Hampshire Cricket and Utilita Bowl, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ambassador Cruise Line to our family of partners.”

“Its focus on delivering great experiences and providing a warm and friendly service aligns well with what we aim to offer at Utilita Bowl. With Ambassador set to operate from Portsmouth next season, the partnership will provide real added value for our members and supporters,” added Paddon.

“We look forward to working closely with Ambassador to bring a range of exciting benefits and opportunities to fans for many years to come.”

The new partnership takes effect ahead of Ambassador’s 2026-27 season, when the UK’s leading independent cruise line will welcome guests aboard in Portsmouth for the very first time.

Ambassador said that it will provide exclusive offers on its wide range of cruise itineraries to Hampshire Cricket Members and supporters alongside fan-engagement experiences and activities at Utilita Bowl during domestic County Championship and T20 matches and international fixtures.

Fans attending matches next season will also have the chance to win a complimentary cruise aboard the Ambassador fleet.

According to the press release, the port is located 17 miles from Utilita Bowl, making sailings accessible for Hampshire members and supporters looking for a holiday that begins close to home.