Is Ambassador Cruise Line Good A Honest Review of Their Ships and Service

Ship Comparison: Ambience vs. Ambition

Dining Experience: Is the Food Worth the Hype?

Main Dining Room: A Solid, No-Frills Option

Ambassador’s main dining room—The Ocean Grill on Ambience and The Horizon Restaurant on Ambition—is where you’ll spend most of your mealtimes. The food is good, not gourmet, but it’s consistently well-prepared. Think classic cruise fare: roast beef, salmon, pasta, and vegetarian options like mushroom risotto or lentil stew. Portions are generous, and the service is attentive but not overly formal.

One thing I appreciated: they offer open seating for breakfast and lunch, so you can come and go as you please. Dinner is usually set seating (you’re assigned a table), but you can request a change if needed. The menus rotate every few days, so you won’t get bored. For example, on my cruise, we had a “British Night” with fish and chips, a “French Night” with coq au vin, and a “Seafood Night” with shrimp and scallops.

Buffet and Casual Options: Great for Snacking

The Horizon Buffet is open 16 hours a day and offers a wide variety of food. Breakfast has the usual suspects—eggs, bacon, pastries, fruit—but they also have a hot station with made-to-order omelets. Lunch and dinner include hot entrees, salad bars, and desserts. The Grab & Go section is perfect for quick snacks: sandwiches, wraps, and cookies.

One tip: avoid the buffet during peak hours (12:30–1:30 PM and 6:30–7:30 PM). It gets crowded, and the lines can be long. Instead, try the Ocean Café, which has a similar menu but fewer people.

Specialty Dining: A Step Up (But Not a Huge One)

On Ambition, they’ve added The Bistro, a casual French-inspired restaurant. It’s not included in the base fare (there’s a small cover charge, around £15–£20), but it’s worth it if you want something different. I tried the duck confit and crème brûlée, and both were excellent—better than the main dining room. The Grill (on both ships) offers steaks and burgers, also for an extra fee.

The catch? These options are limited in capacity, so book early. I missed out on The Bistro because I didn’t reserve in time. Lesson learned: if you’re keen on specialty dining, do it as soon as you board.

Entertainment and Activities: What’s There to Do?

Evening Shows: Fun, Not Flashy

Don’t expect Broadway-level productions, but Ambassador’s entertainment is solid. The main show, performed in the Starlight Lounge, is a mix of music, dance, and comedy. On my cruise, we had a 60s/70s tribute, a magician, and a juggling act. The performers were enthusiastic, and the crowd loved it. The Ocean Lounge has live music—piano, guitar, or small bands—perfect for a relaxed evening.

One downside: the shows aren’t always original. Some felt like recycled content from other cruise lines. But if you’re not picky, you’ll enjoy the energy and variety.

Daytime Activities: Something for Everyone

During the day, the ship offers a mix of structured and casual activities:

• Lectures and Workshops: Topics like “The History of the Baltic” or “Wine Tasting 101.”
• Games and Trivia: Bingo, bridge, and daily trivia sessions (great for meeting people).
• Fitness and Wellness: A gym with cardio and weight machines, plus yoga and Pilates classes (some included, some extra).
• Art and Craft: Painting, knitting, and jewelry-making (small fee for materials).

The Daily Program (delivered to your cabin each night) lists all activities, so you can plan ahead. I loved the “Cruise Critic Meetup”—a casual gathering for solo travelers and first-timers.

Kids and Families: Not a Focus, But Not Ignored

Ambassador isn’t a family-centric line, but they do offer a Kids Club for ages 3–12. It’s not as elaborate as Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean, but it has games, crafts, and movies. Teens (13–17) can join the Teen Lounge, with video games and social events. If you’re traveling with young kids, bring your own activities—there’s no kids’ pool or splash zone.

Service and Customer Experience: Where Ambassador Shines (and Where It Doesn’t)

Crew: Friendly, But Sometimes Stretched Thin

The crew is the heart of any cruise, and Ambassador’s staff are generally warm and helpful. Our cabin steward, Maria, was amazing—always smiling, remembered our names, and left little towel animals. The dining room servers were attentive, and the bar staff knew our drink preferences by day three.

But here’s the catch: the ships are still growing, and sometimes the crew feels overworked. On a busy sea day, service in the buffet or pool bar could be slow. One afternoon, I waited 20 minutes for a soda at the poolside bar. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.

Customer Support: Responsive, But Limited Onboard

Before the cruise, I had a few questions about shore excursions and accessibility. Their customer service (via phone and email) was prompt and friendly. But onboard, the Guest Services desk was often crowded, and wait times could be 10–15 minutes. They handled issues well—when our shore excursion in Bergen was canceled due to weather, they offered a full refund or alternative—but the process felt a bit clunky.

Value for Money: Where Ambassador Excels

Let’s talk numbers. Ambassador’s base fares are competitive. For a 7-night cruise from London to Norway, I paid £1,200 per person (inside cabin), including taxes. That’s about £170 per night—cheaper than P&O or Princess for a similar itinerary. And remember: no extra fees for soft drinks or tea/coffee.

But there are add-ons to consider:

• Alcohol: Beer, wine, and cocktails are extra (prices are reasonable—£5–£8 for a beer, £8–£12 for a cocktail).
• Specialty Dining: Cover charges apply.
• Shore Excursions: Ranges from £40–£120 per person.
• Wi-Fi: Not included; packages start at £15 per day.

Still, if you’re careful with extras, you can cruise on a budget. I spent about £2,000 total for two people (including a few drinks, one specialty dinner, and a couple of excursions). That’s a steal for a week at sea.

How Ambassador Stacks Up: The Final Verdict

So, is Ambassador Cruise Line good? The short answer: yes, with caveats. They’re not perfect, but they offer excellent value for UK-based cruisers who want a relaxed, no-nonsense experience. Here’s the breakdown:

What They Do Well:

• Affordable pricing with no hidden fees for basics like soft drinks.
• Convenient UK departures from London Tilbury.
• Warm, friendly crew and a cozy onboard atmosphere.
• Solid food and a good mix of activities.

Where They Could Improve:

• More original entertainment and better crowd control in busy areas.
• Faster service during peak times (buffet, bars, Guest Services).
• More specialty dining options and better Wi-Fi packages.

For first-time cruisers, Ambassador is a great choice—it’s not overwhelming, and the value is hard to beat. For experienced cruisers, it’s a refreshing alternative to the mega-ships, though you’ll miss some of the high-end amenities.

My advice? If you’re looking for a stress-free, budget-friendly cruise to explore Europe or the British Isles, give Ambassador a try. Just set realistic expectations—don’t expect five-star luxury, but do expect a fun, friendly, and memorable trip. And hey, if you love it, you’ll be ahead of the curve as they grow and improve. After all, every great cruise line started somewhere. Ambassador Cruise Line might just be on its way to becoming a household name—and it’s worth watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ambassador Cruise Line good for first-time cruisers?

Yes, Ambassador Cruise Line is a solid choice for first-time cruisers due to its mid-sized ships, relaxed atmosphere, and well-organized excursions. Their attentive crew and clear onboard guidance make the experience stress-free for newcomers.

What makes Ambassador Cruise Line different from other cruise companies?

Ambassador Cruise Line stands out with its focus on destination immersion, offering longer port stays and curated cultural excursions. Their mid-sized vessels also provide a more intimate experience compared to mega-ships.

Is Ambassador Cruise Line good for luxury travelers?

While not a luxury line, Ambassador offers premium touches like spacious cabins, fine dining, and personalized service at a mid-tier price point. It’s ideal for travelers seeking comfort without ultra-luxury costs.

How do Ambassador Cruise Line’s ships compare in size and amenities?

Their mid-sized ships (e.g., Ambience, Ambition) balance coziness and variety, featuring multiple dining venues, pools, and entertainment options. They’re smaller than industry giants but less crowded and easier to navigate.

Is Ambassador Cruise Line good for families with kids?

Ambassador caters primarily to adults but offers supervised kids’ clubs and family-friendly activities on select sailings. Families should check itineraries, as their focus leans toward cultural and scenic destinations.

What do real passengers say about Ambassador Cruise Line service?

Passengers consistently praise the crew’s warmth, efficiency, and attention to detail. Recent reviews highlight exceptional dining experiences and seamless excursion logistics as standout features.