ambition cruise ship photos inside

Ambassador Ambition Ship Guide, Photos And Facts

I have recently enjoyed a short ship visit exploring Ambassador Ambition. One thing I found pre cruise was there are not many ship photos, and I am a cruiser who likes to know everything about a ship before I cruise. So there must be others like me who like to get a visual picture of a ship before they set sail.

Unlike some larger cruise lines, Ambassador Cruise Line’s ships are more compact, creating a chilled atmosphere for travellers. This personalised setting allows guests to enjoy various amenities, including entertainment, excellent service, and exceptional cuisine. So grab a cuppa and enjoy a little tour of Ambassador Ambition.

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About Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador Cruise Line, a British cruise company based in Purfleet, England, set sail in May 2021 with their flagship ship , Ambassador Ambience. This relatively new company has swiftly established itself as a great value cruise line, providing unique port experiences to its passengers.

About Ambassador Ambition.

Ambassador Ambition was built in 1999 as Costa neoRiviera until December 2019, then AIDAmira until January 2022. She was bought, rebranded and refit in 2023 and Ambassador Ambition. She is a petite ship at 48,123GT, which is tiny compared to many Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Ships. But this has bonuses, such as the ship being easy to navigate and get around. Plus can get into more intimate ports. She has 679 cabins holding up to 1200 guests and a guest-crew ratio of 2.55-1.

Ambassador Ambition Ship Photos

The pool deck.

The two pools were only partially full during our visit, likely due to the sea conditions. However, the space was bright and cheerful. With a couple of hot tubs and sunbeds dotted around, again, these were not all out but ready on the sidelines to go in case of a change of weather.

The deck was turfed with faux grass and had a lovely vibe, with pod, sofa areas and a comfy chair plus bar to chill at on a sunny day on deck.

Bars On Ambassador Ambition

Ambassador Ambition has 8 bars onboard. The bar staff were quick, efficient and friendly we never had to wait long for drinks. Some of the bars were themed, which was a nice nod to UK towns and cities, and the decor was brightly coloured but tasteful.

• Pendennis Bar, Deck 5
• Purple Turtle Wine Bar, Deck 5
• The Palladium, Deck 5
• Clifton Lounge, Deck 6
• The Angel Bar, Deck 6
• The Cavern, Deck 7
• Consulate Bar (Weather Permitting), Deck 11
• The Pool Bar (Weather Permitting), Deck 11

Drinks Prices On Ambassador Cruise Lines

Drinks are pretty reasonable onboard; some of the cocktails were quite small but delicious; however, it worked out in terms of the prices of cocktails on other cruise lines, which cost a lot more. Soda and mixers are charged on top. I was charged £8.85 for a wine and soda, so I am guessing that was for a large wine and £1.25 for soda.

Drinks Prices On Ambassador Ambition

• Heineken 330ml, £3.55
• Guinness 440 ml £4.25
• Strongbow Pint £5.45
• Kir Royal £5.45
• Pina Colada £6.00
• Aperol Spritz £5.45
• White Wine 250ml £7.60, 125 ml £3.85
• Disaronno 40ml £4.25
• Irish Coffee £4.50
• Bombay Saphire £4.95
• Cappuccino £2.25
• Diet Coke 330ml £2.55

Dining And Restaurants On Ambassador Ambition

You will find seven restaurants onboard, three of which are Speciality—offering great value.

Free Dining on Ambassador Ambition

• Borough Market Buffet Restaurant
• Buckingham Restaurant
• Holyrood Restaurant
• Alfresco Pizza and Grill

Speciality Dining on Ambassador Ambition

• Lupinos Al Fresco Dining ( £14.90 per person)
• Saffron Indian (Speciality £16.90 per person)
• Chefs Table in the Buckingham Restaurant( Speciality costs £89.90 with wine included)

We dined in the Holyrood restaurant and the Borough Market Buffet. The food was great, and the staff were very attentive, ensuring I had gluten-free options which tasted delicious.

My Inside Cabin On Ambassador Ambition

I stayed in an inside cabin , and I have to say I loved the cabin. It was simple but stylish, had everything I needed, including a hairdryer, and was spotlessly clean. The plug sockets were in the vanity area and included Euro and British plug sockets plus USB ports. Plus, the bathroom had shower gel, shampoo and hand soap.

The bed and pillows were comfortable, and my room was quiet. As this was a four-berth cabin, there were also 2 top bunks. There was plenty of storage, a small safe, spare towels and two pool towels.

You had a choice of still and sparkling water, which was £1.50 per bottle and could be refilled. Plus, a complimentary tea and coffee tray with a kettle.

Room Service Breakfast on Ambassador Ambition

If, like me, you like to avoid the buffet restaurant in the mornings, then you can book breakfast to be delivered to your cabin. The tray charge is £8.95 or complimentary for suite guests and give you a great choice or breakfast options, including …

• Full English Breakfast
• Ham & Cheese Omelette
• Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce
• Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese, Onions & Capers
• Bacon & Poached Eggs on Toast
• Scotch Pancakes, Butter & Maple Syrup
• And a Choice of Teas and Coffees
• Plus Toast, Pastries, Fruit and Juice

Laundry Service Prices Onboard

Another thing I always do when I cruise is iron one shirt for the first night and send the rest of Hubbies shirts to be ironed. Plus, any dresses that will crease during travelling. It takes the stress out of packing , and prices are always reasonable. It’s also handy to get items washed and pressed on longer cruises to save carrying extra luggage.

Ambassador also offers a magic bag deal, which is washed, dry and folded for £14.95. I don’t know the size of the bag, but taking home clean clothes is very appealing.

Other Public Areas And Photos of Ambassador Ambition

In Conclusion

The diverse selection of itineraries Ambassador Cruise offers includes destinations such as the British Isles, Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, and Nordic Treasures. And whilst I can’t share a cruise line review as I was only onboard overnight, first impressions were great.

It’s not an all-singing dancing ship for families ; however, it’s a beautiful warm, friendly ship which offers exceptional value for couples wanting a no-fly cruise chilled-out experience who want to explore some wonderful ports.

Chat with Kieran at Magical Traveller for the latest deals and offers for UK cruisers to book. Also, check out his thoughts on Ambassador Cruise Lines. Please note I was invited onboard as a guest for an overnight sailing.

Sarah also writes for Mini Travellers Family Travel Blog and Extraordinary Chaos Craft and Lifestyle Blog. Both are award-winning blogs with a travel and family focus. She is married and has two boys, aged 18 and 22, who all love cruising as a family. Nothing is better than waking up every day in a new port with new and exciting things to explore. She aims to share how cruising as a family with young adults is the perfect choice for family travel. Her boys are sporty and love the activities, sports and dining options cruising offers. Sarah has worked with brands such as Walt Disney World, Mark Warner, Ikos Resort, Center Parcs, Laura Ashley, Belling and Next.

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Ambition Deck Plans & Reviews

Activities & entertainment

• Destination Experiences *
• Future Cruises *
• Shopping Galleria *
• Photo Gallery *
• Grafton Street - Arts & Crafts
• Partnership Area
• No. 10 Conference Room
• Bronte's Library
• Aces & Eights - Card Room
• Active Studio
• Jogging Track
• Whirlpools (2)
• Green Sea Spa *
• Steam Room *
• Sun Terrace
• Self-Service Laundry *
• Medical Centre
• The Palladium
• The Cavern - Cabaret
• Live Entertainment
• Purple Turtle Wine Bar - Wine Bar *
• Pendennis Bar - Elegant Bar *
• Buckingham Restaurant - Main
• Holyrood Restaurant - Main
• The Angel Bar - Popular Bar *
• Clifton Lounge - Cocktail Bar *
• Saffron - Asian *
• Consulate Bar - Panoramic Bar *
• The Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• Alfresco Grill - Pool Grill
• Lupino's - Mediterranean *
• Borough Market - Buffet
• Chef’s Table - Chef’s Table *

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Springtime Fjordland

10 nights sailing from Bristol (UK)

Departure: 13 May

Itinerary: Bristol (UK), Falmouth (Cornwall), Stornoway (Outer Hebrides), Eidfjord, Flam (Norway), Bergen (Norw...

Northern Isles & Fjordland Adventure

11 nights sailing from Liverpool

Departure: 23 Jun

Itinerary: Liverpool, Belfast, Tobermory (Scotland), Stavanger, Flam (Norway), Olden, Geiranger, Alesund (Norwa...

Icelands Land of Ice & Fire

Departure: 4 Jul

Itinerary: Liverpool, Belfast, Stornoway (Outer Hebrides), Seydisfjordur (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland), Isafjor...

British Isles Discovery

12 nights sailing from Belfast

Departure: 12 Jun

Itinerary: Belfast, Stornoway (Outer Hebrides), Lerwick (Shetland Islands), Kirkwall (Orkney islands), Antwerp ...

10 nights sailing from Falmouth (Cornwall)

Departure: 14 May

Itinerary: Falmouth (Cornwall), Stornoway (Outer Hebrides), Eidfjord, Flam (Norway), Bergen (Norway), Bristol (...

Scottish Islands & Edinburgh Festival

7 nights sailing from Liverpool

Departure: 1 Aug

Itinerary: Liverpool, Belfast, Stornoway (Outer Hebrides), Runavik (Faroe Islands), Lerwick (Shetland Islands),...

UK & Ireland Getaway

5 nights sailing from Belfast

Departure: 28 Jul

Itinerary: Belfast, Cobh (Cork), Falmouth (Cornwall), Liverpool

6 nights sailing from Belfast

Departure: 2 Aug

Itinerary: Belfast, Stornoway (Outer Hebrides), Runavik (Faroe Islands), Lerwick (Shetland Islands), Edinburgh

Ireland Discovery

7 nights sailing from Bristol (UK)

Departure: 25 Apr

Itinerary: Bristol (UK), Falmouth (Cornwall), Bantry (Ireland), Cobh (Cork), Belfast

11 nights sailing from Belfast

Departure: 24 Jun

Itinerary: Belfast, Tobermory (Scotland), Stavanger, Flam (Norway), Olden, Geiranger, Alesund (Norway), Lerwick...

Northern Isles

6 nights sailing from Edinburgh

Departure: 15 Aug

Itinerary: Edinburgh, Newcastle, Amsterdam, Antwerp (Belgium)

Dublin Seacation

3 nights sailing from Bristol (UK)

Departure: 8 Jun

Itinerary: Bristol (UK), Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Liverpool

Scenic Scenes of France and Northern Spain

9 nights sailing from Falmouth (Cornwall)

Departure: 24 May

Itinerary: Falmouth (Cornwall), Cherbourg (France), Le Verdon (Bordeaux), Bilbao (Spain), Gijon (Spain), Ferrol...

Treasures of Denmark & Sweden

12 nights sailing from Dundee

Departure: 1 Oct

Itinerary: Dundee, Copenhagen, Fredericia (Dinamarca), Ronne (Dinamarca), Visby (Sweden), Stockholm, Aarhus (De...

+90 Ambition Cruises

+90 Ambition Cruises See cruises

Ambition reviews

based on 4 reviews

• Destinations 8
• Room Service 9
• Excursions 7
• Cleanliness 9
• Bar Service 9
• Quality/Price 8
• Facilities 9
• Restaurant Service 9

Other Ambassador Cruise Line cruise ships

This ship will really spoil you for choice. Let your hair down at the Observatory and bring out your finest ensembles for The Palladium. Whether you like it shaken or stirred, she has numerous bars to whet your whistle, including Raffles Bar, Botanical Lounge, SW19 and The Purple Turtle Pub.Dining o...

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Free upgrade from Standard to Superior Twin Ocean View Cabins Offer on all 2023/24 Sailings

Your home-from-home, your humble abode on board, your cabin accommodation is where we want you to feel most comfortable. This is your restful haven that you can look forward to returning to after an exciting day ashore or a busy day at sea, where you can escape and rejuvenate during your trip.

We offer a range of cabins spanning six accommodation decks from the Reception Deck 5 up to the Sun Deck 12. We have 21 twin and single cabin categories to suit a wide range of preferences and pockets. Our cabins are generally more spacious and cater to today’s climate, averaging 15-16 square meters, with cabin types broadly classified as standard, superior, premium, or de-luxe. Our dedicated housekeeping team clean cabins once a day and provide 24-hour room service at a supplementary cost. All our cabins are air-conditioned with ensuite facilities including a shower and ample storage space with room under the beds to store suitcases.

All cabins have a range of impressive amenities and personal touches. Make yourself at home with tea and coffee making facilities and take advantage of the hair dryer, personal safe, UK three pin electrical sockets and USB ports. There is also a flat screen TV for all your entertainment needs, including a range of house movies, news, documentaries, and ship information channels. So why not sit back and watch the ship position and routing from the comfort of your own cabin?

With the exception of 19 purpose built single bed configured cabins in categories 1S and 6S, all cabins are of double bed configuration (some with fold-away upper pullman berths or sofa beds) With the exception of categories 1 &6, In most cases they can be converted to twin beds. The other single categories are double bed cabins for single occupancy.

Please note the following cabins have fixed double beds which cannot be converted to twins:

De Luxe Suite: 8216, 8218, 8227, 7149, 7148, 7150

Premium Suite: 12101, 12102, 12119, 12120, 12122, 1126, 1129, 9216, 9223, 8214, 8225, 7147, 7146

Superior Junior Suite: 12103, 12105, 12107, 12109, 12111, 12115, 12117, 12104, 12106, 12108, 12110, 12114, 12116, 12118

Cat 16: 1128, 1130, 1132, 1131, 1133, 1135, 9218, 9220, 9222, 9225, 9227, 9229

Cat. 6: 7040, 7042, 7044, 7046, 7048, 7050, 7052, 7054, 7056, 7058, 7060, 7062, 7064, 7066, 7068, 7070, 7072, 7074, 7076

Cat. 5S: 12112, 12121, 12124

Navigating your way to and from your cabin is easy, with three spacious main foyer areas on all decks (except Aloe deck 4) serviced by 6 lifts and stairways. Aloe deck 4 and Sun Deck 12 is serviced by 2 lifts in the forward and aft lobbies respectively.

There are 2 cabins 9051 and 9052 located on Consulate Deck 9 adapted for guests with disability and mobility needs highlighted below and on the deck plan.

Ocean View Cabin: Describes a cabin that has natural light from a window. Inside Cabin: Describes a cabin that has artificial light only. The pictures shown are given purely as a guide, the size and layout of cabins/suites may vary within the same category.

Discover our All Aboard App and Messaging System through your in cabin television

Make use of our Free All Aboard app while onboard to access the latest daily programme, book destination experiences, keep track of your onboard account and much more.

You can access the All Aboard app on your personal smartphone or tablet by connecting to the Ambition_Guest Wi-Fi and searching for allaboard.me or by scanning one of the many QR codes found on bar menus and the printed daily programme.

Don’t worry if you haven’t got a smartphone or tablet you can still access the All Aboard app via your In Cabin TV or one of the many Kiosks or Digital Signage screens dotted around the ship.

Note – The All Aboard app is free to use and does not require a paid internet package to access. If you would like some support with accessing the app then, please speak to reception.

To reduce our onboard printing and to achieve our sustainability targets we have introduced a messaging service which you can access on your In Cabin TV or on your personal smartphone or tablet via the All Aboard app.

During your cruise you may receive messages so please check your In Cabin TV or the All Aboard app regularly to stay up to date.

Welcome to the suite life

If you’re after a little taste of luxury on your journey with us, we have a range of cabin suites that provide the space and amenities to make your cruise that extra bit special. Both our De-Luxe, Premium and Junior Suites come with their own private balcony and sitting area.

So, what makes the suite life so special? All our suites include priority embarkation and luggage delivery for a seamless and hassle-free arrival. We’ll say welcome and whet your whistle with a complimentary bottle of house wine and mineral water, alongside your chargeable mini bar. For lazy mornings at sea there is a breakfast in bed tray and a cosy bathrobe and pair of slippers to relax in. You’ll have fresh fruit and daily canapes on hand. Our dedicated housekeeping team clean cabins once a day with an evening turn down service. We’ve also got you covered whatever the weather with your own umbrella to use on shore as well as a pair of binoculars to help you see as far as your heart desires and a world atlas. Our suite guests are also entitled to a laundry service discount and a late check-out.

DE-LUXE SUITE (DS)

Average Cabin Size ft/42-47sq m

Average Balcony Size ft/11-15sq m

Our 6 spacious De-Luxe Suites are located aft on Ambition Deck 8 and Boat Deck 7 affording fine ocean views. They all have double beds that cannot converted to a twin bed configuration and all have a double sofa bed that can accommodate a third and/or fourth guest.

All suites comprise a walk-in wardrobe and a separate lounge area, a second flat-screen television in the bedroom, and a mini bar.

They all offer standard cabin facilities as well as ensuite facilities with a shower plus a mini bar, and an espresso coffee machine as well as all the suite benefits,

De Luxe Suite occupants can take advantage of a separate check-in waiting area and easy departure with a private disembarkation waiting area.

PREMIUM SUITE (PS)

Average Cabin Size 26-37sq m

Average Balcony Size 5-23sq m

There are 13 spacious Premium Suites located aft from Sun Deck 12 to Boat Deck 7. They all have double beds that cannot converted to a twin bed configuration and all have a double sofa bed that can accommodate a third and/or fourth guest. 8 of these suites also comprise a separate bedroom with a single bed.

With the exception of two larger 23sqm balcony suites 12119 & 12120, all the other cabins comprise a walk-in wardrobe and all cabins have a lounge area.

They all offer standard cabin facilities as well as ensuite facilities with a shower plus a mini bar, and an espresso coffee machine as well as all the suite benefits. 

Most cabins in this grade have a separate shower cubicle, however cabins 12122 and 12102 have a shower over bath. 

Premium Suite occupants can take advantage of a separate check-in waiting area and easy departure with a private disembarkation waiting area.

SUPERIOR JUNIOR SUITE (SJS)

Average Cabin Size 21-22sq m

Average Balcony Size 5sq m

There are 46 Superior Junior Suites located on Sun Deck 12 and Ambassador Deck 10. They have a double bed, and the majority of cabins can easily be converted to a twin bed configuration and most include a sofa bed that can accommodate a third and/or fourth guest.

They all offer standard cabin facilities as well as ensuite facilities with a shower and cabins on Ambassador Deck 10 also have a bathtub while cabins on Sun Deck 10 have a dressing room. All cabins have a mini bar.

Please note the following cabins have fixed double beds which cannot be converted to twins: 12103, 12105, 12107, 12109, 12111, 12115, 12117, 12104, 12106, 12108, 12110, 12114, 12116, 12118

Most cabins in this grade have a separate shower cubicle, however cabins 1051, 1050, 1049, 1048, 1047, 1046, 1045, 1044, 1043, 1042, 1041, 1040, 1039, 1038, 1037, 1036, 1035, 1034, 1033, 1032, 1031, 1030, 1029, 1028, 1027, 1026, 1025, 1024, 1023, 1022, 1021, 1020 have a shower over bath. 

JUNIOR SUITE (JS)

There are 38 Junior Suites located on Ambassador Deck 10. They have a double bed that can easily be converted to a twin bed configuration and most include a sofa bed that can accommodate a third and/or fourth guest.

They all offer standard cabin facilities as well as ensuite facilities with a shower over bathtub and all cabins have a mini bar.

In addition, 10 Junior Suites Singles (JSS) on Ambassador Deck 10 have been assigned for sole occupancy extending the range of solo traveller options.

PREMIUM BALCONY (16)

Average Cabin Size 15-17sq 

Average Balcony Size 4-6sq m

In addition to the 113 de-luxe cabins with balconies, there are 12 Premium Balcony cabins located aft and affording fines views on Ambassador Deck 10 and Consulate Deck 9. All Category 16 Premium Balcony cabins have a fixed double bed, plus a single sofa bed that can accommodate a third guest.

They all offer standard cabin facilities as well as ensuite facilities with a shower.

Standard, Superior or Premium- that is the question?

The remainder of our well-appointed twin and single cabins have an average cabin size 13sqm with ensuite facilities and a shower. All cabins have a range of impressive amenities and personal touches including tea and coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, personal safe, UK three pin electrical sockets and USB ports and a flat screen TV for your entertainment needs.

Varying in ship location and price, the cabins range from inside, to views from obstructed to porthole (deck 5 only) to picture window ocean views. However, all cabins guarantee a comfortable and memorable stay upon Ambition and the perfect resting place for your journey of exploration.

Our superb value higher deck Premium (12 & 12S) and Superior Plus (11) twin and single cabins are located on Sun, Ambassador and Consulate Decks 12, 10 and 9 and Superior twin (9) and single (10S) cabins located amidships one deck lower on Ambition Deck 8.

Our standard twin and single inside, restricted and ocean view cabins are located on Boat Deck 7 and Reception Deck 5 providing great value and close to the ship’s lounges.

Single sailor? No problem!

Whether you’re travelling alone or just want your own space, we have assigned 78 single sole occupancy cabins ranging from Standard Inside to Ocean View Singles on Boat Deck 7 to Superior and Premium Ocean View Single on Consulate Deck 9 and Ambition Deck 8, Plus 10 Junior Suite Balcony Singles on Ambassador Deck 10. Single. With the exception of the 19 single cabins in categories 1S and 6S, all other singles can be converted to twin occupancy depending upon demand.

Mobility Needs taken care of

And if you are travelling with us with any disability or mobility needs, cabins 9051 and 9052 (Category 3) on Consulate Deck 9 have been adapted to accommodate your requirements.

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Inside UK's new 'premium value' cruise ship Ambition - from the cabins to the food

Inside Ambassador Cruise Line's new cruise ship Ambition as it launches in Newcastle - the British brand is already looking to acquire a third cruise ship

• 17:37, 12 May 2023
• Updated 12:27, 15 May 2023

Three-sy does it for no-fly line Ambassador - at the launch of its second ship Ambition in Newcastle chairman Gordon Wilson revealed that the search for a third ship was already under way.

He told passengers and guests at the Port of Tyne event that, like flagship Ambience and now Ambition, the next addition to the fleet would have a name starting with ‘Am…’ and suggestions were welcome (we think Amore or Amaze could be a decent bet, Amoxicillin or Ambivalent less likely).

The 1,200 passenger Ambition, formerly with Germany’s AIDA Cruises, is now sailing her 14 night maiden voyage to France and Spain and she will return to Tyneside four more times this year for regional sailings which will also feature departures from Dundee, Edinburgh, Falmouth, Liverpool, Bristol and Belfast. Both ships will also sail from Ambassador's homeport in Tilbury, Essex.

Ambassador - which made a profit in its debut year of operation and is the first new UK cruise line for a decade - is planning an expansive 2023/24 season with the two ships visiting a combined 60 countries and 166 ports.

Cruises will last from two to 120 days and are primarily aimed at the 50-plus market, but with multigenerational family sailings operating in school holidays.

Chief executive Christian Verhounig said: “Ambassador has, in the short time it has been in operation, firmly established a unique premium value offering within the cruise sector.

“Adding another ship to our fleet is evidence of the strength of both Ambassador and the wider cruise industry, showing the support we have received and demand we are experiencing ahead of what’s set to be a buoyant season.''

He added: “We’re seeing significant demand for cruising on our small to mid-size ships, with heightened interest in Norwegian Fjords and Round-Britain cruises plus bucket-list itineraries, such as our round the world cruise, which sails in January 2024. We have also seen a shift in demand coming from customers who are new to cruise as more travellers choose no-fly holiday options.”

The 41,123 gross tonnage Ambition - named by Godmother Shirley Robertson, the Team GB double Olympic gold medallist sailor - also has strong environmental credentials after a pre-launch refurbishment in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Works included emissions-technology, an advanced waste water treatment system and a biodigester which turns food waste to water.

Prior to the refit, Ambition had been moored on the Clyde in Glasgow to accommodate Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion.

So what’s she like? In keeping with the ‘Am…’ theme: A mighty fine ship decked out in a white, green and purple livery reminiscent of Wimbledon tennis.

My Junior Suite on deck 10 was super-sized and very well-appointed with a walk-in wardrobe but you might want to avoid being below the deck 11 smoking area. The bed and pillows were comfortable and the bathroom generously sized by cruise ship standards, with a bath. There are UK plugs, a USB point and a TV.

The public areas are lush, wood-forward and showing contemporary colours and natural light, with pops of nautical signal flags in stairwells.

With a focus on good quality food, the dining options feature the main Buckingham and a la carte Holyrood restaurants, Borough Market food court, cover charge Saffron (£16.95) for Indian/Asian cuisine, Mediterranean-themed cover charge Lupino’s (£14.95) and casual Alfresco Grill. Happy to vouch for the succulent fillet steak in Holyrood and the cheese board in Buckingham.

Ambition’s range of bars - with drinks at reasonable UK pub prices - include the Liverpool nightclub/cabaret-style Cavern, Clifton Lounge for classical music, Consulate by the spacious suntrap pool deck and the smart Purple Turtle Wine Bar.

I particularly liked the calm of Brontë’s Library and the pampering in the serene Green Sea Spa will be a popular choice on sea days.For lively evening entertainment - the launch featured a fun and energetic taster of a Nashville inspired show - head to the Palladium Show Lounge, then shape up next day at the fitness centre or the exterior jogging and walking track.

Ambition will be continuing Ambassador’s successful inaugural season working in collaboration with ocean conservationists ORCA and marine wildlife experts will join a number of voyages help passengers learn more about whales, dolphins and porpoises and collecting important scientific data in key habitat areas.

The verdict

British cruise passengers will feel completely at home (Tetley’s tea in the cabins, for example) and the hard-working crew are super-friendly. Regional sailings will prove hugely popular - your holiday comes to you.

With prices starting at £289 per person for a three night seacation from Belfast, Christian Verhounig’s premium value definition of ‘’Marks & Spencer at Aldi prices’’ looks a winner.

Ambassador offers a seven night round trip on Ambition from Liverpool on July 18, calling at St Peter Port in Guernsey and Rouen and Honfleur in Normandy, France. From £599 per person - you can find out more on ambassadorcruiseline.com .

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Inside 700ft cruise ship returning to Dundee this weekend – and when to see it

The vessel can hold up to 1,200 passengers.

A 700ft cruise ship will return to Dundee this weekend in the middle of a busy holiday season.

Up to 1,200 passengers will hop aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition ship when it docks in the city on several occasions in 2023.

The ship was built in 1999, and underwent refits in 2017 and 2022.

The ship arrived in Dundee from Newcastle earlier this month, welcoming guests for trips across France and Spain.

It is making a further four visits to the city during a bumper year of cruises from the city .

It will set sail for Norway and Iceland over the next couple of weeks, before taking passengers on journeys across the Scottish Islands and the Faroe Islands in June.

What does Ambition cruise liner have on board?

Ambition, registered in the Bahamas, has operated under previous names including Mistral, Grand Mistral and Costa neoRiviera.

It has 714 cabins – 125 of which have balconies and 113 are suites.

Its facilities are spread across 10 decks which have six lifts.

A host of restaurants offer bistro, food court, Asian and other speciality eating options.

There are also six bars including a poolside bar and a cocktail lounge.

Other services available on board include a 24-hour reception, hot tubs, a show lounge, a library, two outdoor swimming pools, a shopping galleria, a laundry and ironing room, church services, a gym and wellness centre and a hair and beauty salon.

Passengers are asked to dress formally and smart at night, but casually during the day.

Ship housed Ukrainian refugees

Ambition has returned to service as a cruise liner after housing 1,200 Ukrainian refugees in Glasgow , as part of a contract with the Scottish Government.

The ship was berthed at King George V dock in Shieldhall from September until the end of March.

By the time the ship departed to Germany for upgrade works, only 165 refugees remained on board.

They were allocated temporary accommodation in the city.

Dundonian sailor named Ambition’s ‘godmother’

The ship already has a strong link to Dundee, with Olympic gold medal-winning sailor Shirley Robertson OBE – who hails from the city – named Ambition’s “godmother”.

The title of godmother is a longstanding tradition, and is designed to bring the ship good luck and protection.

She named Ambition during a ceremony in Newcastle, before joining passengers for the trip north to Dundee earlier in the month.

Shirley said: “Being at sea, and the excitement of arriving somewhere by sea, is very special.”

When can you see Ambition in Dundee?

Ambition’s remaining dates for Dundee are as follows:

• May 27: Travelling round France and Spain
• June 4: Travelling round Iceland
• June 18: Travelling through Norway
• June 30: Travelling the Scottish Islands and Faroes

The Courier has also pulled together a full photo gallery of the ship .

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Ambition deck plans

Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.

Ambition deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by Ambassador Cruise Line deckplan pdf (printable version).

Each of the Ambition cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on Ambition staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.

MS Ambition (1999-built as "Mistral", last refurbished in 2023 April-May, last refurbishment by Costa in 2019 November) was Costa's smallest cruise ship (Costa neoRiviera).

The vessel's name was changed 5 times: MS Mistral (newbuild for Festival Cruises / 1999-2003), MS Grand Mistral (2003-2013, for Iberocruises), Costa neoRiviera (2004-2018, for Costa Cruises ), AIDAmira (2019-2022, for AIDA Cruises ) and Ambassador Ambition (since 2022, for Ambassador Cruise Line ). Costa neoRiviera was one of Costa's "neoCollection" ships - with fleetmates Costa neoClassica/now Grand Classica and Costa neoRomantica (1993-built/2021-scrapped) .

The shipowner was Costa Crucere ( Carnival Corporation -owned company), while the ship operator was Carnival's German subsidiary AIDA Cruises.

Following the drydock 2019 refit, Costa neoRiviera joined AIDA under the name "AIDAmira". The liner was extensively refurbished and remodeled. Swimming pools were reduced from 3 to 2 (and enlarged) with 2x Jacuzzis (large whirlpool hot tubs on Sun Deck). Of the 624 staterooms, 96 were suites (80 balconied).

AIDAmira cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 624 cabins for 1248 passengers (max occupancy is 1428) served by 670 crew-staff. The boat has 13 decks (10 passenger-accessible, 4 with cabins), 6 restaurants and food bars, 6 bars and lounges, 2 swimming pools, 2 Jacuzzies (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs), 6 elevators.

Costa neoRiviera-AIDAmira refurbishment 2019 review

In September-November 2019, Costa neoRiviera was drydocked in Port Genoa (at San Giorgio del Porto Shipyard) for a major (EUR 50 million / USD 55 million) refurbishment project . The 1-month drydocking (October 30 through November 28) aimed to transform Costa neoRiviera into AIDAmira.

The project involved ~1000 workers, of which 150 shipyard employees. The shipyard works included technical maintenance, hull and superstructure repainting (also adding AIDA's livery), renovated public areas, adding new cabins - including 19x balcony and 3x inside (in the area of the former Discoteca Portofino / disco nightclub) plus numerous staterooms on Deck 7.

Costa neoRiviera cruise ship deck plan has a total of 624 staterooms for 1248 passengers (max capacity is 1727 guests), served by 600 crew/staff. The ship has 8 passenger decks (all named after famous Italian and French Riviera ports and sites), 3 restaurants, 10 lounges and bars, 2 swimming pools, 2 Jacuzzies, 6 elevators. neoRiviera has no self-service laundromats on board (laundry facilities for passenger use). neoRiviera has numerous artworks and paintings (themed on the Italian and French rivieras) displayed at various places throughout the ship.

Deck layouts

Deck 04 - tendering, deck 05 - lobby-shops-restaurant, deck 06 - promenade-casino-shops, deck 07 - cabins-hospital, deck 08 - cabins, deck 09 - cabins, deck 10 - bridge-cabins, deck 11 - lido-pools-spa-kids, deck 12 - kids, deck 14 - sports, deck 15 - costa neoriviera deck 5, deck 16 - costa neoriviera deck 6, deck 17 - costa neoriviera deck 7, deck 18 - costa neoriviera deck 8, deck 19 - costa neoriviera deck 9, deck 20 - costa neoriviera deck 10, deck 21 - costa neoriviera deck 11, deck 22 - costa neoriviera deck 12.

Ambition deck plans are property of Ambassador Cruise Line . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

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Israel says Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles, 99% of which were intercepted

Loud booms were heard in Jerusalem after Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel.

Sirens and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem on Sunday after Iran fired drones and missiles towards Israel.

The Israeli military said it would do everything to defend Israel, as Iran launched a first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday, sending drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel. Iran’s state-run media reported that dozens of drones had been fired.

Iran launched a first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday, sending drones and cruise and ballistic missiles toward Israel.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that Iran has launched drones from its territory at Israel. Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran and is ready “for any scenario,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday.

A group of hardliners gathered outside the British embassy in Tehran early Sunday to celebrate missile and drone attacks on Israel. Protesters chanted “Death to Israel” and thanked the revolutionary guard for the attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel’s defenses are ready after Iran launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel on Saturday

Iran’s state TV confirmed early on Sunday that the country’s powerful Revolutionary Guard had launched drones and missiles at Israel. Iran launched drones toward Israel late Saturday, the Israeli military also announced, and Iran’s state-run media reported that dozens had been fired.

Iranian missiles or drones were intercepted in the sky above the Jordanian capital, Amman, on Sunday.

Objects flying over the sky were seen from the West Bank, while booms and air raid sirens have sounded in Jerusalem after Iran launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushes the Middle East closer to a regionwide war.

A group of hardline supporters of the Iranian government gathered overnight in central Tehran to celebrate the country’s missile and drone attacks against Israel.

Missiles could be seen in the night sky over the West Bank early on Sunday as Iran launched a first direct military attack against Israel, sending drones and cruise and ballistic missiles toward Israel.

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg)

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Interceptors missiles are launched into the sky early Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick)

Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

This is a locator map for Iran with its capital, Tehran. (AP Photo)

An Iranian cleric chants slogans while attending an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian demonstrators wave a Palestinian flag during their anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

An Iranian demonstrator chants slogans while attending an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A demonstrator waves Iranian and Palestinian flags during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

This image made from a video provided to The Associated Press by a Mideast defense official shows a helicopter raid targeting a vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 13, 2024. A video seen by The Associated Press shows commandos raiding a ship near the Strait of Hormuz by helicopter Saturday, an attack a Mideast defense official attributed to Iran amid wider tensions between Tehran and the West. The Mideast defense official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. (AP Photo)

An Iranian demonstrator holds a poster of the late Revolutionary Guard Gen. Mohammad Hadi Haj Rahimi, who was killed in an airstrike widely attributed to Israel that destroyed Iran’s Consulate in Syria on April 1, during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian demonstrators flash the victory sign as they hold an Iranian flag and a model of a bullet during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

An Iranian demonstrator flashes a victory sign as he holds a model of a bullet during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

An Iranian demonstrator ignites a flare as others carry a Palestinian flag during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

In this image provided by the White House, President Joe Biden, along with members of his national security team, receive an update on an ongoing airborne attack on Israel from Iran, as they meet in the Situation Room of the White House in Washington, Saturday, April 13, 2024. From left to right, facing Biden are, Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns; Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence; Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Some papers on the desk have been blurred by the source for national security reasons. (Adam Schultz/The White House via AP)

Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during their anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Follow AP’s live updates on Iran’s attack against Israel .

JERUSALEM (AP) — Booms and air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Sunday after Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushed the Middle East closer to a regionwide war. A military spokesman said the launches numbered more than 300 but 99% of them were intercepted.

Calling the outcome “a very significant strategic success,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Of those, several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base.

Rescuers said a 7-year-old girl in a Bedouin Arab town was seriously wounded in southern Israel, apparently in a missile strike, though they said police were still investigating the circumstances of her injuries.

In Washington, President Joe Biden said U.S. forces helped Israel down “nearly all” the drones and missiles and pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response.

The Iranian attack, less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building, marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Condemnation from the United Nations chief and others was swift, with France saying Iran “is risking a potential military escalation,” Britain calling the attack “reckless” and Germany saying Iran and its proxies “must stop it immediately.”

Hagari said the vast majority of the intercepts came outside Israel’s borders, including 10 cruise missiles that were intercepted by warplanes.

Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg)

“A wide-scale attack by Iran is a major escalation,” he said. Asked whether Israel would respond, Hagari said only that the army “does and will do whatever is required to protect the security of the state of Israel.” He said the incident was not over, and dozens of Israeli warplanes remained in the skies.

Israel’s military said its Arrow system, which shoots down ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, handled most interceptions and noted that “strategic partners” were involved.

“At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week,” Biden said in a statement. “Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our service members, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a separate statement that U.S. forces “intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel, launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.”

Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke early Sunday, Israeli time, their governments said. Biden said in his statement that he reaffirmed “America’s ironclad commitment” to Israel’s security — a departure from his growing criticism of Israel’s conduct in its war on Hamas in Gaza.

Iran had vowed revenge since the April 1 airstrike in Syria , which Tehran accused Israel of being responsible for. Israel hasn’t commented on it.

Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel’s six-month war against Hamas militants in Gaza. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. An Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused widespread devastation and killed over 33,000 people, according to local health officials.

Almost immediately after the war erupted, Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon, began attacking Israel’s northern border. The two sides have been involved in daily exchanges of fire, while Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, Syria and Yemen have launched rockets and missiles toward Israel.

In a statement carried late Saturday by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard acknowledged launching “dozens of drones and missiles towards the occupied territories and positions of the Zionist regime.”

In a later statement, the Revolutionary Guard issued a direct warning to the U.S.: “The terrorist U.S. government is warned any support or participation in harming Iran’s interests will be followed by decisive and regretting response by Iran’s armed forces.”

IRNA also quoted an anonymous official saying ballistic missiles were part of the attack. A ballistic missile moves on an arch trajectory, heading up into space before gravity brings the weapon down at a speed several times faster than the speed of sound.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel’s defenses are ready after Iran launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles on Saturday.

Israel has a multilayered air-defense network that includes systems capable of intercepting a variety of threats including long-range missiles, cruise missiles, drones and short-range rockets. However, in a massive attack involving multiple drones and missiles, the likelihood of a strike making it through is higher.

Iran has a vast arsenal of drones and missiles. Online videos shared by Iranian state television purported to show delta-wing-style drones resembling the Iranian Shahed-136s long used by Russia in its war on Ukraine. The slow-flying drones carry bombs. Ukraine has successfully used both surface-to-air missiles and ground fire to target them.

Some Israelis watched the interceptions light up the night sky.

Air raid sirens were reported in numerous places including northern Israel, southern Israel, the northern West Bank and the Dead Sea near the Jordanian border.

Israel’s army ordered residents in the Golan Heights — near the Syrian and Lebanese borders — as well as the southern towns of Nevatim and Dimona and the Red Sea resort of Eilat into protective spaces. Dimona is home to Israel’s main nuclear facility, and Nevatim has a major air base. Loud booms were heard in Jerusalem and northern and southern Israel.

The army’s Home Front Command canceled school Sunday and limited public gatherings to no more than 1,000 people. Israel and some other countries in the region closed their airspace.

Earlier, Netanyahu warned: “Whoever harms us, we will harm them.”

In Washington, Biden convened a principals meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the attack.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, the head of the U.S. military’s Central Command, was in Israel over the weekend consulting with Israeli defense officials. The Central Command oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a warning to both Israel and the U.S. “Should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe,” it wrote online. “It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!”

For days, Iranian officials including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had threatened to “slap” Israel for the Syria strike.

In Iran’s capital, Tehran, witnesses saw long lines at gas stations early Sunday as people appeared worried about what may come next. Dozens of hard-liners demonstrated in support of the attack at Palestine Square.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported heavy Israeli airstrikes and shelling on multiple locations in south Lebanon following Iran’s launch of drones. The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it launched “dozens” of Katyusha rockets at an Israeli military site in the Golan Heights early Sunday. It was not immediately clear if there was any damage.

Iranian missiles or drones were intercepted in the sky above the Jordanian capital, Amman. In Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, and elsewhere in the country, residents reported seeing missiles in the sky and hearing explosions, likely from interceptions. In Syria, explosions were heard in the capital, Damascus, and elsewhere. Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Syrian air defenses tried to shoot down Israeli attempts to intercept Iranian missiles.

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. AP correspondents Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, Michael Balsamo in New York, Krutika Pathi in New Delhi, Stephen Graham in Berlin, Thomas Adamson in Paris, and Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.