‘It’s Now or Never’! What to expect on an adults-only music themed cruise

Ambassador Cruise Line is laying on an action-packed music themed cruise in July 2023 dubbed Motown Meets Rock ‘n’ Roll Legends.

Explore the highlights of Scandinavia off the adults-only ship, cruising Sweden, Denmark and Norway, and soak up the amazing vocals and harmonies of some of music’s greats back onboard.

Don’t want your heart broken? Legendary Kiki Dee knows all about that. Can’t help falling in love? Renowned Elvis Presley impersonator Ben Portsmouth has been there.

Melodies, medieval history and Scandi markets? Let’s find out more.

Pack as many Blue Suede Shoes as you like, a huge perk of this Ambassador Cruise Line sailing (one of four themed cruises 2023) is that it’s a no-fly cruise from the UK – London Tilbury port to be precise. No luggage restrictions, no airport mayhem…just the music in you.

After a day at sea making the most of everything the wonderful flagship Ambience has to offer (think two speciality restaurants, Chef’s Table – a VIP multi-course dining experience, cabarets, discos, comedy acts and shopping as well as a casino, spa, gym and more) you’ll arrive at Gothenburg in Sweden.

The second largest Swedish city, Gothenburg [below] exudes a modish seaside charm and relaxed atmosphere that envelops you from the get-go. Expect 17th-century canals, a world-class craft beer scene, some of the best seafood restaurants in Sweden and a host of fascinating museums from Volvos (Gothenburg is the birthplace of the famous car) to Viking ships.

Don’t miss Liseberg, the city’s 100-year-old theme park, either, and definitely eat a cinnamon bun. You can work it off on the dance floor later!

From here Ambience shimmies to Denmark. First up is Copenhagen [below, right], home to impressive palaces, the colourful harbour front of Nyhavn, the oldest observatory in Europe and splendid canals. Your ship won’t depart until 10pm so why not try and hit up one of Copenhagen’s famous jazz clubs in the evening?

Do conserve your energy for Aarhus, though. The historic city may be tiny but there’s lots to see. Visit the harbour where some of the city’s most exciting attractions can be found such as Dokk 1 Cultural Centre or iconic building the Iceberg – you can even go for a swim!

Other hotspots include ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, the Old Town Open Air Museum, Aarhus Botanical Gardens, renowned cobbled street Møllestien and Aarhus’ Street Food Market, to name a few.

Ambassador’s final port of call before returning to the UK is Kristiansand [below, left] in Norway – the country’s southernmost city. Take in charming wooden houses that characterise many of the villages of Southern Norway and relax on Bystranda city beach – there’s fine sand and palm trees worthy of the Med here!

For culture, food and drink, check out Markens, the main pedestrian street in the city centre, while for life in the slow lane head to Fiskebrygga harbour.

So when you’ve had your fill of herring and hygge, what musical wonders can you return to aboard this themed cruise with Ambassador?

Fans of Motown and Rock ‘n’ Roll will have plenty to get excited about; here’s the talent that will be joining you on board…

Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri

Kiki Dee is famous for such musical hits as “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, “I Got The Music In Me”, “Loving & Free” and “Amoureuse”. In 2019 she celebrated her 55th year in the music industry, but the songstress shows no signs of slowing down.

Kiki and guitarist Carmelo Luggeri [below] have been touring their acoustic live show across the UK and Europe for almost two decades – and on this Ambassador cruise guests will be treated to an acoustic journey of stories and songs.

On top of Kiki’s own famous bangers, you can enjoy unique covers of songs by artists such as Kate Bush and Frank Sinatra.

Ben Portsmouth

Got a Burning Love for Elvis? You’ll appreciate impersonator Ben Portsmouth – he’s internationally renowned as the best Elvis tribute in the world!

Ben will be performing alongside his nine-piece band and has certainly got the look – he once left David Letterman speechless after his live performance on the eponymous late-night talk show!

Soul Sisters

This UK-based singing trio will take holidaymakers on a musical journey packed with classic soul songs.

Prepare to be transported to the glitz, passion and power of soul music old and young with Soul Sisters’ impressive voices and moves.

Louis Rodgers

Singer Louis has recorded and released singles as both a solo artist and as a band member and performed backing vocals on some of Clodagh Rodgers’ tours (the hitmaker is his sister!) including The London Palladium. You might also recognise him as the voice on many radio and TV jingles.

Louis was also Head of Promotion for record company CBS Records during the 70s and early 80s.

If you love the idea of a themed cruise, check out Ambassador’s royal themed cruise in summer 2023.