Ambassador’s top cruise destinations include Norwegian fjords (Geiranger, Flam), Mediterranean ports (Rome, Barcelona, Greek islands), Baltic capitals (Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki) and Caribbean islands (Barbados, St. Kitts, Martinique). Itineraries range 7-14 nights from seven UK ports, with Caribbean routes operating as fly-cruises from Barbados during winter months.
My Iceland cruise was absolutely incredible, honestly, I’d never seen anything like it. There was this brilliant lecturer on board who did these fascinating talks about Vikings and volcanoes, which made wandering around Reykjavik so much more interesting than just randomly sightseeing. I’ve already gone and booked Norway for next year! Word of warning though, take loads of warm stuff even if you’re going in summer. I was absolutely frozen in July! Spent most of the deck time wrapped up like a mummy.
Want to know more about Ambassador’s sophisticated adults-only cruises, their smaller ships, no-fly departures from eight regional UK ports, and unique destinations? Read our full Ambassador Cruises Guide.
Norwegian Fjords: The Crown Jewel
Everyone raves about Norwegian fjords ports and they’re absolutely right to do so. The UNESCO World Heritage sites of Geiranger and Nærøyfjord are jaw-droppingly spectacular, but here’s what the brochures don’t tell you. The weather can be absolutely bonkers, even in summer. I’ve seen it rain sideways whilst the sun’s shining, then suddenly clear to reveal the most stunning waterfalls you’ve ever seen.
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I’ve done Norway cruise ports and here’s my insider tip: position yourself on the port side when sailing into Geiranger. Trust me on this one – the views are absolutely spectacular. Also, don’t bother with the expensive ship excursions to the Dalsnibba viewpoint, the queue for the tourist coaches is mental. Instead, grab a local taxi from the port, it’s half the price and twice as quick. The fjords are definitely one of Ambassador’s top destinations for a reason.
Best Norwegian Ports for First-Timers
- Flam: The railway journey is touristy but genuinely spectacular
- Bergen Port: Skip the fish market chaos, head to the Fløibanen funicular instead
- Ålesund: Climb the 418 steps to Aksla viewpoint, your legs will hate you but your camera will love you
- Stavanger: Gateway to Preikestolen, but only if you’re seriously fit
Mediterranean Magic
The Mediterranean cruises are where Ambassador really shines. Their smaller ships can squeeze into ports that the mega-liners simply can’t reach. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve smugly waved at passengers on massive ships anchored miles offshore whilst we’re docked right in the heart of places like Kotor or Portofino.
Here’s something that’ll surprise you: the best Mediterranean weather isn’t always in peak summer. September and early October offer warm seas, fewer crowds and significantly cheaper shore excursions. Plus, you won’t feel like you’re melting on deck in the midday sun.
Amazing places in the Western Mediterranean
The Western Mediterranean cruise ports include some absolute crackers that bigger ships bypass. Mahón in Menorca has one of the world’s largest natural harbours and the gin distillery tours are brilliant. In Palamos, Spain, skip the tourist restaurants and head to La Gamba Roja for the most incredible prawns you’ll ever taste.
| Port | Best Time to Visit | Insider Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | Early morning or late afternoon | Use the port shuttle to avoid taxi queues |
| Rome (Civitavecchia) | Book independent tours | Ship excursions are overpriced and rushed |
| Monaco | Walk from port | 15 minutes to Monte Carlo, save the shuttle fee |
| Palma | Tuesday-Thursday | Cathedral visits are free on weekdays |
Baltic Capitals Adventure
The Baltic itineraries are absolutely fascinating, particularly for history buffs. Stockholm’s Gamla Stan is gorgeous but absolutely rammed with tourists. Here’s my secret: take the ferry to Djurgården island instead. You’ll find the Vasa Museum and Skansen, plus some lovely waterside cafés that locals actually use.
Copenhagen’s Nyhavn is Instagram heaven but the coffee’s overpriced and frankly a bit rubbish. Walk 10 minutes to Torvehallerne food market for proper Danish pastries and excellent coffee at half the price. In Helsinki, everyone heads to the Market Square, but the real gem is the Temppeliaukio Rock Church, carved directly into solid rock.
Caribbean Fly-Cruises
The Ambassador Caribbean cruises operate as fly-cruises from Barbados, which is brilliant because you avoid the Bay of Biscay crossing that can be rather lumpy in winter. The flight’s long but worth it for guaranteed sunshine.
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Martinique is absolutely stunning but French is essential for getting the best out of shore excursions. St. Kitts has a brilliant scenic railway that follows the old sugar plantation route, and the views are spectacular. Barbados itself deserves a proper explore, not just the usual rum distillery tours.
Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice
The Iceland cruise ship ports guide will tell you about the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle, but honestly, these are tourist traps. In Reykjavik, head to the Harpa Concert Hall for free, the architecture’s stunning and there’s often free lunchtime concerts. For a proper thermal experience without the crowds, try the Laugardalur public pools where locals actually go.
What to Pack for Iceland
- Waterproof jacket (not just water-resistant, properly waterproof)
- Warm layers, even in summer
- Comfortable waterproof walking boots
- Woolly hat and gloves
- Camera with extra batteries (cold drains them fast)
Scottish Highlands and Islands
The Scotland cruise ship ports guide covers the basics, but here’s what you need to know about Scottish weather: it’s unpredictable, often spectacular and changes every 10 minutes. I’ve seen all four seasons in a single afternoon in Orkney.
In the Shetlands, skip the pony farms and head to the archaeological sites instead. Skara Brae is older than Stonehenge and far more impressive. On Skye, everyone goes to the Old Man of Storr, but the Quiraing is less crowded and equally stunning.
Canary Islands: Year-Round Sunshine
The Canary Islands cruise ship port guide explains why these islands are perfect for winter cruising. Each island has its own character. Lanzarote’s lunar landscape is extraordinary, Tenerife has proper mountains and beaches, whilst Gran Canaria offers the best shopping.
Pro tip: in Las Palmas port, the ship usually docks right in the city centre. Walk to the old quarter instead of taking expensive shore excursions to the sand dunes.
Planning Your Ambassador Cruise
The Ambassador Cruises itineraries are carefully planned to maximise port time, often staying later than other cruise lines. This means you can enjoy dinner ashore in Mediterranean ports, something that’s impossible with earlier departures.
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When it comes to Ambassador Cruises shore excursions, they’re generally good value and well-organised, but don’t feel obligated to book everything through the ship. Independent exploration often yields the best discoveries.
Bonus Tips from 100+ Cruises
- Book balcony cabins for Norwegian fjords, inside cabins for Caribbean
- Pack a small day bag for shore excursions with waterproofs and snacks
- Download offline maps before sailing, ship WiFi can be patchy in remote areas
- Bring a reusable water bottle, most ports have free water fountains
- Exchange some cash before sailing, card payments aren’t always accepted in smaller ports
- Pack seasickness tablets even if you don’t usually get sick, the Bay of Biscay can be rough
Best Times to Cruise Each Destination
| Destination | Ideal Months | Weather | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Fjords | May-September | Mild, changeable | High in July-August |
| Mediterranean | April-June, September-October | Warm, less humid | Moderate |
| Baltic | May-September | Pleasant, long days | Moderate |
| Caribbean | November-April | Warm, dry | High December-March |
| Iceland | June-August | Cool, unpredictable | High |
| Canary Islands | Year-round | Mild, sunny | High November-March |
Common Questions and FAQ
Do Ambassador ships actually visit smaller ports that big ships can’t reach?
Yes, absolutely. Ambience and Ambition carry around 1,400 passengers compared to 5,000+ on mega-ships. I’ve docked in places like Portofino, Kotor and smaller Norwegian villages where the big ships have to anchor offshore and tender passengers in.
Are the shore excursions suitable for different fitness levels?
Ambassador grades their excursions clearly. Easy walking tours are genuinely easy, but “moderate” can be quite challenging. I learned this the hard way in Santorini! Always read the small print about walking distances and terrain.
Can you really see the Northern Lights on Iceland cruises?
Only on autumn and winter sailings when there’s sufficient darkness. Summer Iceland cruises have virtually 24-hour daylight, which is magical for sightseeing but hopeless for aurora viewing. The ship’s guest lecturers are usually excellent at explaining optimal viewing conditions.
How rough are the seas on different itineraries?
Bay of Biscay crossings to Spain can be choppy, especially in winter. Norwegian coastal waters are usually calmer than expected due to the sheltered fjords. The Baltic is generally smooth, whilst Caribbean seas depend entirely on weather patterns and hurricane season.
Are UK departure ports actually convenient for regional passengers?
Much more convenient than driving to Southampton. I’ve used Liverpool, Newcastle and Belfast, and the parking is cheaper and less stressful. Plus, you’re on holiday from the moment you board rather than after a long drive south.
What’s the dress code like compared to other cruise lines?
Refreshingly relaxed. Smart casual for dinner, with a couple of formal nights per cruise. No need for black tie or ball gowns, a decent shirt and trousers or dress is perfectly fine. The adults-only atmosphere means less pressure to dress up.
