Most of the comments made in our review of the Ambience dated 7 August still apply so this time I will list the good points and not so good points:
Positives:
1.
Value for Money – Unbeatable – Ambassador is around 1/2 price of Cunard Queens Grill (that we have taken a lot) and 1/3rd price of a Cunard, HAL, Princess etc Junior Suite and below.
Our cruise in the top Deluxe Suite cost us £233 each per day OVER the Christmas/New Year period.
2.
Entertainment – Dance Troupe consistently excellent – they are very hard working and very high standard.
Guest entertainers – variable – good singers and poor comedian and magician (in our opinion).
Entertainment in Botanical Lounge – 2 Hungarian musicians – very good if lacking in charisma.
Acting Cast – Excellent – need to change play more frequently as we had seen it on a previous cruise with a different cast (Abigail’s Party).
3.
Guest Lecturers – very interesting and stimulating.
4.
Food.
We have Kosher Food and this was of a very high standard (supplied by Kosher Deli).
Only issue was that Ambassador do not ask in advance for preferences and so run out of some of the more popular dishes (e.g chicken soup, duck, lamb) well in advance of the end of the cruise.
Executive Chef and Restaurant Manager were very attentive.
5.
Our suite (11120) – spacious and well appointed although a little ‘tired’ – bathroom in particular could do with a refurbish and drawers hard to open.
Wardrobe doors rattle and will not stay closed in bad weather (of which we had around 4 days on a 16 day cruise).
6.
Staff.
Without exception all very friendly, helpful and attentive.
Perhaps a little frugal in the Borough Market but guess that’s under instructions.
7.
Shore Excursions – much cheaper than any of the other cruise lines we have taken and we would rate them as good on average.
It is very hard to rate shore excursions as if you haven’t been to the port of call then they are a good way to see the terrain – if not then we would recommend simply walking with a city map (usually provided by the ship or easily obtained from the tourist information)
8.
Embarkation and Disembarkation – Tilbury is a basic port but both times were very slick and took around 15 minutes from arrival at port to being on the ship and the same time to get off.
Be prepared to walk a fair distance down the ramps etc – a gentle walk up hill to board and downhill to get off.
9.
Security – friendly and efficient – looking in the main for large bottles of alcohol which are not permitted on board.
10.
Photographers – good value for money but ‘take it as is’ – no ability to edit or change the photos.
£59.99 for a package of 10 is good value in todays prices.
Less Positive:
1.
Borough Market is TOO SMALL for the number of guest at peak periods which includes all the breakfast and lunch period.
Breakfast in particular is crowded and length of service should be extended by at least 1/2 hour as breakfast ends early in both the main dining room (9.30am) and Borough Market (10.00am).
2.
Food options for Vegetarians or Vegans limited – similar food daily in Borough Market and few choices on the main menu.
There is not a separate Vegetarian or Vegan menu.
3.
The Palladium Theatre is uncomfortable with no head rests and too shallow back rests.
4.
The ship itself has been refurbished in the main lounges but not the cabins which are badly in need of an uplift (some more so than others).
Our friends were in 102020 where the easy chair was threadbare, dearth of electric sockets and lack of desk/table space.
5.
Mini Bar for suites is chargeable and expensive.
6.
Shops are limited – only one general store with very limited guest options.
7.
Lifts poor to inadequate – very slow and often one bank out of service.
Overall.
Great value for money and good fun, superb entertainment and good food.
People all very pleasant and very British with all the ships sailing from and to a UK port.
We have booked our first cruise on the Ambition next year when on board the Ambience in August and again for Christmas/New Year 2026 whilst on board this cruise.
Now that’s a good recommendation isn’t it ?
