Go on the ultimate spring voyage as you discover some stunning hidden gems.
We’ll take you to Portugal’s best spots as we sail to Porto with its magnificent port wine, and Lisbon which combines a wealth of history with vibrant contemporary culture.
Visiting the fabled Casablanca in Morocco is truly unforgettable, and an optional tour of the medieval city of Marrakesh will take you on a cultural exploration like no other.
Sailing via the Canaries will take you on sunny sojourns, highlights of which include Lanzarote and Madeira.
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.
Best known as the port from which Sir Francis Drake and the port which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from, Plymouth is awash with history. Walk down its cobbled streets, step back in time and discover the historical landmarks and sites.
Ever since the Romans constructed a fort here and began using it as a trading post, Oporto has been a prosperous commercial centre. In the 15th and 16th centuries the city benefited from the wealth generated by Portugal’s maritime discoveries, and later, the establishment of a lucrative wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade. Today, Portugal’s second-largest city is a thriving, cosmopolitan place and is famous for its production of the fortified, sweet 'port' wine. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city was also awarded the status of European Capital of Culture in 2001. A large sandbar prevents ships from sailing into Oporto itself, so for over a century they have used nearby Leixões instead, a man-made seaport constructed nine miles from the city. Leixões is one of Portugal's major sea ports and is also home to one of the country's oldest football clubs, winners of the Taça de Portugal cup in 1961.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian port of Cádiz enjoys a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory. The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de Espãna, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution, which was signed here in 1812. Cádiz has two pleasant seafront promenades which boast fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, and has a lovely park, the Parque Genoves, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. Also notable is the neo-Classical cathedral, capped by a golden dome.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Set on the five-sided island of Faial, Horta is decorated with a colourful cacophony of artworks, which have been daubed across its concrete marina by visitors from around the globe. Left behind by sailors, they tell thrilling stories of life on the high seas. Sitting in the midst of the vast Atlantic, 1,100 miles away from the Portuguese mainland, Horta is the ideal pit-stop for yachts traversing the Atlantic, and one of the world's most visited marinas. The tapered, imposing peak of the Pico volcano, on neighbouring Pico Island, provides a glorious backdrop to the jostling yacht masts of the marina. For the ultimate view, however, you'll need to head up to Faial's own volcanic treasure - Caldeira. Look out from this colossal crater, to absorb the extraordinary views, and a demonstration of a volcano's ability to create as well as destroy. The crater is a natural reserve that blooms with wildflowers and lush green scenery, and scattered sky-blue hydrangeas. Flowers spread colour right across these islands - and you can learn more about the native species at the Faial Botanical Garden.
Offering solace on the long journey across the Atlantic, Ponta Delgada is the Azores Islands' largest city, and a welcome relief for any weary sailor. Located on an archipelago of Portuguese islands, some 1,100 miles from the mainland, you can explore humbling volcanic scenery, as well as Sao Miguel's verdant landscape - which glows with colour when the hydrangeas that the Azores are known for bloom into life during the summer months. The striking black and white facade of the Church of Sao Jose welcomes you to the city itself, while you can head to the markets to pick up the pineapples, tea leaves and coffee beans that add a little flavour to the island. As the largest city of the Azores, Ponta Delgada is well stocked with places to eat delicious local seafood, or pick up a little shopping, as you enjoy setting your feet on dry land, following a long journey at sea. Volcanic firepower has carved these stunning islands, and a journey up to Caldeira das Sete Cidades is a must do, where you can hike beside the water-filled crater, and admire views of steep green walls, and the uninterrupted Atlantic Ocean stretching beyond them. Lagoa de Fogo offers yet more humbling views, with the crater lake dropping off sharply to rippled ocean far below.
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.
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, 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.