Ambassador Christmas cruises have festive sailings from UK ports to destinations including the Canary Islands and Northern Europe. Ships are decorated with seasonal displays, gala dinners and entertainment, offering passengers a traditional British holiday experience at sea without the need for air travel.
Christmas at sea was absolutely magical, ship all done up with decorations and a proper festive atmosphere without all the commercial nonsense you get on land. Traditional Christmas dinner was spot on and those German Christmas markets were like something out of a fairy tale. So much more relaxing than the usual family chaos and kitchen stress we normally put ourselves through.
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.
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Ambassador’s Christmas Cruise Fleet
Ambassador operates three ships for their Christmas sailings, each offering distinctly different experiences. Ambition and Ambience are exclusively adults-only for their winter programmes, whilst Renaissance welcomes multi-generational families on their fly-cruise Caribbean itineraries.
| Ship | Guest Policy | Capacity | Departure Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambition | Adults-only (18+) | 1,200 | UK port departures |
| Ambience | Adults-only (18+) | 1,400 | UK port departures |
| Renaissance | Multi-generational (3-17 welcome) | 1,250 | Fly-cruises |
The adults-only policy on Ambition and Ambience creates a sophisticated atmosphere that’s particularly appealing during Christmas. Think refined dining, peaceful deck areas and entertainment that doesn’t involve cartoon characters. However, Renaissance’s family-friendly approach means grandparents can enjoy Christmas markets with the grandkids in tow.
Winter Itineraries and Destinations
Ambassador’s Christmas cruise destinations span from the sun-soaked Canary Islands to the twinkling Christmas markets of Northern Europe. Ambassador cruises destinations during winter months focus on accessible ports with genuine cultural experiences.
Canary Islands Winter Escapes
The Canaries offer that perfect Christmas compromise, warm enough for deck lounging but festive enough to feel seasonal. Expect:
- Las Palmas with its stunning cathedral and historic Vegueta quarter
- Tenerife’s Mount Teide backdrop and charming Puerto de la Cruz
- Madeira’s legendary Christmas lights and Funchal’s botanical gardens
- Lanzarote’s unique volcanic landscapes and César Manrique art centres
Temperature-wise, you’re looking at pleasant 20-22°C days, perfect for those winter cruise outfit ideas for women that bridge seasons.
Northern European Christmas Markets
Christmas market cruise cities feature heavily in Ambassador’s winter programme:
- Hamburg’s traditional Weihnachtsmärkte with their wooden stalls and glühwein
- Amsterdam’s canal-side markets and cosy brown cafés
- Bruges’ medieval Christmas atmosphere and chocolate workshops
- Copenhagen’s hygge-filled winter charm and twinkling Tivoli Gardens
Pro tip from someone who’s done this route multiple times: pack layers and waterproof shoes. Northern European Christmas markets are magical, but they’re also muddy and often drizzly.
Festive Onboard Activities and Entertainment
Ambassador’s entertainment during Christmas sailings strikes a lovely balance between traditional British festivities and sophisticated cruise experiences.
Traditional Christmas Programming
- Christmas Day gala dinner with all the trimmings
- Carol services in the ship’s theatre
- Mince pie and mulled wine receptions
- Christmas quiz nights with proper British humour
- Boxing Day themed entertainment and activities
- New Year’s Eve celebrations with champagne and dancing
Sophisticated Adult Entertainment
Without children aboard Ambition and Ambience, the entertainment takes on a more refined edge:
- Jazz evenings in intimate lounges
- Wine tasting sessions featuring European Christmas wines
- Guest lectures about destinations and history
- Bridge tournaments and card games
- Afternoon tea with Christmas theming
- Live music that spans decades, not just current hits
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Dining During Christmas Cruises
Christmas dining aboard Ambassador ships celebrates British culinary traditions whilst incorporating international influences from ports of call.
Christmas Day Feast
The Christmas Day dinner aboard Ambassador ships is genuinely impressive. We’re talking proper roast turkey, roast beef, all the traditional vegetables, Christmas pudding with brandy butter and crackers at every table. The main dining room gets decorated with proper table settings, not plastic nonsense.
Speciality Dining Options
- Traditional afternoon tea service with Christmas cakes
- Speciality restaurants offering regional European Christmas dishes
- Informal buffet options for lighter Christmas Eve meals
- Room service available for those preferring private dining
- Late-night snacks for New Year’s Eve revellers
Insider tip: Book speciality restaurant tables early in your cruise. Christmas Day slots fill up faster than you’d expect, even on adults-only ships.
What to Pack for Ambassador Christmas Cruises
Packing for a Christmas cruise requires strategic thinking, particularly if you’re combining sunny Canaries with chilly Northern European ports.
Essential Clothing Items
- Formal wear for Christmas gala dinners (men: dinner jacket; women: cocktail dress)
- Warm, waterproof jacket for Christmas market exploration
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobblestones
- Layers for varying port climates
- Elegant casual wear for onboard dining
- Warm accessories: gloves, scarves, hats for Northern European ports
Christmas Cruise Extras
- Small gifts for Secret Santa exchanges (often organised by entertainment team)
- Festive clothing for themed nights
- Camera with extra battery for Christmas market photo opportunities
- European plug adapters for various ports
- Cash for Christmas market purchases (many still prefer cash to cards)
Booking Tips and Insider Secrets
After nearly two decades of cruising, I’ve learned that timing and flexibility are everything when booking Christmas New Year cruises.
Best Booking Timing
Christmas cruises sell out faster than almost any other sailing. Here’s when to book:
- Early bookers (January-March): Best cabin selection and early booking discounts
- Last-minute deals (October-November): Risky but sometimes offers excellent value
- Avoid booking in: April-June when prices peak without added benefits
Cabin Selection Strategies
- Interior cabins offer excellent value as you’ll spend most time in public areas
- Balcony cabins worth the upgrade for Northern European scenic cruising
- Avoid cabins directly below or above entertainment venues (noise factor)
- Midship locations offer most stability in rougher winter seas
Money-Saving Insider Tips
- Book shore excursions independently for Christmas markets (often half the price)
- Bring your own Christmas decorations for cabin personalisation
- Use onboard credit strategically for speciality dining or drinks packages
- Consider repositioning cruises that include Christmas dates for exceptional value
Potential Challenges and How to Handle Them
What can go wrong on Christmas cruises and how to manage expectations.
Weather Considerations
Winter cruising brings weather challenges that summer sailors never face:
- Rough seas: North Sea and Atlantic can be choppy in winter months
- Itinerary changes: Weather may force port substitutions or missed stops
- Limited daylight: Northern European ports have short winter days
- Cold temperatures: Deck activities may be limited in northern destinations
Crowd and Service Issues
- Christmas cruises attract capacity crowds, meaning busier public areas
- Restaurant reservations book up faster than usual
- Shore excursion spots fill quickly for popular Christmas markets
- Longer queues for embarkation and disembarkation during holiday periods
The solution? Build flexibility into your expectations and have backup plans for every port day.
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Value for Money Analysis
Christmas cruises command premium prices, but Ambassador offers better value than many competitors, particularly for British cruisers.
What’s Included
- All meals in main dining room and buffet
- Most onboard entertainment and activities
- Use of ship facilities including pools, gym and deck areas
- Christmas Day special programming and meals
Additional Costs to Budget For
- Drinks packages (worthwhile if you enjoy wine with dinner)
- Speciality dining (budget £25-40 per person per meal)
- Shore excursions (Christmas markets typically £30-60 per person)
- Spa treatments (popular during sea days)
- Gratuities (approximately £10 per person per day)
Compared to Land-Based Christmas Holidays
When you factor in accommodation, all meals, entertainment and transport between destinations, Christmas cruises often offer better value than equivalent hotel-based holidays, particularly in expensive Northern European cities.
Solo Traveller Considerations
Ambassador’s adults-only ships create an ideal environment for solo Christmas travellers, though single supplements can be steep during peak season.
Solo-Friendly Aspects
- Sophisticated passenger demographic makes conversation easier
- Organised activities facilitate meeting like-minded people
- No families means quieter, more relaxed atmosphere
- Excellent for solo dining without feeling out of place
Potential Drawbacks
- Christmas can feel particularly couple-focused in some activities
- Single supplements often 100% of double occupancy rate
- Some shore excursions pair participants, potentially leaving solo travellers odd-out
Regional UK Port Departures
One of Ambassador’s strongest selling points is their eight regional UK departure ports, eliminating expensive and stressful airport transfers during busy Christmas travel periods.
Available Departure Ports
- Liverpool: Northern England convenience, good parking facilities
- Tilbury: London area access without central London hassle
- Bristol: Southwest England and Wales accessibility
- Newcastle: Northeast England and Scotland convenience
- Belfast: Northern Ireland and western Scotland access
- Falmouth: Cornwall and southwest England departure point
- Dundee: Eastern Scotland convenience
Choosing your departure port strategically can save hundreds in travel costs and eliminate airport stress during the busiest travel period of the year.
Christmas Market Shore Excursions
Christmas markets are the highlight of Northern European winter cruises, but knowing which ones to prioritise makes all the difference.
Must-Visit Markets
| Port | Market Highlights | Insider Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburg | Traditional wooden stalls, handcrafted ornaments | Visit Rathaus market for authentic atmosphere |
| Amsterdam | Canal-side setting, unique Dutch specialities | Combine with museum visits on rainy days |
| Bruges | Medieval backdrop, famous chocolate vendors | Evening visits offer magical lighting |
| Copenhagen | Hygge atmosphere, Scandinavian design items | Tivoli Gardens worth the separate entrance fee |
Shopping Strategy
- Bring cash, many vendors still prefer it to cards
- Shop early in the day before coach tour crowds arrive
- Focus on unique local items rather than generic Christmas tat
- Consider shipping costs for fragile ornaments and glassware
- Taste before buying food items, quality varies enormously
Health and Safety Considerations
Winter cruising brings specific health and safety considerations that summer cruisers don’t face.
Health Preparations
- Bring seasickness medication, winter seas can be rougher
- Pack warm, waterproof clothing to prevent chills during port visits
- Consider flu vaccinations before sailing (ships are enclosed environments)
- Bring extra medications in case of weather-related itinerary delays
Safety Tips
- Wear shoes with good grip for potentially icy port walkways
- Be cautious on wet ship decks during winter weather
- Keep emergency contact information updated with ship’s purser
- Understand ship’s procedures for rough weather conditions
Common Questions and FAQ
Do Ambassador Christmas cruises sell out quickly?
Yes, Christmas cruises typically sell out 6-9 months in advance, particularly the popular Northern European Christmas market itineraries. Book by March for best cabin selection and pricing.
Can I bring my own Christmas decorations for my cabin?
Absolutely! Many passengers bring small decorations to personalise their cabins. Avoid anything with open flames or that needs to be attached permanently to walls. Battery-operated lights and small ornaments work perfectly.
Are Christmas markets accessible if I have mobility issues?
Most traditional Christmas markets are in historic city centres with cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces. However, larger markets like Hamburg’s Rathaus market have better accessibility. Contact Ambassador’s shore excursion desk for specific accessibility information.
What happens if weather forces the ship to miss Christmas market ports?
Ships may substitute alternative ports or extend time in unaffected destinations. Travel insurance is essential as cruise lines aren’t required to compensate for weather-related itinerary changes, though they often provide onboard credit as goodwill.
Is formal wear required for Christmas Day dinner?
Yes, Christmas Day dinner is typically a formal night requiring dinner jackets for men and cocktail dresses or elegant separates for women. However, the main buffet usually remains smart casual if you prefer not to dress formally.
Do solo travellers pay single supplements on Christmas cruises?
Unfortunately yes, single supplements during Christmas period are typically 100% of the double occupancy rate. Occasionally Ambassador offers reduced single supplements on specific sailings, but these are rare during peak Christmas weeks.
