Set sail on a gastronomic adventure

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Chef preparing meal

From casual bites to a glittering gourmet extravaganza, discover how Ambassador Cruise Line’s irresistible pick of culinary delights caters for every occasion

Whether it’s a voyage around the British Isles or a 45-night Caribbean adventure, Ambassador Cruise Line strives to delight every guest with a classic cruise experience and taste of the finer things in life – all without the luxury price tag.


Premium value, no-fly cruising

Ambassador’s environmentally-conscious, mid-sized ships – Ambience and Ambition – venture to ports beyond the reach of bigger vessels, taking in destinations often missed by other cruise lines. Take your pick of exciting itineraries, from sun-soaked sailings across the Mediterranean and Caribbean to wild adventures in the Arctic Circle and Norwegian fjords. And with eight regional departure ports across every corner of the UK – including London Tilbury, Bristol, Belfast and Dundee – you needn’t endure the stress of lengthy airport queues, nor the trials of squeezing everything into your suitcase.

You’ll savour days at sea as much as those on land thanks to an exciting lineup of on-board entertainment, from quizzes, book clubs and crafting by day to live music and dazzling West End-style shows by sunset. Or, simply embrace the ocean’s gentle sway and watch the world go by as you sip a sunny cocktail up on deck, or sink into a swish bar for a quiet nightcap. 


All-inclusive fine dining

Haute cuisine meal

Undeniably one of the most exciting attractions of the entire cruising experience is indulging in fine dining. Ambassador’s impressive choice of venues ticks off every mood and occasion, leaving you utterly spoilt for choice, and cuisine as diverse as the destinations you’ll visit means the exploration doesn’t end once you’re back on board. What’s more, with full board dining included in your fare, you won’t need to worry about costs racking up, or ever going hungry.

Rooted in traditional cruising, elegant Buckingham and Holyrood restaurants blend British classics with more adventurous dishes and locally-inspired cuisine. A daily rotating menu keeps things fresh and exciting with every meal. Whether you’re indulging in a languorous lunch on a lazy sea day or dressed to the nines on a glamorous gala night, Buckingham and Holyrood never fail to exude sophistication, both in ambience and culinary delights.

By day, help yourself to the buffet selection, which offers everything from continental and cooked breakfasts to soups and salads at lunchtime, with daily specials and hearty mains served to your table. Open seating means you have the flexibility to dine to suit your day. By evening, indulge in a five-course à la carte menu at one of two dinner sittings (requested on booking). And for an extra touch of sophistication, indulge with a surf and turf of succulent filet mignon and lobster tail, available for an additional fee.


Casual eats

Cabinet full of desserts

For a more laid-back dining experience, or those busy days when you’re in need of a quick bite, bustling Borough Market is conveniently located up on the pool deck. This round-the-world buffet transports your tastebuds to far flung places in no time at all, serving up fresh Italian pastas and sizzling stir fries alongside home comforts, colourful salads and a seriously irresistible selection of sweet treats.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea, you can dip in and out whenever you’re feeling peckish. In fact, you could eat virtually all day long – a late-night snack, perhaps? Plus, you can dress as casually as you like here, even on formal nights. At Borough Market, when, where and how you eat is totally up to you.

If you just can’t bear to pull yourself away from the pool, the Alfresco Grill sizzles up casual eats from juicy burgers and hot dogs to pizzas and chips – perfect if you want to soak up the sun on deck all day long.


Treat your tastebuds

Asian dishes

If you’re eager to broaden your culinary horizons even further, or simply fancy a change of scenery, you can take your pick of Ambassador’s speciality restaurants, for a supplementary fee. More intimate, they’re perfect for that special occasion, or just to spoil yourself. You are on holiday, after all – why not make the most of it?

Firm favourite Saffron brings a South Asian taste sensation to the seas, fusing the explosive and fragrant flavours of India, Goa, and, on longer sailings, Thailand, Far East Asia and beyond. Think chilli glazed prawns, butter chicken and traditional Thali, followed by delicately spiced puds.

Aboard Ambition, you can also taste your way through the sunny Mediterranean at Lupino’s, a relaxed, al-fresco-feel spot rustling up mezze-like starters, mains from risotto to chicken souvlaki, topped off with an indulgent trio of sweet favourites such as tiramisu, crema catalana and baklava.

For a more premium fine dining experience, Sea & Grass – exclusive to Ambience – offers an epic tasting journey through seven showstopping acts (plus a palate-cleansing sorbet interval). The culinary spectacle kicks off with dishes such as smoked scallops and tangy goats cheese mousse, leading to succulent ribeye steak and red mullet, while a cheese board and a mini pudding ensemble close the show.


Unforgettable experiences

Diner preparing to eat meal

Those seeking the very pinnacle of dining with Ambassador are cordially invited to the Chef’s Table, a culinary extravaganza epitomising fine dining at sea. With a welcome glass of fizz in hand, you’ll feel like royalty as the executive chef personally talks you through each specially created course – all nine of them. As this exquisite menu unfolds before you – one impeccably plated dish at a time – you’ll sip on five expertly matched wines, included in the experience. The VIP treatment begins before you even settle down to eat, with an exclusive pre-dinner galley tour offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the very heart of Ambassador’s culinary operations.

Of course, the recipe for a fantastic meal comes down to more than exceptional food: it’s the great value, the attentive and friendly service, and setting the perfect ambience. Ambassador has thoughtfully crafted a distinct atmosphere in every venue, but for something different, how about dinner Under the Stars? Letting nature’s grandeur set the stage, a serene slice of the deck invites you to dine al fresco beneath star-studded skies to the tranquil soundtrack of the ship’s wash.


The Ambassador way

Ambassador takes pride in creating the best possible experience for every single guest, and that doesn’t stop at dining. There are plenty of equally enticing vegetarian options on the menu, and if you have any other specific dietary needs, not to worry – just let Ambassador know in advance and they’ll take care of the rest. With so much choice to tempt your tastebuds, the only challenge is deciding where to eat, and what to order. 

Find out more, or book your Ambassador cruise, here


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