Reviews
![2022-10-14 12:10:37]()
Reviews
![2022-10-13 21:56:45]()
Janetha’s World of CruisingNew cruise line deparng from Brish ports appealed. Embarkaon was ecient and welcoming crew onboard. Cabin spacious and plenty of storage. Air con had to be adjusted then #ne. Shower good and hair dryer, tea making facilies and wall mounted TV. Very comfortable beds and a(enve cabin steward. Plenty of relaxing space onboard with many bars and lounge space. Parculary good were the twins playing mainly classical music in Botanical Lounge. The other entertainment shows were very high standard. Dining room spacious and waiters helpful with choice of menu and wine list. For the most part the food very good. Bistro tended to be crowded but good selecon of food for breakfast and lunch and great tea and scones with cream!! Tours tended to be expensive but in line with most cruise lines. We hired a car in Sco0sh islands, very reasonable for day car hire. The gardens of Tresco a particular delight and weather was kind to us so no ports missed. By and large an excellent introducon to Ambassador Cruise Line and Ambience. Will book again!
Reviews
![2022-10-13 20:15:40]()
I have booked 3 cruises and 1 Gala event with Ambassador this year. All were very easy to book on the phone all were answered within 5 minutes, the sales team were very helpful and understanding, as I am hard of hearing, I explained this and then they spoke slower and louder that was a great help. On one cruise iv’e changed the cabin three times and this was no problem to them, it was all completed quickly efficently. I also changed cabin, dining table and added extra person to the Gala event without any problem. Since ive booked I have had several questions that I have asked guest services all have been answered politely and quickly.
I have been on several cruise lines in the past, but have not been treated better than ambassador cruises. I have spoken to a load of people who have cruised with them this year and all have been positive.
For a value for money and friendly cruise for mainly 50year plus guests I would highly recommend Ambassador Cruise Line.
Reviews
![2022-10-13 14:42:19]()
Had a great time on Ambience. Staff were so lovely, food good, entertainment was amazing. Such a good trip we have booked again.
Reviews
![2022-10-13 10:55:26]()
This was my second cruise on Ambience. This time as a solo. They did put on some events for solos and allocated a table in one bar for solos. Food in main dining room was delicious and I found the small portions allowed me to have 4 courses when I am usually struggling to eat one as I have a small appetite. Cabins with dark wood and only one socket and one USB point are a little dated, but large and loads of storage. Staff are very helpful although at times early sitting was so full that it was hard to order a second glass of wine. The early and late sittings for meals were 5.45 and 8pm, neither ideal. Early sitting was too early if you had been on an excursion.
Reviews
![2022-10-12 09:40:27]()
Having been on the maiden voyage of Ambassador’s ship Ambience, which we loved, we decided to book the multi-generational cruise with our family. It did not disappoint!
We booked direct, rather than through a travel agent and received excellent service.
On arrival at Tilbury, the porters were on hand to whisk our luggage away and direct us to the embarkation lounge. We we’re onboard within 30 minutes.
Our cabins on deck 9 (9246 & 9250) were clean, comfortable and in our opinion spacious enough. There was plenty of storage, hanging space and lots of drawers. The bathroom was a good size and the shower lovely and hot. Air conditioning was a welcome treat after our hot weather here!
The Buckingham Restaurant and Borough Market Buffet served a variety of dishes and it was plentiful. We ate in the restaurant every night and if you could manage it, there were seven courses! The children were well catered for and had their own menu but could also have smaller portions from the main one. They were thoroughly spoilt but I’ll. one back to that later.
The bars around the ship were very welcoming and the decor was of a high standard. Having mentioned ‘bars’, we took out the middle drinks package which included gratuities and found this to be of great value. However, the drinks onboard are very reasonably priced anyway.
We’ve cruised with five different lines now and can honestly say the entertainment was the best we’d ever seen. It was truly first class and worthy of any London stage!
We loved the pool deck! There is one swimming pool and it isn’t massive but is 6’ deep and that is every part of it. The grandchildren loved the splash pool with the water jets.
A note for Ambassador, let’s have movies under the stars! We felt your large screen on the open deck was wasted and could be put to better use.
There wasn’t a lot to do for the children but then Ambassador made that very clear on booking. They were some activities but we took card games, colouring books and board games.
Perhaps something to consider Ambassador - employ someone who works with children and is school holidays too. We discussed this with my daughter (a teacher) and she came up with an abundance of ideas to keep the children entertained.
Duty free onboard was very good value. It’s not overcrowded with shops but sufficient with what they have.
Tender organisation was excellent We had a child’s buggy and a fold up mobility scooter which they took care of. No lifting on our part.
If you book with Ambassador, be sure to take a tour of the bridge (register when you board) it was a very interesting insight into how your floating holiday home is operated!
And now for the crew! What can I say? Every one of them and I mean every one were attentive, kind and never failed to smile. They loved the children and by the second day knew them by name and were loving having them onboard. Special shout out to our steward Ronal. Nothing was too much trouble!
Our waiters, Kadek and Kadek who served us as if we were royalty. We couldn’t thank you enough.
One point that must be made, those guys are there to do a job and look after you. Be kind! The people that spoke to them in a discourteous manner was unbelievable.
When we finally had to leave, disembarkation was as smooth as our entire trip! We left independently with our luggage and was off by 09:30.
Well, I’ve never written so much about a cruise and I’m sure I’ve forgotten some things. Will we cruise with Ambassador again? Yes! We’re already booked. Why? Smaller, comfortable and probably the friendliest most welcoming ship we’ve been on. Great value for money!
THANKS AMBASSADOR! SEE YOU SOON
Reviews
![2022-10-11 23:22:58]()
New cruise line departing from British ports appealed. Embarkation was efficient and welcoming crew on board. Cabin spacious and plenty of storage. Air con had to be adjusted then fine shower good and hair dryer tea making facilities and wall mounted TV. Very comfortable beds and attentive cabin steward. Plenty of relaxing space on board with many bars and lounge space. Particularly good were the twins playing mainly classical music in Botanical lounge. The other entertainment shows were very high standard. Dining room spacious and waiters helpful with choice on menu and wine list. For the most part food very good. Bistro tended to be crowded but good selection of food for breakfast and lunch and great tea and scones with cream!! Tours tended to be expensive but in line with most cruise lines. We hired a car in Scottish islands, very reasonable for day car hire. The gardens of Tresco a particular delight and weather was kind to us so no ports had to be missed. By and large an excellent introduction to Ambassador cruise line and Ambience ship!! Will book again!
Reviews
![2022-10-04 18:23:59]()
Chose this cruise to find out how I would cope as a solo.
I could not have chosen better. If I wanted company everyone was welco.i g and frieny, if I wanted to be olone that was easy to arrange too.
Staff kept an eye on me to make sure I was comfortable. Would recomme d this ship and company to anyone considering going solo. They arrange meet ups, coffee mornings and lunch for the solos to help them get to know one another. It was my first but definitely will not be my last.
Reviews
![2022-10-04 00:34:42]()
Reviews
![2022-10-03 21:07:00]()
The friendliest ship afloat..!
Reviews
![2022-09-01 17:27:18]()
First time cruising on my own.Everything went well. Excellent dining with other solo passengers. Entertainment good. Really worked the dancers and singers. Tours good. Plenty to do or not do. Cabin good. I was expecting extremely cramped conditions. Everyone very friendly.
Thought the library could do with better organising. We had been asked to wear a mask in crowded spaces, obviously this could not happen when eating, but very few wore them in the theatre or on coaches, so I was not surprised to hear a lot of coughing by the end of the holiday. At least people were sanitising regularly.
Reviews
![2022-09-01 16:42:15]()
Tired old ship , no Aircon , shoddy paintwork wouldn't even rate a 2*
It problems with paying the bill was horrible it felt like they was accusing us of trying to get away without paying by sending letters to sort it . This was every day for 8 days out of our 14 day
cruise
Speciality teas served in plastic teapots and a plastic beaker to drink from
Leak fixed under bathroom sink by them putting a towel under it so it was wet and smelly .
The cabin steward never told us her name and she just grunted at us . The cabin had rubbish under the bed from the previous passengers
Food was good and on the whole the staff was very friendly and helpful
Reviews
![2022-08-29 11:54:37]()
A lovely cruise to Faroe Isles, Iceland & Shetland.
Great food, fantastic entertainment not a new ship had some refurbishment still more to do.
Reviews
![2022-08-28 11:25:18]()
We looked forward to this cruise having sailed from Tilbury (30-45 minutes from home) in the past with CMV. Most things about Ambassador were what we expected as they are CMV ressurected.
Arrived at the terminal, our luggage was whisked away promptly and efficiently. Had to queue up to pass through the Covid checks and the hand luggage scanning but that was to be expected. Any delays there were mainly due to fellow passengers not being properly prepared with their Covid documents. Once past these, the main terminal was empty, plenty of seating (unused) and a good number of check-in desks. This flowed nicely and we were quickly through and on the way past the obligatory photographer. Who, after travelling to the port and going through check-in, wants their photo taken?
On board there was a sense of familiarity. The decor was the same as CMV's Columbus, even down to the small pictures in the Borough Market (in fact I believe they were the same as when Columbus sailed as Ocean Village). The cabins and bathrooms were the same, the beds were better though, nice and comfortable. Even some of the crew were familiar. A big shout out to Felix in the Borough Market who, on our first night came over to welcome us having at least twice previously met him on Columbus.
As we are not fans of formal dining (and finding out my suit trousers no longer fit) we used the Borough Market for the whole duration. The food was very good (the same as served in the Buckingham but without the waiter service and with larger portions), the staff were very friendly and helpul, especially Tasia, Jolena, and Hannah who kept me supplied with Banana Custard. Seating was only a problem during breakfast and lunch, mainly because some passengers like to linger with a tea or coffee rather than consider their fellows and vacate the tables.
There are plenty of bars and seating around the decks, although there was a lack of waiters, especially on the sun decks. Some waiting staff seem to be unaware of the levels of service passengers expect. An example was sitting outside the Botanical Lounge and seeing 5 or 6 staff standing around chatting while passengers at these corridor tables were waiting to be served. Twice a more senior member of staff had to point this out to them. It was almost as if they had tunnel vision and only saw customers as being inside their lounge. It is just an example of areas that need attention and I am sure over time this will improve.
Talking of areas that need improving, the ship herself really does need a proper overhaul. The air-con in the cabins does not adjust properly, there were leaks from the ceilings in a number of public areas. There were contractors on board doing repairs that should have been completed before the season started. The lack of information via the cabin TVs, or from the bridge (on Ocean Village passengers were informed when there were sightings of whales or dolphins for example).
There are many good things as well, the terminals on most decks where one could check their account, what activities were going on, and many other things.
The casino was a disapointment, tucked into a small space, with only slots and a couple of card tables. Why no roulette?
The entertainment was pretty good overall. I dislike the way some singers try to emulate the current batch of pop stars rather than making full use of their voices which were very good. The only show I disliked was the much acclaimed (by the cruise director) Anton Du Beke show. Nothing wrong with the singing or dancing, but it was too contrived with the pre-recorded ADB on the big screen behind them.
Ships excursions next. We paid for 3 excursions, Blarney Castle, Belleek Pottery and Giants Causeway.
The Giant's Causeway was spectacular, although a little rushed. We could have done with a little longer there. Blarney Castle trip was again too short, the emphasis seemed to be more about the Wollen Mill than the castle itself. Just enough time to get up the tower, kiss the stone, and get back for a quick look inside the mill and its shop. The "free" Irish Coffee offered at the adjacent pub was not worth the bother. Grumpy barman, instant coffee, dubious cream, YUK. Would have preferred to spend longer in the grounds of the castle which are quite extensive and beautiful. The pottery trip at Killibegs was good but again rushed and the 45 minute stop in Donnegal was pointless. Not enough time to shop, nor visit the castle nor anything really.
The Drinks Package. If you drink a lot on holidays, like decent coffees then buy it. If not, the prices on board are pretty reasonable. The advantage for us is we like wine with our meals, a drink or two before dinner, a few cocktails and liqueur coffees and plenty of water in the cabin. We totted it up at the end of the cruise and saved around £40. We rarely drink at home by the way. We didnt like the coffee in the cabin and from the machines, it could just be the water or the milk used, or just us.
So conclusion. Good but can do better.
Reviews
![2022-08-25 16:28:07]()
This ship is described as the Ambassador Cruise Line, flag ship. This is an old ship that’s been painted up. There are leaks throughout and many of the toilets and air conditioning units don’t work. The food is mediocre, with frozen vegetables every day, poor quality produce and variable service. The overwhelming memory was queuing. Queuing to get on tenders, queuing to get food from the borough market restaurant, queuing to find a seat, once you’ve fought your way to get lukewarm food. Staff who barely speak a word of English and some who were just rude. No free WI-FI, and if you want to pay for it, it’s very expensive and variable connection. The pool is 6ft deep and is an accident waiting to happen.
On the plus side, the entertainment staff are exceptional and the shows are really West End standard, although the cruise director, George, is more Butlins than luxury cruise line. George, stop with the ‘Tara’.
The cabins are descent with adequate space, although the air conditioning unit was very noisy.
Generally the ship is clean, although not the windows and there were frequent banging and maintenance going on which was distracting at times.
The trips were generally good but not all were consistent in quality, avoid the Killybeg trip to Enya’s brothers pub. What a massive disappointment and waste of money. An hour and a half in a coach, to sit in a pub and here some old crooner for an hour then back in the coach for another hour and a half.
This cruise has an awful lot to learn and at the moment is definitely one to be avoided. Such a shame. Don’t say you haven’t been warned. Book at your peril.
Reviews
![2022-08-25 16:04:34]()
