On 14th April 2023 I attended an agents visit to Ambassador Cruise Line first ship Ambience. This particular ship has now been in service for over 12 months, 20th April 2022 to be precise was her maiden voyage.

I have been to Tilbury many times but it was my first visit in over 4 years and I was met with a very untimely surprise when I got to Tilbury Town station at 08.35 via the C2C train service from London’s Fenchurch Street station. I was told by the station master that the shuttle bus to the cruise terminal, a mere 2 miles away, has been for a while on a severely reduced service- in other words, I had to wait over 75 minutes for the next shuttle bus or to get a taxi from the minicab office. (£8.50). My top tip to avoid this would be to purchase a return chartered coach from Victoria coach station. It's economical and organised by Ambassador.

Once inside the cruise terminal the two Ambassador members of staff, Beth and Holly, were very courteous and gave our group of 20 a brief but detailed outline of what the ship visit was going to consist of.

As with any ship visit you are always first drawn into the “heart” of the ship-The atrium. On Ambience case its situated on the Reception deck/5 and as you look up you can’t but notice the striking 3-decked design finish, aptly named “Centre Court” after the famous “All England Lawn Tennis Club” and with the added touch of the sofas and chairs with the classic green/white coloured stripes, all very appealing.

Here you have the ships customer service desks-

• Future Cruises

• Destinations and excursions

• Reception

On the starboard side, you have one of the many refreshment lounges–Dickens. A place to relax and I suppose to “check on your fellow passengers”.

Two decks higher in the Promenade deck (7) you have The Botanical Lounge and Raffles Bar two of the eleven different lounges and bars. Two completely different concepts, the latter more intimate piano style whilst the former has the colonial-style finish. These are conveniently located on the same deck as the main dining restaurant The Buckingham which is situated at the aft part of the ship. A spacious and well-groomed dining area with a cross-section of tables from 2 to 8 including, if you are lucky enough to be invited, the much sort after Chef's table. As with other cruise partners, they have two different dining time slots 6.30 and 8.30.

Towards the front of deck 7 you end up in a café area which carries on with the tennis theme- SW19. From here you can glance down and capture the atrium in its full glory. Around each side of the grand staircase, you have the photo gallery and one of the shopping galleries. Towards the front you will have “The Palladium”, a two tier theatre. The two shows are performed around dinner times.

One deck above you have The Purple Turtle Pub, a large and spacious lounge together with a small stage for live bands which overlooks a dance area.

At the aft part on the Lido deck- (12)-you have a variety of places to eat such as the main buffet area- Borough Market. An alternative dining experience to the traditional sit-down dining option. Here you have a selection of food to please your palate plus you also have Al Fresco Grill. You will also find one of the specialty restaurants Saffron.  

As you head out of this area you step into one of the open spaces with two pools and many sun loungers at your disposal plus the much-needed Pool Bar!

Towards the front of the deck, you can chill out in The Coffee House, and on the port side, you have the second and last speciality restaurant Sea and Grass.

Two decks above- Sun (14)- is  The Observatory, conveniently situated towards the front. Just like many ships this has been designed to give the passenger a great view of the surrounding area from the comfort of the inside of the ship. With comfortable large armchairs pointing out to sea, you can get the feel of this place. In the evening it doubles up as a dancing club. With both a DJ and a small stage for a band I’m sure everyone will have an excuse to boogie on the large dance floor.  

Just outside this lounge, you have ample deck space and on those warm evenings, you can even watch a film on the large screen. It also doubles up as an exercise area where both walkers and joggers will fulfil their daily routines. Towards the aft, the area is finished off with a cushioned floor for exercises such as Pilates, yoga, and all those body stretching routines. There are also some cabanas-type sofas to chill out and see the panoramic views.

Many people often like to pamper themselves and Ambience is no different. Situated on the Wellness deck (2) you have all the desired areas.

• Wellness/Salon

• Green Sea Spa

• Thermal rooms -which are complimentary but must be booked in advance.

• Gym

Other smaller areas to meet up with fellow passengers have the following on the Main deck (6)

• Kapoor’s craft room.

• Aces and Eights Bridge. Show your card skills here.

• Shopping Galleria

• Casino, is small but adequate.

On the Boat deck number (8) you have the library and the partnership lounge and access to the open deck area where you can practice your shuffle board skills whilst the sound of the sea bellows in the background. And as it's next to the Purple Turtle Pub you won’t have to walk far to get a well-deserved drink. And staying with beverages it's worth getting the drinks package which also incorporates the tips. Highly recommended.

To round off those warm days at sea the whirlpools on deck 11 whilst seeing the ships wake dance away in the sea is a must and especially with a nice cocktail which you can pick on the Consulate bar.  

Why Ambassador Cruises? Although it does get compared to the sadly missed classic CMV, from my own experience it’s a step up. The cabins are bigger and all bathrooms are designed for their specific cabin grades. Inside, Seaview, balcony, and Suites are all well-priced and affordable for those who want to taste classic cruising with the added value of departing from the UK and having the usual home comforts such as the 3-pin electric (you will be surprised how many people oversee this) and the onboard currency is the Pound Sterling.

With a medical centre and a laundrette on board, it's an all-rounder for those long 20+ days cruises. Measuring 245 feet, it has 789 cabins accommodating 1400 passengers and with a great and attentive crew you will be in safe hands. The ship is not built to break speed records or to get the coveted blue ribbon, at 16.5 knots cruising speed it's just perfect for those relaxing days at sea. They also incorporate many themed cruises, which edges Ambassador in front of some of their competitors. Always worth looking into, from Dancing lessons from Strictly’s Anton Du Beke, Gardening, Book clubs and for that fun evening the Laughter Lounge where comedians will lighten your evening.

Although mainly geared for an adult-only product there are multi-generation cruises suited and designed around school holidays. And on some selected sailings the kids (up to the age of 17) pay just £1! Solo passengers? are one of the best all-around packages.

Thank you.