If you want to know more about Ambassador Cruise Line and are wondering what their two ships, Ambience and Ambition, have to offer, you’re in the right place.
This British cruise line might be relatively new in the cruise industry, but its ships come with rich histories and character-packed experiences.
I’ve had the pleasure of stepping aboard these ships, and in this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about each one, including what makes them unique, where they sail, and what the onboard experience feels like.
Meet Ambience – The Flagship of Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambience made her debut on April 20, 2022, and was the first ship to officially set sail under the Ambassador name.
She’s based in London Tilbury, offering cruises to destinations across the British Isles, the Baltics, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, and even long-haul adventures to the Caribbean and Canada.
What I love most about Ambience is that she strikes a nice balance between mid-sized ship intimacy and a variety of onboard experiences, without feeling too big or too limited.
The Surprising Backstory of Ambience
Ambience has had quite the journey — literally and figuratively.
Originally built in 1991, the ship was first meant for Sitmar Cruises, but after Sitmar was absorbed into P&O, the finished vessel was launched as the Regal Princess under Princess Cruises.
She sailed with them until 2007 before being transferred to P&O Cruises Australia, where she became known as Pacific Dawn, Australia’s first “superliner.”
Things got interesting in 2020 when the ship was briefly sold to an ambitious startup called Ocean Builders, which wanted to transform her into a floating residence for digital nomads named Satoshi. But the project never materialized due to insurance issues, and the ship was nearly scrapped.
Luckily, Ambassador Cruise Line stepped in, gave the vessel a full refurbishment in Croatia, and renamed her Ambience. After a few delays (thank you, supply chain), she was finally reborn and ready to sail.
Onboard Experience: What It’s Like on Ambience
Ambience features 789 cabins, ranging from budget-friendly interiors to sea-view balconies and suites.
What’s especially great is that they’ve included solo cabins, which is a huge plus if you’re traveling alone and don’t want to pay double occupancy rates.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find onboard:
- 11 bars and lounges, including the quirky Purple Turtle Pub and chic Botanical Lounge
- A multi-level theatre with live entertainment and guest acts
- Daytime activities galore — card room, craft studio, spa, gym, library, and casino
- An outdoor deck with a swimming pool, two hot tubs, and a large screen for movie nights under the stars
- Dining venues like the Buckingham Main Dining Room, Borough Market Buffet, and Alfresco Grill
- Three specialty restaurants: Saffron, Sea & Grass, and the exclusive Chef’s Table
And did I mention the cocktails? At just £5 each, it’s very easy to treat yourself (or two).
Where Ambience Sails
Sailing primarily from Tilbury, Ambience offers a huge range of cruises — from quick 3-night Christmas markets trips to epic 42-night voyages to the Caribbean or Canada.
She also hosts themed cruises featuring everything from British broadcasting legends and cricket icons to gardening, crafting, and even bridge tournaments.
While Ambassador markets itself to the 50+ crowd, they also offer multi-generational cruises during school holidays, where grandparents can bring the grandkids along for the ride.
Meet Ambition – The Second Star of the Fleet
Ambition made her grand entrance in May 2023, and while she’s the newer addition to the fleet, she actually has a storied past of her own. I was lucky enough to spend a night onboard right before her maiden voyage — and she made a great impression.
The Story Behind Ambition
Ambition was originally constructed in 1999, with the design first intended for Renaissance Cruises. When those plans fell through, she was snapped up by Festival Cruises and launched as Mistral.
Her name and owners have changed a few times over the years:
- Became Grand Mistral under Ibero Cruises (2005)
- Renamed Costa neoRiviera by Costa Cruises after a €10M renovation (2013)
- Transformed into AIDAmira in 2019 after a $55M overhaul
- Bought by Ambassador Cruise Line in 2022 after AIDA retired the ship post-pandemic
She’s now been fully reimagined for the British market and offers a cozier cruise experience compared to her sister ship.
What It’s Like On Board Ambition
Ambition is slightly smaller than Ambience, with fewer decks and about 200 fewer guests. That means a quieter, more intimate vibe — perfect if you prefer your cruise without the crowds.
On board, you’ll find:
- Two main restaurants and a casual bistro-style café
- Specialty dining options (available at an extra cost)
- Four bars and lounges, plus a traditional British-style pub
- Entertainment in the main theatre, plus a card room, casino, library, and craft studio
- A wellness center, gym, outdoor swimming pool, and even a splash pool for sunny days
- A handful of retail shops to browse between excursions
She may be smaller, but Ambition still packs in a lot, with a cozy, classic ambiance many cruisers love.
Where Ambition Sails
Ambition departs from various regional ports including Newcastle, Dundee, Belfast, Liverpool, and Bristol — making her super convenient for UK cruisers who want to skip flying.
She visits destinations like:
- France, Spain, Norway, and Iceland
- Scottish islands and coastal Europe
- Even river cruise experiences down the Seine — thanks to its smaller size
In the winter months, she relocates to London Tilbury for warmer voyages and festive sailings.
Ambience vs Ambition: How They Compare
Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you spot the differences:
| Feature | Ambience | Ambition |
|---|---|---|
| Built Year | 1991 | 1999 |
| Guest Capacity | 1,400 | 1,200 |
| Guest Decks | 11 | 8 |
| Gross Tonnage | 70,285 GT | 48,123 GT |
| Beam (Width) | 32.25 meters | 28.8 meters |
| Length | 245 meters | 216 meters |
| Max Speed | 16.5 knots | 19.5 knots |
Both ships offer a classic cruise experience with a British twist, and the right one for you depends on your preferred size, destination, and onboard atmosphere.
Ties to CMV: A Familiar Feeling for Past Cruisers
If you were a fan of Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), parts of Ambassador may feel pleasantly familiar.
That’s because Ambassador Cruise Line was founded by several former CMV executives, including CEO Christian Verhounig.
In fact, Ambience was originally scheduled to launch under CMV as Amy Johnson before the company sadly went into administration.
Ambassador has taken what CMV offered — classic cruising, reasonable prices, and interesting itineraries — and added a fresh, modern touch.
With prices from as low as £25 per night, it’s easy to see why many CMV fans (myself included!) are eager to give Ambassador a try.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a British cruise experience without the mega-ship crowds or over-the-top pricing, Ambassador Cruise Line is definitely worth a look.
Whether you choose the spacious Ambience or the cozier Ambition, you’ll get classic cruising with modern flair, fantastic itineraries, and a friendly onboard atmosphere.
And hey — with drinks starting at just £5 and sailings that don’t require a flight, what’s not to love?
