“It will take us approximately five hours to arrive at the mouth of the Thames,” Captain Egil Aune informs us from the bridge as we embark on our journey. The passage along the 40 miles of the London waterway is surprisingly tranquil, especially after the efficiency we experienced at the outset of our weekend mini-cruise. We boarded the Ambassador’s flagship, the Ambience, at the London International Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, Essex, in what felt like record time for a European departure. It takes us just 30 minutes from dropping our luggage at the car park to checking in, clearing security, and reaching our cabin. In stark contrast to our recent European flight a fortnight prior, where we spent two hours navigating various queues at Naples Airport while encountering the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), our embarkation is refreshingly smooth. The UK government website clarifies that sailings commencing and concluding outside of the Schengen area, such as from a UK port, are typically exempt from EES checks for any European day trips. While we carry our passports, only our cruise card, which serves as a boarding pass, payment method, and room key, is scanned during disembarkation in Belgium and the Netherlands.
A Weekend Escape Across the North Sea
Our cruise is a three-night weekend getaway to the Netherlands and Belgium—perfect for those new to sailing to acclimatise to life at sea. The itinerary includes port stops at IJmuiden, the gateway to Amsterdam, and Zeebrugge, which provides access to Bruges. Notably, Ambience is an adults-only vessel accommodating 1,400 guests, although the muster station safety drill is the only occasion we truly grasp how busy it could potentially become. It’s surprising to learn that the ship is 35 years old, as its decor is modern and distinctly British-themed, featuring a Centre Court atrium that gives the entire vessel a spacious feel. Throughout our journey, we encounter no difficulties finding seating in restaurants or bars, and there’s a refreshing absence of towels reserving sun loungers around the modest outdoor pool.
Upon entering our spacious cabin, we are greeted with a fruit bowl, our names elegantly piped in chocolate next to a generous box of Ferrero Rocher—a playful nod to the well-known advertisement—and a bottle of sparkling wine, which we eagerly take out to the balcony to toast the adventure ahead. We make our way to the Lido deck, where some passengers are already enjoying lunch by the pool. This space also serves as the ideal setting for Friday night drinks, with a pleasant river breeze alleviating the heat of the sun and offering spectacular panoramic views.
Culinary Delights and Entertainment Onboard
All dining options in the Buckingham Restaurant, Alfresco Grill, and the Borough Market buffet are included in our fare, although there are three premium dining options available. We indulge in a delightful £20 three-course Indian meal at Saffron on our final evening, but the highlight is undoubtedly the sailaway dinner at the Chef’s Table. Although it carries an additional charge of £89 each, it does not skimp on either theatrical flair or flavour, featuring eight exquisite courses paired with wines, a cheese board, and coffee. My oyster amuse-bouche arrives under a smoke-filled cloche, while the beef fillet accompanied by lobster tail is prepared to our individual preferences—a commendable feat for a table of ten. The dessert, a whimsical candyfloss tree atop an espresso crème brûlée, elicits delighted gasps from all.
After dinner, we venture to the double-storey Palladium theatre for a disco show featuring a troupe of ten, showcasing commendable live renditions of Bee Gees harmonies. The musical experience continues at the Observatory, which transforms from a serene daytime lounge with panoramic views over the bow into a lively nightclub featuring a live DJ. Situated high on deck 14, the soundproofing ensures that we are undisturbed when we finally retreat to our cabin to rest our dancing feet.
Exploring the Charm of Haarlem
When envisioning the Netherlands in springtime, vibrant deckchair-striped fields of tulips come to mind. While Ambience offers an excursion to the renowned Keukenhof Gardens, we decide to explore the charming, smaller city of Haarlem instead, as we are nearing the end of the flowering season. Haarlem, which predates Amsterdam by 30 years, offers a far less crowded experience, allowing us to soak in its picturesque surroundings and rich history.
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