First time on a proper cruise for us! Always wanted to see the Norwegian Fjords and we were not disappointed. A bit anxious about sailing per se, (previous bad experiences) but had some excellent tips & choose a mid ship cabin. Sailing into the fjords, absorbing the ambience (did ya see what I did there?) was fantastic. Highlight of the week was definitely the Flam train journey & the hike down the mountain. Low point was Bergen - (but we’re not really city folk) it was ok. It was very expensive even the public toilets cost the equivalent of £1! The evening food and service on the Ambience in the Buckingham was very good. Tasty, varied & hot when it should be hot. I’ve never eaten so much. Ever. Our Waiter Ravi, was a total professional. He delivered excellent service consistently with a smile and good humour. Setting the bar so high made breakfast a tad disappointing. The food was ok, but often not hot enough with the service a little slow. Meanwhile, eating in the Borough Market was a whole new bun fight - first task was find an empty table! Breakfast & afternoon tea was a sea of frenetic limbs moving in every direction contrasted with queues of drooping plates waiting patiently for scones & jam. Lesson learned: The early bird catches the table. Entertainment was a mixed bag. The shows & events in the palladium did not disappoint. We were treated to some outstanding shows delivered by some talented performers. The Purple Turtle was ok if quizzing is your thang girlfriend. But often the PA was TOO loud, the sets over performed with target audience amnesia. The musicians were accomplished and delivered a melodic selection of genres (though no Death Metal or Grime… I wonder why? We had a some great evenings daft dancing in the observatory - you’ve never danced till you’ve made some horizontal shapes on ship sailing choppy waters. The range of activities was broad. The timing of some events, like yoga was always at the same time with a 20 place limit. It was very VERY popular. So I never actually managed to get a slot. Why, I wondered don’t they run more than one slot a day? It’s not the newest, or biggest or the most sophisticated. But it was friendly with great food . Would we go again? Yes. Already booked.
Extremely impressed with Ambassador and Ambience from start to finish. All the staff were extremely attentive and we were looked after very well
The food was excellent considering the number being catered for with plenty of choice. Too much in fact!
My recent cruise to the Norwegian fjords with Ambassador was my first cruise and I went solo. One of the many reasons that I chose Ambassador was that they catered for people travelling alone. They were true to their word! I was put on a table in the beautiful main dining room with other solo passengers so within a few hours of stepping on board I was already meeting people in the same position as myself . The following morning there was a solo cocktail welcoming party followed by lunch together. During the cruise a table was reserved at certain times in one of the lounges as a solo meeting point and at the end of the cruise there was a farewell solo cocktail party. By this time new friendships had been formed snd nobody looked to be on their own.
Overall I had the best of experience on Ambiance. It’s a great little ship. The cabins are a bit dated but very comfortable and perfectly adequate. What makes it extra special is the crew and their wish to make sure that you have a great time.
The entertainment is fabulous. Frequent cruisers said it was the best they’d come across.
I would definitely cruise with Ambassador again.
A beautiful ship with an outstanding crew, particularly in the dining areas. Just a wonderful experience.
Ambassador is very environmentally conscious which was one of its main attractions for me. My daughter and I loved every minute aboard.
This was my first cruise and I have to say it was an amazing trip. Firstly we were so lucky with the weather, it was sunny and warm for the entire trip. When we first arrived at Tilbury we dropped our suitcases and parked up, walked the very short distance to the check in area and within 20 minutes we were opening the door to our cabin. I was very pleasantly surprised at the size of the room, there was loads of storage space, the shower/bathroom was clean and tidy with complementary shower gel and soap. The beds were very comfy. Hubby and I then decided to go for a wander and ended up having a welcome drink in the Botanical bar. This bar like most of the public areas were very welcoming, clean and tidy The Purple Turtle ended up being our go to bar, laid back with good entertainment and quizzes which we loved. The staff were so welcoming and friendly. The main restaurant was great for dressing up a bit and Borough Market we used if we wanted something less formal. The food choice was great and on a particular night in the main restaurant I didn’t like anything on the menu so the waiter suggested an alternative which turned out to be really tasty. The evening entertainment in the Palladium easily rivalled some of the best shows I’ve seen in London.
Yes the decor in the cabins was a little dated, the ship was a little older than some other operators but, and it’s a big but the value for money on Ambience was excellent and I will definitely be booking another cruise on her
We enjoyed the fjords very much .We shall definitely choose Ambassador cruises again . The staff were very friendly and the entertainment very good .
Very old tired dated ship. The aircon doesn't work nor do many of the fridges.our cabin steward just grunted at us when we spoke to her and we never got to find out what her name was. The cabin was also dirty with things under the beds from the previous guests.
Shoddy painting on the outer decks poorly refurbished in general.
Reception staff need a lot of retraining as they are very Unhelpful and every complaint you have seems to be reported 3 times to get sorted.
Having been on the Maiden cruise some 5 weeks before this and seeing the many issues that the ship had then, it was great to see that all the issues that I knew about had been sorted. Even the public areas at the very back of the ship had been spruced up and re-opened.
The shows put on in the theatre were probably the best I have seen at sea. Having done some 30+ that is saying something. Some of the individual singers had voices that were brilliant, especially when the Brazilian sang Nessum Dorma.
The public rooms of which there were many, were well decorated, and of a night-time had various artists. My favourite was the coffee shop in the atrium, where I could sit before bed and have a brandy in a hot chocolate. Something I have not done for 30 odd years.
Ambience is a lovely size, smaller ship, which is what we wanted. We had a great sea view cabin - a little dated in terms of decor, but plenty of space to move about and loads of storage, and with really comfortable beds. Food was wonderful, in the main dining room and in the buffet, Borough Market. Entertainment in the Palladium was of West End quality, and some superb sessions in the bars and around the ship. All the crew, from cabin steward to captain, were absolutely lovely. Senior members were always “out and about”, to quote the Captain. Even the day’s delay didn’t spoil it and the onboard credit paid for an excursion and a delicious special Indian meal in the Saffron Restaurant. It took two years, but we got our cruise.
Never done a northern cruise rather than a summer one. The captain had to deal with everything that could be thrown at him with superb attention. A force 11 storm, a missed port re fog and icebergs, 3 missed ports because of hurricane Fiona, absent staff and helicopter lifts. The degree of work obtaining safe harbour for riding out the storm with St Johns, Agents and H.O. Unfortunately the agents secured a berth in Montreal was allocated to another ship. This meant that everything from bunkering, replensing goods, fowl and waste disposal had to be re-directed to the berth docked. This was far out of the city and therefore courtesy buses had to be secured. They dealt with the backlash with face to face meetings and up-to-date information as when received from the Agents and H.O. Roll on the 21 Dec and the 5th of Jan 5th, Thank you
Really enjoyed our first sail with ambassador
I booked a late deal as a solo. I had been on ship with my husband in May. It had improved hugely. Had 3 events for solos in a week. I had a standard inside cabin which was large and well located considering I had a late deal. Lots of storage but no plug or USB near the bed and dark wood furniture meant it felt a bit dated. Entertainment was west end class. Food delicious and nice small portion meant I could try 4 out of 5 courses. Only markdown was the two dinner sittings were too early or late. Wish freedom dining was an option. Excursions were slightly disorganised and ran late.
We travelled on the maiden cruise which we thoroughly enjoyed. The entertainment was first class as was the service and food. This is not a luxury cruise line and although the cabins are a little tired the public rooms are lovely. We found it terrific value for money and the general atmosphere and entertainment were wonderful. We are now booked for 42 nights in January next year.
I was lucky to go to Ambassador's Gala Launch on their new ship Ambience in April at Tilbury. Arrived at the Terminal and parked virtually right outside the door. Luggage taken from us and into the Terminal for testing and checking in. This was quick and easy. Check in didn't take too long and then on to the ship.
My first impression was WOW. Loved the Atrium on deck 5-7. We were given a complimentary drink and sat to gaze around. Saw Sally Gunnell so that was a treat too.
Once cabin was ready off we went. An oceanview cabin with twin beds and LOTS of storage space. More drawers than we could ever fill lol. Cabin lovely and bathroom had a spacious shower compared to some ships. Air con was a bit noisy but once reported was soon fixed.
Tour of ship followed and everywhere looked great. Loved Botanical Lounge the best. Observatory had some great window seating and I think would prove to be popular.
Gala night and into the Theatre to be introduced to management etc, the launch of the ship by Sally Gunnell and a taste of the entertainment to expect from the Show Team. And WOW were they good!
Next into the Main Dining Room (Buckingham Restaurant) for a spectacular 5 course meal. Every course was delicious and if this is what to expect on future cruises everyone should be well pleased. After the meal there was entertainment in the Atrium which was good and I understand it continued later in the Observatory till late at night. Breakfast in Borough Market had lots of choices but I understand it has proved popular so can be very busy at breakfast and lunch and at times hard to find a seat.
All in all a fantastic day and night onboard a lovely ship and I look forward to see their next ship - Ambition.
We were on board for the Gala launch event. All the directors were on board and more than willing to engage with guests which was very pleasing. Our cabin was clean and spacious, with plenty of storage space.
The food was excellent, with attentive, friendly waiters. The entertainment was excellent.
On the strength of this short stay on board we are looking forward to spending 6 weeks on board in January.