Ambassador Cruise Line operates 3 smaller ships (1,100-1,400 passengers) with adults-only policies and intimate atmosphere, whilst P&O Cruises runs larger vessels (2,000-5,000 passengers) welcoming all ages with extensive facilities. Ambassador focuses on destination-rich itineraries and personalised service, whereas P&O offers multiple dining venues, entertainment complexes and family amenities. Both provide no-fly UK departures with British-style cruising experiences.
P&O’s fine if you’ve got kids to keep entertained, but after trying one of their family cruises we much prefer Ambassador’s grown-up approach. P&O’s got more facilities and entertainment options, but we’re more interested in where we’re going than what’s happening on the ship really. Different horses for different courses I suppose.
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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The Big Picture: What Sets These Lines Apart
The fundamental difference between Ambassador and P&O Cruises isn’t just size, it’s philosophy. Ambassador treats cruising like a sophisticated journey where the ship is your floating hotel between fascinating destinations. P&O approaches it more like a floating resort where the ship itself is the main attraction.
Here’s something most people don’t realise: Ambassador’s smaller ships can access ports that P&O’s mega-ships simply can’t reach. I’ve sailed into tiny Norwegian fjords and Mediterranean harbours on Ambassador where we were the only cruise ship, whilst P&O passengers were queuing with thousands of others at the usual tourist hotspots.
Ship Size and Passenger Experience
| Feature | Ambassador | P&O |
|---|---|---|
| Ship Capacity | 1,100-1,400 passengers | 2,000-5,000+ passengers |
| Passenger-to-crew ratio | 2.5:1 (more personalised) | 3.5:1 (standard service) |
| Dining venues | 3-4 restaurants | 8-15+ dining options |
| Entertainment venues | 1 main theatre | Multiple theatres, cinemas, clubs |
| Pool decks | 2 smaller pools | 4-6 pools including water parks |
The smaller ship experience means you’ll recognise faces after a few days, staff remember your name and preferences and there’s never a mad scramble for deck chairs. On P&O’s larger ships you’re more anonymous, which some people actually prefer, but service feels more impersonal.
Adults-Only vs Family-Friendly Approaches
Ambassador’s adults-only policy (minimum age 18) transforms the entire cruise experience. No children running around pools, no family entertainment dominating evening shows and conversations at dinner tend toward travel experiences rather than school holidays.
However, Ambassador does offer select multi-generational cruises during school holidays where children aged 3-17 are welcome, plus their Renaissance ship accommodates families on fly-cruises. It’s worth checking if your chosen sailing is truly adults-only or one of these family-friendly exceptions.
P&O excels at family cruising with:
- Kids’ clubs for different age groups
- Family-friendly entertainment and shows
- Water slides and splash zones
- Babysitting services
- Family-sized cruise cabins including interconnecting rooms
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Dining and Cuisine Comparisons
P&O wins on variety with specialty restaurants ranging from Indian to steakhouses, plus 24-hour room service. Their buffets are massive with international stations, though quality can be inconsistent across different venues.
Ambassador focuses on fewer dining options but higher quality. Their main dining room changes menus nightly with proper British and international cuisine. The food feels more like quality hotel dining rather than mass catering. Their afternoon tea service puts P&O’s to shame and I always look forward to their formal dining nights.
Insider tip: Ambassador’s speciality dining reservations are much easier to secure than P&O’s popular venues, which book up quickly on embarkation day.
Entertainment and Onboard Activities
P&O’s entertainment budget dwarfs Ambassador’s, with West End-style productions, comedy clubs, multiple bars with live music and even ice rinks on some ships. If you want Vegas-style entertainment at sea, P&O delivers.
Ambassador’s entertainment feels more intimate and sophisticated. Think classical concerts, guest lecturers, ballroom dancing and smaller-scale productions. The atmosphere encourages conversation and socialising rather than passive consumption of entertainment.
Activities comparison:
- P&O: Rock climbing walls, mini golf, casinos, nightclubs, fitness classes
- Ambassador: Library, card rooms, traditional games, wellness sessions, educational talks
Itineraries and Destinations
This is where Ambassador truly shines. Their smaller ships access ports that P&O simply cannot reach. I’ve been to remote Scottish islands, small Norwegian villages and hidden Mediterranean gems that larger ships bypass completely.
P&O sticks to proven routes with major ports that can handle their massive ships. You’ll visit the highlight destinations but often alongside several other cruise ships, creating crowded tourist experiences ashore.
Ambassador’s port-intensive itineraries typically include:
- More unusual destinations
- Longer port stays (often 10-12 hours)
- Overnight stays in select cities
- Less crowded tourist experiences
For more destination comparisons, check out Ambassador Caribbean cruises versus P&O’s Caribbean offerings.
Cabin Accommodation and Value
P&O offers more cabin categories including family suites, solo traveller cabins and luxury suites with butlers. Their newer ships have innovative cabin designs and better storage solutions.
Ambassador’s cabins are comfortable but more traditional, similar to quality hotel rooms. What they lack in variety they make up for in value, with lower single supplements and frequent upgrade opportunities due to smaller passenger numbers.
Price comparison (typical 7-night cruise):
- Ambassador inside cabin: £600-900 per person
- P&O inside cabin: £700-1,200 per person
- Ambassador balcony: £900-1,400 per person
- P&O balcony: £1,100-1,800 per person
Departure Ports and Accessibility
Both lines offer no-fly cruising from UK ports, but Ambassador provides more regional departure options including Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Belfast alongside the traditional Southampton.
P&O primarily departs from Southampton with some seasonal departures from other UK ports. This can mean additional travel costs and time for passengers outside southern England.
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Service Standards and Staff
Ambassador’s smaller passenger numbers allow for more personalised service. Staff remember individual preferences and there’s a genuine sense of hospitality rather than processed efficiency.
P&O’s service varies significantly by ship and sailing. Their newer ships generally offer better service standards, but with thousands of passengers, individual attention is limited. However, their experience handling large numbers means smooth embarkation, dining and disembarkation processes.
Dress Codes and Atmosphere
Ambassador maintains traditional cruise dress codes with formal nights actually meaning formal attire. The atmosphere skews more mature and refined, with passengers typically aged 55+.
P&O has relaxed dress codes significantly, with “formal” nights accepting smart casual attire. The atmosphere varies by ship and itinerary but generally feels more relaxed and contemporary.
Bonus Tips From a Cruise Insider
- Book Ambassador’s speciality dining on embarkation day – unlike P&O where reservations disappear quickly, Ambassador’s smaller passenger numbers mean you can usually get your preferred time and date
- Choose midship cabins on Ambassador’s older ships – they can be slightly more motion-sensitive than P&O’s stabilised mega-ships
- P&O’s freestyle dining works better for families – no fixed dinner times means flexibility for tired children
- Ambassador’s afternoon tea is complimentary – P&O charges extra for their premium afternoon tea service
- Solo travellers get better value on Ambassador – lower single supplements and easier socialising in smaller numbers
How Ambassador Compares to Other Lines
Considering other British cruise lines? Read our comparisons: Ambassador vs Saga and Ambassador vs Fred Olsen for complete insights into the UK cruise market.
Which Line Should You Choose?
Choose Ambassador if you:
- Prefer intimate, adults-only cruising
- Value unique destinations over onboard facilities
- Enjoy traditional cruise atmosphere
- Want personalised service
- Prefer smaller crowds and socialising opportunities
Choose P&O if you:
- Travel with children or grandchildren
- Want extensive dining and entertainment options
- Prefer modern ship facilities
- Like the anonymity of larger ships
- Want tried-and-tested major destinations
Common Questions and FAQ
Can I switch from P&O to Ambassador mid-loyalty programme?
Loyalty benefits don’t transfer between cruise lines, so you’ll start fresh with Ambassador. However, many former P&O cruisers find Ambassador’s lower prices and personalised service offset the loss of loyalty perks.
Are Ambassador’s ships too small for rough seas?
Ambassador’s ships have modern stabilisation systems and experienced captains who avoid rough weather when possible. However, they may feel more movement than P&O’s larger vessels in challenging conditions. Choose midship cabins on lower decks if you’re concerned about motion.
Does P&O offer any adults-only areas?
P&O designates adults-only areas including certain pool decks, spa sections and evening venues after specific times. However, these restrictions aren’t as comprehensive as Ambassador’s ship-wide adults-only policy.
Which line has better WiFi packages?
Both offer similar WiFi pricing, but P&O’s newer ships generally have faster, more reliable internet connectivity. Ambassador’s older ships can have spotty connection in remote destinations, though this improves each season.
Can I book shore excursions independently on both lines?
Yes, both lines sell ship-organised tours and allow independent exploration. Ambassador’s longer port stays and smaller passenger numbers often make independent touring easier and less crowded than P&O’s mass-market approach.
Do either cruise lines accommodate special dietary requirements?
Both accommodate common dietary needs including vegetarian, gluten-free and diabetic requirements when notified in advance. Ambassador’s smaller galley operations often handle special requests more flexibly than P&O’s volume operations.
