Small ships… big experiences
Tuesday, 6 February 2024
Our smaller ships aren’t just more friendly and intimate than the behemoths of the big cruise lines – they’re more nimble, too, meaning they can take you to delightful destinations that larger cruise ships simply can’t access. Here are just a few of the amazing European destinations where we can get you up close and personal with the locals and their fascinating lifestyles.
On a British Isles cruise, there are plenty of smaller ports you can enjoy, thanks to the size of our ships. Situated on Ireland’s stunning Atlantic coast, the charming and compact city of Galway is a treasure trove of colourful houses, boutique shops and welcoming bars. Our ships’ smaller size means we can occupy a prime berth and makes it far easier to get around, complete with the services of an expert guide. Meanwhile, Ambition can sail into Lerwick in Shetland, the UK’s most northerly town and a unique melting pot of Scottish and Scandinavian influences.
At the other end of Britain, St Mary’s, the largest of the Scilly Isles, is a tranquil haven with fewer than 2,000 residents who enjoy the UK’s finest climate.
Crossing the Channel on a cruise to France, you’ll find centuries of fascinating history in the cathedral city of Rouen. This wonderful location is accessed by a lengthy river passage, and Ambition’s smaller size means she can sail all the way in.
Big smiles
Because our ships are smaller and more intimate, we can offer a more personal style of service and a intimate approach to unforgettable days at sea than larger vessels. After all, if you’re sailing with thousands of other people on a ship with 40 restaurants and more than half-a-dozen pools, how can you become friends with anybody?
By giving you more space aboard a smaller boat, we offer a cruise experience that is more relaxing, engaging and rewarding. That’s before we even consider our cruise destinations – which we’ve hand-picked as the most alluring and exciting in the world.
But don’t just take our word for it – we are the highest-rated ocean cruise line on Feefo, with 80% of reviewers giving us top marks and nine out of ten guests recommending Ambassador.
Big adventures
With no-fly cruises from eight regional ports, you can forgo the fuss of flying and begin to enjoy your holiday sooner. Skip the airport queues, forget the luggage allowance and start your holiday with a cocktail on deck with a view rather than a flight delay and endless queues.
And by offering you a choice of more than 150 destinations in 50 countries, we make your life more rewarding and enriching. Whether you crave white sand under golden sun, want to be enthralled by breathtaking fjords and snow-capped peaks or like to lose yourself amidst centuries of history and culture, we’ll take you far from the tourist trail and close to real people and diverse cultures across the globe. In short, we’ll bring you waterfalls instead of waterslides and gleaming beaches instead of gilded staircases – cruising the way it should be.
Big value
Seeing the world doesn’t have to cost the earth. The warmest welcome at sea can be far more affordable than you might imagine – in fact, we have won the Cruise Critic award for best value for money ocean cruises in both 2022 and 2023. That’s proof positive that you don’t need to compromise on your cruise, regardless of price or your cabin grade. With Ambassador, you can book a great value cruise but still enjoy a premium experience.
This focus on premium value means we deliver a traditional cruise experience at a fair price. Whilst other cruise lines continue to invest in expansive floating resorts, we prefer to provide a quieter, more comfortable way to sail where you can really relax and get to know the crew and your fellow customers. So, it’s no surprise that people choose to sail with us again and again.
Big flavours
In between exploring some of the most fascinating destinations on earth, you’ll enjoy some of the most delicious cuisine at sea. Our renowned executive chefs are among the most experienced in the world and will bring you delightful dishes from around the planet to tantalise your tastebuds.
Signature restaurant Saffron delivers authentic flavours from India, whilst fine dining venues Sea & Grass and Lupino’s add a sense of occasion to any holiday. Alternatively, you can savour the sophisticated elegance of our Buckingham or Holyrood restaurants or opt for a more casual experience at Borough Market, with food stalls from every corner of the world giving you something for every mood. For the ultimate dining experience, opt for our Chef’s Table, including a tour of the galley and a personal introduction to every dish by our executive chef.
Because with Ambassador, you can expect fine dining, not cavernous dining halls and tailored menus, not bland dishes for the masses.
There’s a big world to discover
If you want to experience the warmest welcome at sea and discover the world’s hidden treasures, Ambassador is the cruise line for you. Discover our selection of cruise destinations, or why not explore by ship and browse our cruises on Ambition or cruises on Ambience? You could also browse sailings by date; if you’re looking to get away soon, explore 2024 cruises, or if you’re in planning mode, take a look at our selection of 2025 cruises.
For more information about Ambassador, and some informative travel guides to help you pick the perfect cruise for you, be sure to check out our blog.