Compare & book Renaissance(13)
We take a closer look at Ambassador Cruise Lines’ first fly-cruise Caribbean vessel, Renaissance, during a visit to Tilbury. Renaissance takes its place alongside Ambience and Ambition following the merger of Ambassador Cruise Line and French cruise operator Compagnie Française de Croisières in January of this year.
Onboard the 1,100-guest vessel, you’ll find 12 decks and 629 cabins, supported by 560 crew members. There’s also a well-equipped gym, a full-service spa and wellbeing area and dining options including the Vatel Restaurant, the Belle Vue buffet and La Table Du Chef.
Style & character: 5/5
We take a closer look at Ambassador Cruise Lines’ first fly-cruise Caribbean vessel, Renaissance, during a visit in Tilbury ahead of the vessel’s winter season across the pond, running until 26 March 2026 and including 10 itineraries.
Renaissance takes its place alongside Ambience and Ambition following the merger of Ambassador Cruise Line and French cruise operator Compagnie Française de Croisières in January of this year.
Onboard the 1,100-guest vessel you’ll find 12 decks and 629 cabins, supported by 560 crew members. There’s also a well-equipped gym, a full-service spa and wellbeing area and dining options including the Vatel Restaurant, the Belle Vue buffet and La Table Du Chef.
The vessel is steeped in maritime tradition, with naval plaques, pictures and flags adorned along the walls at every turn. Oak wood panelling and golden rails conjure a traditional cruising experience, but thanks to its refurbishment in 2023, modern amenities in the gym, spa and lounge areas create a modern yet formal atmosphere.
Cabins: 4/5
Cabins are spacious across all types and allow for ample room to make your accommodation feel like home. Options range from Inside Cabins to Suites, with the former offering a compact yet stylish feel with modern amenities and the latter featuring an elevated experience with premium furnishings and additional living spaces. All cabins generally include air conditioning, a private bathroom and a safe. Curtains in the inside cabins are a nice touch too, helping to alleviate the lack of windows. The ship has 18 wheelchair-accessible cabins, 100 single cabins and 102 interconnecting cabins.
Food & drink: 4/5
Dining options are aplenty onboard, including the Vatel Restaurant, set across two decks with a ceiling illuminated by a thousand lights offering sea views; the Belle Vue buffet restaurant for a more casual dining experience; and several speciality dining venues, including La Table Du Chef.
In the Grand Restaurant, the ship’s main dining option, guests will find Caribbean-inspired menus with dishes such as a sharing platter with oyster Bienville, Jamaican beef patties and conch fritters, and mains including grilled beef tenderloin and malai kofta korma.
Bars include the Panoramic Lounge located at the front of the ship on the highest deck and offering 180° views; and the Ocean Bar overlooking the Foyer, which is a great place to enjoy a cocktail, wine or beer from a specially crafted drinks menu.
Services & Facilities: 5/5
For a nearly 34-year-old ship, Renaissance is home to the state-of-the-art Green Sea Spa, offering a choice of treatments, and Le Lido featuring two whirlpools, a swimming pool, plenty of sun loungers and a retractable roof. There’s also a well-equipped gym with free weights, cardio machines and an aerobic area.
More so, the crew are attentive, fun and helpful. All public areas are spotless, and there is always someone on hand to help if needed.
Entertainment & Excursions: 4/5
Renaissance will host a range of activities and entertainment to keep guests engaged throughout their stay, day and night, including West End-style shows, variety acts and more playing twice daily in the Theatre Renaissance. You’ll also find a range of quizzes and gameshows, and the line’s Gala Night has been transformed with new pop-up performances from Theatre@Sea.
Excursions include trips to the markets and botanical gardens in St Vincent, snorkelling in Road Town in the British Virgin Islands, or trips to the beaches of Oranjestad in Aruba.
Value for money: 5/5
Included in all Caribbean fly-cruise bookings are port taxes and fees, porterage, the use of onboard facilities like the gym and wellness classes, as well as dining, entertainment, a Captain’s Gala Dinner, return transfers and flights. A 14-night Island Wonders itinerary with flight from Manchester Airport comes in at £1,399 per person for an ocean view cabin.
Facilities
- Three restaurants
- Gym
- Spa
- Theatre
- Lido pool
- Outside seating
- Loungers
- Hot tubs
- Salon
- Shopping gallery
- Future cruise desk
- Photo gallery
- Outdoor terrace
- Outdoor sports court
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