Great blog Jamie. Very informative and delivered with humour. I was interested to hear your thoughts on Ambassador. I don’t think I will be trying any time soon. Cabin looked spacious and glass door in shower fab! I travel solo and don’t enjoy the bunfight/zoo. I too sometimes like to eat alone. TBH just don’t think it would be for me! Often pay for speciality restaurants to do my own thing. Out of cabins@7:00 and awful bunfight prior to that disembarkation Queue…… no way!!!! Excursion looked interesting and Amsterdam always great to visit.
Hi Jamie i must start by say after watching the stream and how you give a no hold's barred description of the ship and on board activities .loved the remark (bite me) keep up the great work .eddie Dis is the end of this text lol .
Happy new year to you and Mafoo. You rolled yet another top notch Dutch clog blog . Keep them coming 👍… and good days easier now after your sad loss before Xmas. Keep well and keep travelling 🍷🍹👍
Brilliant vlog Jamie and thank you for doing the excursion to Zaanse Schaans, I was meant to go there with Daniel for my 40th birthday as we were going to be staying at The Best Western Hotel in Zaandam right next to Zaandam train station but covid put the breaks on it. (was looking forward to exploring the windmills and getting a pair of clogs). Ghent looks absolutely beautiful and the Christmas Market looks brilliant. The ship looks brilliant and I do like the room decor but I definitely don't think Ambassador is the cruise line for me with the sardine packed buffet and the attitude of the member of staff who brought you the breakfast to the room. Brilliant vlog as always Jamie.
Hi Jamie. Great review again. The last time I was in Amsterdam-I took a group of Scottish children (I was a teacher) on the canal tour. The lady who was the tour guide was very glam and informative. I am not sure if you will understand this or not-(It's in the Scottish vernacular) but when she asked if there were any questions a child from my school asked, "How are aw yer bikes boggin!" I think the child in question was used to more colourful bikes and not the ones that were used as modes of transport! Embarrassed teachers all round! Of course the young lady had no understanding of the question and quickly moved on!
Great Vlog Jamie, very honest and informative. Looks like same cheese place I visited with my dad a few years ago! I really liked the Nettle cheese!! Different to what expect. Didn't have the hemp one then though...
Another great vlog although I'm sad you didnt have the best experience. Parts of the ship looked good and attractive but the negatives let it down. We did the Edam and Zaanse Schans excursion with P&O and loved it. Ghent looked as beautiful as Brugges so I've put it on my places to visit list!
Great honest Vlog Jamie, often thought about Ambassador as the ships look quite smart inside and really love the idea of the free spa area, considering how much we pay on other lines for a day pass. Your itinerary looked great and the overnight stop was a great feature. However the entire food situation did not appeal and dining for us is a big part of the cruise. Would consider sailing if the price was cheap but when I look at the current prices it doesn’t appear to be much cheaper. Very informative review and if we do get a cheap deal and decide to go then we know exactly what we are getting, thankyou Jamie. 👏
Really useful review. I'm still really excited to be going in April for 6 nights, but when i'm only paying £581 for a solo premium inside, including tips and expedition drinks package, it is a lot easier to forgive some flaws. Sounds like the late night snacks were few and far between so will request to get into 2nd seating dinner.
Great Vlog Jamie. Was so hoping your Vlog was going to show Ambassador as a good experience as I only live a 10 min drive from Tilbury, but after watching doesn’t look like a cruise ship for us either. Enjoyed your trip to Ghent defo somewhere I would like to visit. Can’t wait for your Arvia ones as we have that same cruise booked for January 2025. ❤
I mean i always say try for yourself as you might have a very different experience from me! Obviously lots of people like the way things are run on board!
Thanks Jamie. We were on that cruise & I think you've given a very fair review. It was my first time with Ambassador. I might sail with them again for a short trip if the price is right, but not on Ambition. I HATE buffets & actually dreaded breakfast. On the day in Zebrugge we got off straight away & got the bus to Bruges & had breakfast there.
Thanks Jamie, we were considering Ambassador since P&O aren't doing any suitable cruises for us for the next couple of years but after seeing this I don't think it will be for us. Will be interesting if you went again and had a different experience. Enjoy your next trip!
Like everything in life you get what you pay for. Ambassador is cheap n cheerful. It can’t be compared to P&O. We also did a Xmas cruise and thought that for £60 a night it was fine. Other cruise lines are much better and much more expensive.
I disagree in part - this cost me the same as my P&O solo cruise (same number of nights). Also, there’s no excuse for facilities not working or poor service.
Love your summaries/final thought s in general, Jamie and particularly agree with what you said and showed for this cruise. A DIS you miSSed... Discombobulated ! 😂
I've toyed with the idea of Ambassador but that awful overcrowded buffet is a definite no no! I might still give them ago if the price was right though. I thought you're blog was very fair and informative as usual. Thanks for doing the legwork!
Enjoyed Part one and two of this vlog. I was wondering about Ambassador but having seen this then I know its not for me. I agree the ship looks lovely as does the cabin but it seems like the food lets it down.
Hello, I am binge watching your videos. Just discovered your channel and very pleased. Don’t forget sometimes you have a Blind subscriber watching, so it would be great if you described things though, I know most viewers are cited. Would love you to do a description of items in a traditional gift shop on one of your cruise ships next time. Thank you!
I'm a big Fred Olsen fan but have booked a cruise on Ambition as its sailing from a local port. I've adjusted my expectations downwards after your blog and expect to be returning to Fred afterwards. I think we have your exact same cabin but on the other side.
Glad you enjoyed your visit to Ghent and showed your audience there's more to Belgium than Bruges. PS: the Madonna cones were a temporary art installation to promote the upcoming Ghent Light Festival 😄
Both the cattle market buffet and having to sit with others would really put me off and make my M.E. go mad! Thinking about it seriously, I wouldn't be able to eat in an included restaurant in those conditions. I was thinking of a short cruise from the UK with Ambassador but this has changed my mind. Thanks for doing the hard work.
Top spec video 👍🏻Went to Volendam a couple of times on college trips years ago. Artic conditions we put on a demonstration for the locals of the British Olympic Snowball team . That village looked OK for photo opportunities better windmills than Kinderdijk. Gouda is a pretty good place to visit much bigger than Edam and better cheese.
Ghent was a favourite to explore a few years ago now. Would happily return one day, although I'll try not to get told off by a shop owner as i was when we visited. Was only taking a photo of his bakery goods maybe obviously a no no we live and learn not to snap his buns and baps
You looked very dapperin your tux ✨️ the cabin brekky was dissappointing, make your own coffee indeed! Enjoyed the vlog thankyou 😊 ps was it Queen Camilla dancing at 21.12?!
We very nearly booked our world cruise with Ambassador, leaving in two days from now on the Ambition I believe. Seeing this Vlog makes us feel so thankful we didn’t bother going with Ambassador. If this is an example of the menu, food quality, buffet & general service…. Then it looks like we had a very lucky escape! I definitely couldn’t have tolerated 120 days of any of that. 😱 Watching vlogs on the forthcoming 120 day world cruise is going to be extremely interesting & educating!!! 👁 👁 Thanks for the vid, & we loved the shirt! 👍❄️🌲🦌
I think you were unlucky as I just came back from a 12 night cruise on Ambition from Falmouth. There was no queueing at the buffet and all the staff were fantastic and I have been on two previous cruises with other cruise lines. I travelled with my disabled son and generally all went well on board. We didn’t book trips so I can’t comment on those.
I don’t necessarily think unlucky since it wasn’t just about queuing - so many other things not in place on my cruise plus the dining arrangements are not for me on this cruise line. I won’t be back as a solo passenger.
@@TravelBlogJamie fair enough, I guess it is a completely different perspective being solo - thank you for your reviews, I’m thinking of P and O later in the year, but will check out your reviews first!
I love the Netherlands and enjoyed our visit to the windmills and Edam etc. Ambassador seems to be a very low budget cruiseline with some good aspects, however the bad outweigh the good for me. The empty pools would definitely annoy me and I like a relaxed atmosphere for my meals. I'm glad you sent the breakfast back, it was totally unacceptable. Still many thanks for taking one for the team. You suffered so that we don't have to 😂 and it is very much appreciated.
@TravelBlogJamie the proof was in the Vlog Jamie, cameras don't lie, you always give positives and negatives so continue the way you are love you and maffoo, such a lovely down to earth couple
Been waiting for part two and it’s definitely a curate’s egg. So how would you rate this 4 nighter compared with Arcadia same 4 nighter we were both on in November?
Arcadia in November and Ambassador in December. I had a much better time with better facilities and food options on Arcadia, plus a bigger cabin and for same price
@@TravelBlogJamie Good to know and that buffet bun fight did look hellish. We are booked on Fred Olsen to Norway I’m March (almost booked Ambition from Liverpool but the price spiked in a week so now I’m glad we didn’t). Enjoy Arvia 👍
Oh dear 😬😬😬 - we are on a very similar trip in December on Ambience - 5 nights, including an overnight in Amsterdam. Really hope things will be a lot better for me and hubby than they were for you 🤞. Pool being out of action would be a deal breaker for us - even in December - however, the opportunity to get hammered on Manhattan's and Negroni's at 6.50 a go is something to look forward to. Did Ambassador see your vlogs at all? Did they respond to you at all?
Jamie for me the cruise seems truly awful how much did you pay for all that cra? We are on Arvia at the end of March I trust it will be as good as Iona last year Gavin X
Great video as usual but we will not be trying Ambassador cruise line , we love our food and was not inspired but what we saw. The breakfast with make your own coffee , I don't think so 👍😁❤️
Interesting and apart from the Make it yourself /instant coffee, what was the filter type /pour your self coffee like in the main buffet ? in comparison with say P& O or Royal Caribbean standard (filer/free) coffee?
WHAT!!! Wor, that is dreadful. I wil def give Ambassador a miss. I travelled once on their previous incarnation (Cruise & Martime) from tilbury and the embarkation then was chaos! Shame I really wanted to try them .Tks Cheers @@TravelBlogJamie
Have sailed on Ambition several times and found it good value. I rarely use the buffet on any cruise and do not understand why anybody would use it regularly.
Hi Jamie we did two cruises to Norway last year one on Ambition and one on P&O Iona, we could honestly say we had no issue with Ambition at all, the food for example in the main restaurant was great, Iona main restaurant was terrible along with other things which we would honestly say would stop us from using Iona again, but not necessary P&O again. I think that Ambassador may have sorted out a lot of the issues that you experienced before we boarded. The one thing that did bother us on Ambition was the lack of a small food station for late night snacking, I never sleep for a full night and often like to go for wonder a drink and a snack and I did find that a bit inconvenient.
I’ve never had so many issues on one ship and I am not a fan of the dining arrangements at all so I’ll be giving them a miss moving forward! I’m glad you enjoy, though!
I have lots of cruises booked on ambition some of which are over 42 nights , one thing you skipped was the fabulous violin and piano , did not like the theatre at sea which I think is great and how could you rubbish Simon and Garfunkel, I never had a problem finding seats in the buffet or cutlery, the trick is to go early in the morning , I only once went to the afternoon tea as that was a special for the first anniversary anniversary , you never mentioned the fabulous gym , the only thing I did not live on ambition was the freezing library and theatre at times when it was hot outside and the very loud music in the before and after dinner lounge, I understand some people like loud music in a disco setting late at night but not in a quiet lounge before and after dinner where you have to shout over the table to have a conversation conversation, everything else was great the friendly staff the cabins the food. the embarking and disembarking was fine at tilbury and the carpark was just next to where you left the cruise terminal unlike bristol that you had to get a shuttle bus to get to the car a mile away
Very accurate review Jamie. I was on Northern lights with Ambition. Lovely ship, but service creaked. Food cooked well and beautifully served but ingredients of mediocre quality. Service slow and Borough Market a joke. The passenger demographic was elderly and infirm which did not help footfall around the ship, especially when we had to endure the buffet, and it was an endurance. I think Ambassador punch above their weight as a budget cruise line but it is very much a budget cruise line and I would prefer to pay more for a better space ratio, better crew ratio and much improved quality and variety of food.
I was on the MSC Euribia and saw the Ambition dock at Zeebruges the week before Christmas, I just remember seeing how small the Ambition was compared to it, doesn't look like we would enjoy Ambassador, we found the Euribia to be an amazing ship and good improvement on the Virtuosa - especially with the Carousel Lounge not being a wasted space! The ship was full capacity and could always find seats in the bars and get served quickly at any bar!
Not for me at all, very much a budget offering but you didn’t pay a particularly budget fare? Like you, I like to swim come rain, shine, hail or snow so I would have been livid about the pools too. Very much looking forward to your Arviva Caribbean Christmas vlogs
I’m quite happy to make my own coffee but not when I’m paying extra for it 😂 Some people on here think it’s fine to pay extra specifically for a pot of coffee and to be told they don’t have any, make your own, and still charge you for it 😂
You have reinforced my thoughts about not cruising with so many cruise lines as a solo passenger (and as an elderly, partially disabled one). The difficulties of finding a table in the buffets has made me so angry in the past especially when there is a need to go again to get something and you return to find someone has taken your place. As for the couples occupying a table for 6 who glare at you when you politely ask if you might join them. Unlike you, I am happy to share dining tables but find the staff ignoring solos intolerable. Your experience with the cabin service breakfast was absolutely disgraceful … I was really shocked at that. I hadn’t realised that the cost was the same for one as for four. Your tour of the ship showed that, despite its age, it really was rather nice in terms of decor and comfort. It seemed to have a nice, intimate atmosphere absent on the behemoths now sailing our seas. Shame about some of the service letting you down. I realised after a comment made on a previous vlog that, as you sailed in darkness, you wouldn’t have enjoyed the sail down the Thames as much as I did. Would you go back out of Tilbury if the opportunity arose …….. preferably not having to rely on public transport?
So you find being a solo cruiser you get penalised like breakfast for instance, you already paying single occupancy, brilliant vlog, doesnt look my cup of tea, ill stick with good old FO
@TravelBlogJamie we are going end of May to Stornoway and Isle of sky from Liverpool, we live in North Wales, my mum is 90 now and I don't know how much longer she will be able to go away so trying to see what's out there for solo travellers, thanks always for your help to make informed choices
Here’s the conclusion to my Ambassador Ambition series! From what you’ve seen, what do you like / not like?
Great blog Jamie.
Very informative and delivered with humour. I was interested to hear your thoughts on Ambassador. I don’t think I will be trying any time soon. Cabin looked spacious and glass door in shower fab!
I travel solo and don’t enjoy the bunfight/zoo. I too sometimes like to eat alone. TBH just don’t think it would be for me! Often pay for speciality restaurants to do my own thing.
Out of cabins@7:00 and awful bunfight prior to that disembarkation Queue…… no way!!!!
Excursion looked interesting and Amsterdam always great to visit.
It’s not for me either
Hi Jamie i must start by say after watching the stream and how you give a no hold's barred description of the ship and on board activities .loved the remark (bite me) keep up the great work .eddie Dis is the end of this text lol .
Thank youuuu
Happy new year to you and Mafoo. You rolled yet another top notch Dutch clog blog . Keep them coming 👍… and good days easier now after your sad loss before Xmas. Keep well and keep travelling 🍷🍹👍
Thank you Kevin 🙏
One of your best vlogs yet! I love your sense of humour, very entertaining and makes me laugh out loud xx
Oh wow thank you so much!
Brilliant vlog Jamie and thank you for doing the excursion to Zaanse Schaans, I was meant to go there with Daniel for my 40th birthday as we were going to be staying at The Best Western Hotel in Zaandam right next to Zaandam train station but covid put the breaks on it. (was looking forward to exploring the windmills and getting a pair of clogs). Ghent looks absolutely beautiful and the Christmas Market looks brilliant. The ship looks brilliant and I do like the room decor but I definitely don't think Ambassador is the cruise line for me with the sardine packed buffet and the attitude of the member of staff who brought you the breakfast to the room. Brilliant vlog as always Jamie.
Oh that buffet 😩
Hi Jamie. Great review again. The last time I was in Amsterdam-I took a group of Scottish children (I was a teacher) on the canal tour. The lady who was the tour guide was very glam and informative. I am not sure if you will understand this or not-(It's in the Scottish vernacular) but when she asked if there were any questions a child from my school asked, "How are aw yer bikes boggin!" I think the child in question was used to more colourful bikes and not the ones that were used as modes of transport! Embarrassed teachers all round! Of course the young lady had no understanding of the question and quickly moved on!
Haha! What a fabulous story!!
Great Vlog Jamie, very honest and informative. Looks like same cheese place I visited with my dad a few years ago! I really liked the Nettle cheese!! Different to what expect. Didn't have the hemp one then though...
Nettle cheese was quite nice actually!
Another great vlog although I'm sad you didnt have the best experience. Parts of the ship looked good and attractive but the negatives let it down. We did the Edam and Zaanse Schans excursion with P&O and loved it. Ghent looked as beautiful as Brugges so I've put it on my places to visit list!
I can’t imagine sailing with them again unfortunately 😔
Great honest Vlog Jamie, often thought about Ambassador as the ships look quite smart inside and really love the idea of the free spa area, considering how much we pay on other lines for a day pass. Your itinerary looked great and the overnight stop was a great feature. However the entire food situation did not appeal and dining for us is a big part of the cruise. Would consider sailing if the price was cheap but when I look at the current prices it doesn’t appear to be much cheaper. Very informative review and if we do get a cheap deal and decide to go then we know exactly what we are getting, thankyou Jamie. 👏
Very welcome indeed
Really useful review. I'm still really excited to be going in April for 6 nights, but when i'm only paying £581 for a solo premium inside, including tips and expedition drinks package, it is a lot easier to forgive some flaws. Sounds like the late night snacks were few and far between so will request to get into 2nd seating dinner.
Enjoy!
I've only just seen this, as I'm considering Ambassador. How was your April cruise, @highspec_tech?
Great Vlog Jamie. Was so hoping your Vlog was going to show Ambassador as a good experience as I only live a 10 min drive from Tilbury, but after watching doesn’t look like a cruise ship for us either. Enjoyed your trip to Ghent defo somewhere I would like to visit. Can’t wait for your Arvia ones as we have that same cruise booked for January 2025. ❤
I mean i always say try for yourself as you might have a very different experience from me! Obviously lots of people like the way things are run on board!
Edam looks utterly charming. I loved Zaanse Schaans when I visited way back in 2012, glad you enjoyed it too.
Ghent also looks lovely.
It really is lovely 🥰
Thanks Jamie. We were on that cruise & I think you've given a very fair review. It was my first time with Ambassador. I might sail with them again for a short trip if the price is right, but not on Ambition. I HATE buffets & actually dreaded breakfast. On the day in Zebrugge we got off straight away & got the bus to Bruges & had breakfast there.
Oh gosh I love breakfast on a ship and this is the first time I ever dreaded the experience too! So so sad 😞
Thanks Jamie, we were considering Ambassador since P&O aren't doing any suitable cruises for us for the next couple of years but after seeing this I don't think it will be for us. Will be interesting if you went again and had a different experience. Enjoy your next trip!
The thing is the dining arrangements would be the same so it wouldn’t be for me regardless, I’m afraid 😩
But for those happy to share tables for the duration of their cruise, no problem
fair enough. In that case thanks for taking one for the team! @@TravelBlogJamie
Great vlog Jamie - I think my comments at the end would probably totally agree with yours - the buffet looked a nightmare and that disembarkation 😮
Ooof yes, not for me!
Like everything in life you get what you pay for. Ambassador is cheap n cheerful. It can’t be compared to P&O. We also did a Xmas cruise and thought that for £60 a night it was fine. Other cruise lines are much better and much more expensive.
I disagree in part - this cost me the same as my P&O solo cruise (same number of nights). Also, there’s no excuse for facilities not working or poor service.
Love your summaries/final thought s in general, Jamie and particularly agree with what you said and showed for this cruise. A DIS you miSSed... Discombobulated ! 😂
Oh I must use that one the next time lol
I've toyed with the idea of Ambassador but that awful overcrowded buffet is a definite no no! I might still give them ago if the price was right though. I thought you're blog was very fair and informative as usual. Thanks for doing the legwork!
No problem! 😌
Enjoyed Part one and two of this vlog. I was wondering about Ambassador but having seen this then I know its not for me. I agree the ship looks lovely as does the cabin but it seems like the food lets it down.
I feel I’ll need to give it another go at some point but if I were to have a similar issue with dining arrangements I think I’d disembark myself lol 😂
Hello, I am binge watching your videos. Just discovered your channel and very pleased. Don’t forget sometimes you have a Blind subscriber watching, so it would be great if you described things though, I know most viewers are cited. Would love you to do a description of items in a traditional gift shop on one of your cruise ships next time. Thank you!
👍
Always a great video,,say it as it is Jamie , looking forward to seeing you in 24...Best wishes to you both x
Thank you 🙏
Hi Jamie. You make me laugh a lot, thanks for putting loads of info on your blogs. 😊
I’m here for you 😆 You’re very Welcome!
I'm a big Fred Olsen fan but have booked a cruise on Ambition as its sailing from a local port. I've adjusted my expectations downwards after your blog and expect to be returning to Fred afterwards. I think we have your exact same cabin but on the other side.
I’m a big fan of Fred Olsen ❤️❤️❤️ I’m sure you’ll enjoy Ambassador - it’s just not a cruise line for me
Thanks for the heads up on the Indian… I’m off soon so I’ll probably give it a miss😃👍🇬🇧
Welcome
Glad you enjoyed your visit to Ghent and showed your audience there's more to Belgium than Bruges.
PS: the Madonna cones were a temporary art installation to promote the upcoming Ghent Light Festival 😄
I meant to look this up ! Thank you 🙏
Both the cattle market buffet and having to sit with others would really put me off and make my M.E. go mad! Thinking about it seriously, I wouldn't be able to eat in an included restaurant in those conditions. I was thinking of a short cruise from the UK with Ambassador but this has changed my mind. Thanks for doing the hard work.
I can’t do it either
Another great vlog! Love the channel.
Thank you Dave
Great video ❤
Thank you 🙏
Loved the vlog Jamie. Our little cat Missy been bit poorly so u cheered us up ❤
Oh I hope she gets well soon
Brilliant, going on Ambition in August coming!
❤️❤️❤️
Oh Edam looks lovely !! And OMG what a feast of cheese would be in heaven !!
Lol 😂
I love your Christmas shirt: can I ask where it came from?
It’s from Next (although last season 😯)
Loved the windmill village ❤ again another honest review. Thank you Jamie.
That village is stunning!!
Top spec video 👍🏻Went to Volendam a couple of times on college trips years ago. Artic conditions we put on a demonstration for the locals of the British Olympic Snowball team . That village looked OK for photo opportunities better windmills than Kinderdijk. Gouda is a pretty good place to visit much bigger than Edam and better cheese.
👍👍👍
Ghent was a favourite to explore a few years ago now.
Would happily return one day, although I'll try not to get told off by a shop owner as i was when we visited. Was only taking a photo of his bakery goods maybe obviously a no no we live and learn not to snap his buns and baps
I live getting pics of buns and baps
I think you have confirmed what I’ve been thinking sometime. I was thinking about booking this as a sampler cruise. I’ll save my money.
Gah 😩 Sorry about that. But, you know, all the bloggers the week before seemed to love it
@@TravelBlogJamie we seem to have similar tastes, plus Neil would throw me overboard if he got on that ship 🤣🤣🤣
Nice review. I like "Ambition", but in my opinion "Ambience" is a little more spacious is a little more spacious and feel a little more upmarket.
I think you’ve mentioned this a few times
@TravelBlogJamie Maybe! Sorry, I respond to many blogs.
@@WaterWorld1 I mean you copy and pasted the same comment 3 times lol
You looked very dapperin your tux ✨️ the cabin brekky was dissappointing, make your own coffee indeed! Enjoyed the vlog thankyou 😊 ps was it Queen Camilla dancing at 21.12?!
Oh it might have been 😂
We very nearly booked our world cruise with Ambassador, leaving in two days from now on the Ambition I believe.
Seeing this Vlog makes us feel so thankful we didn’t bother going with Ambassador.
If this is an example of the menu, food quality, buffet & general service…. Then it looks like we had a very lucky escape!
I definitely couldn’t have tolerated 120 days of any of that. 😱
Watching vlogs on the forthcoming 120 day world cruise is going to be extremely interesting & educating!!! 👁 👁
Thanks for the vid, & we loved the shirt! 👍❄️🌲🦌
Oh that would have been a struggle for me lol Thanks for your kind comments
I think you were unlucky as I just came back from a 12 night cruise on Ambition from Falmouth. There was no queueing at the buffet and all the staff were fantastic and I have been on two previous cruises with other cruise lines. I travelled with my disabled son and generally all went well on board. We didn’t book trips so I can’t comment on those.
I don’t necessarily think unlucky since it wasn’t just about queuing - so many other things not in place on my cruise plus the dining arrangements are not for me on this cruise line. I won’t be back as a solo passenger.
@@TravelBlogJamie fair enough, I guess it is a completely different perspective being solo - thank you for your reviews, I’m thinking of P and O later in the year, but will check out your reviews first!
I love the Netherlands and enjoyed our visit to the windmills and Edam etc.
Ambassador seems to be a very low budget cruiseline with some good aspects, however the bad outweigh the good for me. The empty pools would definitely annoy me and I like a relaxed atmosphere for my meals. I'm glad you sent the breakfast back, it was totally unacceptable. Still many thanks for taking one for the team. You suffered so that we don't have to 😂 and it is very much appreciated.
Ha! I think I’m the minority of vloggers recently on board who didn’t like it so what do I know?!
@TravelBlogJamie the proof was in the Vlog Jamie, cameras don't lie, you always give positives and negatives so continue the way you are love you and maffoo, such a lovely down to earth couple
@@SherylMottram I absolutely agree! Jamie is certainly someone I'd trust for giving an honest, well-balanced review.
Been waiting for part two and it’s definitely a curate’s egg. So how would you rate this 4 nighter compared with Arcadia same 4 nighter we were both on in November?
Arcadia in November and Ambassador in December. I had a much better time with better facilities and food options on Arcadia, plus a bigger cabin and for same price
@@TravelBlogJamie Good to know and that buffet bun fight did look hellish. We are booked on Fred Olsen to Norway I’m March (almost booked Ambition from Liverpool but the price spiked in a week so now I’m glad we didn’t). Enjoy Arvia 👍
Oh dear 😬😬😬 - we are on a very similar trip in December on Ambience - 5 nights, including an overnight in Amsterdam.
Really hope things will be a lot better for me and hubby than they were for you 🤞. Pool being out of action would be a deal breaker for us - even in December - however, the opportunity to get hammered on Manhattan's and Negroni's at 6.50 a go is something to look forward to.
Did Ambassador see your vlogs at all? Did they respond to you at all?
Manhattan’s was definitely fun!!
No never responded
Great vlog , Ghent looks lovely, your right when you say there similarities to Brugge, but don’t think this perticular cruise is for me 😊
It’s a great place to visit! Lovely welcoming people too
Thanks for a great video Jamie!
🙏🙏🙏
Did u say you could smell “brothels and syrup”or was it waffles on your excursion 😊
A both of both 😂
Jamie for me the cruise seems truly awful how much did you pay for all that cra? We are on Arvia at the end of March I trust it will be as good as Iona last year
Gavin X
Basic cost was £660 before drinks package / yours / speciality
Great video as usual but we will not be trying Ambassador cruise line , we love our food and was not inspired but what we saw.
The breakfast with make your own coffee , I don't think so 👍😁❤️
I think you both can do better for sure
Interesting and apart from the Make it yourself /instant coffee, what was the filter type /pour your self coffee like in the main buffet ?
in comparison with say P& O or Royal Caribbean standard (filer/free) coffee?
Well it either didn’t work or tasted of mulled wine because of unwashed dispensers 😂 It was ‘fine’ otherwise but not as good as many other lines
WHAT!!! Wor, that is dreadful. I wil def give Ambassador a miss. I travelled once on their previous incarnation (Cruise & Martime) from tilbury and the embarkation then was chaos! Shame I really wanted to try them .Tks Cheers
@@TravelBlogJamie
Have sailed on Ambition several times and found it good value. I rarely use the buffet on any cruise and do not understand why anybody would use it regularly.
Oh well
Discharge. I sniggered. 😂
Eeek 👿
How many cmv cruises did you do
One was quite enough for me
Why did apple flap make me giggle 😂😂😂
It did me too lol 😆
Dear Jamie couldn’t finish watching after you told us about losing your pet so sad they certainly do leave paw prints on your heart don’t they ❤
🙏🙏🙏
Love to you both 💕
Hi Jamie we did two cruises to Norway last year one on Ambition and one on P&O Iona, we could honestly say we had no issue with Ambition at all, the food for example in the main restaurant was great, Iona main restaurant was terrible along with other things which we would honestly say would stop us from using Iona again, but not necessary P&O again. I think that Ambassador may have sorted out a lot of the issues that you experienced before we boarded. The one thing that did bother us on Ambition was the lack of a small food station for late night snacking, I never sleep for a full night and often like to go for wonder a drink and a snack and I did find that a bit inconvenient.
I’ve never had so many issues on one ship and I am not a fan of the dining arrangements at all so I’ll be giving them a miss moving forward! I’m glad you enjoy, though!
I could see that from your vlog I was only pointing out that our experience was much improved. @@TravelBlogJamie
@@johngilchrist1224 very pleased to hear this
I have lots of cruises booked on ambition some of which are over 42 nights , one thing you skipped was the fabulous violin and piano , did not like the theatre at sea which I think is great and how could you rubbish Simon and Garfunkel, I never had a problem finding seats in the buffet or cutlery, the trick is to go early in the morning , I only once went to the afternoon tea as that was a special for the first anniversary anniversary , you never mentioned the fabulous gym , the only thing I did not live on ambition was the freezing library and theatre at times when it was hot outside and the very loud music in the before and after dinner lounge, I understand some people like loud music in a disco setting late at night but not in a quiet lounge before and after dinner where you have to shout over the table to have a conversation conversation, everything else was great the friendly staff the cabins the food. the embarking and disembarking was fine at tilbury and the carpark was just next to where you left the cruise terminal unlike bristol that you had to get a shuttle bus to get to the car a mile away
It’s ok for us to disagree
Ambience is a very different ship, but you are probably once bitten, twice shy Jamie!
Not a cruise line for me unfortunately
wow that breakfast coffee thing would really annoy me
It did me 😆
Very accurate review Jamie. I was on Northern lights with Ambition. Lovely ship, but service creaked. Food cooked well and beautifully served but ingredients of mediocre quality. Service slow and Borough Market a joke. The passenger demographic was elderly and infirm which did not help footfall around the ship, especially when we had to endure the buffet, and it was an endurance. I think Ambassador punch above their weight as a budget cruise line but it is very much a budget cruise line and I would prefer to pay more for a better space ratio, better crew ratio and much improved quality and variety of food.
I would agree - I’d pay a little more for something different too
Jamie how the hell did you do the big wheel 😳
Tried not to look down lol
I was on the MSC Euribia and saw the Ambition dock at Zeebruges the week before Christmas, I just remember seeing how small the Ambition was compared to it, doesn't look like we would enjoy Ambassador, we found the Euribia to be an amazing ship and good improvement on the Virtuosa - especially with the Carousel Lounge not being a wasted space! The ship was full capacity and could always find seats in the bars and get served quickly at any bar!
😎😎😎
I really enjoyed your shore trips , compared to ambassador we get totally spoiled on P&O❤
Oh exactly this
Omg you crack me up!!😂😂😂🫶🫶🫶😘😘😘
😉
It was somewhat inappropriate for them to have the friends of Bill W meeting in a wine bar...!
I did think this lol
Thank you for your honest opinion Jamie. I don’t think Ambassador is for me as it stands for some of the reasons you highlighted.
🙏🙏🙏
Not for me at all, very much a budget offering but you didn’t pay a particularly budget fare? Like you, I like to swim come rain, shine, hail or snow so I would have been livid about the pools too. Very much looking forward to your Arviva Caribbean Christmas vlogs
Next Wednesday those begin - a ray of sunshine
Oooft, that breakfast - how rude of him! A definite no to Ambassador but loved the vlog, as always x
Thank you 🙏
Not impressed and agree with you one sprout Jamie!
So many things need sorting and as for make your own coffee well no words😂
I’m quite happy to make my own coffee but not when I’m paying extra for it 😂 Some people on here think it’s fine to pay extra specifically for a pot of coffee and to be told they don’t have any, make your own, and still charge you for it 😂
Borough market aka cattle market on a sea day 😱
It was horrendous unfortunately
That room service experience was jaw droppingly poor. Was it the worst room service you've ever had on a cruise?
The absolute worst on any cruise line, yes
Thank you for the video Jamie, this cruise line is not for me, it looks so cheap but clearly isn't!!
Eeeek
How can people not make an effort on formal night, how disappointing😕 that’s what cruising is all about 🚢🥂
It’s absolutely not what it’s about for me!
@@TravelBlogJamie nice to get dressed up though and feel like 007😂
I just love being out at sea on the ocean waves 🚢🌊
Great vlog .. deffo lose the bow tie and shirt .. black t-shirt looks far more stylish and cool 😎😎
You see that’s exactly what I think as well!!
Oh er Jamie,,
Thanks for showing ,not for us either..... 😮
Welcome 🙏
thanks for showing us ...we will not use Ambassador ....not for us!!!
Nor me 😫
Love the energy and enthusiasm you put in but you wouldn’t get me on that ship even if you paid me.
Don’t worry, I’m not going to pay you lol 😆
@@TravelBlogJamie 😂
Great vlog Jamie, I'm giving it the best score possible which is 😉😉😉😉😉. Can't wait for your P&O / Maleth review.
Oh roll on Sunday for the start of that 😉
Was it just me or did there seem to be a lot of brown food? 😂 Definitely not for me.
Hmmm i don’t recall that! 😆
You have reinforced my thoughts about not cruising with so many cruise lines as a solo passenger (and as an elderly, partially disabled one). The difficulties of finding a table in the buffets has made me so angry in the past especially when there is a need to go again to get something and you return to find someone has taken your place. As for the couples occupying a table for 6 who glare at you when you politely ask if you might join them. Unlike you, I am happy to share dining tables but find the staff ignoring solos intolerable. Your experience with the cabin service breakfast was absolutely disgraceful … I was really shocked at that. I hadn’t realised that the cost was the same for one as for four. Your tour of the ship showed that, despite its age, it really was rather nice in terms of decor and comfort. It seemed to have a nice, intimate atmosphere absent on the behemoths now sailing our seas. Shame about some of the service letting you down. I realised after a comment made on a previous vlog that, as you sailed in darkness, you wouldn’t have enjoyed the sail down the Thames as much as I did. Would you go back out of Tilbury if the opportunity arose …….. preferably not having to rely on public transport?
I’d always have to rely on public transport for tilbury so I’d rather not - but it’s not a deal breaker!
Giving hell😂
Honest hell 😉
So you find being a solo cruiser you get penalised like breakfast for instance, you already paying single occupancy, brilliant vlog, doesnt look my cup of tea, ill stick with good old FO
I’d absolutely stick with FO
@TravelBlogJamie we are going end of May to Stornoway and Isle of sky from Liverpool, we live in North Wales, my mum is 90 now and I don't know how much longer she will be able to go away so trying to see what's out there for solo travellers, thanks always for your help to make informed choices
Big improvement removing the bow tie and shirt, your black t -shirt & jacket combo looks much more stylish yet smart too. (Veganolive1) x
I agree!! Wouldn’t be nice if this were considered smart or formal?!