From the moment Hannah, Poppy and the rest of the Cruise Call Centre team arrived at London Tilbury, their festive journey sparkled with ease. Security and check-in were friendly and swift, and they were onboard the Ambassador Ambience within 15 minutes. They stepped immediately into the ship's vibrant Christmas spirit.
Centre Court Magic
The three deck Centre Court atrium (Decks 5–7) welcomed them with sweeping staircases, warm wooden tones and cosy seating, now adorned with seasonal décor and a majestic Christmas tree. Guests were greeted with a complimentary welcome drink, adding an extra touch of festive cheer. The display created perfect moments for photos and memories, a true Christmas Fantasia feel.
Their accommodation was a spacious ocean-view cabin on Deck 9, one of the ship’s 436 ocean-view cabins. The room included comfortable beds, abundant storage, and a dedicated dressing area offering both comfort and convenience during their festive experience.
A Festive Feast in the Buckingham Restaurant
Dinner took place in the elegant Buckingham Restaurant on Deck 7, the main dining room on board, celebrated for its classic ambience. The five course festive menu impressed them with its variety and presentation. The staff’s merry demeanour shone through, especially during the highlight the grand parade of Baked Alaska when the chefs introduced themselves with lively flair, delighting everyone.
Post dinner, they were treated to Global Explosion, a top tier high energy dance show celebrating cultures around the world, part of Ambience’s upgraded entertainment lineup. Later, the festive fun continued in the sophisticated Observatory Lounge on Deck 14. They danced late into the night during Band Jam, immersed in the Observatory’s vibrant disco atmosphere.
The next morning, they savoured a relaxed breakfast with a wide spread from continental offerings to a hearty full English. This buffet style breakfast was served in the Buckingham Restaurant, rounding out their serene overnight stay.
Christmas Events on Ambience in 2026
In 2026, Ambassador Ambience offers a range of festive themed voyages and on board events that make the season truly magical:
Festive Lunch, Dinner & Overnight Experiences - Set sail for short celebratory sailings from London Tilbury between 4–11 December 2026. - Options include: - Lunchtime celebration with a show (e.g. 4, 5 & 11 Dec) from around £69–£79 pp. - Dinner + Show + Overnight stays, with first sitting at 18:00 and second at 20:30. Prices range from £119–£149 pp, with slight variation depending on date and time.
These immersive experiences include a five course festive menu, live Christmas themed entertainment in the Palladium Theatre, dancing and after hours festive ambience capping off with a leisurely breakfast onboard.
1 Night Festive Cruise – 11 December 2026 Departing on Friday 11 December 2026, this mini cruise includes a delightful cruise package: - A festive culinary feast paired with Christmas entertainment onboard. - A scenic overnight voyage, returning Saturday morning to London.
Christmas & New Year Scenic 14 Night Voyage For a longer festive escape, a 14 night Christmas & New Year Sailing to Spain & Portugal voyage sets sail from 20 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. - Ports include Leixões, Lisbon, Almería, Málaga, Gibraltar, Cádiz and Vigo. - Full board dining with Christmas & New Year celebrations onboard, as the ship journeys into the mild sunshine of the Iberian Peninsula. - Prices begin at approximately £1,419 pp for interior cabins, with ocean view and balcony cabins available at higher tiers.
- Launched: 1991 (formerly Regal Princess, Pacific Dawn), refurbished 2017, redecorated and refreshed by Ambassador in 2022. - Capacity: Around 1,400 passengers across 11 decks, supported by a crew of about 660 ideal for an adult focused, relaxed atmosphere. - Public Spaces: Includes multiple bars (Raffles, Botanical Lounge, SW19, Purple Turtle Pub), six dining venues (Buckingham Restaurant, Borough Market buffet, and specialty outlets such as Alfresco Grill, Saffron, Sea & Grass), entertainment areas (Palladium theatre, Observatory lounge, casino), plus a library, crafting room, spa, gym, pools, and jacuzzis.
Hannah and Poppy describe their experience as seamless, festive, and unforgettable. From friendly check in and sumptuous dining to world class entertainment and a cozy cabin, Ambassador Ambience delivered a magical Christmas at sea experience.
Looking ahead, the 2026 festive events aboard promise something even more special short seasonal sailings, Christmas extravaganzas, and a longer Iberian New Year voyage. There’s no doubt they’ll be counting down again!
Thinking about booking an Ambassador Cruise? Call Hannah or Poppy today on 0800 408 4229 with any questions you have.
