Home > Charms of British Isles & Normandy

Charms of British Isles & Normandy

Explore charming historic ports in the British Isles and Normandy

Cruise Code: A12606

1 of 3

Holyhead, Isle of Anglesey

2 of 3

St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands

3 of 3

Kirkwall, Orkney Isles

Date:

10 April 2026

Duration:

14 nights

Departure:

London Tilbury

Ship:

Ambience

ORCA

Discover ancient castles, picturesque villages, and scenic coastal beauty. Stroll through the vibrant streets of Aberdeen, soak in the culture of Belfast, and savour the culinary delights of Honfleur. Each port of call offers a unique blend of heritage and breathtaking landscapes, making this voyage an unforgettable exploration of places long shaped by the sea.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Invergordon
Invergordon, on Scotland's east coast, is rich in maritime history and Highland charm. Take a leisurely stroll along historic quaysides, explore coastal viewpoints, and experience the authentic Scottish atmosphere of this port town along the Cromarty Firth.

Belfast
Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital, reveals a vibrant cityscape interwoven with history. From the old docklands of the Titanic Quarter to dynamic neighborhoods filled with mural art, Belfast offers endless opportunities to explore.

St. Mary's
Situated just off the Cornish coast, St. Mary's is the largest and most populous of the Isles of Scilly. Over 30 miles of nature trails intersect the island, guiding wanderers to hidden coves and quiet beaches. The subtle beauty of this British archipelago is perfect for fun or reflection while surrounded by nature.

Honfleur
Nestled on France's Normandy coast, Honfleur mesmerises with its historic harbour and artistic ambiance. Travel back in time as you explore cobbled streets and art galleries showcasing works by renowned painters like Eugene Boudin.

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Itinerary

Sails from (and returns to) London Tilbury
14 nights
9 Ports of call
4 Countries

Full itinerary:

Day 1 - 10 April 2026

London Tilbury

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Day 2 - 11 April 2026

at sea

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Day 3 - 12 April 2026

Aberdeen

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Day 4 - 13 April 2026

Invergordon

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Day 5 - 14 April 2026

Kirkwall, Orkney Isles

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Day 6 - 15 April 2026

at sea

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Day 7 - 16 April 2026

Belfast

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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

Susan Leng

Guest Speaker

Susan has been a qualified Port and Destination Lecturer for 15 years speaking on cruise ships mainly about Scandinavia, particularly Norway, the Baltic region, and the British Isles. She has extensive knowledge of all of these areas and the British Isles, particularly Scotland and Ireland, which are two of her favourite destinations. Her Irish family history means that Susan spends interesting holidays there and collects Irish literature and Art works. Susan is also a Social Historian and has an extensive varied portfolio of general enrichment talks. She enjoys the challenge of researching new destinations and subjects, always seeking out interesting information for her well-illustrated presentations. Susan was born in Yorkshire but now lives in a village near Colchester, Essex, where she is very involved in the community. She is a Trustee of the oldest Almshouses in Colchester and is the Archivist for Essex Girl Guides. Susan’s interests include history, particularly the Victorian period, classical music and Quizzes. She has appeared quite successfully on BBC TV's Mastermind three times, but hasn't won the coveted title (yet !)

Pat King

Craft

Pat King is a craft instructor. She has 40+ years in teaching numerous crafts to a wide range of ages and abilities in schools, technical colleges and Borstals/prisons. She welcomes the opportunity to enable cruisers to create works of craft that will be treasured and shared. Currently she is engaged in teaching Women's Institute groups and mixed social clubs and often gets invited back to teach a second or third craft.Her husband Brian will be alongside her to support. Pat's strongest attribute is patience and giving clear, easy to follow instructions helping students to achieve a pleasing end result that they can take away with them to remind them of happy days cruising.

Gerry Graham

Comedian

Fast, funny, observant and witty, Gerry was born into a showbiz family in South Yorkshire, he first performed on stage at the age of 7, and he was playing guitar in a local skiffle group two years later. Since turning professional in 1974, he has entertained in jungles, aircraft hangars, been dropped off a helicopter in Northern Ireland to entertain the troops, travelled hundreds of thousands of miles to club and cabaret engagements, and appeared in just about every major theatre in the UK, including the London Palladium. He’s worked with some amazing stars such as Johnny Ray, Helen Reddy and Howard Keel, been a ventriloquist dummy for Ray Alan, praised to the skies by Les Dawson, and sworn at by Sir Laurence Olivier!

Simone Kaye

Guest Act - Vocalist

Simone has spanned her 20 year career travelling around the world having sung for major artists such as George Michael, Take That, Ariana Grande, Paloma Faith and Emeli Sande.  She has performed for the Queen and the Royal Family more than once, taken to the stage at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena and the London O2 and sang as part of the official choir for the closing ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics.   She has appeared on many prime time TV shows such as The Baftas, This Morning and the Graham Norton show and has also appeared as a TV Judge on the BBC1 show “All Together Now” as well as featuring as the “Olympic Performer” on BBC1’s I Can See Your Voice.

Chris Martin

Speaker - Medical Law

Dr. Chris Martin is a 69 - year-old medicolegal consultant and medical lawyer. His initial training was in science and medicine before he transferred to law at the age of 35 having seen issues in medicine which created legal implications. He completed his LLB degree in 1997 before opening his own medicolegal practice involving medicolegal, personal injury, clinical negligence litigation and Inquest work which he successfully ran for 12 years. His academic qualifications include a B.Sc. (Hons) Biochemistry, B.S. (Hons) Medicine, LL. B, LL.M, LL.D, Certificate in Medicine and Law, CIArb (Mediator), as well as being a Civil Mediation Council Registered Mediator specialising in hospital disputes and claims resulting from clinical negligence as well as Coroner and Inquests matters. His Master's dissertation was on DNA and the Law and his Doctoral dissertation was on HIV / AIDS Law and Policy. He is now a medicolegal consultant and lawyer to the medical and legal professions within the public and private sectors involving support, advice, training and guidance as well as liaising with law firms and compiling preliminary screening reports for possible litigation. Chris lived and worked in South Africa for 25 years, 18 years in Durban and 7 years in Cape Town. He is also: Member of Counsel for the Medicolegal Society of Great Britain (2017 - 2022). Tutor in Medical Law and Ethics at Manchester University Law School (2011 - 2012). Volunteer on Helpline at Action against Medical Accidents in Croydon (2015 - 2022). He was voted Medico Legal Advisory Expert for the UK by Corporate International Magazine in 2021 and 2022.

FAQs

European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) and what this means for Ambassador’s guests Read
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.

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°

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 3292 verified reviews. View All

“Excellent booking experience”

Easy to book, system worked well and was easy to use

Trusted Customer

“very useful”

very quick and efficient

Trusted Customer

“Positive and appreciative.”

The information given online ,in the brochure and in the final documents were all very well set out so that I have no questions pending. I now hope the actual experience is as encouraging!

Trusted Customer

“Very satisfied with the service”

Both of the ladies to whom we spoke were very polite and keen to offer as much help as possible before we decided to make our booking. They were patient in answering our questions and made many good suggestions. We were very satisfied with the service.

David Paxton

“Had to change our cruise”

Always have had the best service from Reservations, Guest Services. Cannot recommend them enough. 100% Jenny for your prompt assistance.

VIVIEN GOLDING

“Review”

Very straightforward to book.

Trusted Customer

“Review”

It has been a pleasure to do the booking for my upcoming cruise with Ambassador Cruises

Trusted Customer

“We have been on and already booked plenty more - great cruise line”

Very good, quick and easy If booked online, the online booking system is very good, clear and easy to book.

Trudy Hynes

“Easy to book”

It's a nice and factual website. I only have one unanswered question but there's an easy link to customer service. Pricing clear.

Swanee

““The Usual technology problems””

The actual booking I made on 1st March on the phone was very good and helpful as I required an accessible cabin. BUT I still haven’t received my confirmation with important information which I need to check is correct.

Christine Bird

“Very reasonably price and Ambassador caters well for the solo traveller”

As a solo traveller you are always made very welcome and its a great idea to have tables for solos so that you can get to know everyone

Trusted Customer

“Review”

Love everything about it.

Trusted Customer

“Review”

Very good

Trusted Customer

“Ambassador First Timer”

Easy booking process. However I would have liked to see the deposit amount payable before needing to put in passangee details. This would have helped in comparing cruise deals. Loved the drinks package / gratuities offer price. We don't usually opt for a drinks package, but this one was too good to turn down. Also loved that this cruise embarks at Liverpool. Just a train ride away for us, so no pre cruise parking or overnight stay costs. Looking forward to the cruise.

Trusted Customer

“easy”

easy to use

John Lear

“Sailing from home”

Phoned reservations and got through in seconds. Had a few questions which were answered perfectly. Noting was a problem. Booking was simple and very ease to follow the process. Followed up with a confirmation email within minutes. And we a sailing from our home port, no flying and busy airport transfers.

Trusted Customer

“Easy online booking ststem”

Booking online was one of the easiest systems I've used. Further information received has been very easy to read and instructions clear

Deborah Jane Brown

“Great customer service”

Answered phone call quickly Friendly and efficient explaining the options available.

Trusted Customer

“Good cruise line”

Easy to book online, all the information we needed was readily available.

Catherine & Paul Snowden

“Good cruise line”

Easy to book online, all the information we needed was readily available.

Catherine & Paul Snowden

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

0333 052 7911

0330 029 0171

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Charms of British Isles & Normandy

Explore charming historic ports in the British Isles and Normandy

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Itinerary

London Tilbury

at sea

Aberdeen

Invergordon

Kirkwall, Orkney Isles

at sea

Belfast

Cabins & Fares

Included in all bookings

Speakers & Acts

Susan Leng

Pat King

Gerry Graham

Simone Kaye

Chris Martin

FAQs

ORCA

The Ship - Ambience

What’s on board

Out on deck

Raffles Bar

Borough Market

Your on board Experience