As someone who’s always been fascinated by cruise ships, getting the chance to spend a day on board Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition was a real treat. From the moment I stepped aboard, I could see why Ambassador has carved out a space for itself in the British cruising market – friendly service, classic charm, and a ship that feels both welcoming and grown-up.
Let me take you through what I saw during my day visit!
First Impressions
Boarding Ambition at the port was smooth and well-organised, and as I stepped into the reception area, I was greeted by a warm and traditionally elegant décor. The ship doesn’t try to be ultra-modern or flashy – instead, it leans into a more classic cruise style with a calm, relaxing atmosphere. For those looking for a quieter, adult-focused cruise experience, I can already see the appeal.
Cabin Tour
One of the highlights of any ship visit is getting to tour around the different cabin categories, and I was lucky enough to see a selection. I started with the standard inside cabins – these are compact but well laid out, with enough storage and a bright, clean feel. Ideal for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and destinations.
The oceanview cabins felt more spacious, especially with the natural light pouring in. I also had a peek at some of the suites, and they genuinely surprised me with their space and layout, separate seating areas, larger bathrooms, and of course, some pretty lovely views. The décor across all cabin types was tasteful – nothing overly flashy, but warm, comfortable tones and good attention to detail.
Food & Drink – Dining Options on Board
After the cabin tours, it was time for the part I was most looking forward to – food! The Holyrood Restaurant is an elegant, spacious venue where guests can enjoy traditional cruise dining with table service. We were treated to a sample lunch here, and I have to say – it was excellent. Thoughtfully plated, well-seasoned, and served with real care. It’s clear the staff take pride in what they do.
I also checked out Borough Market, the buffet restaurant on board, which offers a more casual setting. It has a good variety of international dishes on offer, and the layout makes it easy to navigate even when it gets busy.
For those wanting something special, there are a couple of speciality restaurants (available for a small surcharge), which I didn’t get to try, but they looked fantastic – especially the Chef’s Table experience. It’s something I’d definitely book if I were cruising for longer than a day.
Bars, Lounges, and Entertainment Spaces
The ship has a generous selection of lounges and bars. I popped into the Cavern Lounge – inspired by Liverpool’s famous venue – which has a cozy, live-music vibe. There’s a tiered theatre too – the Palladium – where they host nightly shows.
Spa, Pools, and Other Amenities
Ambition has a small but well-equipped spa area, complete with treatment rooms and a thermal suite. There’s also a fitness centre (for the more motivated guests – hats off to them!).
Up on deck, you’ll find a couple of pools and hot tubs. They’re not huge, but perfectly adequate for the ship’s size. There’s also a walking track and plenty of outdoor seating for those who want to enjoy the fresh sea air with a book or cocktail.
Final Thoughts
My day on Ambition flew by, and I left genuinely impressed. Ambassador Cruise Line has created an experience that feels both intimate and thoughtful – ideal for adults looking for a traditional cruise with a modern edge. The ship strikes a great balance: it’s not trying to be a floating theme park, but it also isn’t stuffy or dated.
Would I book a longer cruise with them? Absolutely. If you're looking for a British cruise line that puts comfort, service, and classic cruising at the heart of what it does, Ambition is well worth considering.
