Rob Yandell joined readers aboard Ambience as Ambassador Cruise Line showcased its flagship’s facilities and group appeal.
Not all cruise lines have a real focus on groups, but Ambassador Cruise Line does. In fact, its ‘warmest welcome at sea’ tagline starts way before you set sail. For me, it should be accompanied by something that highlights its flexibility, because that is what struck me the most during our ship visit at the port of London Tilbury.
As I made my way to the cruise terminal, I saw lots of happy faces disembarking following a Norwegian cruise. Within a few hours, Ambience would be off again, this time around the British Isles.
Ambassador sails for the British market and has a focus on affordable quality. Its first ship, Ambience, set sail from Tilbury in April 2022 with Ambition following in May 2023. And in addition to London Tilbury, Ambassador cruises from six other UK regional departure ports: Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol and Falmouth.
Despite being a young brand, it scooped the Best Cruise Line category at the 2023 Group Leisure & Travel Awards. That is no mean feat, especially when you consider those voting are very discerning travel organisers.
“We’re very impressed with the standard in the ship, and all the trips that they do. It looks like very good value for money and the accommodation is fantastic. We had a lovely lunch.”
Joanna Clark BradARA
Everyone in our group was keen to see the on board offer, and as I sat down with GLT readers in the elegant Botanical Lounge for a welcome tea/coffee and some tasty pastries, the high standard of décor and comfort was evident. It was just one of the many spaces we were shown where onboard guests can relax and enjoy a drink.
Michelle Nairne from the group sales team welcomed us and explained more about what Ambassador offers and the group benefits available, which includes being able to board and disembark together. Michelle joined the team this year and works alongside business development manager, Alan Rennie who many GTOs and coach operators will know. They are further supported, as needed, by Audra Garner who also accompanied us during our ship visit.
Ambience is a nice size for those looking for a smaller ship. Not that accommodating up to 1,400 guests in 798 cabins is small, but when you compare it to some of the gigantic ships it’s certainly quicker to gain your bearings. We took the full tour and were shown the extensive range of public spaces where you can dine, drink, dance or simply enjoy a good book with a view to match. And there is a lot of variety, from the quizzes and entertainment of the Purple Turtle pub to the more sophisticated Raffles Bar.
“A very pleasant and informative day. A nice clean ship and very friendly staff.”
Frank Stocks, RamARA
Being a cruise ship, food and entertainment are at the heart of what it offers. The former is well covered with the Borough Market buffet, and the large Buckingham Restaurant where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served (two sittings for dinner at 6pm and 8pm). Groups that wish to dine together can make arrangements, which can include having a number of tables reserved. Then, should you wish to, you can change who sits at what table in the evenings.
We enjoyed a five-course lunch, and it was delicious. Five not enough? Have some VIP treatment and book the Chef’s Table for a ten-course dinner with wine pairings. Plus, there are further options with the speciality restaurants, Saffron (Indian fusion) and Sea & Grass (steaks and grills) for a reasonable supplement charge. What with afternoon tea and late-night snacks in the buffet, you are not going hungry. Fam trips are a good opportunity to ask questions and readers asked plenty, including about the cruise line’s drinks packages. There are options here worth investigating and that can offer value (booking prior to your cruise will save you further). It is useful to also note that prices onboard are in Sterling.
GLT reader and group organiser, Janet Sackett of BradARA has a group booked for a cruise aboard Ambience next year. She said: “They all want to know what it’s like, so I’ve taken lots of photos. It’s really nice, I am really pleased with it. My group will be very pleased when they see the pictures.” It was never in doubt, Janet!
What about entertainment? Live music is available throughout the ship, but the big shows can be found in the Palladium Theatre, which felt intimate but has a capacity of over 600 people. Two nightly show times follow the two dinner sittings and once you are seated, waiters will be over to serve you drinks - no pre-booking is needed.
A good variety of seating around the pool in addition to sunbeds was pointed out, and beach towels are included. And if you want to get out of the sun or need to work off that heavy lunch, there is a gym and a wellness spa. Further facilities include a small casino, a card room and crafters studio (both can be pre-booked for a group), as well as a cosy library. However, my reading spot would be looking out from the Observatory. You could definitely lose yourself in one of those chairs.
“I loved the ship today and the fact that it wasn’t too large. Members of staff were walking past, saying ‘good morning’. It’s very personal and all the different areas were absolutely beautiful.”
Marian Hannaford, Witney U3A
Readers commented on the room afforded in the cabins and, whether you choose to go inside or outside (with a big window or a balcony), the cabin size is the same. Accessible cabins are also available and Ambassador work with Mobility at Sea which can help those in a group with additional needs. A special occasion or just because.. the suite options offer more than just additional space, with a long list of extras.
Jane Neenan of Elite Tickets told me: “I have been very impressed, it’s very luxurious. I like the fact that it’s a fairly small ship, the staff were very attentive, the food was excellent and the facilities brilliant. I can see myself bringing groups on here. I think it’s really important to see a product, especially if we’re selling on to customers. It’s been really useful to see the different cabin styles and it give us a better understanding of how everything works.”
The Ambassador Cruise Line brand colours are everywhere, and I do like the purple and green. The main atrium is even called Centre Court. An excuse for a Pimm’s perhaps?
To contact the group sales team at Ambassador Cruise Line telephone 0808 102 8032 (Mon – Fri 9am - 5.30pm), or email groupsales@ambassadorcruiseline.com.
