Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience offers a welcoming blend of classic English cruising and modern amenities. This mid-sized ship, accommodating up to 1,400 passengers, caters primarily to adults over 50, with multi-generational cruises available during school holidays. With its stylish reception areas, diverse dining options, lively entertainment, spacious accommodations, and attentive hospitality, Ambience delivers a holiday that balances relaxation and enjoyment.
The guest experience on Ambience is defined by its blend of classic cruising and modern touches. Passengers appreciate the spacious cabins, particularly suites and balcony cabins, and the friendly crew, though bar service can be slow during busy periods. The ship’s design, with a grand atrium and wooden Lido Deck, encourages socialising and relaxation. A 2022 refurbishment updated cabins, dining areas, and public spaces, keeping the ship fresh, though some areas reflect its 1991 origins. Guests enjoy the diverse entertainment and dining options, with 92% satisfaction for food and beverage on sister ship Ambition. The sense of camaraderie and English charm fosters a welcoming community.
Guests aboard Ambience can anticipate a holiday with plenty of choice and flexibility. Expect leisurely days by one of two pools, participating in quizzes or craft workshops, or relaxing in the spa. Dining ranges from casual buffets to refined speciality meals, with entertainment filling evenings with theatre shows, live music, or social drinks. The ship’s no-fly cruises from English ports like London Tilbury make boarding convenient. The adults-only focus ensures a relaxed atmosphere, with multi-generational cruises available during holidays. The mid-sized design allows access to unique ports, and the English-centric experience includes familiar comforts like afternoon tea and pub quizzes.
Reception Areas: A Grand First Impression
The reception area, located in the three-deck Centre Court atrium on Deck 5, accommodates guests with a light-filled, open design featuring warm green tones and light wood furnishings. The space is both functional and inviting, with a central desk staffed by efficient crew members ready to assist with bookings, queries, or shore excursions. Nearby, the SW19 bar offers a relaxed spot for a coffee or cocktail, with plush seating and views of the sweeping central staircase. The atrium serves as a social hub, hosting occasional live music or Q&A sessions, while the adjacent shopping galleria and Dickens bar add convenience and charm.
Dining: A Range of Culinary Options
Ambience’s dining venues cater to diverse tastes with six options, three included in the fare. The Buckingham Restaurant on Deck 7 offers open-seating breakfast and lunch with a buffet and a table-served special, while dinner features two sittings with five-course menus including English favourites like fish and chips. Borough Market on Deck 12 provides a casual buffet for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, with global dishes like Italian pastas and Asian stir-fries. Speciality dining includes Saffron on Deck 12, serving Indian cuisine such as the Royal Indian Maharaja Thali for a £15 supplement, and Sea & Grass, offering a seven-course menu for £25. The Chef’s Table, a nine-course experience with wine pairings hosted by the Executive Chef, costs £89 and includes a galley tour. The Alfresco Grill on Deck 12 serves poolside bites like burgers and pizzas. Dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free, are accommodated with advance notice.
Entertainment: Engaging Day and Night
Ambience’s entertainment programme keeps guests entertained with a mix of performances and activities. The two-tier Palladium theatre on Decks 7 and 8 hosts nightly shows by the Ambassador Theatre Company, featuring song, dance, and comedy, with productions like Dance, Dance, Dance choreographed by Anton Du Beke. The Observatory on Deck 14 offers cabaret, live music, and late-night discos, with a circular dance floor and sea views. Daytime activities include quizzes and bingo at The Purple Turtle Pub, craft workshops at Kapoor’s studio, and dance classes. The Ambassador Casino and Aces & Eights bridge room cater to gaming enthusiasts, while Brontë’s Library provides a quiet retreat. Two pools, two hot tubs, and a big screen for outdoor movies on Deck 14 add to the leisure options, alongside a gym and Green Sea Spa.
Accommodation: Spacious and Welcoming
Ambience’s 798 cabins, spread across seven decks from Aloe Deck 4 to Ambassador Deck 11, average 17–18 square metres and include 20 categories. All cabins feature air conditioning, en-suite showers, 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 (66 total) on Decks 10 and 11, and 50 suites, including 14 De-Luxe Suites up to 40 square metres, offer private balconies and perks like bathrobes and complimentary wine. Thirteen wheelchair-accessible cabins ensure inclusivity, and 89 solo cabins cater to single travellers. A 2022 refurbishment modernised all accommodations, with suites offering espresso machines and priority embarkation.
Hospitality: Friendly and Professional
The crew on Ambience delivers warm, attentive service, fostering a friendly 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 conversation, though some passengers note occasional delays in bar service during peak times. The Guest Services team handles dietary requests and queries promptly, with a dedicated meeting for special diets. The Green Sea Spa offers massages and beauty treatments, adding relaxation. An automatic gratuity of £7 per person per night (£6 for cruises over 15 nights) supports the crew, adjustable at Guest Services. The All Aboard app provides digital access to daily programmes and onboard accounts.
Standout Features
Ambience’s standout features include its mid-sized design, allowing access to smaller ports, and its spacious cabins, with 89 solo cabins and 50 suites. The Palladium’s high-energy shows, like Dance, Dance, Dance, offer theatrical flair. Speciality dining at Saffron and Sea & Grass provides refined culinary experiences, while the Chef’s Table delivers an exclusive nine-course meal. The Observatory’s cabaret and dance floor, with its panoramic views, is a guest favourite. The Green Sea Spa and two hot tubs offer relaxation, and the 2022 refurbishment, including a modernised pool deck and purple funnel, enhances onboard appeal. The All Aboard app adds digital convenience.
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