Christmas Markets in Normandy & the Netherlands
Give yourself something to cheer about this season with this unforgettable winter getaway.
Cruise Code: A12731
- Departs
- 12 December 2027
- Duration
- 5 nights
- Sails from
- London Tilbury
- Ship
- Ambience
What could be more seasonal than exploring the atmospheric Christmas markets in Honfleur and Amsterdam? These two destinations are a delight at any time of year but the markets, filled with fascinating handicrafts, are the icing on the (Christmas) cake. Honfleur is a stunning, quintessentially French port whose beauty inspired the Impressionists including Claude Monet, whilst Amsterdam is one of the most relaxed capitals in the world with its pretty houses, endless cycles and tranquil canals.
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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.
Ijmuiden
Ijmuiden, on the Dutch coast, showcases the comings and goings of a bustling harbour. Explore historic landmarks like the North Sea Canal, visit Felison Cruise Terminal, and experience the unique atmosphere of this Dutch city along the North Sea.
Itinerary
- Sails from (and returns to) London Tilbury
- 5 nights
- 2 Ports of call
- 2 Countries
Full itinerary:
Cabins & Fares
Deck: 11Location: Forward, Midship, AftSize: 327-558sq ft/34.5-51.8sq mBalcony Size: 46.2-67sq ft/4.3-6.2sq m
Discover our Suite Benefits
Deck: 10, 11Location: Forward, Midship, AftSize: 210sq ft/19.5sq mBalcony Size: 28sq ft/2.6sq m
Deck: 4,5,6,8,9,10,11Location: Forward, Midship, AftSize: 190sq ft/17.7sq m
Deck: 5,6,8,9,10,11Location: Forward, Midship, AftSize: 190sq ft/17.7sq m
Accessible Cabins
If you are travelling with us with any disability or mobility needs, we offer a range of adapted cabins to accommodate these requirements. Speak to our reservations team today to learn more.
Included in all bookings
- Flexible cancellation policies† –
- Comfortable accommodation in chosen cabin category –
- Exceptional full board cuisine –
- Captain’s cocktail party* –
- Captain’s Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade* –
- Informative guest speakers* –
- Amazing entertainment –
- Range of fitness, dance and wellness classes –
- Use of gym, swimming pool and hot tubs –
- Spa access –
- Porterage of luggage between the port and cabin.
- All port taxes, fees and charges
FAQs
European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) and what this means for Ambassador’s guests
In alignment with the latest guidance, we can confirm that guests sailing on board Ambassador Cruise Line’s no-fly sailings will not be impacted by the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) during their trip.
This new digital border system, which first began on 12 October 2025, changes the requirements for British citizens travelling to a Schengen Area country with travellers using a UK passport now required to register biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, upon arrival.
However, cruise passengers embarking and disembarking a sailing in the UK are not required to go through this new process.
This means that guests of Ambassador’s no-fly sailings – which all depart from and return to one of seven UK regional ports, namely, London Tilbury, Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol Royal Portbury and Portsmouth – need not fret about the new EES requirements before, during or after travelling with us.
Customer feedback consistently highlights how much our guests value being able to start their holiday with a minimum of hassle, given the convenience of embarking from a port that’s close to home – meaning no need to worry about airport queues, baggage restrictions or flight cancellations. The fact that guests on board any of Ambassador’s no-fly sailings will now also not be impacted by the new EES requirements is yet another advantage.
With an array of itineraries to breathtaking destinations across the Schengen Area, from sun-washed Gijon on Spain’s northern coast to Norway’s Alta, a prime Northern Lights hunting destination, Ambassador’s no-fly sailings allow guests to enjoy the ‘warmest welcome at sea’ with the added benefit of not needing to worry about the new EES system.
Is there internet access or Wi-Fi onboard?
With the Introduction of Starlink technology onboard we are excited to launch our new range of Wi-Fi options for guests.
Wi-Fi packages will be available to purchase once on board.
Find out more here.
When will I get my tickets?
Ambassador is a ticketless cruise line, so we will not issue guests with a physical cruise ticket. Instead, once within 90 days of departure (but no later than 24 hours before sailing), all guests are required to submit their API (Advance Passenger Information) to us via our website, by visiting our My Ambassador Sailing facility or via the Ambassador Cruise Line App.
Once this information has been submitted, you will be able to log in to ‘My Ambassador Sailing’ to check in online and to download your boarding pass and final documentation once online check-in opens, 72 hours before sailing.
What is the dress code on board?
During the day, we suggest that you wear casual clothing for your comfort. For the evenings on board, every day the Daily Programme suggests, as a guide, a mode of dress for that particular evening’s events.
There are generally two ‘formal’ or gala nights planned every 7-12 nights when many gentlemen wear dinner jackets, although a lounge suit is quite acceptable. Ladies on these occasions have a chance to dress up and often opt for evening or cocktail dresses. Please note that jeans, T-Shirts, shorts and open neck shirts are not permitted in the main restaurant on Formal or Gala evenings.
On evenings proposed as ‘smart’, a suit or smart jacket and trousers, with or without a tie, for the men is suggested and the ladies have further opportunities to look elegant in cocktail dresses or trouser suits.
A ‘casual’ recommendation often covers evenings spent in port or when a special event such as a deck party is scheduled. In these cases, the choice of dress is left entirely to you.
As general guidance, the number of formal nights onboard is as follows:
2-5 Nights -1 formal night
6-20 Nights - 2 formal nights
21-41 Nights - 3 formal nights
Over 42 Nights - 5 formal nights
For further information, please visit: https://www.ambassadorcruiseline.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-cruising-dress-code-with-ambassador/
What type of plug sockets are used on board?
Cabins are fitted with UK 3 pin sockets with some allowing for USB charging.
Do you arrange car parking at the ports?
We offer car parking all UK departure ports, with prices starting from £8.50 per car per night.
If booked directly with us, parking can be added via My Ambassador Sailing however if you are booked via a travel agent, parking must be added and paid via the booking agent.
Please note car parking must be booked at the very latest 2 working days before sailing and is subject to availability. You will not be able to pay on arrival if you have not pre-booked and will be refused entry to the car park.
The Ship – Ambience
Here she is, our flagship of the fleet, our first lady of the sea: Ambience. Derived from the French …
Here she is, our flagship of the fleet, our first lady of the sea: Ambience. Derived from the French word for ‘surrounding’, our ambition at Ambassador is to create the optimum atmosphere onboard; one that brings out the best in each of us. The perfect ambience.
With an average 1,400-guest capacity and careful configuration, she offers both a feeling of spaciousness and freedom, whilst retaining that sense of intimacy and camaraderie we each crave; it’s whatever makes you comfortable.
Entertainment-wise, she really will spoil you for choice. Let your hair down at the Observatory and bring out your finest ensembles for The Palladium. Whether you like it shaken or stirred, she has numerous bars to whet your whistle, including Raffles Bar, Botanical Lounge, SW19 and The Purple Turtle Pub.
Dining options are plentiful at our Buckingham restaurant or the Borough Market, with plentiful cuisine options, and for those wanting to soak in nature’s glory, we have our glorious Alfresco Grill. Wining and dining are more than fine at Saffron*, Sea & Grass* or our deluxe Chef’s Table*, where we offer a speciality gastronomic experience that’s not to be missed.
Put your best cards forward at Aces & Eights bridge and card room and the Ambassador Casino, or revive and renew at the gym and Wellness Centre. Other facilities include Kapoor’s, our onboard crafting studio, Brontë’s library, the shopping galleria, not to mention a swimming pool, two hot tubs and a large screen for outdoor movies. Sound good?
*Supplementary charges apply
- Guests
- 1400
- Cabins
- 789
- Guest Decks
- 10
What’s on board
Journeying to new lands to explore their landscape, culture and cuisine, on board a stylish, environmentally friendly ship.
The Palladium
Entertainment
It’s showtime! Our multi-tiered onboard theatre The Palladium hosts a variety of hand-picked performances just as diverse as the destinations we visit.
Waiting in the wings are our onboard entertainment team, the Ambassador Theatre Company. They can’t wait to entertain you as you enjoy an afternoon or evening of world-class storytelling.
Buckingham Restaurant
Restaurant
Buckingham Restaurant is Ambience’s main restaurant. Serving an exceptionally handcrafted breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, our restaurant team will be delighted for you to join them throughout your day on board.
On gala formal nights Buckingham Restaurant and her hardworking team really come out to shine, pulling out all the stops with exceptional service paired with authentic flavours. There is even the traditional Baked Alaska Parade, which is a sight not to be missed.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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