Relax as you escape the start of winter and sail around sunny southern Europe taking in breathtaking landscapes and reflecting on the year gone by.
From the saltwater lagoons of Lanzarote to the delicious wineries of Madeira, there are too many highlights to name!
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
With a vibrant melting pot of different cultures and a unique blend of bustling city and glorious beaches, Las Palmas will delight every mood.
Come and feel the energy for yourself!
Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
The Madeira archipelago’s capital city really will take your breath away with its rolling hills, dramatic mountain scenes, year-round blooming gardens and renowned wineries.
Vigo for Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Take an optional tour of the walled medieval town of Santiago de Compostela – the supposed burial site of St James.
It’s a treasure house of history, with its magnificent carved stone façades, grand plazas and fascinating winding streets.
Just 22 nautical miles down river from the Tower Bridge in London, Tilbury is a popular turnaround port for cruises visiting Baltic and Northern European destinations.
Dating from Roman times, the Galician city of Vigo has a fine natural harbour and is renowned as the biggest fishing port in the world. It is also full of history - it was in this fjord-like quay that the English and Dutch defeated the French and Spanish fleets in 1702. Today, the attractive marinas stand in contrast to the industrialised areas of the city, while further exploration will reveal the characteristic 17th-century architecture and attractive countryside beyond. The charming Old Town is a delight, with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets and shaded squares. Nearby is the Cathedral city of Tui, and further to the north is the pilgrimage centre of Santiago de Compostela, which can be reached by car in approximately 1¼ hours.
Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it - 'Madeira' means 'wood' in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'The Island of Eternal Springtime' and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.
Perhaps the prettiest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is an almost circular isle with the peak of Pozo de Las Nieves, its highest point, at the centre. With a wealth of natural beauty and all the exciting attractions of city life in the capital, the island offers the best of both worlds. You will no doubt wish to see the sights of the capital’s old quarter, which dates back to the 15th century and encompassses the Vegueta and Triana districts, and wherever you go you can enjoy the glorious subtropical climate, perfect for growing exotic palms and fruits.
Also known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the beautiful island), La Palma is typified by lush forests of pine, laurel and fern which contrast with the rugged splendour of the gigantic Taburiente crater. The island is dotted with attractive villages, which are a delight to discover, and the capital Santa Cruz also makes for an interesting day of exploration. Perched on the edge of the volcanic crater of La Caldereta, Santa Cruz comfortably blends modern architecture with old colonial buildings. Perhaps visit the fascinating Natural History Museum, stroll around the historic quarters and the Plaza de Espana or travel a few miles outside the city to the exquisite Church of Our Lady. If you enjoy shopping, you can find reasonably priced silver jewellery, leather goods and beautifully embroidered clothes, tablecloths and napkins, a speciality of the Canary Islands.
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a beautiful and scenic island which enjoys year-round sunshine and is dominated by Mount Teide. The mountain range runs through the centre of the island, with fertile valleys on the northern side. In the central part of the range is the gigantic natural crater of the Cañadas del Teide, about 14 miles in diameter. Santa Cruz, the island’s pretty capital, was originally a small fishing village but has now grown into a modern city, and also contains 16th-century civic buildings and ornate private mansions. Near the pier is the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a Botanical Garden covering an area of 29 acres, specialising in palms.
Your next stop will be Cape Verde’s cultural capital, Mindelo. Get along with the locals listening to the real morna in the bars of the old town and sipping the local drink, a sugarcane spirit. This island is also known by its British and Portuguese colonial architecture and pastel-coloured houses, the municipal market and the facades of the old Governor’s Palace.
Start your Expedition Cruise in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, located in the south of Santiago Island. You can explore its old centre overlooking the ocean and its historical buildings with transom windows. In the old quarter, you can also learn about the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins in the Ethnographic Museum. To finish your day, head to the harbour to visit the Diogo Gomes statue, paying homage to the man who discovered the archipelago in 1460.
A volcanic island designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote’s dramatic landscapes were shaped by an explosive past. Today, its pretty beaches and virtual absence of rain together with duty-free shopping make the island an extremely desirable destination. The main port and capital, Arrecife, is a pleasant town with a modern seafront and colourful gardens. Outside the capital there is plenty to explore, from the dazzling white salt flats of Janubio and the rugged terrain of Fire Mountain to the eerie caves of Los Verdes and an array of unspoilt fishing villages scattered around the coast. The island is home to a great selection of restaurants and local specialities including garbanzos compuestos – a chickpea stew; papas arrugadas – potatoes with carrots, peas, ham and green pepper; and of course, plenty of fresh seafood. Please note that those planning to participate in one of the shore excursions from this port may need to take an early lunch on board ship to suit the excursion schedules.
The original settlement formed on the site of Casablanca by the Berbers became the kingdom of Anfa, and during the 15th century harboured pirates who raided the Portuguese coast. In retaliation for the attacks, the Portuguese destroyed Anfa and founded the town they called Casa Branca (white house). They remained here until an earthquake in 1755 and the town was subsequently rebuilt by Mohammed ben Abdallah, whose legacy of mosques and houses can still be seen in the old Medina. Casablanca acquired its present-day name when the Spanish obtained special port privileges in 1781. The French landed here in 1907, later establishing a protectorate and modelling the town on the port of Marseilles. Today Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, its most significant port and the centre of commerce and industry. The city is a vibrant fusion of European, African and Arabian influences and its French colonial architecture and art deco buildings seamlessly blend in with the busy, colourful markets. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.
Tangier can trace its origins back to the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. It was named after Tinge, the mother of Hercules’ son, and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It was subsequently a Roman province, and after Vandal and Byzantine influences, was occupied by the Arabs with Spain, Portugal, France and England also playing a part in the city’s history. With such a diverse past it is perhaps not surprising that Tangier is such an individual city. Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the city lies on a bay between two promontories. With its old Kasbah, panoramic views, elegant buildings, squares and places of interest, there is much to discover in both the new and old parts of the city.
Just 22 nautical miles down river from the Tower Bridge in London, Tilbury is a popular turnaround port for cruises visiting Baltic and Northern European destinations.
Here she is, our flagship of the fleet, our first lady of the sea: Ambience. Derived from the French word for ‘surrounding’, our ambition at Ambassador is to create the optimum atmosphere onboard; one that brings out the best in each of us. The perfect ambience.
With an average 1,400-guest capacity and careful configuration, she offers both a feeling of spaciousness and freedom, whilst retaining that sense of intimacy and camaraderie we each crave; it’s whatever makes you comfortable.
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.
Entertainment-wise, she really will spoil you for choice. Let your hair down at the Observatory and bring out your finest ensembles for The Palladium. Whether you like it shaken or stirred, she has numerous bars to whet your whistle, including Raffles Bar, Botanical Lounge, SW19 and The Purple Turtle Pub.
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.
Work out in the fully equipped gym, or book yourself in for a relaxing massage or beauty treatment in the well – appointed wellness centre. The Jogger’s & Walker’s Track is also there for you to enjoy panoramic views and when the weather is fine, there are two swimming pools and four hot tubs.
Health Requirements
Please check with your health care professional for up-to-date information on health and travel alerts from the countries you are visiting. It is the responsibility of guests to ensure that they comply with all health and vaccination requirements and are adequately protected. Our mandate will ensure the crew is vaccinated, and only vaccinated guests will be welcomed on board. Please note should you be exempt from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination for any reason, please contact our customer services team to discuss. Robust protocols will be in place onboard. The cruise line will also work closely with all destinations to adhere to local health guidelines and requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ambience offers a number of different accommodation grades, varying in size and deck locations, but no matter what cabin you choose, each is guaranteed with an impressive array of amenities and personal touches. All accommodation is equipped with a flat-screen TV, personal safe, hairdryer, fridge, tea and coffee facilities.
Cabins are generally graded according to size and/or position comprising 20 twin and single cabin categories to suit a wide range of pockets and tastes. Cabins are more spacious by today’s cruise ship standards averaging 17-18 square meters with cabin types broadly classified as standard, superior, premium or de-luxe. All cabins are air conditioned with en suite facilities including a shower and ample storage space with room under the beds to store most suitcases. Most suites also have a bath tub.
Located on Ambassador Deck 11, there are 14 De Luxe Suites with a private balcony and sitting area located. They have twin beds which can be converted to double bed, and the majority have a single sofa bed that may accommodate a third guest. All suites offer en-suite facilities with bath and shower above, dressing area with ample storage space, 2 flat-screen televisions, hairdryer, fridge, tea & coffee making facilities and a personal safe. Cabin 11116 is equipped for guests with specific mobility limitations and their companions. This cabin is twin occupancy and has a shower only en-suite.
Located on Ambassador Deck 11, there are 36 Junior Suites with a private balcony and sitting area. They have twin beds and a majority can be converted to double bed, and also have a double sofa/rollaway bed that may accommodate a third and/or fourth guest. All suites offer en-suite facilities with bath and shower above and large hanging and storage space. Cabins 11138 and 11139 are equipped for guests with specific mobility limitations and their companions. These cabins are twin occupancy and have a shower only en-suite.
Located on Reception Deck 5, There are 78 Standard twin cabins with a picture window ocean view and the majority can be converted to a double bed. Some have a third and/or fourth upper berth. Cabins 5103, 5104, 5107 and 5108 have a fixed Queen bed. Cabins 5180 & 5182, 5183 & 5181 have an interconnecting door.
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.
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.
Located on Ambassador Deck 11, There are 29 Premium twin inside cabins and they can all be converted to a double bed. Some have a third and/or fourth upper berth. Cabins 11202 & 11206, 11215 & 11209 are interconnecting. Cabins 11105, 11122, 11124, 11125 and 11129 are equipped for guests with specific mobility limitations and their companions.
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.