ambassador ambience
Marion has a Highland fling, a Titanic encounter and a ride on a school bus going solo on a British Isles cruise
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, is an EFL teacher
Donald Morrison, our genial guide to a Scottish Highlands' tour stands proud in his family Ancient Green tartan kilt. I bite my tongue in order to resist asking, as in the song by Andy Stewart: Donald Where's Your Troosers?
I'm on the Ambassador Ambience cruise from London Tilbury around the British Isles. As we pass the Cromarty Firth or inlet and Glenmorangie distillery, the scenery is spectacular with splashes of early purple heather blooming in the hedgerows. At the Falls of Shin, as the sparkling ribbon of water drops down into a furious, foaming, fast-flowing river, I watch salmon leap to avoid the rocks. We visit the 13th century Dornoch Cathedral where Madonna and Guy Richie's son Rocco was christened in 2000.
Ambassador formed their cruise line and bought their flagship in 2021. Ambience is in the small ship category, carrying up to 1400 passengers. There are 89 solo cabins, but with 111 solo cruisers on board, the remainder are accommodated in other cabins. Seemingly, Ambassador's British Isles destinations appeal particularly to new cruisers, who maybe are taking that first step of travelling alone. Additionally, a holiday on home ground, or sea in this case, enables people to invest in the beauty of their own country.
I'm on the Ambassador Ambience cruise from London Tilbury around the British Isles. As we pass the Cromarty Firth or inlet and Glenmorangie distillery, the scenery is spectacular with splashes of early purple heather blooming in the hedgerows. At the Falls of Shin, as the sparkling ribbon of water drops down into a furious, foaming, fast-flowing river, I watch salmon leap to avoid the rocks. We visit the 13th century Dornoch Cathedral where Madonna and Guy Richie's son Rocco was christened in 2000.
Ambassador formed their cruise line and bought their flagship in 2021. Ambience is in the small ship category, carrying up to 1400 passengers. There are 89 solo cabins, but with 111 solo cruisers on board, the remainder are accommodated in other cabins. Seemingly, Ambassador's British Isles destinations appeal particularly to new cruisers, who maybe are taking that first step of travelling alone. Additionally, a holiday on home ground, or sea in this case, enables people to invest in the beauty of their own country.
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Botanicals lounge
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Raffles bar
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The second morning, a throng of passengers turn up for the hosted solos' meeting before enjoying lunch with wine included - a great way of starting to make new friends. Get togethers and coffee catch-ups are highlighted in the daily 'All Aboard' news sheet.
The refitted, refurbished, 30 year-old ship is marketed for the over-50s and has that traditional touch of class. This British Isles cruise is attracting quite a few much older passengers. Fortunately, it isn't raining at the first Tilbury embarkation point, where there is a queue. No children on this cruise but Ambassador are also offering multi-generational cruises.
You won't be bored on board with the variety of daytime and evening classes, quizzes, games and a pub. Lectures include and Orca talk about the evolution of whales and dolphins. The main deck has a very small swimming pool - so no serious swimming in this one - and a splash pool. Adjustable, weather-proof 'rattan' sunbeds are fitted with really good, thick mattresses. Not a lot of noise here, just background music and an occasional cocktail-making demonstration.
The refitted, refurbished, 30 year-old ship is marketed for the over-50s and has that traditional touch of class. This British Isles cruise is attracting quite a few much older passengers. Fortunately, it isn't raining at the first Tilbury embarkation point, where there is a queue. No children on this cruise but Ambassador are also offering multi-generational cruises.
You won't be bored on board with the variety of daytime and evening classes, quizzes, games and a pub. Lectures include and Orca talk about the evolution of whales and dolphins. The main deck has a very small swimming pool - so no serious swimming in this one - and a splash pool. Adjustable, weather-proof 'rattan' sunbeds are fitted with really good, thick mattresses. Not a lot of noise here, just background music and an occasional cocktail-making demonstration.
Food is excellent in The Buckingham main restaurant, and also the served, buffet-style, Borough Market. In the restaurant, I sit with other solo cruisers. There are two speciality restaurants and I'm delighted to be joined by one of my solo friends at the Sea and Grass restaurant. I'm thrilled with the theatre and presentation of the five entrees, all delicious. Five solos accompany me to speciality Indian restaurant Saffron. We enjoy a mixed starter before I begin to sense the aroma of the East as my Lamb Rogan Josh arrives - a rich, heady, tomato-flavoured combination of intense spices.
In the lovely Botanicals 1930s-themed lounge bar with 1930s decor, identical twin sisters, Alina and Malina, from Kazakhstan, play popular, favourite classical pieces on the piano and violin. Raffles Bar is moody with low lighting and a vocalist. There are late night DJ and karaoke options, and a nightly performances in the Palladium Theatre. I'm on my feet at the end of 'The Musicals' show. The excerpt from The Lion King is sensational! And 'One More Day' a rousing version from Les Miserables. Yes, please Ambience! One Day More of this amazing cruise!
It's rainy in the Isle of Skye. Remember the Skye Boat Song from a school history lesson about Bonnie Prince Charlie's fleeing to the Isle of Sky as he evaded capture after the Battle of Culloden? It's brighter the next day when our route follows the spectacular coastline of the Isle of Mull, where sea eagles glide above. The satin smooth, still waters are home to basking sharks, seals, porpoises, dolphins and otters.
From picture-perfect Tobermory with its paint-box hued houses, we take the ferry to the holy island of Iona. The monastery, considered to be the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, was founded in 563 by St Columba and 12 followers. In 806 Norse invaders martyred 68 monks. The abbey was rebuilt, attacked and lay in ruins for around 400 years before restoration began in the 1900s.
From picture-perfect Tobermory with its paint-box hued houses, we take the ferry to the holy island of Iona. The monastery, considered to be the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, was founded in 563 by St Columba and 12 followers. In 806 Norse invaders martyred 68 monks. The abbey was rebuilt, attacked and lay in ruins for around 400 years before restoration began in the 1900s.
Charismatic Cobh in County Cork, Republic of Ireland has a beautiful promenade and beaches, historic buildings, fascinating narrow streets, great food, folk music, buskers, pubs and more. I feel the vibe straight away. It's special. Within the 'Titanic Experience' museum, just a few minutes from the harbour, I receive a replica of a real ticket for the Atlantic voyage bought by Annie Kate Kelly, aged 20.
Forty-four people boarded the Titanic in what was then known as Queenstown, on April 11, 1912. Photos on a huge screen and a commentary reflect the excitement of passengers looking forward to their new life in America. The remains of the pier still stand at the waters edge. At the end of the tour, on a computer, I discover that Annie Kate, in lifeboat number 16, was rescued and and eventually made her way to America, as planned.
Forty-four people boarded the Titanic in what was then known as Queenstown, on April 11, 1912. Photos on a huge screen and a commentary reflect the excitement of passengers looking forward to their new life in America. The remains of the pier still stand at the waters edge. At the end of the tour, on a computer, I discover that Annie Kate, in lifeboat number 16, was rescued and and eventually made her way to America, as planned.
The splendid botanical Abbey Gardens at Tresco in the Scilly Isles cover 17 acres. In Guernsey a 1954 school bus takes us on a vintage tour around the island. The pretty harbour of Honfleur, Le Vieux Bassin, is lined with 16th to 18th century coloured town houses. From here, you can visit Monet's Garden and/or travel to Bayeux to see the tapestry.
In Honfleur, it's easy to spot the French locals. Their stylish 'Je ne sais quoi' is evident as they sit under ruby red parasols at pavement cafes. Probably, they find it easy to spot some of the Brits as well!
Factfile:
Ambience: British Isles Discovery April 2023, 11 nights London Tilbury. From £969pp.
ambassadorcruiseline.com/cruise/a12305-easter-british-isles-discovery
For more information on Ambassador cruises, go to www.ambassadorcruiseline or call 0808 102 8131
Ambience: British Isles Discovery April 2023, 11 nights London Tilbury. From £969pp.
ambassadorcruiseline.com/cruise/a12305-easter-british-isles-discovery
For more information on Ambassador cruises, go to www.ambassadorcruiseline or call 0808 102 8131
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First image courtesy of Ambassador Cruise Lines. All other images copyright of the author. Click on any image to enlarge it.
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