Page 7 of 8 — Ambience Customer Reviews

A Couples View on Their Return to the Ambassador Ambience Itinerary - Tilbury - Copenhagen - Ronne - Tallin - Helsinki - Stockholm (overnight) - Visby - Skagen - Tilbury Having been on the first two Ambience cruises, where it would have been fair to say, you certainly needed a sense of humour, we were really interested to see how the Ambience had progressed when we booked this last minute cruise. In fact, despite all the initial problems we have grown to become big fans of this small but friendly cruise line, and we are probably more forgiving than we would be of a larger established company. From an Ambassador perspective, the embarkation process with a lot smoother. this time though we did note there was no priority boarding for their suite guests, despite it being listed as a benefit, Ambassador really need to sort this out. Unfortunately, not for the first time, our experience of Tilbury Cruise Terminal was not a positive one. We can’t understand why they would want to make passengers, many of whom are elderly, stand out on the street, when there is a hall full of empty chairs when you check in. It’s bad enough in the spring and summer, we can only imagine what it’s like in the winter months. We feel really strongly about this, so will be expressing our views to the port management and local health and safety authority. Anyway, back to the ship. We were greeted by name by four different members of staff, within twenty minutes of boarding, who remembered us from the maiden cruise in April. This is part of what we describe as the essence of cruising, something you mainly only experience on smaller ships like the Ambience. We look upon the Ambience as a grand old lady she’s been around a long time, and externally it shows, but for us, it just adds character. This was one of a couple of multi- generational cruises the line were undertaking this year - and from our perspective it went well, even though we weren’t travelling with children ourselves. Internally, the lounges and public areas are all tastefully designed, the Botanical lounge is a particular favourite of ours. One of the many things we love about Ambience is the amount of outdoor areas, particularly on the aft, that are available to experience the true essence of cruising. We always have a junior suite, which is spacious internally, though the balcony is a tad too narrow. Internally there is plenty of storage space, the beds are really comfortable, and there is a bath and a shower. Personally, we don’t think that Ambassador provide enough information on the room’s tv system, for example, unusually, there is no view from the bridge, nor is there any weather information provided, which we could imagine could be frustrating if you had an inside cabin, but maybe it’s just us. There are plenty of bars around the ship and we think the drinks are reasonably priced, as are the drinks packages, some of which include gratuities. Oddly, the two outside bars Poolside on Deck 12 and Consulate on deck 10 aft close way too early on our opinion, around 6pm and 5pm regardless of good weather and having a lot of passengers around the area. We believe the shops and spa are reasonably priced in the context of cruise ship pricing, and the gym though small is well equipped. There is also a sauna, library, games/card room, arts and crafts area, laundry and small casino on board, and a table tennis table at the back of the ship on deck 14, together with a yoga studio and running/ walking track. There is always a full programme of events on Ambience including some of the traditional activities. Passengers are invited to join the choir, there are varied arts and crafts sessions, a book club and you can even watch the occasional short play, professionally staged by the ship’s excellent entertainment team. There are also the usual game shows and quizzes and some great fun parties on the pool deck which are really enjoyable. The show company productions in the Palladium are first class too. Now for the destinations. Obviously this is our opinion and many of us look for different things in the places we visit. We had come to the Baltics many years previously on a larger ship and had endured poor weather. This time the gods smiled on us with a decent amount of sunshine and not much rain. In Copenhagen we took a ships tour - land and water that was excellent and pretty good value for money - we saw all the main sights from both, and got to visit the square where the Royal Palace is. In Tallin, Stockholm and Visby we decided instead to do our own thing which included touring on the Hop on Hop Bus. Loved Tallin and Stockholm - we should also mention that the sail in to Stockholm in beautiful - don’t miss it ! Our favourite stop of all was Helsinki - again we did a ship sightseeing tour - a fascinating city for us that we look forward to returning to. Due to bad weather in Ronne we anchored at the opposite side of the island and in Skagen, the most northerly point of Denmark we stayed aboard IN SUMMARY In our view there are traditional cruise ships, and there are the larger ships that we would describe as floating hotel resorts. We have been on both, twice in recent months, this Ambassador Ambience and the P&O Iona. They could not be more different, but it’s not about good or bad, it’s just different experiences. We prefer this small ship experience, as we said earlier, the Ambience is old but she has character. There are plenty of outdoor areas, mainly on the stern, but unusually these days also on the bow where there is a viewing area. This together, with all of the activities really exudes what we describe as the essence of cruising. We wish the in room entertainment system was better, that the outside bars were open for longer, and temperature is a personal thing, but we would have preferred the great venues inside the ship to be warmer. That said, we love the atmosphere where you are made to feel part of the family. Being a small ship, it’s much easier to get to know the staff a little better. We also really love the fact that the main Buckingham restaurant is even open on port days. Of course it’s subjective, but we think the food is good and varied. The two speciality restaurants Sea&Grass (24.95) and Saffron (14.95) are fantastic value with quality food and service too. The ships entertainment company are amongst the best we have seen in over 60 cruises and the cruise director George Cross is top notch. The officers are both visible and approachable. The spa represents reasonable value for money and the drinks are less expensive than many cruise lines. Ambassador also have a number of cruises with a smaller supplement for single travellers. We will definitely be sailing more often with Ambassador on both the Ambience and the Ambition which launches next year and will be sailing from Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast and Bristol as well as Tilbury. Oh and finally, Thank you Ambassador for showing the lionesses on the big outdoor screen demonstrating your responsiveness to your customers requests.

Our first cruise, and what a treat. The ship was just the size we wanted. The cabin was a good size; the bed the most comfortable ever; the shower was superb! The only downside - the aircon in our cabin wasn’t adjustable and the temperature was too high. This is a known problem, as replacement parts are sitting in a container somewhere! All food was absolutely delicious, both in the main dining room and in the buffet. Every member of the crew, from cleaners to Captain, were a delight - friendly, helpful, good at their jobs. Wonderful!

My advice is to steer well clear of this company, the parent of which is Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited (paid up share capital £1.00); the trading name of which is Ambassador Cruise Line Limited (paid up share capital £1.00) and whose ship (Ambience) is owned by CVI Group Limited whose shareholder is ACL Holdings Limited, a Guernsey registered company with paid up ordinary shares of £1.00 and of whom the Relevant Legal Entity (RLE) are Njord Partners LLP. The Ambience is crewed by contract labour through Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) of Papenburg, Germany and English law does not apply to employment conditions. The Trust Holding Company offered as financial reassurance to customers, Trust My Travel Limited, is a one man outfit run out of a private residence in Ryhall, Rutland which has, you've guessed it, a paid up share capital of £1.00. Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is not a member of ABTA. The senior management were previously running Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV). It didn't take long for them to sink when Covid-19 struck. Ambassador is on an equally sure financial footing. I went on their Baltic cruise, 14 nights from 12th May 2022. Embarkation was a nightmare because the carpark at Tilbury was insufficiently signposted and difficult to find. The cabin thermostat did not work and the temperature was either too hot or too cold throughout the cruise. I couldn't use my Nationwide debit card onboard for the whole cruise. I received three threatening letters demanding I resolve the problem or my disembarkation would be "difficult". The reception staff were downright rude and unhelpful about the matter. The cabin steward was lazy and had to be asked to change the bathroom towels and vacuum the carpet four days into the cruise. He was surly thereafter. Crew dressed in full protective clothing were seen delivering food to cabins on the same deck. I asked if Covid was onboard and received the reply, quote, "I'm dressed like this so you can't recognize me". Covid was on board because I tested positive on 27th May, one day after disembarking. I booked for the German Christmas Markets 5 night cruise due in December and paid the deposit. Rather than cruise with this company again I will forfeit the deposit and not bother. A truly awful cruise line.

Firstly, I have to qualify that this cruise is definitely value for money because I book the least expensive discounted inside cabin. I doubt that I could give it the same rating if I paid 3 - 4X the price for a balcony cabin. The service, food, and entertainment was excellent (there’ll always be one or two dodgy ones but I think that’ll be more towards personal taste than poor quality). Shore excursions are expensive but that’s the same on all cruises. We just did our own where and when possible and all was good. Drink prices are similar to U.K. pub prices and as such is a positive. Having a new crew, there were a few ‘beginners’ learning the job but I’m sure they will quickly improve. Some new crew were old hands at the job and they were just great at their job. All of them couldn’t do enough to be of service; very friendly and cheerful. The ship is a bit tired in some areas and a few windows need a good clean. However, some of the public spaces are very well appointed and ooze a lot of old world charm; it is definitely not glitzy and over the top. It’s a small ship and you can meet the same people more than once; not necessarily good or bad. Happy to cruise this ship again.

Pre-departure covid procedure was good, but at embarkation and on-board there were virtually no safety procedures in place. The ship was not really ready to cruise. Through a series of events outside the control of the company, there had not been time to get it fully operational. Toilets were frequently out of action in cabins and public areas, some cabins had no heating and some public areas either had not been finished and were not available or were still being worked on while guests were using them. Cabins were well supplied with wardrobes and drawers, but in a large number of them, there were bunk beds over the single beds, which were dangerous for anyone sitting up at night or made it difficult to get into or out of a double bed. On the plus side the food in the restaurants was very good and the waiting staff excellent, as were the cabin stewards and bar staff. However, guest service staff did not seem to be up to the task of dealing with the numerous problems which arose. On our last day in Norway, we were visited by medical staff who said that someone on board had tested positive for covid and had named us as close contacts. We were therefore to be confined to our cabin for the remainder of the cruise, even if we tested negative. We were also told that, if we tested positive, we would be the last to disembark, but that the company would provide transport home for us. This was repeated to us three times on the last three days we were onboard. On the last day, when we were due to disembark, my partner did test positive and this information was repeated. However, just before we were due to leave, we received as short phone call to the effect that we had to get off immediately and that there would be no transport provided - no explanation why. On leaving, my partner asked (who we were told was) the guest services manager why we were not getting the promised transport. Instead of an explanation or an apology, the answer was "we are not a taxi service". We both found this insulting and uncalled-for, although it did go some way to explaining why on-board guest services were so poor. It left a sour taste. We had accepted the deficiencies in readiness to sail as being outside the control of the company, and were offered a 10% discount on a future cruise to compensate, but we cannot accept the deliberate rudeness of a senior member of staff and we are still awaiting an apology from the company for this lapse in accepted standards.

Itinerary Tilbury, Faroes, Iceland(4 dockings), Faroes and Shetland. Very interesting cruise, on board members of ORCA who whale watched each day and gave several very interesting lectures. Cabin was the best we have had, very spacious, loads of hanging and drawer space. Bearing in mind the destinations weather not particularly good but ship stability good and we prepared for some rain. Scenerically very good with loads of waterfalls and snow still on mountains. Ship still having some refurbishment eg varnishing of some rail cappings. Food varied and no stomach upsets l. Staff very friendly and shows good. Occasionally could have had more waiters in Observation lounge for their good 'Expedition' drinks package and their French Coffee to die for!! My only quibble parking said to be by ship, it wasn't and signage to real parking was ludicrously confusing. However dis/embarcation was relatively smooth. All in all a very enjoyable cruise, I look forward to sailing with Ambassador again soon.

Very tired cabins. Food good and entertainment good but better value for money on p&o and p&o much better value and higher standard.

We cruised from Tilbury to Iceland, Faroes and Shetland. A first cruise for my friend, 6th for me. Absolutely loved every minute. No complaints whatsoever. For a relatively low price we had the best food, entertainment and comfort you could ever ask for. I prefer smaller ships where its easier to make friends. I've booked a further cruise already.

Destination was excellent. Ship is small and old but refurbished. Main criticism is the cabin temperature. The aircon is set at 23C lowest, which is far too hot, especially for an inside cabin. On a positive note the food was always good and the entertainment was good.

The ship is very dated and tired . The paint work on deck is terrible paint everywhere on the deck , holes in deck , lumpy trip hazard carpets . The Aircon doesn't work and set at 23 degrees everywhere. Our cabin had bits of rubbish from last guests still under the bed . We had a leaky sink for 3 days and the first fixing of it was to put a folded towel under it . They have IT issues meaning despite registering a bank card on the first day we was hounded by letters to go and sort out our bill . This lasted 8 days of our two weeks cruise . On a positive note the staff with the exception of the reception was all lovely and friendly and the food was ok . Customer services ignore complaints despite saying 28 days to sort them . It's nearly 9 weeks and after numerous emails not one has been acknowledged. Do yourself a favour and chose another company it's not even a 2* ship

Who in their right minds would pay several thousand pounds without concrete knowledge of how to get to port. You will pay for your cruise and transport then ambassador at a late stage will change your pick up point many miles from home. They will not offer to get you to new pick up point. Because you cannot get there without considerable time and cost, an offer of board credit is offered. Co-ercive unnecessary spending and then they refuse to give you money back paid for cruise. Poor customer relations and one to definitely avoid. Ridiculous, avericious, stupidity to think this is ok.

We were on the 12 night Queen’s Jubilee cruise around the U.K.and a stop in Honfleur. We enjoyed the cruise mainly for the comfortable size, the dining room food and the storage capacity in the cabin. My biggest disappointment was that it was too hot everywhere for me. The first couple of nights almost everyone complained of the heat in the cabins. It seemed to improve a bit but even my husband said that the ship seemed to have hot flashes. The evening entertainment was very professional but for us became a little boring since they were almost all singing and dancing. There was a wordsmith comedian a couple of nights but we would have preferred more variety acts such as a magician, a comedy juggler or a hypnotist. The hours of the buffet seemed a little restrictive, breakfast ending at 10 and lunch ending at 2 pm. Getting back onboard after 2 pm from an excursion meant that the only available food was from the outside grill that had just three choices: hotdog and fries, hamburger and fries or basic cardboard pizza (which you had to wait 20 to 30 min for). The buffet put out some snack items from 3:30 to 4:30 including scones. Buffet dinner didn’t start until 6 pm. I would have preferred more variety at the buffet. Of course, traditional British food was the main offering and because of covid restrictions, it was not self service. There were a few days when we had no signal on the tv in the cabin, which was really disappointing when we wanted to watch the jubilee entertainment t and pageant. WiFi was quite expensive and you had to buy it for the whole trip to get the best £10 daily rate. We really enjoyed the identical twin sisters who played the piano and violin every evening in the Botanical Lounge. Much of the music was classical which we loved. We missed having a movie theatre onboard even though there was a big screen out on deck. If they can work out a few technical things and vary the entertainment a bit more, then it would be even better.

Jubilee cruise but not much evidence of celebrations. Spent extra day in Tilbury when we should have been in Edinburgh because of spare part needed for ship to sail. Only compensation offered was £50 to spend on board and 10% off future cruise which is of no use as I have no intention of sailing with them again. There are much better cruise lines at a similar price and better quality. Ship cabins and shower room very tired. No air conditioning. Was unbearably hot in cabin. Luckily had a balcony so could cool off every now and again. Food and entertainment okay. Mask wearing and hand hygiene not monitored and a covid outbreak among entertainment crew quickly spread and sure enough my partner and I have returned with covid.

The worst part of the whole experience occurred, at home, BEFORE we joined the ship on this Baltic Cruise...the required Covid Test & all the malarky of registering & uploading the results! Took about an hour...ghastly! But once done, things improved greatly. The on line registration & embarkation process at Tilbury worked well without much hanging around. I enjoyed the shore trips, though there were a couple of changes outside Ambassador's control due to the political situation in Ukraine & Russia and enhanced security in Sweden. The one tendering op we had worked pretty efficiently with easy access to tender. Food good, possibly too much, if that is a criticism!!!! If you like Indian food the Executive chef is from Goa India and they cook up a mean curry. Crew friendly & very helpful, though they were required to be masked up, we, on the whole weren't, except in confined places like the Showlounge. Some of the indoor spaces are a bit dark for my taste, but there is plenty of opportunity to get outside on various aft & side decks, as well as the pool deck. Yes, I would go with this new line again as I prefer smaller to medium ships.