What It's Really Like on the Ambassador Ambience: 90-Day Cruise Review
- stuartchard
- Mar 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 18
If you're thinking about cruising on the Ambassador Ambience, you're probably wondering: Will I actually enjoy it? Let’s skip the brochure talk and get real about what you can expect on board. Back in 2023 I published a review of the Ambience and gave my impressions following my first cruise with Ambassador. I suggest you read that first before popping back for the update which is definately a follow on frm my first post.
After my initial cruise with Ambassador, I've gone on two more, accumulating over 90 days aboard the ship. I believe it's time to update those initial impressions and share my experiences.
First Impressions
Stepping onto the Ambassador Ambience, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that blends classic elegance with modern comfort. While it may not be the most extravagant ship, it exudes a welcoming and well-kept environment. The decor favors a traditional cruise style—imagine polished wood, gentle lighting, and a serene, relaxed atmosphere (pardon the pun). After ninety days on board, I still have no complaints about the public spaces on the Ambience. I believe most people would feel at home and at ease, even on an extended cruise.
Cabins: What’s the Stay Like?
Accommodations range from cozy interior cabins to spacious suites with private balconies. The standard cabins are comfortable but compact, with plush beds, a small desk, and just enough storage. If you need space to stretch out, upgrading to a suite is worth considering but personally I'm very happy with an interior cabin and as I spend very little time in it I'm not inclined to pay the additional cost.
Pros:
Clean and well-kept rooms & helpful Cabin Stewards
Comfortable bedding - I always slept really well
Quiet, relaxed atmosphere. On my last ruise our cabin was directly under the Palladium & the only time I noticed any noise was in the late afternoon if I was taking a nap.
Cons:
Interior rooms can feel a bit snug
Wi-Fi is available but can be spotty in some locations
Some cabins have wall mounted fold up bunk beds which reduce access and get in your way.
The ships air conditioning is not fit for purpose. You can be lucky and you can be unlucky. Ive heard all the excuses from Customer Services and listened to so many people complaining. I should think Customer Services dread every new sailing and despite the constant stream of comments on social media Ambassador is silent on the subject. In other words it wont be fixed. On my last cruise we entered the cabin in Tilbury to find it stiffiling hot, within 48 hours it was fine until the return leg from the Caribbean when the temperature dropped to damn cold. To give you an idea I took my water bottle which sits on my bedside table to be filled at the bar and on handing it to the waiter he asked me if I'd just got it out of the fridge. If your someone who likes the temperature just right or expects the thermostat in the cabin to do something you may want to consider alternative cruise lines.
Food & Drink: Is It Any Good?
Dining is a big part of any cruise, and the Ambassador Ambience does a solid job. You’ll find a mix of buffet-style options, a main dining room, and specialty restaurants.
Buffet: Decent variety, though some dishes shine more than others.
Main Dining Room: A step up in quality, with multi-course meals and attentive service.
Specialty Restaurants: Worth the splurge if you want something extra special.
Verdict? If you’re a foodie, you might find some meals a bit hit or miss, but overall, there’s plenty of choice and quality ingredients.
Pros:
You can always find something to eat
Service is good in the main dining room(MDR) and waiters friendley.
Ive always been lucky with our dinner grup and enjoyed the company
Cons:
The dining schedule in the MDR is not very flexible. You can choose between 17:15 or 20:15, and if you prefer not to eat at your designated time, your alternative is the buffet at Borough Market.
The Saffron speciality Indian rstaurant doesnt feel particularly special being curtained off from Borough Market. Some tables have a prenounced vibration which is offputting.
Tables in the MDR are set for six or eight people, so if you're a couple seeking privacy, this might not be ideal for you.
You can find my thoughts on Borough Market in my previous post. After three cruises, my frustration with the experience only grew. Why must staff serve every spoonful of food onto your plate at a buffet restaurant? People have preferences for a particular well-done sausage or a piece of crispy bacon. Even getting a bowl of cornflakes involves waiting in line while staff try to meet everyone's specific requests for amounts and types of milk. To illustrate, one lady at the toast counter (yes, a toast counter!) wanted to know which butter was used. "Is it Anchor butter, dear?" The ever-helpful staff went to find out, leaving the rest of the line hoping for any toast with spread. I could tell you more...
There is no midnight buffet. Personally, I don't need one, but based on other cruise lines, some guests expect it to be available. Waiters do circulate in the bars after 23:30 with trays of snacks, but you might miss out, so if midnight snacking is important to you, consider other options.
Wine - I took advantage of the drinks package but still found a couple of servings of the "Signature" wine undrinkable. On several occasions, white wine was served to me that wasn't cold; it wasn't warm, but it had only briefly been in the fridge. I started ordering a side glass of ice just in case.
Entertainment & Activities: How’s the Fun Factor?
If you love live music, trivia nights, and classic cruise entertainment, you’ll feel right at home. The onboard theater hosts musicals, comedy shows, and guest performers, while daytime activities include dance classes, craft workshops, and cooking demonstrations and even a choir.
For a quieter vibe, grab a drink at one of the lounges with live piano music, or enjoy the outdoor deck for sunbathing and sea views.
Lively? No, this isn’t a party cruise. Expect a more relaxed, refined crowd.
Family-friendly? Not really—this cruise is geared more towards adults and couples.
Pros:
Good entrtainment in the theate most nights
Most guest speakers entertaining and informative
Enjoyed the short plays in the ships bars
Cons
All of the entertainment can start to get repetitive after several cruises.
The Butlins style pool deck "entertainment" can get particulary wearing after several cruises; or in my case several days.
Service & Staff: Do They Go the Extra Mile?
The crew is friendly, professional, and always ready to help. The dining staff remembers your name, the housekeeping team keeps your room spotless, and the entertainment crew brings great energy.
Check-in and boarding? Smooth and efficient. Parking at Tilbury is worth the cost.
Special requests? They’re happy to accommodate dietary needs and mobility concerns.
Overall? The service is a standout feature of the cruise.
Itinerary & Excursions: Worth Getting Off the Ship?
The Ambassador Ambience specializes in well-planned itineraries, stopping at some beautiful and culturally rich destinations. Excursions are well-organized, but you don’t have to book them through the ship. Independent exploration can sometimes be more affordable and flexible.
Pros:
Excursions tend to be good value compared with other cruise lines.
Cons:
Anything with the word "easy" in it is basically a ride round somewhere for a couple of hours.
Who Would Enjoy This Cruise?
Couples and solo travelers looking for a relaxing, well-paced journey.
Mature travelers who appreciate classic cruising with a focus on comfort over high-energy activities.
Those who love cultural exploration and well-structured itineraries.
Who might not enjoy it?
Families with young kids—there aren’t many activities designed for children and I'm being kind.
Party-seekers—this isn’t a high-energy, late-night kind of ship.
Thrill-seekers—no waterslides, rock climbing, or extreme activities here.
Is it good value?
Yes, it is. I believe Ambassador provides a quality product, and if you haven't tried them before, you should consider it. However, selling any product with a known defect (cabin temperature control) is poor practice, and it's disappointing that the senior management team doesn't see the need to acknowledge or address the issue. I can only assume that resolving the problem is too expensive, and as long as bookings continue, they have little incentive to do so.
Pros
Headline prices are competitive
Excusrsions are good value
Drinks and or drinks packages are not exorbitant
Cons
The crusie line operates flexible pricing & you could find you have payed more than other for a more basic cabin. I woudnt book early with Ambassador again.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Booking?
If you're seeking a cruise that offers comfort, relaxation, excellent service, intriguing destinations, and a classic atmosphere, then the Ambassador Ambience is a great option. It doesn't focus on excitement or extravagance, but if you appreciate leisurely travel, fun evenings and entertainment, you'll probably enjoy it. After taking three extended cruises on Ambience, I'm ready for a change and won't consider booking again until at least 2026. In the meantime, I have cruises scheduled with Princess and Celebrity in 2025, so subscribe to my blog for my reviews.
Would you book this cruise? If you’ve already been onboard, what was your experience like? have I been to negative or missed anything noteworthy?
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