Caribbean cruises from the UK come with plenty of perks over travelling by plane – but what are they?
Caribbean cruises from the UK come with plenty of perks over travelling by plane – but what are they?
Caribbean cruises plate up on a conch shell exactly what sun-starved Brits desire in the winter months, should swapping soggy days for afternoons lazing on a golden beach and quick-turn-up-the-heating nights for swigging rum punch under a balmy, starry sky sound like your cup of…well, piña colada.
However the idyll of sun, sea and sand can be dampened like a January Monday when the ghastly preliminary airport battle looms into tarmacked view.
Frantic taxi rides to the airport, unimaginable lounge boredom after an inevitable delay, assessing how many Cadbury bars one needs from WHSmith for a 10-hour flight (10?). Then, Oh God, the flight itself – sub-par cheesecake oozing onto your lap as the person in front jams their chair back, wrangling with volume controls for the latest Marvel caper on a screen made for Borrowers, the wailing baby right behind you…
Luckily your holiday doesn’t have to start thus and we’ve got the answer – a Caribbean cruise from the UK. Ambassador Cruise Line offers no-fly cruises to the sunlit splendour across the Atlantic – and these Ambassador cruises are adult-only so there will never be any tantrumming tots nearby (although always plenty of chocolate).
By boarding at the brand’s homeport of London Tilbury Ambassador cruise guests can sidestep the hassles of airport queues, stringent security checks and the rigours of long-haul flights (never mind the jet lag) and instead start their holiday the minute they step aboard their floating retreat – the tone set for a relaxed, unhurried getaway from the get-go.
Opting for a no-fly Caribbean cruise from the UK means travellers can savour the journey, not just the destination. Just like the explorers of old, relish that sense of building anticipation as the salty sea livens your lungs – could be that land ahoy?
Immerse yourself in the slow-paced rhythm of maritime life; if you’ve got a balcony cabin or suite on your Ambassador cruise ship, just sitting in your private al fresco space with a book from the onboard library or a stiffener can be very pleasant indeed as the waves undulate beneath (keep binoculars handy for wildlife spotting!).
Unlike the hardened sailors of yore you won’t need to worry about being besieged by pirates (unless they’re Orlando Bloom lookalikes, which we might not mind…), fiddling with knots or shimmying up masts – with Ambassador cruises to the Caribbean it’s simply a matter of choosing which onboard activity you fancy the most and enjoying it with ease (and with no threat of walking the plank).
Days spent at sea on Caribbean cruises offer a chance to unwind. Every day there’s an impressive programme of events to keep you busy, whether that’s book club, yoga, dance classes, celebrity talks, craft sessions, walks on deck, vegetable carving… the list goes on!
Come nighttime there’s plenty to entertain as well, with live music, West End-style shows, comedy, plays, quizzes and more on offer – plus of course, chilling in the onboard bars with loved ones and new-found friends.
From lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand or indulging in spa treatments, there’s no denying a cruise fosters a sense of indulgence and tranquillity while you traverse that vast expanse of ocean – and there’s always enough leg room.
Furthermore, unlike a swift arrival by plane, Caribbean cruising allows for a gradual introduction to the magic of these beautiful islands. Arriving at Caribbean cruise ports after days at sea brings a sense of excitement for what’s to come and appreciation for each destination.
Fortunately, Ambassador Caribbean cruises boast a plethora of island stops to make sure you truly make the most of the gorgeous region, meeting the needs of all guests from culture vultures to beach lovers!
Indeed, from Spanish-infused architecture and iconic American vintage cars in Cuba, and hidden archaeological wonders in Mexico to the distinctive pink sand beaches and crystalline waters of Bermuda and reggae music in Jamaica – the Caribbean can charm all types of holidaymaker.
What’s more, ports of call along the way, such as Madeira or the Azores, not only break up sea days but they also offer a glimpse into different cultures and landscapes, enriching the journey with diverse experiences before you even get to the Caribbean islands themselves.
Lastly, the ability to dock at all these fantastic places while unpacking only once on an Ambassador cruise is an unparalleled convenience (top tip – stake your claim on your share of the hangers the minute you check into your cabin!).
Here are just a few Ambassador Caribbean cruises to whet your whistle (although, don’t of course, whistle onboard – it’s considered bad luck). We might start practicing our rum quaffing now, though, just in case…
When: January 18, 2024
Duration: 42 nights
Where: London Tilbury, UK | Rotterdam, Netherlands | Leixoes (for Oporto), Portugal | Funchal, Madeira | Mindelo, Sao Vincente, Cape Verde | Recife (Brazil) | Rio de Janeiro | Salvador | Scarborough, Tobago | St George’s, Grenada | Bridgetown, Barbados | Pont Delgada (Azores) | London Tilbury, UK
Ship: Ambition
Price: From £1,899 pp
When: January 9, 2025
Duration: 45 nights
Where: London Tilbury, UK | Praia da Vitoria, Azores | Ponta Delgada | St John’s, Antigua | Basseterre, St Kitts | Havana, Cuba (x2 nights in port) | Santiago de Cuba | Ocho Rios, Jamaica | Willemstad, Curacao | Scarborough, Tobago | St George’s, Grenada | Bridgetown, Barbados | Funchal, Madeira | Lisbon, for Oporto, Portugal | London Tilbury, UK
Ship: Ambition
Price: From £3,429 pp
When: January 5, 2025
Duration: 39 nights
Where: London Tilbury, UK | Funchal, Madeira | King’s Wharf, Bermuda | Philipsburg, St Maarten | Road Town, Tortola, BVI | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (overnight) | Cozumel, Mexico (overnight) | Costa Maya, Mexico | George Town, Cayman Islands | Montego Bay, Jamaica | Ponta Delgada, Azores | London Tilbury, UK
Ship: Ambience
Price: £2,999 pp
Become the first to know about win-a-cruise competitions, on-trend holiday inspo and don’t-miss travel advice from the experts.