Life Onboard Ambassador Cruise Line
Overview
Ambassador Cruise Line was founded in 2021 by a group of cruise industry veterans with a shared goal: to bring affordable, sustainable and experience-rich cruising back to British travellers. Many of the team were formerly part of Cruise & Maritime Voyages, and they’ve drawn on that heritage to revive a style of cruising that’s rooted in tradition but fit for today.
In April 2022, Ambience made her maiden voyage from London Tilbury, followed by the launch of Ambition in May 2023. The line has grown steadily ever since, with a reputation for warm service, thoughtfully curated itineraries, and a strong commitment to sustainability. It remains the first new British cruise line to launch in over a decade, and the only one to focus exclusively on no-fly departures from the UK.
Accommodations
Accommodation on board both Ambience and Ambition is designed with comfort and practicality in mind. Guests can choose from a wide range of cabin categories, including Inside, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite options. All cabins come with en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, tea and coffee-making facilities, personal safes and generous storage. Power points include UK 3-pin sockets and USB ports for charging devices.
The decor throughout is simple, elegant and classic, with a restful colour palette and smart furnishings. Suites offer additional perks such as a welcome bottle of wine, bathrobes, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and complimentary laundry. Accessible cabins are also available on both ships and are thoughtfully designed for ease of movement and comfort.
Activities
Both ships offer a full programme of daytime activities, designed to be as enriching or as relaxed as you like. On sea days, guests can enjoy everything from painting classes and craft workshops to guest lectures and port talks. Onboard experts are often invited to speak on topics ranging from wildlife and geology to history, photography and culture, particularly on themed or longer voyages.
The arts and crafts studio hosts regular creative sessions, while the library provides a peaceful retreat with a well-stocked selection of books and games. The card room, perfect for bridge and other tournaments, is a sociable hub for like-minded travellers. For those who prefer to be outdoors, shuffleboard, deck quoits, and morning walks around the promenade deck are popular ways to start the day.
Entertainment
Evenings onboard Ambience and Ambition are brought to life with a variety of entertainment designed to suit mature tastes. The tiered theatre is the heart of the evening programme, hosting live performances ranging from musical revues and cabaret to comedy acts and classical music recitals. The entertainment team offers an ever-changing line-up of West End-style shows alongside guest entertainers who join the ship on select sailings.
Elsewhere, live music can be enjoyed in the Observatory and the Piano Bar, while the stylish Dome Observatory on Ambience offers panoramic views and live performances in a relaxed setting. For those who enjoy a bit of fun, quizzes, karaoke nights, and occasional themed events ensure there’s always something happening, without being overly lively or overwhelming.
Food & Drink
Dining with Ambassador Cruise Line is a pleasure, combining traditional service with a modern appreciation for variety. Both ships offer a selection of restaurants, ranging from formal multi-course dinners to informal buffets and light bites. The main dining rooms - Buckingham Restaurant on Ambience and Holyrood Restaurant on Ambition - provide full-service breakfasts, lunches and elegant evening meals, with menus that reflect seasonal and regional influences.
The Borough Market buffet offers casual all-day dining, including themed stations and afternoon tea. Saffron, the speciality restaurant, offers a more intimate setting and elevated cuisine for a small supplement, ideal for special occasions. For a more relaxed treat, guests can enjoy a poolside grill and late-night snacks from Alfresco Grill.
Drinks are available from a choice of bars and lounges, including Raffles Bar, The Purple Turtle Pub, and the Botanical Lounge. Guests can pre-purchase drinks packages to suit their preferences, with options for soft drinks, house wines, beers and cocktails.
Relaxation & Fitness
Ambience and Ambition both offer excellent wellness facilities, allowing guests to balance discovery with relaxation. The wellness centres on each ship include a spa, hair salon and beauty treatment rooms offering massages, facials, manicures and body treatments. Sauna and steam rooms are available, along with a selection of well-being classes including stretching, yoga and aqua aerobics.
For those wanting to stay active, both ships feature a modern fitness centre equipped with treadmills, cross-trainers, bikes and free weights. There are also outdoor areas for deck games, walking circuits and sunbathing, with open deck space to enjoy the fresh sea air.
The swimming pool and hot tubs on Ambience provide a calm retreat, particularly on warmer sailings, while the smaller splash pool on Ambition is perfect for cooling off between shore excursions.
Ambassador Cruise Line Destinations
Ambassador Cruise Line sails to over 130 ports across 37 countries spanning three continents, with all cruises departing from UK ports. Popular regions include Europe and the Atlantic Islands.
Longer voyages venture further afield, with itineraries to the Caribbean, North America and Africa and the Far East. Seasonal highlights include Northern Lights sailings, Christmas market cruises and special festive departures over Christmas and New Year.
Types of Cruises
Ambassador Cruise Line offers a carefully curated range of cruise types. The majority of sailings are adult-only, creating a relaxed, mature atmosphere onboard. However, select multigenerational cruises are available during school holidays, making it possible to explore with the whole family.
Mini cruises provide a perfect introduction to Ambassador Cruise Line’s style, with short breaks to the Netherlands, France or Germany. Longer cruises include themed voyages focusing on wildlife, photography, gardening, history or well-being, as well as world cruises that visit multiple continents. All cruises depart from the UK, offering hassle-free travel with no airports or flights required.
