Clive & Bernadette – 50 Years Together, First Cruise Memories Made
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
For Clive & Bernadette, life together has always been an adventure. Married for over 50 years, they’ve travelled widely by motorhome and plane, sampling food, culture, and experiences across Europe and beyond. Yet, despite a lifetime of adventures, they had never stepped onto a cruise ship – until they joined Ambience with Ambassador Cruise Line as part of The Cruise: Fun-Loving Brits at Sea.
What they discovered was a holiday that combined romance, relaxation, and discovery – and left them wondering why they hadn’t cruised sooner.
A first-time cruise, a lifetime of memories
Although they were seasoned travellers, Clive & Bernadette admitted they were curious about what cruise life would be like. Would they enjoy being on board for several days? Would it suit their style of travelling?
Their worries disappeared quickly. From the moment they were welcomed on board, they felt at ease. The warm service, the ease of moving between destinations, and the friendly atmosphere made them realise cruising offered everything they loved about travel – with none of the hassle.
Dining highlights – from gala dinners to afternoon treats
Food has always been part of their adventures together, and on Ambience it became one of the trip’s greatest joys. They described the dining as outstanding, with a wide variety of flavours and dishes to enjoy every day.
For Clive & Bernadette, the gala dinners stood out most. The theatre of the Baked Alaska Parade, the elegance of the Captain’s Dinner, and the joy of sitting down together in a beautifully set restaurant made dining feel like a true event.
“It was the most organised and efficient holiday experience ever. Everything was done with a smile.”
Entertainment to remember
Evenings on board became special moments. Like Anne & Yvonne, Clive & Bernadette loved The Palladium Theatre, where live shows offered West End quality performances.
They also enjoyed the more relaxed side of entertainment – live music in the lounges, quizzes, and opportunities to socialise with fellow guests. For them, it was the variety that impressed – there was always something to do, no matter their mood.
Exploring Sicily, Corfu and beyond
One of the highlights of their cruise was the chance to explore Mediterranean ports without the stress of constant travel arrangements.
In Sicily, they delighted in a leisurely day, taking in local sights and enjoying the warmth of the culture. In Corfu, they were enchanted by the scenery – lush landscapes, blue seas, and a relaxed pace that gave them time to take it all in.
“The balance between time ashore and relaxing on board was spot on.”
Destination Experiences added a sense of discovery to their holiday, with excursions carefully planned to suit different interests. Whether it was sightseeing, food and wine, or gentle walking tours, there was something to enjoy at every stop.
Romance at sea – celebrating 50 years together
For Clive & Bernadette, this cruise wasn’t just a holiday – it was a celebration of a love story that began over half a century ago in a Manchester pub. Clive was playing the drums in a band when he spotted Bernadette. He sent over drinks, she accepted, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Now, fifty years later, they found themselves sitting on the deck of a cruise ship, hand in hand, watching the sunset over the sea. Cruising gave them the chance to slow down, reflect on the years they’ve shared, and enjoy new experiences side by side.
It was proof that cruising isn’t only about seeing new places – it’s also about creating moments together that will never be forgotten.
Surprises and special touches
For Bernadette, one of the best surprises was how seamless everything felt. After years of planning road trips and flights, the simplicity of unpacking once and letting the ship take care of everything felt like luxury in itself.
For Clive, it was the entertainment and social atmosphere. He loved chatting with fellow guests, swapping stories, and enjoying the friendliness of both crew and passengers.
Both agreed that Ambassador delivered a holiday that felt effortless, yet special in every detail.
Advice for first-time cruisers
When asked what advice they’d give to someone considering their first cruise, Clive & Bernadette were clear: don’t hesitate.
“It’s the most efficient and organised holiday we’ve ever had. The friendliness, the food, the entertainment – it all came together. We’d absolutely recommend it.”
Their story proves that even after decades of travel, there’s always something new to discover.
Why Cruise with Ambassador?
Clive & Bernadette’s story is a reminder that cruising is for everyone – whether it’s your first time at sea or your fiftieth wedding anniversary. Ambassador offers the warmest welcome at sea, affordable quality, and a community feel that makes every guest feel part of something special. With outstanding dining, West End-style shows, and breathtaking destinations, it’s easy to see why their first cruise won’t be their last.
