ambassador Ambition
Iberia and North Africa
By Marion Ainge. Marion is an experienced journalist, always excited to share the colours, culture and tastes of every travel adventure with readers. A former newspaper women's editor/columnist/food critic, she now has four young grandchildren and finds freelance opportunities fit her lifestyle and satisfy her passion for travel. She lives in the north west of England, writes for regional newspapers/travel websites and is an EFL teacher
Cruise fans are clearly delighted with the introduction of Ambassador Cruise Line's regional port sailings this year.
Instead of having to make what can be a long journey to London Tilbury or one of the other southern ports, cruise fans can now board at Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Dundee, Bristol, Falmouth and Belfast.
Christian Verhounig, chief executive officer, Ambassador Cruise Line, said: 'Offering departures from eight regional UK ports is a real game-changer for us as it allows more guests the chance to enjoy a premium value cruise experience from a port close to home'.
Cruise fan, Dot Sumner, 76, from Preston, used her free bus pass to travel to Liverpool bus station then took a six-minute taxi ride to the Port of Liverpool to board the Ambassador Iberian and North Africa cruise.
"Much more convenient than travelling down to Tilbury or Southampton" is the verdict of regular cruiser Naunton Clarke, 72, who hails from Headlingley, Leeds. Naunton made the easy journey to Liverpool via National Express coach.
For me, it's just over an hour's taxi ride from my home to Liverpool docks and the embarkation efficiency enables a seamless, 15-minute check-in and security process from luggage drop off to opening my cabin door. With a large window, comfortable bed, ample storage space, dressing table, tv, tea and coffee-making facilities and well-fitted shower room, I'm happy.
It's smiles all round everywhere and every day from the helpful, efficient crew. From the deck-hands to the reception team, each person goes just that little bit further in ensuring every passenger's comfort and well-being.
Ambassador formed their cruise line and bought their flagship Ambience in 2021. Ambience joined her in 2023.
The average passenger age is 60s to 70s, but there are quite a lot of younger cruisers and many in their 80s and 90s Of the 1233 passengers on board 95 are solo guests
Solo travellers are well looked after with a 'get together' coffee morning and two solo lunches arranged by friendly team, Clifford and Mark (Guest Services). It's easy to make friends to meet for dinner, drinks or as an excursion partner.
You'll never be bored on board as the varied entertainment programme includes something for everyone. Bubbly cruise director, Ceirios, from South West Wales, keeps passengers up to date with what's happening through her cheery announcements via the tannoy system.. In the Palladium Theatre, at the 'Musicals' performance, I'm on my feet to applaud the excerpt from The Lion King. The classical violin and piano presentation from talented musician sisters, Malina and Alina from Kazakhstan also prompts a standing ovation. My anti-ageing facial in the Green Spa is fabulous, but the beauticians can't turn back the clock!
Instead of having to make what can be a long journey to London Tilbury or one of the other southern ports, cruise fans can now board at Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Dundee, Bristol, Falmouth and Belfast.
Christian Verhounig, chief executive officer, Ambassador Cruise Line, said: 'Offering departures from eight regional UK ports is a real game-changer for us as it allows more guests the chance to enjoy a premium value cruise experience from a port close to home'.
Cruise fan, Dot Sumner, 76, from Preston, used her free bus pass to travel to Liverpool bus station then took a six-minute taxi ride to the Port of Liverpool to board the Ambassador Iberian and North Africa cruise.
"Much more convenient than travelling down to Tilbury or Southampton" is the verdict of regular cruiser Naunton Clarke, 72, who hails from Headlingley, Leeds. Naunton made the easy journey to Liverpool via National Express coach.
For me, it's just over an hour's taxi ride from my home to Liverpool docks and the embarkation efficiency enables a seamless, 15-minute check-in and security process from luggage drop off to opening my cabin door. With a large window, comfortable bed, ample storage space, dressing table, tv, tea and coffee-making facilities and well-fitted shower room, I'm happy.
It's smiles all round everywhere and every day from the helpful, efficient crew. From the deck-hands to the reception team, each person goes just that little bit further in ensuring every passenger's comfort and well-being.
Ambassador formed their cruise line and bought their flagship Ambience in 2021. Ambience joined her in 2023.
The average passenger age is 60s to 70s, but there are quite a lot of younger cruisers and many in their 80s and 90s Of the 1233 passengers on board 95 are solo guests
Solo travellers are well looked after with a 'get together' coffee morning and two solo lunches arranged by friendly team, Clifford and Mark (Guest Services). It's easy to make friends to meet for dinner, drinks or as an excursion partner.
You'll never be bored on board as the varied entertainment programme includes something for everyone. Bubbly cruise director, Ceirios, from South West Wales, keeps passengers up to date with what's happening through her cheery announcements via the tannoy system.. In the Palladium Theatre, at the 'Musicals' performance, I'm on my feet to applaud the excerpt from The Lion King. The classical violin and piano presentation from talented musician sisters, Malina and Alina from Kazakhstan also prompts a standing ovation. My anti-ageing facial in the Green Spa is fabulous, but the beauticians can't turn back the clock!
Food on Ambition is excellent. I love the elegant Buckingham restaurant where a splendid dinner is served every night. At the atmospheric Saffron speciality Indian restaurant, delicate flavours blend with aromatic spices creating a divine culinary experience.. Within Lupino Mediterranean restaurant dishes delight the eye and palate with pleasing surprise elements . On sea days, particularly, when many passengers are sunbathing, swimming or in the hot tub on the top deck, it's convenient to walk just a few steps to eat lunch at the Borough Market buffet. Plenty of choice here.
After a stop at La Coruna, seductive Seville, accessed from Cadiz in Andalucia, is our next port of call. Known for its architecture, flamenco dancing and bitter marmalade oranges, it features an old Jewish Quarter and huge cathedral. Rossini's Barber of Seville plied his trade and Bizet's Carmen enticed her soldier and toreador here. It's also the resting place of Christopher Columbus.
After a stop at La Coruna, seductive Seville, accessed from Cadiz in Andalucia, is our next port of call. Known for its architecture, flamenco dancing and bitter marmalade oranges, it features an old Jewish Quarter and huge cathedral. Rossini's Barber of Seville plied his trade and Bizet's Carmen enticed her soldier and toreador here. It's also the resting place of Christopher Columbus.
From the port of Leixoes, our 40-minute vintage tram ride along the riverside takes us to Porto's city centre. The scene is set. The two-tier, metal Dom Luis Bridge straddles the River Douro and on each bank are elegant al fresco restaurants and cafes, Port houses and tiny markets, framed by a backcloth of multi-hued buildings and hotels. In the harbour, historic wooden boats, yachts, canoes and tourist cruisers sail along the river which sparkles in the sunshine. When you can do visit the train station where 20,000 azulejos (traditional blue and white painted tiles) depict historical Portuguese scenes adorn the walls.
From Lisbon I join the 30-minute coach tour to Sintra, a picturesque little town of Medieval magic, a glittering fairytale palace, cool lush hills and a bewitching forest. With Unesco Heritage status, it has a rich history and cultural importance. Known as 'the garden of Lisbon' and called 'Glorious Eden' by Lord Byron, there's just a little time to walk around and have a coffee before we're back on the coach and bound for Cascais.
The former tiny fishing village, Cascais on the Atlantic coast and just about half an hour from Lisbon, is now the Saint Tropez of the Estoril coast. Its idyllic scenery, which has attracted artists and writers, stunning beaches, waterfront bars and charming flower-decked streets makes it an ideal retreat for Lisboans and a popular holiday resort. Oh that there might have been time to stop for a leisurely lunch or pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) with a glass of wine!
The former tiny fishing village, Cascais on the Atlantic coast and just about half an hour from Lisbon, is now the Saint Tropez of the Estoril coast. Its idyllic scenery, which has attracted artists and writers, stunning beaches, waterfront bars and charming flower-decked streets makes it an ideal retreat for Lisboans and a popular holiday resort. Oh that there might have been time to stop for a leisurely lunch or pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) with a glass of wine!
If you believe in myths and legends, then the Giant's Causeway rock formation in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, was carved from the coast by the mighty giant Finn McCool. The scientific explanation for this Unesco World Heritage Site's 40,000 interlocking basalt columns which stretch out to the North Atlantic for more than two miles, is intense volcanic and geological activity 50 to 60 million years ago. We travel from Belfast to see this phenomenon. It's an incredible, unforgettable sight.
Unsurprisingly, the excursion to Rick's Cafe from Casablanca is one of the highlights of the cruise. 'Of all the gin joints in all the towns in the world', this one, owned by Humphrey Bogart's Rick Blaine in the 1942 film 'Casablanca' recreates the nostalgia of a wartime romance with cocktails and pianist. Visitors raise their glasses, say 'Here's looking at you kid' and sing along to 'As Time Goes By'.
Factfile
Ambition: Iberian and North Africa cruise August 2023, 13 nights from Liverpool www.ambassadorcruiseline.com: tel: 0808 102 8131
Future cruise: Hidden Gems of France, Spain and Portugal 12 nights from £1189.
Unsurprisingly, the excursion to Rick's Cafe from Casablanca is one of the highlights of the cruise. 'Of all the gin joints in all the towns in the world', this one, owned by Humphrey Bogart's Rick Blaine in the 1942 film 'Casablanca' recreates the nostalgia of a wartime romance with cocktails and pianist. Visitors raise their glasses, say 'Here's looking at you kid' and sing along to 'As Time Goes By'.
Factfile
Ambition: Iberian and North Africa cruise August 2023, 13 nights from Liverpool www.ambassadorcruiseline.com: tel: 0808 102 8131
Future cruise: Hidden Gems of France, Spain and Portugal 12 nights from £1189.
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