What to expect
Fabulous Facilities
Restaurants, bars, swimming pool, hot tubs, casino & gym
Entertainment
Enjoy a variety of amazing performances at the Palladium
No-fly Cruise
Visit the British Isles, France & Ireland
About this trip...
What better way to spend an Easter weekend than sailing to one of the prettiest ports in the British Isles and beyond with Solos. On this fabulous no-fly cruise, our first stop takes us to Normandy to visit the inspiring village of Honfleur. This port’s Vieux Bassin (old harbour) has enchanted many artists over the years, including Monet, Boudin and Courbet to name a few. We’ll then sail to stunning St. Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly, which closely resembles a far-flung tropical destination. Experience the relaxed Gaelic charm of Ireland’s Cobh before heading home. We’ll discover breathtaking ports, go on destination experiences, and dine on exceptional cuisine while enjoying each other’s company. A fabulous no-fly group cruise for the solo traveller!
Activity Level:
What's this?What's included
Single Inside Cabin
Full Board
Tour Leader with group of 8
Fully Financially Protected
What's extra:
Cabin Upgrades: Available upon request
Gratuities - £6pppn
Coach Transfers: London Victoria Coach - Victoria to Tilbury Cruise Terminal/Tilbury Cruise Terminal to London Victoria with 1 suitcase £44.00 per person (Coach reservations should be booked at least one month prior to travelling but preferably at time of booking)
Car Parking: This is available at a cost of £14 per night (spaces limited so reservations need to be made as soon as possible - you will not be able to pay on arrival if you have not pre-booked and will be refused entry to the car park. )
Upgrade to AMBASSADOR FARE which includes Gratuities & service charges and Expedition Drinks Package (Non-alcoholic beverages including unlimited soft drinks, House brands from the bar list, House wines (Red, White, Rose) Premium wines (Red, White, Rose), Premium drinks from the Bar List, Premium teas & speciality coffee - from £262pp
Insurance see here
Itinerary
- London Tilbury (United Kingdom)
- At Sea
- Honfleur
- At Sea
- St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
- Cobh, for Cork
- At Sea
- London Tilbury (United Kingdom)
What you will be doing
Day One: London Tilbury, UK – Depart 18:00
Embark MV Ambience and enjoy our first night on board with a wonderful meal and dazzling entertainment.
Note: In the event of adverse weather/sea conditions that prevent the ship from calling at one of the scheduled ports, alternative arrangements will be made where possible.
Day Two: At Sea
Enjoy a day to relax and explore Ambience and everything she has to offer.
- Full Board
Day Three: Honfleur, France 0430-2330
Honfleur’s cobbled streets, timbered houses and beautiful harbour all add to the rustic charm of the medieval town. Sitting on the quaint coast of Normandy, Honfleur is among the most picturesque places in France. Its rustic beauty has been immortalised in paintings by famous artists including Claude Monet, Eugene Boudin and Johan Jongkind. Even today, Honfleur’s slate-covered frontages and narrow, cobbled streets seem to jump out of Impressionist paintings. Nestled on France's Normandy coast, Honfleur mesmerises with its historic harbour and artistic ambiance. Explore art galleries showcasing works by renowned painters like Eugene Boudin. One landmark which was painted by Monet himself is the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Grace.
- Full Board
Day Four: At Sea
Sea days are the perfect opportunity to explore the ship, relax and unwind and spend quality time with those around you. Whether you pamper yourself in the Green Sea Spa, experience all the outstanding cuisine we have onboard, enjoy our amazing entertainment in the Palladium and other venues, attend a class or talk, there's something for everyone.
- Full Board
Day Five: St Mary's, Isles of Scilly 0730-1930
Situated just off the Cornish coast, St. Mary's is the largest and most populous of the Isles of Scilly. Over 30 miles of nature trails intersect the island, guiding wanderers to hidden coves and quiet beaches. The subtle beauty of this British archipelago is perfect for fun or reflection while surrounded by nature. NB: this is a Tender Port
- Full Board
Day Six: Cobh, for Cork 1200-1900
Rows of candy-coloured houses are just one of the many reasons why Cobh, Ireland is such a charming place to visit. Fascinating historic sites and warm Irish hospitality are standout features of this picturesque port town. If available, a visit to the famous Blarney Castle and Stone in Cork is not to be missed.
- Full Board
Day Seven: At Sea
As we make our way towards Tilbury, maybe treat yourself to a treatment in the spa or do a little onboard shopping.
- Full Board
Day Eight: London Tilbury (United Kingdom) 0800
This morning, we dock at London Tilbury. After a final breakfast on board, we disembark the Ambience for our onward journey home.
Accommodation
MV Ambience
Ambassador's flagship of the fleet: Ambience. Derived from the French word for ‘surrounding’, the ambition at Ambassador is to create the optimum atmosphere onboard; one that brings out the best in each of us. The perfect ambience.
With an average 1,400-guest capacity and careful configuration, she offers both a feeling of spaciousness and freedom, whilst retaining that sense of intimacy and camaraderie we each crave; it’s whatever makes you comfortable.
Facilities include
Entertainment-wise, you'll be spoilt for choice. Let your hair down at the Observatory and bring out your finest ensembles for shows at The Palladium. Whether you like it shaken or stirred, there are numerous bars to whet your whistle.
Dining options are plentiful at their Buckingham restaurant or the Borough Market and the glorious Alfresco Grill. Wining and dining are more than fine at Saffron*, Sea & Grass* or our deluxe Chef’s Table*, where a speciality gastronomic experience is offered that’s not to be missed.
Ambience offers the Aces & Eights bridge and card room and the Ambassador Casino, the gym and Wellness Centre, Brontë’s library, the shopping galleria, not to mention a swimming pool, two hot tubs and a large screen for outdoor movies.
*Supplementary charges apply
Room includes
A range of cabins span seven accommodation decks from the Aloe deck 4 up to the Ambassador deck 11. The cabins are more spacious to cater to today’s climate, averaging 17-18 square meters. All cabins are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities including a shower and ample storage space with room under the beds to store suitcases. Most of cabins can be converted to a double bed.
All cabins have a tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge, hair dryer, personal safe, UK three pin electrical sockets and USB ports. There is also a flat screen TV (please note, TV reception is subject to weather conditions and the geographic location of the ship).
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Ambassador Cruiseline Updates COVID-19 protocols
Ambassador Cruise Line is pleased to advise that pre-departure Covid-19 testing will not be required on most sailings* from 3 April onwards. The company’s policy remains to follow the guidance set out by the EU Healthy Gateways recommendations, and it has made this change after careful consideration and discussions with its independent advisors and London Port Health Authority.
Ambassador continues to have very low rates of Covid-19 cases on board and believe the time is right to relax the requirement to conduct tests prior to sailing. In line with the updated policy, adult guests who have received two doses only of a UK-approved vaccine will now be able to freely travel, with no requirement for guests under the age of 18 to have been vaccinated. Guests displaying Covid-19 symptoms within 72 hours of departure are encouraged to take a test at home as a courtesy to their fellow travellers and to contact their travel insurance provider if results are positive.
Ambassador remains one of the most Covid-conscious cruise lines in the industry, and light-touch preventative measures will continue to be enforced onboard. Guests testing positive will be required to self-isolate until they have tested negative for two consecutive days, and, while social distancing and mask-wearing remains at our guest’s discretion, the cruise line politely requests that measures continue to be respected and adhered to where possible.
Ambassador will closely monitor cases on board and reserves the right to update the conditions of travel including the re-introduction of pre-departure testing if it has any concerns. For full terms and conditions, please visit www.ambassadorcruiseline.com/before-you-sail/covid-reassurance/
Insurance
All guests should have adequate travel insurance in place before travelling. Details should be provided at time of booking.
Passports
A passport is essential for all cruises, including mini-cruises and sailings around the British Isles and Republic of Ireland and all British Citizens, must hold a full ten-year passport. For travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules. Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
- 1. less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
- 2. valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’).
For travel outside of the EU your passport should be valid for 6 months after the date of your return. If you do not hold a valid 10-year British passport, please note it can take up to twelve weeks to obtain a new one.
It is the responsibility of holders of non-British passports to check with the relevant consular authorities of the countries to be visited to ascertain if there are any specific restrictions or requirements for their planned itinerary. Any guest arriving at the departure port without a passport, or with incorrect documentation, will not be allowed to embark. Such circumstances are not covered by insurance and no refund claims will be entertained.
Safety on Board
Shortly before the ship sails, or if this is not possible within 24 hours of departure, a full safety drill will be held, and this compulsory exercise will give guests precise information of what to do and where to muster in the event of an emergency on board as well as important instructions about life jackets and the emergency procedures in place. In the event of adverse weather or sea conditions, it is important to take extra care moving around the ship, making use of the handrails and heeding any special instructions given over the P.A. system. In certain sea conditions, use of the guest lifts may be suspended for the duration and outside cabins on the lower decks may have protective covers, known as deadlights, placed over their portholes. These covers will therefore exclude natural light from the cabins affected. Such restrictions will be lifted as soon as it is practicable
Security
For your complete security and peace of mind, there are stringent security measures in force, particularly at UK ports. All cabin baggage will be electronically screened, hand baggage may be examined, and you will be required to pass through an X-Ray arch before boarding the vessel. At embarkation, the barcode on your boarding pass will be used for gangway control purposes and will validate you as a bona fide guest. Once onboard, you will find your personalised ID cruise card in your cabin and this will be used for all onboard purchases and also, as security each time to leave and re-join the vessel.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted inside the ships. Consequently, all internal areas, comprising cabins, lounges, restaurants and other public rooms are non-smoking areas. Designated areas for smokers are available externally in selected areas of the open decks. Ambassador reserve the right to alter their smoking policy during the cruising season and should new national or international maritime legislation subsequently affect this policy, guests will be informed on board accordingly. E-cigarettes or similar are only permitted to be used in designated smoking areas.
Special Diets
If you have a particular dietary requirement, the following dietary options can be offered: Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegan and Vegetarian Meals. If you have not done so at the time of booking, please advise any requirements no later than four weeks before departure.
Valuables
Each cabin has the facility of a personal safe for your valuables and important papers. The Company is not responsible for any theft or loss of any items not kept in the safety boxes. The Company does not accept responsibility for loss or theft of cameras, video cameras, chargers and other valuable electrical items which are your responsibility at all times
Visitors
Due to the stringent security measures in force, it is regretted that it is not possible to allow visitors onboard our vessels at any port of call.
What are some commonly used cruise terms I should know?
A few of the commonly used terms to get you ready to set sail.
Aft – the back or near the back of the ship Atrium – the central court (or centre area) of a cruise ship, usually rising through more than one story of the ship’s interior
Berth – a built-in bed or bunk, as in a ship’s cabin or stateroom Bow – the very front of the ship Bridge – the navigational control centre Cabin Steward – a person whose work is to take care of the guests aboard a ship.
Captain – the person in command of a ship Deck Plan – an overhead diagram of the cabins and the public rooms
Disembark – to unload (passengers or goods) from a ship Dock – where your ship ‘parks’ when in port Forward – faces the front of the boat Gangway – allows you access on and off the ship Knot – a nautical mile (see Nautical below)
Midship – the middle of the ship Muster – to come together or assemble aboard ship for inspection or roll call Muster Station – a specific location on ship to gather, based on stateroom assignment
Nautical – of or having to do with sailors, ships, or navigation. A unit of speed of one nautical mile (6,076.12 feet or 1,852 metres) an hour: abbrev. kn or kt [to average a speed of 10 knots]
Pier – a structure built out over the water and supported by pillars or piles: used as a landing place.
Port – the left-hand side of a ship as one faces forward: opposed to starboard. Port – so named because the side toward the port (dock), since the steering oar (see starboard) prevented docking to the right.
Port of Call – regular stopover(s) on a cruise itinerary.
Purser – a ship’s officer in charge of accounts, freight, tickets, etc., esp. on a passenger vessel. Important to you – a Purser takes responsibility for all money, transactions.
Port – the left hand side of the ship whilst facing forward (bow). Easy to remember since “port” and “left” each have four letters.
Ship – You always cruise on a “ship”, never a “boat” Starboard – the right side of the ship whilst facing forward (bow).
Stern – the very back of the ship Tender – a boat for carrying passengers to or from a ship close to shore.
Room Serviice
You will find a 24-hour room service menu in your cabin, offering a range of drinks and snacks, both hot and cold. Room service costs will be charged to your onboard account.
Are pool towels provided?
In all cabins, there are beach towels for your use around the pools and open decks. If you should take them ashore, please ensure you bring these back to the ship or you may be charged for a replacement.
Cruise Documentation
As a sustainable cruise line, all cruise information and documentation will be available through the ‘My Ambassador Sailing’ page on the website or through the Ambassador App. You will need an email address to be able to update your information, book destination experiences, drinks packages, car parking or coaching, as well as check-in for your cruise. Please note we do not offer any printed documentation.
Is there a laundrette on board?
Yes, Ambience has a self-service laundrette that guests can use for a small charge.
What happens if there is no Solos Tour Leader
If there is no Solos Tour Leader on board, don’t worry you will be looked after by Ambassador's Guest Services. There will be meet up points so you can meet all the other solo guests on the ship. Details of these meetings will be placed in your cabin or in the daily newsletter.
Embarkation/Disembarkation Arrangements
The embarkation procedures at UK ports normally commence four hours before the published sailing time. For final disembarkation, you should allow approximately 90 minutes from the scheduled arrival time before disembarkation will commence. The full embarkation procedures and timings will be confirmed with your cruise documentation, usually 72 hours before sailing.
Electrical Appliances
All cabins feature 110v and 220v current and have an electrical socket to allow small appliances such as electric shavers, electric rollers and hair stylers to be used. All cabins have UK 3 pin sockets. For safety reasons, irons and water heating devices are not permitted to be used onboard.
Gratuities
Ambassador operate an automatic system whereby an amount of £7.00 per person per night (this amount reduces to £6.00 per person per night for cruises of 16 nights or more in duration) and is automatically added to your onboard account. This also includes all service charges for drinks. All monies are collated, so a portion goes to each crew member, who helps to make your cruise special.
This is not only distributed to your cabin steward and your waiter or bar attendant; it is also between the hidden stars behind the scenes, such as laundry operatives and kitchen staff, who you might never get to meet in person.
If you notice an issue that makes you think twice about our service charge, be sure to speak with the Guest Services desk who will try to resolve the matter before removing gratuities becomes necessary. Even if you had a negative experience with a particular employee, seriously consider whether it warrants removing your gratuities altogether, keeping in mind that because of one crew member the whole team is affected.
Onboard Payments
All prices onboard are quoted in sterling. A cashless system is in operation for all your onboard purchases. An account is opened for you at the start of your cruise for purchasing goods and services on board. All purchases are charged to your shipboard account and a final invoice is presented at the end of the cruise itemising all charges. This can be settled by MasterCard or Visa credit cards, or by Visa debit cards.
Guests who prefer to pay by cash may top-up their cruise card by visiting reception. Guests wishing to charge onboard expenditure to their credit card must register their chosen card during the embarkation process. Your card will be pre-authorized for £150. This pre-authorization will appear on your bank statement as a pending transaction until the end of your cruise.
During your cruise Ambassador will top-up your pre-authorised or pending amount in line with your account activity. You can check your account balance at any time using the ALL ABOARD APP, or at the self-service kiosks located around the ship. Your account will be closed at 0300 hrs on the day of disembarkation, at which point your onboard balance will be settled automatically and any remaining pre-authorised amount will be cancelled within 24 hours.
Please note any purchases made after this point must be cash only. Please allow 3-5 days for this to be reflected in your bank account.
Medical Services
The services of the qualified medical staff are available to you onboard in the event of ‘mal de mer’ or an emergency. It should be noted that the NHS does not cover treatment on the ship and there is a scale of charges for surgery visits and medical treatment. Such charges, which are usually claimable under your travel insurance policy, less any excess amounts, must be paid in full before your final disembarkation. Seasickness tablets are available from Reception at a nominal charge.
Duty Free Sales
DUTY-FREE SALES
The onboard shops are open daily when the ship is at sea, but local customs regulations do not permit the sale of duty-free goods whilst a ship is in port. It should be noted that alcohol and tobacco products purchased will only be delivered to your cabin on the last day of the cruise. If alcohol and tobacco products are purchased ashore, these will be taken from you at the gangway and stored until the last night of the cruise. Drink and tobacco may of course be purchased throughout the cruise from the ships’ bars at the listed shipboard prices.
