Discover the MS Ambience: Ambassador Cruise Line’s Flagship
The Ambience is the proud flagship of Ambassador Cruise Line, offering a classic, traditional cruising experience tailored primarily for the British market. Deriving its name from the French word for "surrounding," the ship's design focuses on creating a welcoming, spacious, and highly sociable atmosphere.
Catering primarily to an adult-focused demographic (over 50s) with convenient no-fly cruises departing from London Tilbury, the Ambience provides premium value without the overwhelming crowds found on modern mega-ships.
Technical Specifications
Explore the engineering and operational data of the world's most iconic cruise vessels.
70,285 GT
Gross Tonnage
1400 (maximum)
Passenger Capacity
660
Crew Size
1991
Year Built
London Tilbury, UK
Home Port
Staterooms & Accommodation
While the ship embraces a classic maritime feel, its accommodations are notably generous. Because it was built in an era before micro-cabins became the industry standard, guests benefit from higher-than-average square footage and ample storage space. The ship features 798 cabins, ranging from standard inside rooms to spacious balcony suites. Furthermore, all cabins are outfitted with standard UK 3-pin plug sockets and tea/coffee-making facilities—a highly appreciated touch for British cruisers.
Onboard Dining & Culinary Experiences
Dining on the Ambience balances traditional comfort food with elevated international cuisine across five distinct venues.
-
Buckingham Restaurant: The ship’s elegant main dining room, offering sit-down, multi-course meals in a classy, spacious setting.
-
Borough Market: A casual, food-hall-style buffet on Deck 12. It features diverse global stations, including the "Salt & Vinegar" chip stall and the Asian-inspired "Points East" counter.
-
Specialty Dining (Extra Fee): For special occasions, guests can book Saffron (a premium Indian fusion restaurant), Sea & Grass (an upscale surf-and-turf steakhouse offering a multi-course tasting menu), or the highly exclusive Chef's Table.
Ambience Buckingham Restaurant
Entertainment & Lounges
With 11 bars and lounges, the Ambience offers a venue for every mood and time of day.
-
The Palladium: The multi-tiered main theater hosting nightly cabaret, vibrant production shows, and guest entertainers.
-
The Purple Turtle Pub: A staple of British cruising, this cozy pub on Deck 8 serves classic pints on tap in a lively, traditional atmosphere.
-
Botanical Lounge: A beautifully decorated, botanical-themed space on Deck 7, perfect for pre-dinner cocktails while listening to the ship's classical musicians.
-
Raffles Bar: An excellent, ambient spot with plush seating for a late-night cap and late-night snacks.
-
Outdoor Facilities: The ship features a sheltered aft pool deck, an outdoor movie screen for evening entertainment, two jacuzzis, a fitness center, and a fully equipped spa.
Ambience The Palladium
Solo Cruising on the Ambience
The Ambience is highly regarded as one of the best ships departing the UK for solo travelers. Ambassador Cruise Line has made a concerted effort to welcome independent cruisers, offering dedicated single cabins across various categories—from standard inside rooms to ocean-view and balcony single cabins.
Beyond the accommodations, the onboard experience is incredibly solo-friendly. The ship regularly hosts dedicated meet-and-greets and solo cruiser events, making it easy to find like-minded companions. Solo travelers can choose to be seated at hosted tables in the Buckingham Restaurant or enjoy their own space, offering complete flexibility.
Cabin Categories & Amenities
Ambience
With 798 cabins spread across seven passenger decks, the Ambience offers accommodations that average an impressive 17–18 square meters—noticeably larger than many modern cruise ship standards.
-
Inside & Ocean View Cabins: Offering excellent value, these cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, ample storage, and the much-loved UK 3-pin plug sockets and USB ports.
-
Balcony Cabins: Perfect for scenic itineraries like the Norwegian Fjords, offering private outdoor seating.
-
Suites & De-Luxe Suites: Located primarily on Deck 11 (Ambassador Deck), these expansive suites offer up to 52 square meters of space. Perks include priority embarkation, a dedicated lounge area, a welcome bottle of wine, daily canapés, and complimentary bathrobes.
-
Accessibility: The ship features 13 specially adapted cabins for guests with mobility needs, as well as 40 interconnecting cabins for groups and families.
Ambience Suite
Leisure, Wellness & Retail
When not exploring a port of call, guests have plenty of ways to relax or stay active during sea days.
-
Green Sea Spa & Fitness: Located on Deck 2, the wellness center features a thermal suite, a hair salon, and a fully equipped gym.
-
The Observatory: A tranquil, panoramic lounge located high on Deck 14, offering the best forward-facing views on the ship—ideal for scenic cruising.
-
Shopping Galleria & Library: Deck 7 features duty-free shopping, a dedicated photo gallery, and Brontë’s Library, a quiet retreat for book lovers.
-
Aces & Eights: The ship's onboard casino for evening entertainment.
Ambience Spa
