As most seasoned travellers will tell you, flying has changed and not for the better. I’ve heard friends who have flown long haul for decades share their dismay at how challenging air travel has become in the last several years.
There are horror stories of just how much cattle-class seats have shrunk, knackering 4am departures and nickel-and-diming that feels like a death by a thousand cuts. Luggage prices that practically require remortgaging your house are particularly egregious.
A noticeable decline in what’s considered acceptable airplane etiquette hasn’t helped either. I’m always baffled by how the people with the most tech somehow missed the invention of headphones. Cramped quarters also mean armrest encroachment has become more aggressive than ever, to say nothing of passengers abruptly reclining in the middle of dinner.
There isn’t a single culprit for the deteriorating standards so much as a pile-up. Geopolitical conflicts have caused the price of jet fuel to spike, and airlines have not been shy about passing that cost on. Mergers have also meant less competition, with a knock-on impact on prices and service. Add in cancellations, staff shortages and marathon queues, and it’s little wonder it’s sharp elbows all round.
All said, the broader picture isn’t looking good for air travel, and the appeal of no-fly holidays is obvious. Savvy travellers, particularly those over 45 who can remember the heady days of adequate legroom, are already shopping around.
What are the alternatives?
Alternatives to flying include high-speed trains like the Eurostar, which can whisk you to European capitals, or coaches, which can be relatively inexpensive, though occasionally at the cost of comfort and convenience.
Road tripping is another way to go, depending on how you feel about long drives. Some travellers combine the car journey with a ferry, which opens up destinations like France or the Channel Islands.
While all of these modes of travel have their merits, in our humble opinion, cruising comes out on top for one simple reason. A train, car, coach or ferry is a means of transport rather than something you look forward to. A cruise ship, on the other hand, is part of the experience.
From the moment you embark, your holiday begins, and even a first-class train ticket to Paris doesn’t quite compare to lounging on a sun-dappled deck, cocktail in hand and wind in your hair, as you sail into Amsterdam or through the Norwegian fjords.
How do cruise terminals compare to airports?
Embarking a cruise ship is generally much less stressful than fighting your way through an airport.
For starters, Ambassador Cruise Line offers departures from seven UK ports, so you can pick whichever is most convenient: Tilbury (London), Portsmouth, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle, Belfast and Dundee. Select itineraries even include complimentary port parking or a free coach transfer.
Once you arrive, you’ll notice there are far fewer passengers compared to major airports, meaning you’re less likely to be stuck in interminable queues. You will need to go through security and check-in, but there tends to be less rigmarole. Shoes stay on, your 150ml moisturiser stays in your handbag, and you’re not expected to weigh your luggage and shell out hundreds of extra pounds if it’s deemed too heavy.
Best of all, wait times are considerably shorter. In Tilbury, for instance, you can go from car to cabin in just 25 minutes.
What is the onboard experience like?
This depends on the cruise operator, with a large number of lines calibrated to different travel styles. Ambassador Cruise Line specialises in no-fly cruises from the UK and as such it’s fully tailored to British guests and sensibilities, from the sports broadcast in bars to prices in GBP.
Notably, both Ambience and Ambition are adults-only, meaning the atmosphere is more relaxed than you’d find on family-focused ships. Expect a serene alfresco pool, hot tubs and a kitted-out spa as opposed to sprawling kids’ clubs or dedicated splash zones.
Every voyage also offers a full programme of day-to-night activities geared towards grown-ups, ranging from dance classes and wine tastings to West End-style productions and guest speakers.
Dining on board is similarly more date night than family canteen. Full board is included as standard, and one night you might dine in Buckingham on sophisticated classics like braised lamb with rosemary butter and white asparagus, the next in Borough Market, where flavours from around the world come together.
Speciality restaurants are also available for a surcharge, including a Dine Under the Stars surf ‘n’ turf extravaganza and a Chef’s Table experience that comes with a behind-the-scenes galley tour.
You’ll find well-stocked and reasonably priced bars, too, ranging from British-style pubs to decadent gin joints, with the choice to pay as you go or opt in for a drinks package.
What destinations can you reach?
Scandinavia, for example, is well-suited to exploration by ship. Besides offering a cost-effective way to see Norway, which frequently ranks as one of the most expensive countries in Europe, itineraries like Summertime Fjordland provide access to the untamed reaches of its undulating coastline, revealing sheer rock faces carved by ancient glaciers.
Another popular choice is the Netherlands. On a Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, you’ll wander its many museums and see first-hand why its canals have earned it the moniker ‘the Venice of the North’. Plenty of sailings to the Low Countries are scheduled in December, too, spiriting you from one festive market to the next.
Northern France and the Isles of Scilly also deserve a spot on your short list. This itinerary, for example, whisks guests from Concarneau in Brittany, known for its medieval history and seafood, to the Norman city of Honfleur, the birthplace of Impressionism. St Mary’s rounds off the route, with the opportunity to wander white sand beaches and gardens of sub-tropical flora.
If you have the time and inclination, you may also choose longer itineraries that take you to sunnier climes. From autumnal getaways on the Dalmatian Coast to Christmas in Iberia, the scope of Ambassador’s no-fly cruises is worth exploring for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a no-fly holiday with Ambassador Cruise Line worth it?
That really depends on the kind of traveller you are. One of Ambassador Cruise Line’s great advantages is that it doesn’t try to be all things to all people. Instead, it tailors its offering to its specific audience: experienced travellers who know what they like, with a focus on characterful destinations, good value and transparent pricing. That approach clearly lands, with 94 per cent of guests saying they would recommend the line.
What’s included with Ambassador Cruise Line?
Ambassador prides itself on transparent pricing without hidden extras that land on your final bill.
As standard, the following is covered by your cruise fare:
- Your cabin accommodation
- Full board dining (including all meals and afternoon tea)
- Entertainment and daily activities
- Use of the gym, pool and hot tubs
- Luggage porterage
- Port taxes, fees and charges
Extras you may want to factor in include drinks packages, gratuities (depending on the fare), Wi-Fi, speciality dining, spa treatments, destination experiences and travel insurance. Port parking is complimentary on select itineraries but usually incurs a fee.
Does Ambassador Cruise Line offer any themed cruises?
Yes, Ambassador Cruise Line offers a broad range of themed and special interest cruises. For example, this festive Hamburg itinerary has the bonus of appearances by One More Dream winners ‘The Monarchs Blues Band’, organised in collaboration with Boom Radio. Other examples include Battle of the Bands, Soul Train at Sea and Cricket Legends Festive Getaway.
Which Ambassador Cruise Line ships are adults-only?
Both Ambience and Ambition are adults-only, catering to guests aged 18 and over.
Is my money secure when I book with Ambassador Cruise Line?
Yes, Ambassador Cruise Line’s no-fly cruises come with full financial protection through ABTOT. This means in the extremely unlikely event of the company failing, you can rely on a refund if you haven’t sailed and safe passage home if you’re already away.
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