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Winter Sun: Treasures of Portugal & Andalusia

Explore cultural destinations of Portugal and Spain

Cruise Code: A12526

1 of 5

Leixoes, Portugal

2 of 5

Lisbon, Portugal

The waterfront of Vigo in Spain's Galician region

3 of 5

Vigo, Spain

4 of 5

Cadiz, Spain

5 of 5

Malaga, Spain

Date:

17 November 2025

Duration:

12 nights

Departure:

London Tilbury

Ship:

Ambience

ORCA

Sail from Tilbury and explore a fascinating mix of cultures and coastlines. Discover Porto’s colourful riverside charm from Leixões, then wander Lisbon’s elegant squares and grand avenues. In Spain, Málaga enchants with its sun-soaked boulevards, artistic heritage and Mediterranean flair, while Cádiz offers a taste of Andalusian life with its winding streets and lively plazas. Galicia’s Vigo brims with seafood and seafaring history.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Leixoes
Near the city of Porto, Leixos is one of Portugal's major seaports and is widely associated with the exporting of port wine. Day trips to Porto are a popular activity, but there are also quayside beaches and cafes to enjoy on either side of the Douro River.

Cadiz
The ancient seaport of Cadiz is a testament to Spain's seafaring history. From charming plazas to sun-drenched beaches, the city invites exploration of its cultural richness and Andalusian allure.

Vigo
Vigo, nestled in Spain's Galician region, allures with its historic Old Town, stunning waterfront, and the pristine Cies Islands a short boat ride away. Explore medieval streets, discover Castro Fortress, and savour the delights of fresh seafood and other Spanish delicacies.

New Lower Fares Available

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Itinerary

Sails from (and returns to) London Tilbury
12 nights
5 Ports of call
2 Countries

Full itinerary:

Day 1 - 17 November 2025

London Tilbury

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Day 2 - 18 November 2025

at sea

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Day 3 - 19 November 2025

at sea

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Day 4 - 20 November 2025

Leixoes, for Oporto

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Day 5 - 21 November 2025

Lisbon

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Day 6 - 22 November 2025

at sea

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Day 7 - 23 November 2025

Malaga

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Included in all bookings

All port taxes, fees and charges -
Porterage of luggage between the port and cabin. -
Spa access -
Use of gym, swimming pool and hot tubs -
Range of fitness, dance and wellness classes -
Amazing entertainment -
Informative guest speakers* -
Captain’s Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade* -
Comfortable accommodation in chosen cabin category -
Flexible cancellation policies† -
Captain’s cocktail party* -
Exceptional full board cuisine -

More Info

Speakers & Acts

Kate Thornton

Guest Act and Speaker

TV and radio presenter Kate Thornton first rose to prominence as the youngest‑ever Editor of Smash Hits before going on to front some of the UK’s best‑loved programmes, including The X Factor, Loose Women and Top of the Pops. She also hosts chart shows on radio and the acclaimed podcast White Wine Question Time. What Kate brings to Ambassador: Decades of broadcasting experience and effortless live hosting Curiosity, conversation and a love of music‑filled nights A family‑first approach to travel and making the most of every trip Holiday favourites Kate loves planning adventures with her son, Ben — from island‑hopping in Thailand to summers in France and Italy. Her playlists set the tone, whether it’s a breezy beach walk or an evening by the pool. On sailing with Ambassador “It’s a chance to bring our community together at sea — to meet, chat and dance to the songs we all love.”

Martin Daniels

Guest Act - Comedy Magic

Comedian, entertainer, magician and presenter Martin Daniels is a spectacular stage and screen performer, captivating audiences with his uproarious sense of humour, charming personality and consummate magical skill. Martin’s TV appearances started as a presenter on the practical joke show Game for a Laugh and still in his early twenties, Martin was catapulted to stardom in a show that received over 17 million viewers every week. His TV career continued with many shows and his unique blend of magic and comedy has proven incredibly popular with audiences across the UK theatres and cruise ships worldwide.

Ray Turner

Guest Act - Comedian

Best Known as the UK’s number 1 warm-up artiste Ray has warmed up studio audiences for all your favourite TV shows. However, he’s off again on his travels so sit back and let Ray entertain you with his own inimitable style of observational comedy, topical humour, music and the odd (very odd) song.

Sandie Izatt

Craft

After spending 20 years as a Social Worker and gaining her Diploma in Social Work at Anglia Ruskin University, Sandie has now retired and is now able to enjoy her passions in life, crafting, travelling and meeting new people. She started crafting at the age of 10 with her mother teaching her to knit, which Sandie still enjoys doing. She previously owned her own business selling wool and crafting kits and taught these skills within the shop environment. Now retired Sandie is still crafting and sells at many craft Fayres. She attends craft groups where she learns and demonstrates new crafts as they come along. She likes to work with bright fabrics using different embellishments to suit the changing seasons and celebrations. She enjoys sharing her passion and skills with others and considers the environment and recycled products where possible.

FAQs

Is there internet access or Wi-Fi onboard? Read
When will I get my tickets? Read
What is the dress code on board? Read
What type of plug sockets are used on board? Read
Do you arrange car parking at the ports? Read

ORCA

ORCA is one of the UK’s leading whale and dolphin conservation charities, dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises around the world. Ocean Conservationists will be showcasing the incredible diversity of wildlife that can be spotted from the deck, helping everyone learn more about the marine environment around them whilst collecting vital data about whales, dolphins and porpoises to contribute to their protection. Whilst on board, the team will be delivering activities to help guests learn more about these amazing animals as well as the threats they face, including the Ambassador & ORCA pledge and the first ever cruise "Anti-whaling" campaign.

What to expect on this sailing... A fantastic itinerary taking in three countries but also giving ORCA much needed winter data to understand the movement of different species during the colder months. Crossing hotspots like the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Coast will give an important insight into how these animals migrate around during the winter each year.

The Ship - Ambience

Here she is, our flagship of the fleet, our first lady of the sea: Ambience. Derived from the French ... Read More

1400

Guests

789

Cabins

10

Guest Decks

What’s on board

Journeying to new lands to explore their landscape, culture and cuisine, on board a stylish, environmentally friendly ship.

Out on deck

facilities

There are spacious deck areas from which you can enjoy the panoramic views. And, when the weather is fine, there are two swimming pools, four hot tubs and a large screen for outdoor movies and sporting events.

View in 360°

Green Sea Spa

facilities

Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of service and strives continually to exceed guest expectations. With our guests in mind, we have created an all-encompassing spa experience that relaxes, refreshes and renews in a serene, comfortable and welcoming environment. From facial treatments to massages and hair care to healing treatments; there is something for everyone.

View in 360°

Raffles Bar

lounges-bars

Raffles Bar will take you back to the halcyon days of the roaring twenties, with decor to make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Raffles is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink in style. With exclusive drinks including the Mint Berry Delight cocktail and Botanical Fusion cocktail, you'll be spoilt for choice. Our expert bar team are always on hand to help mix a drink just to your taste.

View in 360°

Borough Market

restaurant

Looking for a more casual way to dine? Borough Market is the place to head. With stunning views and a variety of food stalls to tempt your tastebuds, why not join us for a bite? #### Discover our food stations **Points East** - A taste of Asian fusion cuisines **Sugar Bun** - Enjoy a sweet treat at our dessert bar **The Oven** - Missing your Sunday Roast? Our galley team are ready with all the trimmings **Grave 'n' Grains** - Our dedicated vegetarian stall, where you can enjoy freshly made salads and more **Crouton** - Enjoy a warming bowl of soup and a fresh bread roll at Crouton **Salt and Vinegar** - Another taste of the UK with our dedicate fish and chip station, you can enjoy this Friday night treat any day **Borough Market Bar** - Let our Borough Market team bring you the perfect drink to match whatever food takes your fancy!

View in 360°

Your on board Experience

Don't just take our word for it, hear what guests say about their time on board.

More about the ship

Average Customer Rating:

4.7/5

Independent Service Rating based on 2794 verified reviews. View All

“Great booking experience”

It was pretty straightforward to book. Itinerary explained and information about the ship and destinations available.

Trusted Customer

“Great Service.”

Everything about it was good.

Trusted Customer

“Iceland's Land of Ice and Fire Ambassador Cruise August 2026”

I am about yo go on my first Ambassador cruise on 16th October to Norway on Chasing the Aurora with Wil. So then I decided to book his Land if Ice and Fire Solar Eclipse cruise next August for myself and my husband. The booking on the phone service was great, Mark was really helpful, informative and efficient - thanks Mark! It's so exciting k owing we both have a cruise with Ambassador next year as well as mine in exactly 3 weeks today.. not long now!

Trusted Customer

“Professional”

Professional simple to use. Does all required .

Martyn Gannon

“Great service and staff”

Great choices of destinations Friendly professional staff at all levels and booking Good value highly recommended to friends and family plus those who have not cruised before

Trusted Customer

“Excellent and very helpful.”

Always very helpful. Nothing too much trouble. We have had one previous cruise with them and have been very impressed with every aspect. We previously traveled with CMV

Trusted Customer

“Easy to book”

Easy to book and clear on when to pay deposit and balance

Jean Whetham

“Mr”

Every thing the crew food. Shows staff price can’t fault anything thanks very much for all the great creat cruies I have had with you great fun 👍

Trusted Customer

“Excellent service.”

Excellent!. Very friendly member of staff. Booked the cruuse and type of cabin we wanted and offered advice when asked, about location of cabins on offer.

Trusted Customer

“Easy to book online”

Easy to book online. Appreciate being able to use Blue light discount in addition to Ambassador offer. I would prefer a smaller deposit, especially when the cruise is booked well over 12 months in advance. When choosing a specific cabin, it would be a lot better if the available cabins were shown on a deck plan, as they are with other cruise lines. Just a list of available cabins is not very helpful unless you can see more information about the cabin, such as location, is it a 2 or 4 bedded cabin, does it have interconnecting doors etc? I have had to download a deck plan to look at when booking. Although I have a brochure with deck plans, I need a magnifying glass to read the cabin numbers in it. It would be useful if there was some way of showing the bed arrangement in the cabins, some beds have the headboard under the window and some have the headboards at the side of the cabin. This makes a difference for us because of having to store a mobility scooter in the cabin. I like the fact that giving information about mobility and medical conditions are part of the booking process. I like the fact that you can request bed arrangement at time of booking. It is a shame that you can't book tables for 2 in the restaurant. I think it is a good idea that you can now choose buffet instead of restaurant.

Trusted Customer

“Helpful adjustment”

Very straightforward to change my cruise.

Trusted Customer

“Review”

Booked online quick easy to do, for me anyway being a pensioner lol. Did not speak to anyone but found it very simple to do.

Susan Plaster

“Review”

Excellent service we always find the staff at ambassador first class always very knowledgeable on our requirements

John Berry

“A Smooth Transaction.”

I made this booking through ROL cruise specialis,, so I can’t comment on Ambassador at this time. Kelly, the ROL agent dealt with Ambassador for me and the experience was a pleasure.

Eric Seddon

“First cruse”

Excellent booking experience . Never booked a cruise before and the staff member couldn’t be more helpful. Polite and efficient . Thank you .

Sarah Balchin

“Came good on their promises”

They done what they said on the website, price matched the holiday with another competitor. And responded very quickly to my email in regards to that matter

Nigel Morgan

“Brilliant Service by Ambassador”

Brilliant service by all sections of the cruise line from customer services, baggage handlers, cabin staff, restaurant staff in the the Borough Market, waiters in the Buckingham Restaurant and the entertainment etc was also exceptional. We were unfortunate enough to have three ports of call cancelled due to bad weather but arrangement’s were put in place by the captain for us to visit two other ports so all was not lost. We thought the communication channels were good from the captain despite the disappointing messages he had to give passengers regarding the weather and reasons for the changes. Overall a brilliant service by Ambassador and would recommend the cruise line to our family and friends.

David Thompson

“Booking process just hope I get the upgrade,”

First class service this is my first cruise so I just hope I enjoy the actual cruise as much as the booking process.

Charles Richards

“Review”

Very informative

Trusted Customer

“Good”

ok It’s too early to comment

Brian Manning

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

0808 196 6692

0808 303 2573

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Winter Sun: Treasures of Portugal & Andalusia

Explore cultural destinations of Portugal and Spain

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Itinerary

London Tilbury

at sea

at sea

Leixoes, for Oporto

Lisbon

at sea

Malaga

Cabins & Fares

Included in all bookings

Speakers & Acts

Kate Thornton

Martin Daniels

Ray Turner

Sandie Izatt

FAQs

ORCA

The Ship - Ambience

What’s on board

Out on deck

Green Sea Spa

Raffles Bar

Borough Market

Your on board Experience