Cruising Spain, Gibraltar & France with Kerri-Anne, Julie, Sarah & Shin on Ambition

Cadiz – A Warm Andalusian Welcome

The voyage began in Cadiz, a sun-soaked Andalusian port with roots stretching back more than 3,000 years. Its winding alleys and oceanfront plazas gave the friends an instant sense of Spain’s charm.

Kerri-Anne and Julie chose to dive straight into the old town. They wandered through narrow streets, pausing to admire flower-filled balconies before settling into a local bar where plates of fried fish and crisp glasses of sherry from nearby Jerez made the perfect first taste of Andalusia.

Meanwhile, Sarah and Shin took a different path, exploring the Cathedral of the Americas with its golden dome glinting against the sky. From the tower, they admired sweeping views across the harbour where Ambition waited, a reminder of the comfort that followed each day of discovery.

Later, the group reunited along the waterfront to share stories of their morning. The beauty of Cadiz, they agreed, lay not only in its history but also in its relaxed rhythm – a place where the sea and city live in harmony.

Gibraltar – Where Cultures and Continents Meet

From Spain’s warmth, Ambition carried them south to the remarkable outpost of Gibraltar. Just 6.7 square kilometres in size, this destination manages to feel both familiar and exotic.

The four travellers began together with a trip up the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. At Europa Point, they stood in awe of views stretching to the African coast, just 13 kilometres away.

Inside St. Michael’s Cave, they explored chambers of stalagmites and stalactites, lit dramatically to reveal their natural grandeur. Emerging into the sunlight, laughter followed as the group encountered the resident Barbary macaques – cheeky and curious, quick to eye up any loose sunglasses or snacks.

But while Kerri-Anne and Julie lingered to watch the antics of the monkeys, Sarah and Shin were equally fascinated by Gibraltar’s history. They ventured into the Great Siege Tunnels, carved by hand in the 18th century to defend against attack. Walking through the labyrinth, they imagined the soldiers who once stood guard in the very same passageways.

Later, they regrouped on Main Street, where the mix of British pubs, Spanish cafés and duty-free shops summed up Gibraltar’s unique character. For some, it was the macaques that made the day unforgettable; for others, it was the layered stories of a place where cultures meet.

Vigo – Galicia’s Coastal Gem

Next, Ambition docked in Vigo, a bustling city on Spain’s north-western coast and gateway to the green hills of Galicia.

Here, the group split once again. Sarah and Shin took the chance to journey inland to Santiago de Compostela, one of Spain’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Standing in the shadow of the cathedral’s ornate façade, they felt the weight of centuries of history. Inside, the cloisters and treasures revealed layers of devotion, while the surrounding squares buzzed with visitors and pilgrims alike. Their day included refreshments at the historic Parador Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, once a 15th-century pilgrim hostel – a highlight in its own right.

Kerri-Anne and Julie, meanwhile, stayed closer to the coast. They explored Vigo’s old quarter, with its lively Oyster Street where seafood stalls lined the pavements. Over a plate of freshly shucked oysters and a glass of crisp Albariño wine, they soaked in the Galician atmosphere. Later, they wandered up to Castro Hill, enjoying sweeping views of the bay.

When the group reunited back on board, their conversations revealed just how varied Vigo could be – a city of seafood and squares for some, and of cathedrals and history for others.

Brest – A Maritime Finale in Brittany

The final port was Brest, in the rugged region of Brittany, France. Though less known than other French cities, Brest offered a different kind of charm.

The group wandered through Recouvrance, the historic district, learning about the city’s maritime heritage. For Sarah and Shin, the naval history of the vast harbour was a highlight, while Kerri-Anne and Julie were more tempted by the Breton cuisine. They sampled local crêpes with cider in a harbourfront café, a sweet and fitting way to round off their journey.

Brest felt like a port of discovery – not as polished as some destinations, but authentic, with a strong identity rooted in the sea. It was the perfect finale to a week of variety.