Ambassador Cruise Line, the new cruise brand, launches its first ship, Ambience, initially offering nearby cruises around the UK and Northern Europe for the British market.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 61 – June 2022
At Ambassador Cruise Line, the company had the audacity and determination to create a new company during one of the most difficult times in the industry, which has been affected not only by economic difficulties and recession, but also by a very uncertain outlook.
The debut ship and current flagship of Ambassador Cruise Line entered service in 1991, christened, almost prophetically, by Margaret Thatcher. It was a large ship at the time, but today, at only 70,000 tons, it is a mid-sized vessel in the modern cruise market. Much of the onboard interior has been preserved and renovated, reminiscent of Princess's elegant and understated style. There is a high crew-to-passenger ratio, and the company plans to position itself in the premium category.
A spacious central atrium, opening onto decks 5, 6, and 7, is the heart of life on board. On the first level, called the Reception Desk, you'll find a large central plaza, served by the Dickens Bar and surrounded by various amenities: reception desks, information on upcoming cruises and excursions, and the Pandora Shop. An elegant staircase leads to the upper deck, which houses the Ambassador Casino and several shops, with seating overlooking the atrium. The third level is dedicated to additional shops, comprising the Shopping Galleria, and the lively SW19, a bar perfect for an aperitif or an evening cocktail. Finally, to one side is the photo gallery.
Kapoor's, an arts and crafts workshop, and the Aces & Eight games room are located at the bow of Deck 6. The spacious, classically styled theater, The Palladium, is located at the bow of Decks 7 and 8. The same Deck 7 Promenade is home to the small but charming Raffle Bar, with velvet seating and piano music, and the spectacular Botanical Lounge: a favorite spot on board, with a wide selection of spirits, live music, and a classic ambiance.
On Deck 8, Boat Deck, there's a large and inviting pub, The Purple Turtle Pub, featuring a central dance floor with tables surrounding it and on raised sides. It's the perfect spot for a few beers and dancing until the early hours. However, it's also a peaceful retreat during the day for those who enjoy reading or relaxing. Not far away, on either side of the bow, are the Bronte Library and the Partnership Lounge.
Another must-see spot aboard the Ambience, at any time during your cruise, is the beautiful Observatory. With its panoramic views and location at the bow of the ship, it boasts a spacious dance floor, elegant décor, and a variety of seating options, both on the dance floor itself and in the cozy alcoves created by the windows. It's a popular spot in the evenings, but also perfect for those seeking peace and quiet while cruising in the afternoon.
There are two pools in the Lido area: a deep pool forward and a shallower pool towards the stern. This area is served by the completely renovated Pool Bar and the inviting Coffee House, a lively spot for a cappuccino or a light snack. There are numerous areas to relax in the sun. At the stern of Deck 10, you'll find sun loungers served by the Consulate Bar. Upstairs, there are two Jacuzzis, also located at the stern. Finally, there's Deck 14, which offers a view of the Lido area from amidships. Other open spaces include the aft area where the Active Studio is located.
For dining aboard the Ambience, there are several different options. The large, elegant, and bright Buckingham restaurant is located aft on Deck 7, featuring aft-facing windows and a number of inviting areas. Other dining options include the Borough Market, a buffet with various specialty stations, located on the Lido Deck. Inside, on the aft deck, a private and sophisticated enclave houses Saffron, a specialty restaurant with an all-you-can-order menu. Also on the aft deck, the Alfresco Grill, in the area opening onto the pool, offers quick meals, burgers, and grilled specialties. Another elegant and inviting restaurant is the Sea & Grass, located forward on the Lido Deck.
The wellness area, embodied by the Green Sea Spa, is located on Deck 2, Wellness Deck, in the center of the ship. It comprises a gym with modern equipment, a beauty salon offering hairdressing, manicure, and pedicure services, and a spa area with changing rooms for various treatments, a relaxation area, a thermal suite, and a sauna.
There are many types of cabins on board, up to 22. Inside cabins come in various categories and include twin and double beds, as well as cabins with windows or balconies. Beautiful suites (Junior and Deluxe) feature a living room and a very large balcony.
Much of the onboard interior has been preserved and renovated, recalling Princess' elegant and understated style.
The Ambience is a ship that combines modern areas, such as Borough Market and the shopping district, with a classic and elegant ambiance. The atmosphere on board is relaxed, and there's plenty of space to enjoy the sailing and your time on board. Adding to its already considerable value is the originality of its itineraries, which offer cruises to Northern Europe without the need for flights.
In short, something new to try with the privilege of sailing on a ship with a long history, with welcoming spaces, and a retro taste so deliberately and intelligently proposed.
