Elby's Mini Cruise with Ambassador Cruise Line

Few holidays begin with such ease as embarking on a cruise with Ambassador Cruise Line. Within just 20 minutes of arriving at the departure point in the UK, I found myself settled in with a cocktail in hand—an impressively smooth start to the journey.

Upon boarding, we were welcomed with afternoon tea, which is served daily and included in the cruise fare. This featured a classic selection of sandwiches and cakes, setting a relaxed and elegant tone for the voyage. I then joined a brief tour of the ship, which was helpful for navigating the various venues and amenities onboard.

Spa and fitness

One of the standout features was the spa and fitness centre, located on deck 11. This beautifully designed space includes a relaxation lounge, two saunas, a steam room, treatment rooms, and a well-equipped gym, all offering scenic views across the water. It’s an excellent place to unwind and rejuvenate during your stay. If you prefer to be outside, there’s also an outdoor pool with hot tubs located on deck 12.

Onboard Entertainment

The onboard entertainment exceeded expectations. I attended several performances, two of which were particularly memorable. The interactive “Murder Mystery” play was witty and immersive, with strong audience participation and polished performances. That same evening, I enjoyed the “Musicians’ Songbook: Live Aid” show—a high-energy concert featuring impressive vocalists and musicians. The level of talent was incredible.

It's worth noting that whilst in the Palladium (the theatre), you can have drinks delivered to your seats which gives it more of a cabaret feel.

On the second evening, we attended gala night, a formal occasion where guests donned elegant evening wear. It added a celebratory tone to the experience and served as a fitting end to the cruise.

Restaurants & Bars

Dining onboard was consistently impressive. I was fortunate to eat at Saffron, one of the ship’s speciality restaurants offering Indian cuisine. The experience began with a creative twist on a mango lassi, followed by a platter of vegetarian starters, including paneer and a vegetable samosa.

My main course—a creamy prawn curry—was well-balanced with a hint of spice. The trio of desserts was a lovely finale.

Our final meal took place in the Holyrood restaurant, one of the two main dining venues. Each evening features a five-course menu with several options per course. I selected the duck breast for my main course, followed by the Baked Alaska—a treat made even more special by the Baked Alaska parade, complete with music, sparklers, and celebratory flair.

While I didn’t have the chance to eat at Borough Market, the ship’s buffet-style venue, I admired its fresh, summery décor. It provides a more casual dining option, ideal for a relaxed, informal meal compared to the main dining rooms. There’s also the Alfresco Grill, and Lupino’s.

Evenings onboard were a highlight. The Cavern Bar offered a welcoming atmosphere with live music—perfect for enjoying a drink and socialising. A nightly quiz added a touch of fun and friendly competition, making for enjoyable and varied entertainment each night.

Drink prices onboard were refreshingly reasonable. Guests can opt for a drinks package or pay-as-you-go. Cocktails averaged around £8, wine £6, and beer £5. Notably, the drinks package includes gratuities, which enhances its overall value. There’s a good range of alcoholic beverages, as well as a strong selection of mocktails for non-drinkers.

Accommodation

I stayed in an inside cabin, part of the lead-in category. The space was thoughtfully designed with generous storage, a comfortable bed, and useful amenities including tea and coffee facilities, a safe, and a hairdryer. The under-bed space easily accommodated luggage, and while the standard pillows were thinner than I prefer, additional pillows were available on request. UK 3-pin plugs are available in cabins; however, you’ll need an EU adapter to use the sockets located throughout the rest of the ship.

I also had the opportunity to view other cabin categories. The ocean view cabins felt bright and airy, and although balcony cabins are limited (only 12 onboard), there are a number of spacious suites available. Across all categories, the accommodation felt modern, clean, and inviting.

Overall thoughts

Ambassador Cruise Line offers an adults-only cruising experience (with a small number of multi-generational sailings throughout the year). The atmosphere onboard is calm and refined, ideal for travellers seeking a more relaxed environment.

While Ambassador does not position itself as a luxury cruise brand, it consistently delivers excellent value and quality, making it an ideal choice for discerning guests seeking a memorable yet affordable cruise experience. Especially due to Ambition sailing from many regional ports, including Bristol and Portsmouth.

Ambassador Cruise Line provides a well-rounded and enjoyable cruising experience, blending comfort, entertainment, and thoughtful service. From excellent dining and engaging performances to a calming adults-only atmosphere, this cruise exceeded expectations in many areas. It’s a superb option for travellers who value quality, relaxation, and exceptional value—all without needing a flight.