I was lucky enough to be invited onto Ambassador cruise line for a FAM trip around the English Channel. I'm excited to share my experience focusing on cuisine for our 2 night cruise, setting sail from Bristol Portbury on Friday and arriving into London Tilbury on Sunday.
The food, is definitely my favourite topic to talk about. On arrival at our cabin, we had a welcome information letter and a list of all the bars and restaurants we could visit during our stay. This had opening/closing times and when they serve food. If you are a foodie (like me) and you REALLY want to eat, then you can eat on Ambition from 6am until 23:30. The only time I noticed food wasn't served, was between 10am-12pm, so if you are a late riser, you may have to wait until midday to eat. There are plenty of things to do on board, activities to join in with, fun to be had or time in the spa, relaxing, to fill your time, before your next meal.
We started our cruise off by going straight to lunch at The Borough Market, this buffet restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They had everything and more on offer. Hot food of all varieties, some for the more adventurous, a spicy curry to something lighter, like a soup. They also had a vast variety of meats, cheeses, breads and salads for you to choose from. Pudding is also catered for, from fresh fruit to sweet cakes and jellies. They also have a gluten-free, vegan and a sugar-free selection.
Dinner time came around and we went to a lovely South Asian restaurant on board called Saffron. Step inside and it feels like you could be in a small independent restaurant in town. The dishes were all inspired by regional dishes of India. To start I had mixed kebab - tikka chicken, paneer pieces, a samosa, served with naan bread, mint & yoghurt sauce and chutneys. All of these can be made either gluten-free or alternatives provided. If your mouth wasn't watering already, for my main I went on to have butter chicken, which is served with Kashmiri pulao and again more naan.
We had 'The Ambassador Experience' drinks package, which is the non-alcoholic package, you can enjoy unlimited soft drinks and mocktails during the day, along with complimentary wine and beer during dinners. There is also a huge variety of bars on board Ambition, where you can enjoy a pre or post-dinner drink. You can upgrade your drinks packages to include alcohol. If that's not for you, the drinks prices are very reasonable on board, I have to say. With cocktails £6 and G&T around the same price, you can just have a few and the drinks get added to your room bill.
Borough Market for breakfast, the next day, did not disappoint. It was really enjoyable, with plenty of choice. Whether you're interested in an English-style full-cooked breakfast to the more continental option, including fresh pastries, fruit, cereals and yogurts, it's there. I opted for a freshly made omelette, cooked to order, with extra bits on the side (of course). Seating is plenty, inside or out, I had my breakfast inside, because it was November after all. I then sat outside, for some fresh air with a coffee, looking out to the ocean, absolute bliss.
Lunch was at Holyrood restaurant, which was a gorgeous setting, clean, fresh and open with a stunning view of the sea from your table. I had a yummy sandwich, served with fries and salad, followed by cheese and grapes for my dessert, with a coffee, just because I could.
Dinner that evening was superb, it was 'The Ambassador Night' which was in Buckingham restaurant. The Menus are specially crafted for this night, a delicious 5 course, a la carte dining experience and honestly this was my favourite meal of the weekend. Starters, soups or salads, a palate cleanser, main and dessert, what more could you want? I had a lovely duck dish to start, others opted for the prawns and we were all incredibly happy with our choice.
Next came a chicken caesar salad, crunchy and enjoyable, followed by refreshing granita palate cleaner. Then I went on to my main, beef in a rich sauce, served with asparagus, potatoes and a medley of vegetables, I even asked for more sauce, as it was so flavourful. Then came the favourite maritime tradition, the baked Alaska parade! Well, it did not disappoint, not only was the pudding truly yummy, all the waiters and chefs did a parade, which was so much fun to watch and join in with. All diners waved their napkins in the air, as they walked around the restaurant, making everyone laugh and smile.
My 'Taste of Ambassador' weekend was fabulous, we all really enjoyed our time on board and I highly recommend stepping on this ship and not just to taste your way through the menus.
