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Authentic, affordable quality cruising and the warmest welcome at sea

New to Cruising?

You’re in the Right Place

If you’ve never taken a cruise before, we’re here to make your first one unforgettable. At Ambassador Cruise Line, we specialise in welcoming guests who are new to cruising — offering an experience that’s easy, enjoyable, and exceptional value.

Our smaller ships, friendly British atmosphere and no-fly sailings from 7 regional ports mean you can step aboard with confidence and set sail for something extraordinary. Alternatively you can fly-cruise to the Caribbean and board our third ship Renaissance for that ultimate sunshine escape.

Why Choose Ambassador for Your First Cruise

We’re proud to be Britain’s authentic no-fly cruise line, offering affordable quality holidays with the warmest welcome at sea.

Here’s what makes us different:

No-Fly Convenience — Cruise direct from seven regional UK ports, avoiding airport stress.
Smaller, Friendlier Ships — Easy to navigate, with around 1,200 guests, not 5,000.
Affordable Quality — Outstanding cuisine, amazing entertainment and exceptional service — all included.
Adult-Only Sailings — Peaceful, relaxed voyages designed for over-50s travellers.
Financial Peace of Mind — ABTA-protected and ATOL-bonded, with a refund guarantee.
Sustainable Cruising — We sail some of the most environmentally friendly ships afloat, free of single-use plastics.

“We believe cruising should be comfortable, friendly and accessible — without compromise.”

Cruising should feel easy. Pick a destination that suits your pace, choose the cabin that fits your budget, then let us take care of the rest. If you’d like help, our UK team can guide you to the right sailing in minutes.

Learn more about Our Ships and Our Destinations.

What’s Included on an Ambassador Cruise

Smiling waiter in a white jacket takes an order from a man in Buckingham Restaurant

When you cruise with Ambassador, almost everything is taken care of:

  • Comfortable, well-appointed accommodation
  • Full board dining (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner)
  • Welcome cocktail and Gala Night
  • Amazing entertainment and West-End-style shows
  • Daily activities and enrichment talks
  • Access to pools, gyms and leisure facilities
  • Porterage of luggage and all port taxes

Upgrade to our Ambassador Fare for extra perks like drinks packages, gratuities and premium teas and coffees.

How to prepare for your first cruise

Everything you need to feel ready, with steps you can tick off.

  1. Choose your itinerary
    Start with 3–7 nights to find your rhythm. Popular first‑time choices include the Norwegian fjords, festive markets and our mini cruises.
  2. Pick your cabin
    Mid‑ship on a mid or lower deck can feel more stable in varied seas. If you prefer views, consider an Ocean View or Balcony where available.
  3. Get cruise‑ready
    Use Before you sail and My Ambassador Sailing to add details, book destination experiences, dining times and any special assistance.
  4. Pack by destination
    Layers and comfy shoes work everywhere. Bring a dressier outfit for Gala Night and a light jacket for breezy decks.
  5. Embark from a UK port
    Arrive with photo ID and cruise documents. Our team helps with luggage and check‑in so you can settle in quickly. You can also read more about what to expect on Embarkation Day on our blog.

Crew tip: On sea days, try a talk, a dance class or a quiet hour in the library before the evening show.

Sail from a regional UK port close to home — Tilbury, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol, Dundee, Newcastle or Portsmouth. Relax from the moment you arrive. No queues, no crowds, just friendly faces.

What to Expect On Board

From your morning coffee with a sea view to live music after dinner, life on board is both relaxing and sociable.

Daytime Highlights

  • Join a craft class or destination talk
  • Work out or unwind in the spa
  • Read or chat in our cosy lounges

Evenings to Remember

  • West-End-style performances & Theatre@Sea
  • Cabaret and live music in our many bars & lounges
  • Gala Dinners and cocktail parties

Learn more about Amazing Entertainment and Outstanding Cuisine.

Show in Palladium

What Our Guests Say

“We were first-time cruisers and nervous at first — but the staff made us feel at home straight away. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish.”
– Mrs J. Allen, Suffolk

“The entertainment was outstanding, the food was delicious, and we loved sailing from Tilbury. We’ve already booked our next one.”
– Mr & Mrs Reed, Kent

First timer FAQs

What’s included on an Ambassador cruise?
Your fare covers your cabin, full board dining in selected restaurants, shows and live music, daytime activities, pools, gym and port taxes. You can add drinks, gratuities and selected extras as part of your booking. See our booking information.

Is a no‑fly cruise a good choice for my first time?
Yes. You sail from the UK without airports or luggage limits, so embarkation feels simple. Choose itineraries with shorter sea days or more sheltered waters if you prefer a gentler start. See our no‑fly cruises.

How long should my first cruise be?
Start with 3–7 nights to learn the basics and see how you like sea days. After that you can try longer itineraries with more ports or sea time.

Which UK ports can I sail from?
We sail from eight regional ports: Belfast, Bristol, Dundee, Portsmouth, Falmouth, Liverpool, London Tilbury and Newcastle upon Tyne.

What should I pack for my first cruise?
Pack light layers, smart‑casual outfits for evenings, comfortable shoes and a warm layer for breezy decks. Add swimwear, sun protection and any medication in your carry‑on. Check out our blogs for dress codes and packing tips

How do I book destination experiences?
Log in to My Ambassador Sailing or use our app to browse and book destination experiences before you travel. Popular options can sell out, so it’s worth booking early.

Why cruise with Ambassador

Tie the page back to your core pillars and give users a way to keep exploring.

We focus on classic cruising with thoughtful touches. Expect smaller ships, warm service and itineraries that put destinations first. Explore our ships, discover our destinations and browse our no‑fly cruises.

Copyright 2026 Ambassador Cruise Line is a trading name of Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited.

Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13299365