On this sailing, we’ll take you to the most beautiful locations in the British Isles and beyond.
With a stop at the tranquil town of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, before heading to the Shetland Isles where dramatic landscapes are plentiful.
You’ll then experience the Viking-esque Kirkwall, before stopping in Belgium’s Antwerp – the diamond capital of the world.
We’ll venture closer to home with sojourns in Portsmouth, the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly.
From world-class attractions and sports to legendary music, Liverpool offers old-world charm with modern sophistication, underpinned by a rich cultural history.
Before English and Scottish settlers arrived in the 1600s, Belfast was a tiny village called Béal Feirste ("sandbank ford") belonging to Ulster's ancient O'Neill clan. With the advent of the Plantation period (when settlers arrived in the 1600s), Sir Arthur Chichester, from Devon in southwestern England, received the city from the English Crown, and his son was made Earl of Donegall. Huguenots fleeing persecution from France settled near here, bringing their valuable linen-work skills. In the 18th century, Belfast underwent a phenomenal expansion—its population doubled every 10 years, despite an ever-present sectarian divide. Although the Anglican gentry despised the Presbyterian artisans—who, in turn, distrusted the native Catholics—Belfast's growth continued at a dizzying speed. The city was a great Victorian success story, an industrial boomtown whose prosperity was built on trade, especially linen and shipbuilding. Famously (or infamously), the Titanic was built here, giving Belfast, for a time, the nickname "Titanic Town." Having laid the foundation stone of the city's university in 1845, Queen Victoria returned to Belfast in 1849 (she is recalled in the names of buildings, streets, bars, monuments, and other places around the city), and in the same year, the university opened under the name Queen's College. Nearly 40 years later, in 1888, Victoria granted Belfast its city charter. Today its population is nearly 300,000, tourist numbers have increased, and this dramatically transformed city is enjoying an unparalleled renaissance.This is all a welcome change from the period when news about Belfast meant reports about "the Troubles." Since the 1994 ceasefire, Northern Ireland's capital city has benefited from major hotel investment, gentrified quaysides (or strands), a sophisticated new performing arts center, and major initiatives to boost tourism. Although the 1996 bombing of offices at Canary Wharf in London disrupted the 1994 peace agreement, the ceasefire was officially reestablished on July 20, 1997, and this embattled city began its quest for a newfound identity.Since 2008, the city has restored all its major public buildings such as museums, churches, theaters, City Hall, Ulster Hall—and even the glorious Crown Bar—spending millions of pounds on its built heritage. A gaol that at the height of the Troubles held some of the most notorious murderers involved in paramilitary violence is now a major visitor attraction.Belfast's city center is made up of three roughly contiguous areas that are easy to navigate on foot. From the south end to the north, it's about an hour's leisurely walk.
Tour description Stornoway, Scotland The Isle of Lewis and Harris is the northernmost and largest of the Outer Hebrides-the Western Isles in common parlance. The island's only major town, Stornoway, is on a nearly landlocked harbor on the east coast of Lewis. It's the port capital for the Outer Hebrides and the island's cultural center, such that it is. Stornoway has an increasing number of good restaurants. Lewis has some fine historic attractions, including the Calanais Standing Stones-a truly magical place. The Uists are known for their rare, plentiful wildlife. Stornoway. Besides being the island's main entry point for ferries, Stornoway is also Lewis's main arts center. You'll find some good restaurants in town if you want to have lunch off the ship. The town can be explored by bicycle if you are so inclined. Local rental shops can give you advice on where to ride, including a route to Tolsta that takes in five stunning beaches before reaching the edge of moorland. An Lanntair Arts Centre. The fabulous An Lanntair Arts Centre has exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art, as well as a cinema, a gift shop, and a restaurant serving international and Scottish fare. There are frequent traditional musical and theatrical events in the impressive auditorium. Kenneth St.. Black House. In the small community of Arnol, the Black House is a well-preserved example of an increasingly rare type of traditional Hebridean home. Once common throughout the islands-even into the 1950s-these dwellings were built without mortar and thatched on a timber framework without eaves. Other characteristic features include an open central peat hearth and the absence of a chimney-hence the soot and the designation black. On display inside are many of the house's original furnishings. To reach Arnol from Port of Ness, head south on the A857 and pick up the A858 at Barvas. Off A858, 21 mi southwest of Port of Ness. Admission charged. Calanais Standing Stones. These impressive stones are actually part of a cluster of several different archaeological sites in this area. Probably positioned in several stages between 3000 BC and 1500 BC, the grouping consists of an avenue of 19 monoliths extending northward from a circle of 13 stones, with other rows leading south, east, and west. Ruins of a cairn sit within the circle on the east side. Researchers believe they may have been used for astronomical observations, but you can create your own explanations. The visitor center has an exhibit on the stones, a gift shop, and a tearoom. On an unmarked road off A858. Admission charged. Dun Carloway. One of the best-preserved Iron Age brochs (circular stone towers) in Scotland, Dun Carloway dominates the scattered community of Carloway. The mysterious tower was probably built around 2,000 years ago as protection against seaborne raiders. The Dun Broch Centre explains more about the broch and its setting. Off A857. Gearrannan. Up a side road north from Carloway, Gearrannan is an old black-house village that has been brought back to life with a museum screening excellent short films on peat cutting and weaving. For a unique experience, groups can rent the restored houses. Leverburgh. At Leverburgh you can take the ferry to North Uist. Nearby Northton has several attractions; St. Clement's Church at Rodel is particularly worth a visit. MacGillivray Centre. Located in a round building overlooking the bay, the MacGillivray Centre gives insight into the life and work of William MacGillivray (1796-1852), a noted naturalist with strong links to Harris. MacGillivray authored the five-volume History of British Birds. This is a great location for a picnic (there are tables for just such a purpose). A walk to a ruined church starts at the parking lot. A859, Northton. Seallam! Visitor Centre and Co Leis Thu? Genealogical Research Centre. The center is where you can trace your Western Isles ancestry. Photographs and interpretive signs describe the history of Harris and its people. The owners organize guided walks and cultural evenings weekly between May and September. Off A859, Northton. Admission charged. St. Clement's Church. At the southernmost point of Harris is the community of Rodel, where you can find St. Clement's Church, a cruciform church standing on a hillock. This is the most impressive pre-Reformation church in the Outer Hebrides; it was built around 1500 and contains the magnificently sculptured tomb (1528) of the church's builder, Alasdair Crotach, MacLeod chief of Dunvegan Castle. Rodel is 3 mi south of Leverburgh and 21 mi south of Tarbert. A859, Rodel. Port of Ness. The stark, windswept community of Port of Ness, 30 mi north of Stornoway, cradles a small harbor squeezed in among the rocks. Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. At the northernmost point of Lewis stands the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, designed by David and Thomas Stevenson (of the prominent engineering family whose best-known member was not an engineer at all, but the novelist Robert Louis Stevenson). The structure was first lighted in 1862. The adjacent cliffs provide a good vantage point for viewing seabirds, whales, and porpoises. The lighthouse is northwest of Port of Ness along the B8014. Shopping Harris tweed is available at many outlets on the islands, including some of the weavers' homes; keep an eye out for signs directing you to weavers' workshops. Harris Tweed Artisans Cooperative. The Harris Tweed Artisans Cooperative sells stylish and quirky hand-crafted tweed clothing, hats, accessories, all made by artists belonging to the cooperative. 40 Point St., Stornoway. Borgh Pottery. At Borgh Pottery, open from Monday to Saturday 9:30 to 6, you can buy attractive hand-thrown studio pottery made on the premises, including lamps, vases, mugs, and dishes. Fivepenny House, A857, Borve.
Founded by Dutch fishermen in the 17th century, Lerwick today is a busy town and administrative center. Handsome stone buildings—known as lodberries—line the harbor; they provided loading bays for goods, some of them illegal. The town's twisting flagstone lanes and harbor once heaved with activity, and Lerwick is still an active port today. This is also where most visitors to Shetland dock, spilling out of cruise ships, allowing passengers to walk around the town.
In bustling Kirkwall, the main town on Orkney, there's plenty to see in the narrow, winding streets extending from the harbor. The cathedral and some museums are highlights.
Explore Antwerp, Belgium's second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.
Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated cities in Southern England, and is unusual as most of its built-up area occupies Portsea Island, linked to the mainland by road and rail bridges. Although there is a Roman fort at nearby Portchester, occupied later by the Saxons and Normans, there was no settlement on the site of Portsmouth at the time of the 1086 Domesday Book. The town developed in medieval times and received its first charter in 1194 from King Richard I; soon afterwards it became a major naval base. It has the world’s oldest dry dock, and is home to several famous ships, including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose, raised from the Solent in 1982. Portsmouth remains an important naval base and is home to a large proportion of the British service fleet. The waterfront area is now dominated by the Spinnaker Tower, 560 feet high, the United Kingdom’s tallest building outside London. Other things to see in the city include the house where Charles Dickens was born, and the City Museum, which contains a permanent exhibition devoted to another famous writer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who lived in the town.
Cobblestone streets, blooming floral displays, and tiny churches welcome you to this wonderfully pretty harbour. The town of St Peter Port is as pretty as they come, with glowing flower displays painting practically every street corner and window-ledge with colour. As the capital, and main port of Guernsey, St Peter Port puts all of the island’s gorgeous beaches, wonderful history and inspiring stories at your fingertips. Feel the gut punch of the midday gun firing at Castle Cornet, which stands guard over one of the world's prettiest ports. This 800-year-old, Medieval castle offers staggering views of the harbour from its imposing, craggy island location, and you can look out across to the looming shorelines of the other Channel Islands from its weathered battlements. With four well-tended gardens, and five museums offering a rich overview of Guernsey's history, you’ll want to leave a few hours aside to explore the many treasures that lie within the castle’s walls.
St Mary’s is the Isle of Scilly’s largest island with a population of 1800 residents and an area of 6.58 square Kilometres; this is the gateway to the rest of the magnificent islands. Hugh town -a beautiful Old town with its own beach, nature reserve and church is the main attractions of St Mary’s, with tiny streets brimming with shops to pick up the perfect souvenir. St Mary’s is a hidden gem, with long stretches of white sandy beaches and a breath-taking untouched landscape. The coastline holds many archaeological sites along with miles of splendid walks along the coastal and country paths.
From world-class attractions and sports to legendary music, Liverpool offers old-world charm with modern sophistication, underpinned by a rich cultural history.
Here she is, Ambition. Our second lady of the sea. Aptly named to further emphasise our commitment to inspire and delight every guest to enjoy an authentic cruise experience effortlessly, and sustainably.
Ambition will carry up to 1,200 passengers to give her a true sense of comfort and space in her 714 cabins, 125 of which have balconies and 113 are suites with up to 62m2 of living space.
Her dining options will inspire you with two main restaurants, speciality dining options*, and a more casual bistro style café. Sit back, relax and enjoy a drink in one of her four bars, lounges and pub. Or take in a show in the a tiered main theatre, or discover your hidden talents casino, card room, library, and craft studio.
Other facilities include the wellness centre, gym, two swimming pools and a range of retail shops, perfect for days at sea.
Dining with Ambassador is always tailored to you, but exceptional service, authentic flavours and cherry-on-top surroundings are guaranteed each and every meal. So, whether it’s a full English for breakfast, a casual lunch, or a six-course gala dinner, your dining wish is our desire! We cater for all, so if you have any dietary requirements, then just let us know in advance.
Lounges & Bars
If unwinding is on your agenda, then why not kick back in one of our lounges? We have the timeless Cavern and the stylish cocktail Clifton Lounge serving all your favourite tipples, and a poolside Consulate Bar perfectly positioned for you to soak up the rays. Other bars include Angel Bar overlooking reception, the quintessentially British Purple Turtle Wine Bar, and for all your pre and post-theatre moments, we have the elegant Pendennis bar.
Entertainment
Speaking of theatre, we have an exciting entertainment programme at The Palladium ready to whisk you away to new worlds full of song, dance, comedy, and wonderful storytelling. There’s also Grafton Street, our arts, crafts and activity area, No.10 Conference Room perfect for meetings and card games, Brontë’s library, the shopping galleria, fitness centre, an exterior joggers and walkers track, swimming pool, splash pool and relaxation pool. And to extend that feeling of rejuvenation, we have our Green Sea Spa on board, offering a sauna, steam room, hair salon and a range of restoring spa treatments
Introducing Ambassador’s Enrichment Programme: a host of opportunities to learn, laugh, listen and surprise yourself as we sail alongside the world’s most inspiring sights. Our atmosphere is one where we can each express and embrace what makes us unique, together. So, how will you spend your time?
Maybe it’s learning something new with one of our guest lecturers or it’s asking a question of a celebrity speaker at our ‘In Conversation With’ sessions. Perhaps it’s setting free your inner creative with one of our arts and crafts specialists or it might be that in between wining, dining and dancing, you pay a visit to The Palladium for a priceless evening of comedy. We also have a peaceful library on board for you literary lovers and photography experts to help you capture and master those once-in-a-lifetime precious shots.
Please note that our ships are child-free and therefore for the enjoyment of adult guests only (18 years and above at the time of sailing), except for our advertised multi-generational cruises. There are no dedicated recreational facilities for children aboard but accompanied children and teenagers under the age of 18 at the date of sailing are, of course, welcome on board and, when occupying a third or fourth berth in a cabin with two full fare-paying guests. Children and teens under the age of 18 at the date of sailing but occupying a twin cabin with just one accompanying adult, are charged at the full adult fare.
There is no restriction on the amount of luggage that you may bring onboard the cruises which depart from and return to the UK. To reduce the risk of accidental damage during baggage handling, please do not overpack your suitcases and ensure that no one item of baggage weighs more than 23kgs/50lbs. As there are no separate baggage room facilities aboard our ships, all baggage must be stored within the cabin. Under-bed storage is available in most cabins for suitcases not exceeding 23cms depth.
To allow for greater savings and better budgeting, Ambassador highly recommends one of their onboard packages, which include service charges and gratuities. These can be purchased upon booking so that the hassle is taken out of your hands straight away. Take your pick from a selection of three packages and enjoy some great pre-sail savings.
If you or one of your travelling companions has a mobility limitation or require special assistance, you must contact our office to allow us to discuss your requirements before you make a booking. Firstly though, please read the panel headed ‘Maritime Passenger Rights’ within the Booking Conditions available on our website as this contains important information. In the interests of safety, and to ascertain whether you or members of the party travelling with you have specific mobility or other assistance needs, you will be asked a series of questions. Your answers will enable us to determine that you, any other person in your booking, and any equipment that you or they are intending to bring on board, can be carried safely for the duration of your cruise. This will then be confirmed in writing to you and will enable your booking to proceed. A cruise is quite unlike a land-based holiday and the ships of our fleet are not ideally suited to prospective guests in wheelchairs or those who have limited mobility. It should be noted that the layout of the ship could considerably restrict such guests’ movement around the vessel and indeed preclude access to some of the ports of call, where gangway conditions are not conducive, or guests are conveyed ashore by tender. At anchorage ports, access to or from the tenders or launches requires a certain level of mobility which is necessary to manage the steps to the tender platform and to physically board and disembark from the vessel. It should, therefore, be noted that, on safety grounds, those with restricted mobility may be unable to go ashore at such ports.
During the day, attitudes are very relaxed, and informality is the key. Casual clothing is quite sufficient during the days at sea and for time spent ashore. On certain shore excursions and at some religious sites, discretion should be used so as not to cause inadvertent offence with inappropriate clothing. Advice will be given on board in such cases. Every day, the Daily Programme suggests, as a guide, a mode of dress for that particular evening’s events. Generally, there are two ‘formal’ or Ambassador nights planned on each cruise when many gentlemen wear a dinner jacket, although a lounge suit is quite acceptable. On these occasions, ladies have a chance to dress up and often opt for evening or cocktail dresses. On evenings proposed as ‘smart’, a suit or smart jacket and trousers, with or without a tie, for the men is suggested and the ladies have further opportunities to look elegant in a cocktail dress, trouser suits and stylish co-ordinates. A ‘casual’ recommendation often covers evenings spent in port or when a special event, such as a deck party, is scheduled. In these cases, the choice of dress is left entirely to you.
All cabins feature 110v and 220v current and have a UK 3 pin socket with USB to allow small appliances such as mobile phones, tablets, electric shavers, or electric rollers to be used or charged. For safety reasons, irons and water heating devices are not permitted to be used onboard.
We operate an automatic system whereby an amount of £6.00 per person per night (this amount reduces to £5.00 per person per night for cruises of 16 nights or more in duration) is automatically added to your onboard account. This also includes all service charges for drinks.
All prices onboard our ships are quoted in sterling. A cashless system is in operation for all your onboard purchases. An account is opened for you at the start of your cruise for purchasing goods and services on board. All purchases are charged to your shipboard account and a final invoice is presented at the end of the cruise itemising all charges. This can be settled by MasterCard or Visa credit cards, or by Visa debit cards and, of course, cash. It is not possible to use personal cheques to settle onboard accounts. Please note that in payment of your onboard account, an extra charge may be levied by your issuing bank for using your credit/debit card. Please note that we accept Pre-Paid Credit Cards (showing the VISA or Mastercard symbol) on our vessels.
If you, or a member of your party, have a particular dietary requirement, we can offer the following dietary options: GlutenFree, Lactose-Free, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegan and Vegetarian meals. If you have not done so at the time of booking, please advise any requirements no later than four weeks before departure. Pre-packed Kosher and Halal meals are available but only if requested at least eight weeks before sailing.
Ambassador Cruise Line is passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, which is why their ships will exceed the latest environmental standards, including no single-use plastic on board and energy-efficient engines. They invite you to join them on their journey to a more sustainable industry with some of the most environmentally ships afloat.
Ambassador Cruise Line offers a range of transportation options for getting to and from London Tilbury. These include coach service to and from London Victoria and private car services to and from London or if you would prefer to make your own way, C2C offer regular train services from London Fenchurch Street to Tilbury town (from there, it’s just a short walk or taxi ride to the cruise terminal). For those who wish to drive, convenient parking is available across from the cruise terminal at the port.
Ambition offers a wide choice of well appointed, inviting and comfortable guest cabins spanning five accommodation decks from Boat Deck 7 up to Sun Deck 12. There are three spacious main foyer areas on all decks (except Aloe deck 4) serviced by six lifts and stairways. Aloe Deck 4 and Sun Deck 12 are serviced by two lifts in the forward and aft lobbies respectively. Cabins are generally graded according to size and/or position comprising 21 twin and single cabin categories to suit a wide range of pockets and tastes. Our cabins are generally more spacious and cater to today’s climate, averaging 15-16 square metres, with cabin types broadly classified as standard, superior, premium, or de luxe. Our dedicated housekeeping team clean cabins once a day and provide 24-hour room service at a supplementary cost. All our cabins are air-conditioned with ensuite facilities including a shower and ample storage space with room under the beds to store suitcases. All cabins have tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer, personal safe, UK three pin electrical socket, and USB port. All cabins have a flat screen TV for in house movies, news, documentaries, and ship information channels showing the ship position and routing with a bridge camera for forward views With the exception of 19 purpose-built single bed configured cabins in categories 1S and 6S, all cabins are of double bed configuration (some with fold-away upper pullman berths or sofa beds), with the exception of categories 1 & 6. In most cases, they can be converted to twin beds. The other single categories are double bed cabins for single occupancy. There are two cabins adapted for guests with disability and mobility needs (9051 and 9052).
Located on Ambition deck 8 and Boat deck 7, there are six De Luxe Suites with a walk-in wardrobe and a separate lounge area, as well as a second fl at-screen television in the bedroom. They all have a double bed that can easily be converted to a twin bed confi guration, and all have a double sofa bed that can accommodate a third and/or fourth guest.
Located SunDeck 12 to Boat Deck 7, there are 13 Premium Suites all with a lounge area and, with the exception of 12119 & 12121, a walk-in wardrobe. They have a double bed and most of the cabins can easily be converted to a twin bed configuration. All have a double sofa bed that can accommodate a third and/or fourth guest. Eight of these suites also comprise a separate bedroom with a single bed. Cabins 12101 and 12102 also have a bathtub.
Located on Sun deck 12 and Ambassador Deck 10, there are 36 Superior Junior Suites with a sitting area and a private balcony. They have twin beds, and the majority can be converted to double bed. These cabins are twin occupancy and have a shower only en-suite, cabins on Ambassador Deck 10 also have a bathtub while cabins on Sun Deck 10 have a dressing room.
Located on Ambassador Deck 10, there are 38 Junior Suites with a sitting area and a private balcony. They have twin beds, and the majority can be converted to double bed. These cabins are twin occupancy and have a shower only en-suite. Cabins on Ambassador Deck 10 also have a bathtub while cabins on Sun Deck 10 have a dressing room.
What is an Outside Cabin Guarantee?
These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed outside cabin (cats 6C-8) as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cabin will be on the ship.
These great value fares give guests the freedom to customise with chargeable optional extras at any time ahead of their Ambassador cruise.*
*Cabin numbers are automatically allocated 72 hours prior to sailing and no cabin upgrades will be offered. The evening dinner sitting and table size will be assigned and confirmed once on board. For full terms and conditions please see our Booking Conditions.
What is an Outside Cabin Guarantee?
These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed outside cabin (cats 6C-8) as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cabin will be on the ship.
These great value fares give guests the freedom to customise with chargeable optional extras at any time ahead of their Ambassador cruise.*
*Cabin numbers are automatically allocated 72 hours prior to sailing and no cabin upgrades will be offered. The evening dinner sitting and table size will be assigned and confirmed once on board. For full terms and conditions please see our Booking Conditions.
What is an Inside Cabin Guarantee?
These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed inside cabin (cats 1-4) as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cabin will be on the ship.
These great value fares give guests the freedom to customise with chargeable optional extras at any time ahead of their Ambassador cruise.*
*Cabin numbers are automatically allocated 72 hours prior to sailing and no cabin upgrades will be offered. The evening dinner sitting and table size will be assigned and confirmed once on board. For full terms and conditions please see our Booking Conditions.
What is an Inside Cabin Guarantee?
These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed inside cabin (cats 1-4) as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cabin will be on the ship.
These great value fares give guests the freedom to customise with chargeable optional extras at any time ahead of their Ambassador cruise.*
*Cabin numbers are automatically allocated 72 hours prior to sailing and no cabin upgrades will be offered. The evening dinner sitting and table size will be assigned and confirmed once on board. For full terms and conditions please see our Booking Conditions.