Arriving at the ship, I was not prepared at how grand the ship looked. For someone who has never cruised before, I was blown away! If you’re thinking of booking an Ambassador cruise or interested in knowing more about the Ambition, this blog will have all the information that you will need.
From parking the car to boarding the ship, the whole process was hassle free and flowed so well. We boarded at Portbury docks, so the layout was a little confusing and did not look like a cruise terminal. However, the staff could not have been any more friendly and helpful every step of the way. Ambition has so many places that you can socialise. So, if you’re travelling as a family, a couple or even solo not only will you always have something to do, but you’ll make new friends to share the experience with.
Brontës library was a favourite of mine. I am a very big reader, so having a designated space to enjoy this time was such a highlight of the ship for me. They have this huge bookshelf that not only looks amazing, but the books are replenished and people have donated books so people can take and leave books for others to enjoy. They hold book clubs here for like-minded readers to meet new people and maybe find a new favourite read! The staff also leave board games on this huge table in the middle of the room for everyone to come together and enjoy.
Interested in game tournaments for a little bit of added fun? Ace and Eights that is right next door will be the place for you! If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, you can ask for some games from reception and bring them here and have your own little tournament instead.
Want the best hot chocolate on the seas? A passenger who has been on 11 cruises said that the ‘Clifton Street Bar’ is the place to go, so of course we had to go and check it out! Right next door is an arts and crafts section that costs up to £6 a time and rotates up to 61 different craft activities including Knit and Knatter. For people who want to leave the other half in the bar and have a more chilled chit chat, this will be the place.
TOP TIP: Every bar onboard will have live entertainment excluding the purple turtle.
My second favourite place in the shop definitely had to be the top deck. There was so much to do, and I’m sure that everyone could find something here to do! They have 2 bars on either end, a pool bar on one side and a consulate bar on the other. It has an outdoor pool, 2 hot plunge pools which are amazing on those chillier days and of course an amazing Jacuzzi. All pools are freshwater and are refreshed on every cruise. If you lose me on the ship, I’ll be here!
TOP TIP: If you want to get your steps in for the day, 10 laps around the walking deck is a mile!
On your first day this is the place to be, as this is where the sail away party will be. Drinks, food, entertainment and loads of fun!
TOP TIP: Outdoor smoking areas are on deck 6 and 11 (top deck)
Now I’m sure we all know from either personal experience, or if you’re like me, you’ve heard a huge amount about how good the food is on cruise ships. Let me tell you that Ambition did not disappoint! We were lucky enough to sample a few dishes from a couple of the restaurants, and I was absolutely speechless at how good the food was! I always have this idea in my head that it would never be as good as people always seemed to say, and I’m glad to say that I was wrong! Not only was the food absolutely amazing, so was the staff. Always so friendly, polite and could never do enough to help. We also met the chef which was such an amazing experience.
If you’re going onboard Ambition, you have to try their speciality restaurant Saffron. An Indian fusion restaurant costing £19.95 for 3 courses. The Royal Indian Maharaja Thali is a sharing platter that was recommended as it has a little bit of everything, so a perfect dish to try lots of new things. If you’re interested in something a bit more unique and special why not try the chefs table for £89 per person for a 10 course meal! This will all be bookable with the restaurant manager.
If you’re worried about your little picky eaters, don’t be. They really do have something for everyone. From formal dining to buffet restaurants. One of my favourite places was Borough Market. This is one of two buffet restaurants, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner here as well as afternoon tea! As everywhere on the ship they cater for all types of allergies. They do ask that you let them know in advance but everything will be very well signed for specific dietary requirements. Seating is on a first come first serve basis, you do not need to book. For the tea and coffee drinkers, they serve Tetley and Douwe Egberts onboard.
TOP TIP: Bring a small water bottle with you to refill at the water station so they fit under the machine.
They have other speciality restaurants that you can book onboard with the restaurant manager, the prices were amazing. When I hear people talk about speciality restaurants onboard cruise ships my mind always go to crazy amounts of money. Not in the Ambition! For example, Lupinos, a Mediterranean restaurant. I sampled their Mezze and I was absolutely amazed at how delicious it was. I had also never tried hummus, but after that, I definitely will be again! It is only open in the evening however a 3 course meal is only £17.95. A reasonable price for some amazing food.
TOP TIP: For a 10% saving on your drinks package, buy before you board!
I always had this image in my head that if you don’t buy the best possible room on a cruise ship then you’ll have to spend a week in a room that looks more like a dark and forgotten cupboard. I’m so happy to say I could not be any more wrong. The inside cabins were a lot more spacious than I thought they would be and staying in one of these you’ll definitely still have a relaxing and comfortable stay. Are the upgrades worth it? 100%. I would always recommend you upgrade to a balcony for that extra special experience as nice and amazing as a suite is, I appreciate that this is not in everyone’s budget. There are also adapted rooms for people with reduced mobility that may need the extra space.
The reception is a really great base for everything you may need, from future cruise bookings, concierge, shops, duty free and even a Pandora shop where you can purchase your own little Ambassador charm exclusive to the ships!
I had an amazing day onboard and wished that I could have spent more time visiting the ship and tasting all the amazing food. I have never cruised before so the idea was always a little intimidating. Yet after being onboard, I do not feel like that anymore. People say that there is a cruise for everyone and now I really do believe it. If you’re looking for a casual, fun and entertaining cruise Ambassador may just be the cruise for you!
If you are thinking about a cruise, thinking about booking with Ambassador or just interested in some more information please don’t hesitate to contact me with any of your questions or queries on [email protected], call me on 01275 774 100 or come in and see me in our Clevedon store.
