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May 4, 2022

Ambience, the first ship of the new cruise brand, Ambassador Cruise Line, is in the UK market with no-fly cruises to destinations primarily in the UK and Northern Europe.

Ambassador Cruise Line had the courage and ambition to create a new company during one of the most difficult periods in the industry, marked not only by economic difficulties and recession, but by a climate of great uncertainty.

Ambience is the fruit not only of the restoration of a ship with a long history, but also of the tenacity and lucidity of a team that has developed a very specific cruise product project. It is a proposition that is aimed primarily at the British market, starting from Great Britain and leading to the discovery of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom and beyond.

 

The first-born ship and current Ambassador Cruise Line flagship entered service in 1991, christened, almost as a prophecy, by Margaret Thatcher. A large ship for its time, today, at a little more than 70,000 tons, it represents a medium segment in the modern cruise panorama. Many areas on board have been preserved and renovated and recall the elegant and sober style of Princess. The crew/passenger ratio is high and the company itself intends to position itself in the Premium category.

 

The large central atrium on decks 5, 6 and 7 is the hub of life on board. The first of these, called the Reception Desk, houses a vast central “square”, served by the Dickens Bar and surrounded by a series of services: Reception, Future Cruise, Destinations Experience, Pandora Shop. An elegant staircase leads to the upper deck which houses the Ambassador Casino and some stores, with seating overlooking the area below. The third level is reserved for other stores, which make up the Shopping Gallery, and the lively SW19, the ideal bar for an aperitif or an evening cocktail. On one side finally opens the Photo Gallery.

 

At the bow of Deck 6 is Kapoor’s, an art & crafts workshop and the Aces & Eight gaming room. The theater, The Palladium, large and in classical style, is located at the bow of decks 7 and 8. The same deck 7 Promenade hosts the Raffle Bar, small but charming, with velvet seats and piano music, and the spectacular The Botanical Lounge: one of the most beautiful places on board, with a wide selection of spirits, live music and an atmosphere of yesteryear.

 

On Deck 8, Boat Deck, there is a nice and spacious pub, The Purple Turtle Pub, with a central dance floor, and tables both around and on the raised sides. The perfect place for good beers and late night dancing but also a quiet retreat during the day, for those who like to read or relax. Not far away, on either side of the bow, are Bronte’s library and the Partnership Lounge.

 

Another place not to be missed on board Ambience, at any time of the cruise, is the beautiful Observatory. With a view of the outside, located at the bow of the ship, it has a large dance floor, very elegant decorations and a series of seats both around the same floor and in the small enclaves created by the windows. One of the most popular places in the evening but also for lovers of silence and navigation in the afternoon hours.

 

The Lido area is divided into two pools, one deep in the area towards the bow, and a Relaxation Pool towards the stern of the ship. The area is served by the Pool Bar, completely renovated, and the nice Coffee House, a cheerful place where to take a good cappuccino or some snacks. There are numerous areas for relaxing in the sun. On deck 10, at the extreme stern, there are sunbeds, served by the Consulate Bar. On the upper deck there are two Jacuzzis in the aft area. Finally, on deck 14, which in the central part of the ship represents an overlook on the Lido area, there are further spaces, also in the aft area where the Active Studio is located.

 

Dining on board Ambience offers a number of different opportunities. In the aft area on Deck 7 is the large, elegant and bright Buckingham Restaurant, with aft windows and a series of cozy nooks and crannies. Alternatives for dining are the Borough Market, located on the Lido deck, which is the buffet with various specialty stations. Inside, on the far stern, a sophisticated and reserved enclave houses Saffron, a specialty restaurant with a menu worth trying. On the same deck, in the area that opens toward the pool, Alfresco Grill offers quick meals, hamburgers and grilled specialties. Another elegant and welcoming restaurant is the Sea & Grass located at the bow of the Lido deck.

 

The wellness area, embodied by the Green Sea Spa, is located on deck 2, Wellness Deck, ship center. It consists of a Gym with modern equipment, a Beauty Salon with hairdressing, manicure and pedicure services, and a Spa area with dressing rooms for various treatments, relaxation area, thermal suite and sauna.

 

There are 22 types of cabins on board. The internal cabins are of various categories, both twin and double, as well as cabins with windows or balconies. The Suites (Junior and De Luxe) are very beautiful, with a living area and a very large balcony.

Ambience is a ship that combines modern areas, such as the Borough Market or the shopping area, with classic and elegant environments. The atmosphere on board is informal and there are plenty of spaces to enjoy the navigation and the days on board. It is an added value to the already very important original itineraries, which offer innovative no-fly cruises to Northern Europe.

Something new, in short, to be tried with the privilege of sailing with a ship with a long history with comfortable spaces and such taste deliberately, and wisely proposed, retro.

Also don’t miss the Video, Photo Gallery and all Ambience Reviews on Cruising Journal, with tips, opinions and cruises on offer.

Gabriele Bassi

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