Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition offers a welcoming experience tailored to adults, with a focus on English travellers. This mid-sized ship, accommodating up to 1,200 passengers, blends classic cruising with modern comforts. With its inviting reception areas, diverse dining options, lively entertainment, spacious accommodations, and attentive hospitality, Ambition delivers a holiday that balances leisure and enjoyment.
The guest experience on Ambition is defined by its blend of classic cruising and modern amenities. Passengers appreciate the spacious cabins, particularly suites with balconies, and the friendly crew, though some note bar service can be slow during busy periods. The ship’s design, with a grand atrium and open deck spaces, encourages relaxation and socialising. A 2023 refurbishment updated cabins, dining areas, and public spaces, keeping the ship fresh, though some areas retain a classic feel. Guests enjoy the balance of lively entertainment and quiet spaces like Brontë’s Library or the Botanical Lounge, fostering a sense of community. The 92% food and beverage satisfaction score from sister ship Ambience reflects the focus on quality.
Guests aboard Ambition can anticipate a holiday filled with choice and flexibility. Expect leisurely days by the pool, participating in craft workshops, or enjoying spa treatments. Dining options range from casual buffets to refined speciality meals, with entertainment filling evenings with shows, music, or social drinks. The ship’s no-fly cruises from English ports like Newcastle and Liverpool make boarding convenient. While primarily catering to adults, multi-generational cruises are offered during school holidays. The German-speaking crew from sister ship operations ensures attentive service, though English is the primary language onboard. Guests can explore unique ports thanks to the ship’s mid-sized design.
Reception Areas: A Stylish Welcome
The reception area, located in the grand Centre Court atrium on Deck 5, greets guests with a spacious, light-filled design featuring elegant decor and a three-deck-high ceiling. The area is both functional and inviting, with a central desk staffed by friendly crew members ready to assist with bookings, queries, or onboard services. Nearby, the Angel Bar offers a relaxed spot for a coffee or cocktail, with comfortable seating and views of the bustling atrium. The space serves as a social hub, with occasional live music or piano performances creating a warm atmosphere. The adjacent shopping galleria adds convenience for picking up essentials or souvenirs.
Dining: A Feast for Every Taste
Ambition’s dining options cater to a range of preferences across seven venues. The Buckingham and Holyrood Restaurants, both on Deck 5, offer a la carte dining with open seating for breakfast and lunch, featuring a buffet with a table-served special, and two sittings for five-course dinners. Borough Market, a casual buffet on Deck 11, serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner with global flavours like Italian pastas and Asian stir-fries. Speciality dining includes Saffron, offering Indian cuisine such as curries and thali with a supplement, and Lupino’s, a Mediterranean-style restaurant with sharing platters and mezze, also with a supplement. The Chef’s Table, a nine-course dining experience with wine pairings hosted by the Executive Chef, provides an exclusive option for a £89 fee. The Alfresco Grill offers casual poolside bites like burgers and pizzas. Dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free, are accommodated with advance notice.
Entertainment: A Lively Lineup
Ambition’s entertainment programme keeps guests engaged with a mix of performances and activities. The Palladium, a tiered theatre on Decks 6 and 7, hosts nightly shows by the Ambassador Theatre Company, featuring song, dance, and comedy, including unique productions like The Chronicles of a Pirate King with a zip line and sword fight. The Cavern, inspired by Liverpool’s iconic club, offers live music, cabaret, gameshows, and late-night DJ sessions. Daytime activities include quizzes, bingo, darts, deck games, and craft workshops at Grafton Street. The Green Sea Spa provides a serene escape with treatments, while the gym and jogging track cater to active guests. Two pools, a splash pool, and four whirlpools on Deck 11, alongside a big screen for outdoor movies, add to the leisure options.
Accommodation: Spacious and Modern
Ambition’s 680 cabins, spread across six decks from Reception Deck 5 to Sun Deck 12, include 21 categories averaging 15–16 square metres. All cabins feature air conditioning, en-suite showers, ample storage, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryers, safes, English plug sockets, USB ports, and flat-screen TVs. Inside cabins offer budget-friendly comfort, while oceanview cabins provide picture windows or portholes. Balcony cabins (125 total) on Decks 9 and 10, and 113 suites, including Junior and De Luxe Suites up to 62 square metres, offer private balconies and added perks like minibars and bathrobes. Six De Luxe Suites on Decks 7 and 8 include separate bedrooms and priority embarkation. Thirteen wheelchair-accessible cabins ensure inclusivity. A 2023 refurbishment modernised all accommodations, enhancing comfort.
Hospitality: Warm and Attentive
The crew on Ambition delivers professional yet friendly service, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Cabin stewards provide daily cleaning and evening turndown, with 24-hour room service available for a fee. Bar and restaurant staff engage guests with warmth, though some passengers note occasional delays in bar service during peak times. The Guest Services team handles dietary requests and other needs promptly, with a dedicated meeting for special diets. The Green Sea Spa offers massages and beauty treatments, adding a touch of indulgence. An automatic gratuity of £7 per person per night (£6 for cruises over 15 nights) supports the crew, adjustable at Guest Services if needed. The All Aboard app provides easy access to daily programmes and onboard accounts.
Standout Features
Ambition’s standout features include its intimate size, allowing access to smaller ports, and its spacious cabins, with 125 balconies and 113 suites. The Palladium’s high-energy shows, like The Chronicles of a Pirate King, offer unique theatrical flair. Speciality dining at Saffron and Lupino’s provides refined culinary experiences, while the Chef’s Table delivers an exclusive nine-course meal. The Cavern’s live music and social vibe, inspired by Liverpool’s music scene, is a guest favourite. The Green Sea Spa and four whirlpools offer relaxation, and the 2023 refurbishment ensures modern comforts across public areas. The All Aboard app enhances convenience with digital access to schedules and accounts.
