I have just returned from 6 nights onboard Ambassador cruise lines Ambition.

It was the Line aid cruise celebrating the 40th anniversary of Live aid and the entertainment was exactly what I hoped it would be, Rick Parfitt Junior and the RPJ band had everyone rocking, I am sure some will have been a little stiff the following day.

The age demographic given the theme of the cruise was older than I was expecting, there were not many of us under 60 and I think the majority were probably 70's and 80's but I think being a smaller ship, just 1200 passengers and sailings from regional UK ports makes Ambition the ideal ship for that age group.



We sailed from Bristol, Royal Portbury I have to say it wasn't the easiest port to find your way round, I was grateful we were on a coach and I wasn't having to drive or navigate but once at the cruise terminal check in was very smooth and we got a shuttle bus to where the ship was docked.



We headed straight to our cabin, 9005 an outside cabin port side forward, we were second from the end so I have to admit we did feel some movement when we had rough seas and this was also felt in the palladium theatre but it didn't spoil our trip.

Food was fabulous, we mainly ate breakfast in the borough market buffet, I ate it in the Buckingham Restaurant a couple of times when going on my own as I felt more comfortable being seated by the staff than asking people if I could join them. However as a coeliac I didn't like that in Buckingham the gluten free bread and toaster were right next to the normal, there was a lady doing the toast for you and I hope she used used tongs for the gluten free, I didn't see her put it in but I made sure I took it out just in case, she was wearing gloves but definitely didn't change them for the gluten free. In the buffet, the gluten free bread and toaster was in a seperate area and you did it yourself so I was much happier.
Lunch we only had at the buffet and there was lots of choice for hot or cold meals.
Dinner was amazing, for those with dietry needs they give you the following nights menu at the end of dinner so you can pre order and I was told anything could be made coeliac safe, I enjoyed all 5 courses each night, some naturally gluten free and others made specially, I was able to enjoy things I hadn't had since going gluten free such as samosa and lemon meringue pie, all the food was absolutely delicious.

Spa were very good, staff knowledgeable and professional, I really enjoyed a facial.
Gym had everything you need, only thing I noticed was there was only one resistance band and it was the short strong one so if you like to use these maybe take some with you but there was a good space and yoga mats for doing that type of workout, there were 2-3 classes a day too if you wanted some guidance

I think all that is left for me to talk about are bars, there are 8 of them, something for everyone.

Pendennis Bar – Elegant and ideal for pre- or post-theatre drinks, we actually went here for a pre dinner drink most evenings.

Purple Turtle Wine Bar – A cozy spot for wine lovers, just at the bottom of the steps for the Palladium so ideal for a pre show glass of wine.

The Palladium – Entertainment venue with bar service, limited menu in here, if you want a none alcoholic cocktail you are best to get from the Purple Turtle on your way in.

Clifton Lounge – Sophisticated cocktail lounge

The Angel Bar – Overlooks reception, great for people-watching, we had coffee here on sea days, lovely spot to watch the world go by.

The Cavern – Cabaret and game show venue with a relaxed vibe, this is the description on line however we found it was mental in there, in a good way but those games shows get competitive.

Consulate Bar – Outdoor bar, weather permitting, some nice round wooden booths here, lovely for a late afternoon beverage before going in to get your glad rags on.

The Pool Bar – Sun-soaked drinks by the pool, also weather dependent, venue for the deck party and captains cocktail shake which is also competitive and very fun to watch.