What’s onboard Ambassador’s new second ship Ambition? We went to find out

Ambition – Ambassador Cruise Line’s second ship – is now officially sailing the high seas after its May 2023 christening (attended by godmother sailor Shirley Robertson) and its maiden voyage to France and Spain.

Over the course of her inaugural season, Ambition will visit 29 countries, call at 91 ports and travel more than 70,000 nautical miles.

However, it’s the UK that the ship – and sister vessel Ambience – call home, proving a boon for fans of no-fly, adults-only cruises.

Indeed Ambition’s arrival on the scene means Ambassador guests can board from eight different UK departure ports for the first time.

In addition to the cruise line’s home port of London Tilbury, guests from Newcastle Tyne, Dundee, Edinburgh Leith, Falmouth, Liverpool, Bristol and Belfast can now enjoy a range of exciting itineraries from a port that’s close to home.

Sailawaze embarked at Newcastle for the launch event and was greeted by some serious purple branding – Ambassador has well and truly taken over the port. No getting lost here!

Once onboard, what can guests expect? Come with us and find out…

Dining options include onboard Ambassador ship Ambition include:

• Buckingham Restaurant – serving breakfast buffet-style with a daily special served to your table, lunch buffet-style with a served main course (do try the steak!) and dinner as a five-course à la carte experience
• Holyrood Restaurant – offering dinner (lovely lamb and cheeses)
• Borough Market – plating up breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
• Alfresco Grill – serving casual eats
• Lupino’s – Mediterranean speciality restaurant serving dinner
• Saffron – speciality Indian fine dining restaurant offering dinner (the Goan chef Sidney Dias is said to be a marvel)
• Chef’s Table – intimate, exclusive dinner experience hosted every other night

Ambition’s bars include:

• The Cavern – live music venue named after the Liverpool club where the Beatles first performed showing cabarets, gameshows and quizzes
• Clifton Lounge – classical music
• Consulate Bar – poolside outdoor bar
• Angel Bar – watering hole named after Antony Gormley’s Angel of The North sculpture at Gateshead, a nod to Ambition’s comport of Newcastle
• The Purple Turtle – the perfect pub stop for a pint
• Pendennis Bar – with pianist/vocalist entertainment

There’s plenty to keep passengers busy onboard Ambition, which has a more intimate feel than Ambience. The top deck is delightful in the sunshine – lorded over by the iconic Ambassador purple and green funnel. Take a dip in the pool, opt for a soak in the pool or relax at the poolside bar. If you want to get your steps in there’s an exterior joggers and walkers track up here too as well as a fitness centre elsewhere.

For more wellness, there’s Green Sea Spa, offering a sauna, steam room, hair salon and a range of restoring spa treatments while activity-lovers will enjoy arts and crafts Grafton Street, Aces & Eights card room and the shopping galleria for some retail therapy.

A personal highlight is Brontë’s library – a great spot, complete with a colourful chaise and armchair, to enjoy one of the many books. There’s even a costume worn by Charlotte Brontë actress Alexandra Dowling in 2022 film Emily.

At nighttime tiered theatre The Palladium comes alive. When I’m onboard we’re treated to a high-tempo sample of a Nashville-inspired show complete with great costumes that had the audience toe-tapping to Timber by Pitbull, Jolene by Dolly Parton, Country Roads by John Denver and more Country hits.

Cabins span six accommodation decks and average 15-16 square meters; they’re broadly classified as standard, superior, premium or deluxe.

All Ambassador cabins are air-conditioned with ensuite facilities including a shower and storage space with room under the beds to store suitcases as well as tea and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, personal safe, UK three-pin electrical sockets, USB ports and a flat-screen TV.

Accomodation ranges from inside cabins up through ocean view cabins and balcony cabins, with a selection of suites on offer for those who fancy more of a VIP experience. My suite proves comfortable and benefits from a bathtub, walk-in wardrobe and decent living area – while the balcony is ideal for admiring the views from your room. I particularly like the floor-to-ceiling mirrors – just the ticket for getting ready for a glam night onboard.