Ambassador Cruise dining includes open seating main restaurants serving British and international cuisine, specialty venues with £20-35 supplements, and buffet service. Traditional afternoon tea and British favourites featured. Drinks packages cost £25-35 daily covering house wines, beer, and spirits. Two formal dining nights weekly. Dietary requirements accommodated with advance notice.
The food was loads better than I thought it would be on my last Ambassador cruise, proper hearty stuff mixed in with some posher dishes. They do this absolutely brilliant Sunday roast that reminds you why you love British cooking. And oh my god, the afternoon tea! It was like being back at my nan’s house as a kid, proper nostalgic. Plus awesome Indian curries, yummy!
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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Main Dining Venues: What’s Actually Included
The main dining rooms on Ambassador ships are pleasantly refreshing in their approach to British cuisine. Unlike other cruise lines that try to be everything to everyone, Ambassador has doubled down on what they do best, proper British comfort food alongside international favourites that actually taste authentic.
The Peninsular Restaurant (Ambition & Ambience)
This is your main dining room with open seating throughout dinner service. The menu rotates daily but always includes:
- Traditional British roasts with proper Yorkshire puddings
- Fish and chips that don’t taste like cardboard
- Curry nights featuring genuine spices, not watered-down versions
- European classics done properly
- Always vegetarian and often vegan options
The portions are generous without being ridiculous, and the quality consistently surprises guests who’ve been burned by other cruise lines’ attempts at British cuisine.
Seven Seas Restaurant (Renaissance)
Renaissance operates slightly differently as their family-friendly ship, with the main dining room offering more kid-friendly options alongside the adult menu. The children’s menu isn’t just chicken nuggets and chips, they actually make an effort with mini versions of adult dishes.
Buffet Dining: Beyond Basic
The Buckingham Restaurant serves as the main buffet across all three ships, and honestly, it’s miles better than most cruise buffets I’ve experienced. They’ve managed to avoid that soggy, been-sitting-under-heat-lamps-for-hours problem that plagues so many ship buffets.
Buffet Highlights
- Fresh salad bar that’s actually fresh
- Proper British breakfast with black pudding and beans
- Indian station with freshly made naan
- Carvery station at lunch and dinner
- Surprisingly good sushi selection
- Afternoon snacks including proper scones
Pro tip: The buffet gets quieter around 8 PM when most people are at dinner in the main dining room, perfect time for a quick bite if you’re running between shows.
Specialty Restaurants: Worth the Extra Cost?
Ambassador keeps their speciality restaurants supplement costs reasonable compared to other cruise lines, typically ranging from £20-35 per person.
| Restaurant | Cost | Ship | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Grill | £25 | All ships | Yes – excellent steaks |
| Sorrentos | £20 | Ambition/Ambience | Mixed – hit or miss pasta |
| East to West | £30 | All ships | Absolutely – best Asian food at sea |
| Fusion | £35 | Renaissance only | Yes for special occasions |
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The Grill: Simple But Effective
Don’t expect fancy molecular gastronomy here. The Grill does exactly what it says, proper steaks, grilled fish and classic sides. The ribeye is genuinely good quality, and they don’t overcook it unless you specifically ask them to commit that crime against beef.
East to West: The Hidden Gem
This is where Ambassador really shines. The Asian fusion menu changes regularly and features dishes I’ve never seen on other cruise lines. The Thai green curry has proper heat to it, and the dim sum selection is made fresh daily. Book early, it fills up fast once word gets around the ship.
Drinks Packages: The Numbers Game
Here are detailed descriptions of Ambassador Cruises drinks packages for 2025:
- Adventurers Package (children 0-17, min 5 nights):
- Unlimited soft drinks and juices (e.g., Coca Cola, Sprite, Irn Bru)
- Excludes alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, room service, and gratuities
- Priced from £13 per person, per night
- Available only on multi-generational cruises alongside adult packages
- Experience Package (non-alcoholic for adults):
- Unlimited soft drinks, mocktails, non-alcoholic beer/rum/gin
- Includes gratuities and service charges on drinks
- Excludes all alcoholic beverages, premium teas/coffees, and room service
- Prices from £20.95 per person, per night
- Explorer Package (moderate alcohol inclusion):
- All Experience package drinks plus cocktails, house wines by the glass, house spirits (gin, whiskey, vodka), liqueurs, brandy, sherry, and aperitifs
- 50% discount on premium beverages from the bar
- Includes gratuities and service charges
- Excludes premium wines, specialty teas/coffees, and room service
- Prices from £38.95 per person, per night
- Expedition Package (most inclusive):
- Includes all Explorer package drinks plus premium wines by the glass, premium spirits (vodka, whiskey, rum), specialty teas and coffees
- Includes all gratuities and service charges on drinks
- Does not include bottled drinks, minibar items, or room service beverages
- Prices from £44.95 per person, per night
Packages must be purchased for the whole cruise duration and are non-transferable. They can be booked pre-cruise or onboard within 24 hours of embarkation. Pricing varies by cruise length and booking timing. The drinks menus and availability may vary by ship and itinerary
The break-even point for Ambassador Cruises drinks packages is:
- For the Explorer package (~£39/day), drink 5-6 alcoholic beverages daily to break even.
- For the Expedition package (~£45/day), drink 6-8 premium drinks daily.
If drinking less or mostly soft drinks, packages may not be cost-effective. Consider your habits and cruise length before purchasing. We also have a full guide to Ambassador’s drinks packages if you want to know more.
Afternoon Tea: The Crown Jewel
If you only do one thing food-wise on an Ambassador cruise, make it the traditional afternoon tea. They serve it daily in the main atrium, and it’s genuinely spectacular. We’re talking proper finger sandwiches with crusts cut off, fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes that would make Mary Berry proud.
The best part? It’s completely free and they don’t scrimp on portions. I’ve seen grown adults get genuinely emotional over the quality of the Victoria sponge.
Special Dietary Requirements
Ambassador handles dietary requirements better than most cruise lines, but you absolutely must notify them at least 6 weeks before sailing. They can accommodate:
- Gluten-free diets (with advance notice)
- Vegetarian and vegan preferences
- Diabetic-friendly options
- Kosher meals (pre-arranged only)
- Allergies including nuts, dairy, shellfish
The key is communication. Their chefs are happy to modify dishes, but they need time to plan and source ingredients. Don’t assume they’ll have everything on hand.
Bars and Drinking Venues
Each Ambassador ship has multiple bars, each with its own character. The Raffles Bar serves as the main social hub with live piano music most evenings. The pub-style bar usually shows sports and has a proper British atmosphere with ales on tap.
Bar Service Hours
- Main bars: 10 AM – 2 AM
- Pool deck bar: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Specialty cocktail bars: 6 PM – 1 AM
- Room service bar: 24 hours (limited selection)
The bartenders actually know how to make proper cocktails, not the sugary monstrosities you get on some ships. Ask for a proper gin and tonic and they’ll give you a decent measure with quality tonic.
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Formal Nights and Dining Etiquette
Ambassador has two formal nights per week-long cruise, but they’re refreshingly relaxed about it. You won’t be turned away for not wearing a tuxedo, but smart casual is definitely expected in the main dining rooms after 6 PM.
For more context on what to expect as a newcomer, check out our Ambassador cruises first-time guide.
Room Service: The Reality
Room service is available 24 hours but with a limited overnight menu. The continental breakfast delivery is excellent – proper coffee, fresh pastries, and they remember your preferences after the first day. Evening room service can be slow during dinner hours, so plan accordingly.
Money-Saving Dining Tips
- Book specialty restaurants on embarkation day for better availability
- The lunch menu in specialty restaurants is often the same food at £10 less
- Afternoon tea fills you up enough to skip lunch
- Ask about wine pairings – they’re often good value
- Pool grill food is free and surprisingly good quality
- Late-night pizza in the buffet is genuinely decent
What They Don’t Tell You: Bonus Insights
Here are some insider secrets I’ve picked up over multiple Ambassador cruises:
The Chef’s Table Secret
Ask your waiter about the chef’s daily special that’s not on the menu. Most nights there’s something the kitchen is trying out or made with ingredients picked up in port that day.
Best Dining Times
- Early dining (6 PM): Better service, hotter food
- Late dining (8:30 PM): More relaxed atmosphere, better for lingering
- Buffet at 3 PM: All the lunch items plus afternoon snacks
The Wine List Hack
Ambassador’s wine list includes some genuine bargains. The house wines are actually quite decent, and the markup on mid-range bottles is much lower than other cruise lines. The sommelier recommendations are spot-on if you ask.
When Things Go Wrong
Like any cruise operation, Ambassador isn’t perfect. Common issues include:
- Slow service during embarkation day dinner
- Limited gluten-free options in specialty restaurants
- Occasional ingredient shortages affecting menu choices
- Room service delays during peak hours
The good news is their guest services team genuinely tries to fix problems quickly. Don’t suffer in silence – speak up if something isn’t right.
Comparing Ambassador’s Dining Experience
For a comprehensive look at various cruise dining options across different lines, Ambassador sits in a sweet spot. They’re not trying to compete with luxury lines on fancy presentations, but they consistently deliver better food quality than most mainstream competitors.
Our detailed Ambassador cruises independent review covers more aspects of the overall experience if you want the full picture.
Entertainment and Dining Connections
The timing between Ambassador cruises entertainment and dining works well. Shows typically start at 8:30 PM, giving you time for either early dining or pre-show drinks and canapés.
Final Verdict: Value for Money
Ambassador’s dining represents excellent value for money, especially considering their reasonable pricing structure. You’re getting quality British and international cuisine without the inflated costs of premium cruise lines. The afternoon tea alone justifies the cruise price for many guests.
The key is managing expectations – this isn’t Michelin-starred dining, but it’s honest, well-prepared food served by staff who genuinely care about your experience.
Common Questions and FAQ
Can I make dining reservations before my cruise?
No, Ambassador operates open seating in main dining rooms and specialty restaurant reservations are only available once onboard. Book specialty venues on embarkation day for best availability.
Are there any hidden food charges I should know about?
Room service has a £3.50 delivery charge per order after midnight. Fresh fruit and specialty items from the mini-bar cost extra. Everything else in main venues is included in your cruise fare.
What happens if I have severe food allergies?
Inform Ambassador at least 6 weeks before sailing. The chef will meet with you on embarkation day to discuss safe options. They take allergies seriously but need advance warning to prepare properly.
Is the food really better than other British cruise lines?
In my experience across multiple cruise lines, Ambassador’s food quality consistently exceeds expectations for their price point. The British cuisine is particularly authentic compared to other lines’ attempts.
Can I eat at specialty restaurants multiple times?
Absolutely. You pay per visit, and many guests book the same restaurant twice during longer cruises. The East to West Asian restaurant is particularly worth repeat visits as they rotate menu items.
What’s the dress code for specialty restaurants?
Smart casual minimum – collared shirts for men, no shorts or flip-flops. You don’t need formal wear except on designated formal nights, when most specialty restaurants expect the same dress standards as main dining rooms.
