I am currently on the first cruise on Star Princess from Port Everglades, a three-day cruise to the Bahamas. The ship has been in service for a month but is now sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for the winter 2025-2026 season.
Star Princess arrived at Port Everglades for the first time this week. Photo: Cruise Fever
Princess Cruises invited me on board for the christening and this short preview cruise. I am traveling with my wife and five year old son. We plan on experiencing everything this new ship has to offer including the kids club and family options.
After spending a little more than 48 hours on the ship, here are my first impressions of Star Princess.
Ship
Star Princess is the second Sphere class ship from Princess Cruises. While the ship is extremely similar to sister ship Sun Princess, there are a few differences.
The ship has all of the great features as Sun Princess including the Dome, Spellbound, the Arena (new theater) and large Piazza.
New additions to Star Princess include a large enclosed sports court for basketball, pickleball, soccer, cornhole and more.
They also added a non-smoking casino that is completely separate from the main casino that replaces one of the shops on board.
I posted a photo tour of the cruise ship the first day we got on board on our Facebook page. It’s already has over one million views and you can see it below:
Families
As I said previously, I am traveling with my wife and five year old son. He is having the time of his life in Firefly Park. Firefly Park is kids club for children three to seven years old and he loves it so much.
He wants to go every single time it’s open. Even though Princess Cruises doesn’t carry as many kids as other cruise lines, this ship is a great option for families.
I will have a lot more on Firefly Park and other options for kids/families after I get home from my cruise.
Cabin
I am staying in cabin 10116, a deluxe balcony cabin. It’s extremely roomy and has a couch that turns into a bed (where my son sleeps).
It has a large balcony and more power outlets than you could possibly use, and that’s a good thing. There are several (110, USB, USB-C) on each side of the bed and at least 4-6 on the desk.
Crew
The crew on board have been absolutely fantastic so far. I wasn’t on the ship more than 15 minutes before a crew member came up to me to say hello. He remembered me from when I sailed on Sun Princess last year.
Even when we stopped at Princess Cays, a crew member came up to my son and called him by name to say hello. It’s the little things like that which mean so much.
The crew really is the star of Star Princess, and that goes for Firefly Park too!
Ocean Medallion
Here is one advantage that Princess Cruises has over every other cruise line. I love using the Ocean Medallion over standard cruise cards.
It’s also so handy to look up on the Princess app to see the location on the ship where my family is.
We attended the christening ceremony for Star Princess and put my son in Firefly Park during it. My wife asked me right before it started wondering if they were going to take him to dinner.
I opened up the Princess app, saw he was in the Americana Diner, and knew they took him to dinner. It’s such a great feature for families and comes at no extra charge. Only one other cruise ship (outside of Princess) offers this and you have to pay extra for it.
I will have more on Star Princess after I get home from the cruise. You can follow along on our journey on Cruise Fever’s social media accounts (@CruiseFever on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok).
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Authorities in the United States have launched an investigation following the death of a passenger onboard Carnival Horizon during its latest Caribbean sailing.
When the ship returned to PortMiami on Saturday, 8th November 2025, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) boarded the vessel to begin enquiries into the incident.
In a statement shared with US media, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed it is cooperating fully with the investigation.
“Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI,” the cruise line said.
No details have been released about the passenger’s identity, age, or cause of death, and investigators have not confirmed whether the death is being treated as suspicious.
One guest onboard the ship reported conflicting rumours circulating amongst guests that it was either a murder or an overdose, but these are only rumours so far and so should not be treated as fact until any further confirmation follows.
FBI and Cruise Line Investigating
According to a brief statement from the FBI’s Miami office, agents “responded to the scene” when the ship docked. “Because this is an ongoing matter, no further information is available at this time,” the spokesperson added.
Passengers onboard the 6-night cruise – which sailed from Miami on 2nd November and visited Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel – reported a medical emergency announcement on the final day of the voyage. However, it has not been confirmed whether that was linked to the death.
Some guests staying on Deck 8 said they received letters advising them to vacate their cabins early on disembarkation day to allow investigators to access the area.
“Authorities will be joining the ship first thing upon arrival to complete an investigation and will be in the area of your hallway,” the notice reportedly stated. “It could be noisy and disruptive, so we kindly ask that you be out of your stateroom by 7:00 a.m.”
Those guests were offered breakfast before being escorted off the ship first.
A Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s van was also seen at the port after the ship arrived, suggesting local officials have taken possession of the body.
Cruise Schedule Unaffected
Despite the investigation, there was no significant delay to Carnival Horizon’s turnaround in Miami. The ship did leave a little later than planned, with the FBI apparently onboard until 5 pm.
But the ship has already departed on her next voyage – an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary visiting the so-called “ABC islands” of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
Carnival Horizon, a Vista-class vessel launched in 2018, carries up to 3,960 guests at double occupancy (and nearly 5,000 at full capacity) with a crew of about 1,400.
Standard Protocol for Deaths at Sea
Deaths at sea are uncommon but not unprecedented, and cruise ships are required by maritime law to have medical facilities and secure morgues onboard.
When a death occurs, local and federal authorities become involved once the ship reaches port, particularly if the voyage began or ended in the United States.
In such cases, the FBI investigates any incidents involving possible foul play or suspicious circumstances, while natural or accidental deaths are typically referred to local medical examiners.
Carnival Cruise Line has not released further comment while the investigation remains open.
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Two internet personalities aboard Harmony of the Seas turned from streamers to fighters in an unexpected turn of events. The two were subsequently detained and removed from the Royal Caribbean ship following a fight on deck.
The fight, which was captured on video and widely shared on the internet, occurred on November 4th while the ship was en route from Galveston, Texas, to Roatán, Honduras, during a seven-night cruise in the Western Caribbean.
Multiple social media posts report that the confrontation was between two livestreamers, Chicken Andy (David Ryan) and BlackAssDave (Dave Willis). Both were taking part in a themed streamer cruise organized by content creator Ice Poseidon.
Online accounts from passengers described how ship security had already cautioned the two men after previous disruptions earlier in the journey.
Friends Again?
Ice Posiedon, the event’s host, later shared a video that shows Ryan and Willis still on shore in Honduras while the ship is boarding guests to leave. – View Video
A Disturbing List of Recent Cruise-Related Fights
The recent list of disturbing and violent fights that are taking place and being shared around the internet seems to continue with more regularity. Here is a summary of some of these events, along with the video footage.
Long Beach Cruise Terminal (August 2025)
Video footage shared by user @Rororowyaboatz captured at least a dozen people fighting and pulling each other’s hair before security intervened to break up the altercation.
See Video Below (Please note the profanity, and the video is disturbing)
Multiple Fights Break Out In Private Island Pool
Unfortunately, fights are even happening on the cruise line’s private destinations. Another fight broke out in the large lagoon-style pool at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Massive ‘Chicken Finger’ Fight Breaks Out on Carnival Cruise
Disturbing footage was also from August 2025 shows the moment a massive melee broke out on a Carnival Cruise ship among fuming passengers seemingly upset over “chicken tenders.”
The violence among about two dozen brawlers erupted aboard the Carnival Sunrise at about 2 a.m. Monday — the last day of its voyage — as the ship was heading back to Miami, according to a passenger who filmed the mayhem.
Cruise Lines Have Zero Tolerance
Most experienced cruisers realize how severe fighting could be. The cruise lines have a zero tolerance for breaking this and other policies. Fighting could not only result in your detention while onboard, but also in your immediate removal at the first port of call, and possibly lead to charges as well. Further, once kicked off the ship, you would also be responsible for flying back home at your own expense.
For the first time in the cruise line’s history, MSC Cruises is calling Galveston home for one of its ships.
On Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM, the Port of Galveston officially welcomed the 5,877 max passenger capacity MSC Seascape during a celebration for the port’s brand-new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by several local officials, including Galveston’s Mayor Craig Brown and U.S. Congressman Randy Weber.
A New Ship Designed for Texans
MSC Seascape is part of MSC Cruises’ modern Seaside EVO class, and its homeporting in Texas shows the cruise line’s serious commitment to the North American market and this growing port.
They have even customized the experience, adding a Texas and Southern flair to the food and drink menus, including Cajun pork and pecan pie. Even line-dancing classes were added to the lineup for the new ship in town, so MSC Cruises is very much embracing this welcome into Texas.
During the ribbon-cutting event at the Pier 16 Terminal, Lynn Torrent, President of MSC Cruises North America, said the company was proud to call this terminal home.
“When we looked to expand across North America, the decision for Galveston was an easy one. It’s our fourth cruise homeport, and since this happens to be the fourth cruise terminal, let’s just say four is our lucky number this weekend. Award-winning MSC Seascape is a ship that really brings our European style and American comfort to travelers in the region beginning this Sunday. We’re so excited,” she stated during the ceremony.
MSC Seascape sets sail on its year-round, seven-night cruises from Galveston starting Sunday, November 9, 2025. These voyages will visit ports like Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, and Isla de Roatan, Honduras.
Cruisers looking for a great deal can find some sail dates starting as low as $369 per person for an interior stateroom (not including taxes or fees) for the 7-night Western Caribbean sailings.
A State-of-the-Art Terminal Designed for Speed
The new cruise complex at Pier 16 is a huge deal. It’s a big $156 million investment in Galveston’s future.
The project features a huge 165,000-square-foot terminal building and a 7-story parking garage that has 1,600 parking spaces. The whole project was completed in 15 months.
The terminal was designed with one thing in mind: making the guest experience smooth and fast. This is the first on-site parking option for cruisers out of Galveston, and the parking garage is just steps away from the ship, making it the most convenient parking option at the port.
The Ship: Big, Modern, and Full of Fun
MSC Seascape is one of the newest ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet, having been delivered in November 2022. It belongs to the Seaside EVO-class, which is an improved, bigger version of the line’s original class of ships.
Recently, this ship has earned the title “Best Cruise for Families Overall” by Forbes Vetted.
The vessel is 1,112 feet long, boasting 170,400 Gross Tonnage in volume. It can accommodate 4,540 guests at double occupancy, with space for a maximum of 5,877 passengers.
Because the EVO class is bigger, it offers more of everything, including more cabins, huge public areas, a larger and beautiful MSC Yacht Club area, and cool new features like the thrilling ROBOTRON robotic arm ride.
The iconic “Bridge of Sighs” gives this class of ship the distinctive look which towers over the twin aft pools 8 decks below.
Texas-Sized Fun and Flavors at Sea
To welcome its new Texas guests, MSC has gone the extra mile to incorporate local flavor and traditions.
The dining experience is Texas-style, featuring new menus of local comfort foods and Southern classics. Guests can try new dishes like Texas-style prime rib, Cajun-spiced pork loin, Huevos Rancheros for breakfast, and Southern desserts like buttermilk pie.
The entertainment is also Texas-style, featuring a Big Texas Sailaway Party, a resident country music band, and dedicated country line dance classes.
While watching a show at Le Cabaret Rouge, I even saw a father/son team demonstrate some trick roping and whip-cracking as part of the variety show which featured different types of entertainment every 7 or 8 minutes.
MSC Cruises also announced partnerships that will allow them to air the big games on board, which I’m sure will make the sports bar a very popular place on game days.
Galveston’s Growth
The Texas port has been attracting larger and newer ships, and that momentum is only building. It’s a great historic region, and I encourage any cruise travelers to get to Galvetson a few days early to really experience all the area has to offer.
MSC Seascape isn’t the only ship that will be using the brand-new Terminal 16. Norwegian Cruise Line will begin sailing from Galveston on December 13 with Norwegian Viva. It was also announced that in the fourth quarter of 2027, NCL will be sailing year-round from the port.
During the ceremony it was stated that 46 million people are within driving distance of Galveston, and so far it appears that a growing number are starting to see the port as an attractive alternative to flying to the busy cruise hub of Florida.
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First impressions count. Open the site and the home screen feels tidy, modern, and built for momentum. The Slots Gallery sits exactly where your thumb expects it on mobile, the cashier button is prominent, and categories are labelled in plain English so you can move from browse to play in seconds. Australians will appreciate the simplicity: AUD amounts show everywhere they matter, pages load quickly on 4G, and the profile area groups verification, limits, and transaction history in one neat column.
Before we dive into specifics, here’s the shape of the experience. Deposits land fast in AUD. Game tiles are crisp and searchable by provider. Withdrawals are streamlined once you verify your details (do it early—it’s a couple of uploads and a tick). And the whole lobby feels lightweight, from the banner that summarises live promos to the way your recently played games appear first the next time you log in.
Before we dive into specifics, here’s the shape of the experience. Deposits land fast in AUD. Game tiles are crisp and searchable by provider. Withdrawals are streamlined once you verify your details (do it early—it’s a couple of uploads and a tick). And the whole lobby feels lightweight, from the banner that summarises live promos to the way your recently played games appear first the next time you log in.
Bonuses in plain terms (for Aussies, in AUD)
A good bonus should be easy to understand, visible on your balance, and simple to use. At Slots Gallery, you’ll find a welcome package broken into clear chunks, plus ongoing reloads and free-spin bundles to keep value flowing. Activate the offer you want, deposit in AUD, and watch the confirmation banner appear across your home screen. Don’t forget to track wagering in the cashier, and stick to any max-bet rule while a bonus is active.
Here’s a concrete snapshot of how the welcome and weekly value typically look for Australian players:
Bonus
What you get
Key details (AUD)
Wagering & Rules
1st Deposit
100% up to A$500 + 100 FS
Min deposit A$20; FS credited in daily batches on a featured pokie; validity 10 days after activation
40× (bonus); 40× (FS wins); max bet during wagering A$5
2nd Deposit
75% up to A$300 + 50 FS
Min A$20; FS show in the “Bonuses” tab with a visible counter
40× (bonus/FS wins); complete within the promo window shown in your account
3rd Deposit
75% up to A$500 + 50 FS
Min A$20; FS tied to a spotlight title in the lobby
Same as above; check the home-screen banner for time remaining
Weekend Reload
50% up to A$700 + 50 FS
Available Fri–Sun; min A$30 (FS unlock from A$75+ deposit)
35–40× depending on promo; max bet A$5 while wagering
Weekly Spins
50 FS on a featured game
Deposit A$30+ Mon–Thu; spins credited immediately
40× on FS wins; use within 7–10 days as shown in the cashier
Cashback (Casino)
Up to 15%weekly
Based on net losses; cap and tiers shown in your profile
Credited with low playthrough (often 1×); time-limited use
Use bonuses deliberately. If you’re testing the lobby, the 1st deposit match plus 100 FS is clean and easy to track; if you’re returning at the weekend, the reload is a neat way to extend a planned session. Example: deposit A$200 on the 1st bonus—your bonus balance gets A$200, and you receive 100 FS; your wagering target is A$8,000 (A$200 × 40) and the banner tracks remaining progress so you always know where you stand.
Concrete games Aussies love (one list, quick and helpful)
The lobby blends evergreen hits with fresh drops from studios Australians trust. You’ll see names like NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Red Tiger, Big Time Gaming, Quickspin, and Evolution for live tables—so you can pick a vibe, then lock in a session plan. To make choosing faster, here’s a single, focused list with practical pointers; pick one that matches your mood and time window:
Starburst (NetEnt, 96.09% RTP): low-volatility sparkle; quick, tidy pops and expanding wilds—perfect for ten-minute sessions;
Book of Dead (Play’n GO, 96.21% RTP): classic high-volatility “book” style; one expanding symbol in free spins, built for bonus hunts;
Bonanza Megaways (Big Time Gaming, 96.00% RTP): 117,649 ways with tumbling reels; momentum builds on streaks and cart add-ons above reels;
Immortal Romance (Microgaming, 96.86% RTP): story-led play with four free-spin modes; depth increases the longer you stick with it;
Vikings Go Berzerk (Yggdrasil, 96.10% RTP): rage meters and sticky wilds in bonus; satisfying when the crew flips fully “berzerk”;
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (Red Tiger, 96.00% RTP): avalanching reels and rising multipliers; great rhythm for short, focused bursts;
Lightning Roulette (Evolution, ~97.10%): live-dealer classic with random multipliers; smooth table feel with exciting spikes.
If you’re new, start mid-volatility around the 96% mark and set a clear spin count; if you want steadier returns, pick a low-volatility staple; if you’re chasing adrenaline, Megaways titles bring bigger swings—set a firm stop before you begin.
Banking in AUD: quick in, streamlined out
Funding and withdrawing should feel straightforward, and it does here. Visa and Mastercard are the most common choices for instant AUD deposits, which appear in your home screen balance in seconds. If you prefer cash-based top-ups, Neosurf vouchers are convenient to buy locally and redeem in the cashier. Digital wallets such as MiFinity and MuchBetter are built for speed and pair well with fast payouts once your ID is verified. Many players also like the flexibility of crypto rails—BTC, LTC, and ETH—for quick transfers and flexible limits. Withdrawal timelines are simple: e-wallets are typically near-instant after approval; cards land in 1–3 business days; bank transfers clear in 2–5 business daysdepending on your bank; and crypto timelines follow blockchain confirmations. Pro tip: complete KYC early (ID + recent utility bill) and use the same payment rail for deposits and withdrawals to keep approvals smooth.
Registration: from keyboard to lobby in minutes
Click “Sign Up,” enter your email, set a strong password, and select AUD as your currency. Confirm via the link that lands on your phone screen. Open the cashier, choose your preferred method, and make your first deposit. Your active bonus appears in the cashier summary and as a banner across the home screen. From then on, bookmark the login and add it to your mobile home screen so you can jump in with a single tap.
Conclusion: the natural loop—login, deposit, play, withdraw
Slots Gallery keeps the good stuff front and centre: clear navigation, respected providers, concise bonuses in AUD, and fast withdrawals once verified. If you want a lobby where the login → deposit → play → withdraw loop feels natural, you’ll feel right at home. Keep it simple, stick to your plan, and enjoy the ride.
FAQ
How do I claim the welcome offer at Slots Gallery?
Open the Promotions tab after signing up, activate the 1st deposit deal, and deposit in AUD; the banner and cashier will display your bonus immediately.
What payment methods are accepted at Slots Gallery?
Use Visa/Mastercard for instant AUD deposits, Neosurf vouchers, e-wallets like MiFinity or MuchBetter, bank transfer, or crypto rails such as BTC and LTC.
How fast are Slots Gallery withdrawals?
After verification, e-wallets are near-instant once approved, cards usually take 1–3 business days, and bank transfers clear in 2–5.
Is Slots Gallery mobile-friendly for Australian players?
Yes, pages load quickly on 4G, the home screen is thumb-ready, and the cashier, search, and profile tools sit exactly where you expect.
Guests sailing aboard Norwegian Epic have received an unexpected and worrying health alert: they may have been exposed to Legionnaires’ disease.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) issued the warning on Tuesday to passengers currently sailing on the 12-night Mediterranean voyage from Rome to Lisbon, as well as to those who recently disembarked the same ship.
The cruise line confirmed that two former guests who had travelled on Norwegian Epic were later diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease – a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
At this stage, it is unclear whether the infections originated onboard or elsewhere, but the cruise line is cooperating with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has opened an investigation.
Health Warning Issued Mid-Voyage
The alert, sent to roughly 4,100 passengers mid-cruise, advised guests to monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle aches, headache and shortness of breath – typical indicators of Legionnaires’ disease.
“On the rare occasion that any past guests receive such a diagnosis, we work with the CDC to support their investigation efforts as part of their standard operating procedures,” NCL said in its letter to guests.
Travellers were urged to contact the ship’s medical team immediately if they developed any symptoms while onboard.
Those who had already disembarked were advised to seek medical attention if symptoms appear within 14 days of their cruise, and to show the alert letter to their doctor to ensure testing for Legionnaires’ disease and prompt antibiotic treatment if needed.
What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
The illness, first identified in 1976 following an outbreak at an American Legion convention in Pennsylvania, spreads through inhalation of contaminated water droplets – often from hot tubs, showers, air-conditioning systems, or decorative fountains.
According to the CDC, symptoms generally appear two to 14 days after exposure. While most people recover with antibiotics, the disease can be life-threatening for those with weakened immune systems, smokers or the elderly.
Past Cruise Incidents and Industry Response
This is not the first time Norwegian Cruise Line has faced such a situation. In February 2023, the company sent a similar notice to Norwegian Prima passengers after two guests who sailed in late 2022 were diagnosed post-cruise. No source of exposure was ever confirmed.
Other cruise operators have also experienced comparable cases. Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean International warned Symphony of the Seas guests after one former passenger contracted Legionnaires’ disease. The investigation, likewise, did not establish a definitive link to the ship’s water systems.
Cruise lines are required to maintain rigorous sanitation and water-quality protocols, including regular testing and treatment of spas, pools and potable water systems to mitigate such risks.
Norwegian Epic Continues Its Voyage
Despite the warning, Norwegian Epic continues its itinerary through the Mediterranean, with enhanced monitoring and sanitation measures reportedly in place.
The 155,873-gross-ton ship, which accommodates more than 4,000 guests, entered service in 2010 and is one of the largest vessels in NCL’s fleet.
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I just disembarked a cruise to Norway with Ambassador Cruise Line.
I was invited onboard, so I didn’t pay for my ticket. Some people might think that means that everything I say is controlled by the cruise line. And I can see why you might think that’s the case. But in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth! I never let a cruise line have any control over what I write, and in fact, you’re probably reading this before they do!
Ambassador Cruise Line, in particular, isn’t afraid of people sharing their opinions on their offering. After all, I was onboard with Dan and Jay from Sail Away magazine – a pair of cruise critics who are known for being outspoken, and have been banned from other cruise lines as a result.
So in this review, I’ll be sharing my experience of cruising on a 35-year-old cruise ship, where tickets can be purchased for as little as £50 per night.
Embarkation
Ambassador Cruise Line offers sailings departing from eight regional ports across the UK.
Previously, I had cruised from Bristol, which is just a 10-minute drive from my house. Cruising really doesn’t get any more convenient than that!
This cruise however, departed from Tilbury. Getting there from Bristol involved four trains, and due to my lack of proper planning with regards to the London Underground, I had to carry my heavy suitcase up several flights of stairs.
If you choose to cruise with Ambassador, I would certainly choose your departure port very carefully. With so many to ports to choose from, I really wouldn’t recommend Tilbury unless you live in the South East of England.
That said, Ambassador does often provide coaches from London Victoria, so your journey to the port should be easier than mine!
Tilbury Cruise Terminal is beautiful and embarkation was very quick. When we arrived by taxi from our pre-cruise hotel, the terminal staff were waiting to lift our bags out of the boot and into a trolley before they whisked them away. So no complaints there at all!
First Impressions Of The Ship
Ambassador Cruise Line has three ships, and they’ve all had interesting histories prior to being acquired by the company.
Ambience was first launched in 1991 as Regal Princess for Princess Cruises and has also sailed as Pacific Dawn for P&O Australia. It’s hard to believe that this ship once had waterslides and a splash park, because she’s certainly very different now!
Ambience is a charming mix of old and new. The public areas have tasteful and modern décor and the atmosphere onboard is warm and homely.
It’s clear, however, that the cruise line has had to make some careful decisions when it comes to where to spend its budgets…
There are a few tell-tale signs that this is an older ship. The buttons inside the lifts are a mish-mash of styles as they have been replaced over the years, the retro in-cabin hairdryers take forever to dry your hair, and the gym has certainly seen better days too…
But, these are not big things. They’re minor details that don’t matter to most people.
It’s clear that Ambassador Cruise Line has spent its budget in the right places when acquiring its first ship. When it comes to the important things, such as safety, cleanliness and service, the ship is impeccable.
Accommodation
One thing you might have noticed about older cruise ships is that balconies are much rarer than they are on newer vessels. On Ambience, only around 25% of the rooms have balconies, with around 50% having windows and the remaining 25% being inside cabins.
If you’re usually a ‘balcony or bust’ type of person, I would certainly advise you to reconsider that stance if you take a cruise with Ambassador.
I was able to look around both the outside cabin and the balcony, and in many ways, I found the outside cabin to be better.
I’ve made a video where I tour both cabins, so look out for that coming soon. If you don’t want to miss it, you can sign up to my email list so we can stay in touch and I’ll send it to you when it’s ready.
Whichever room you choose, you’ll find it to be spotlessly clean, spacious and with a very comfortable bed. The pillows that Ambassador Cruise Line uses are so loved by guests, that you can buy a fresh one onboard to take home with you.
As with most older ships, the plug sockets are very limited. My cabin has just one UK socket, one US socket and a USB socket. However, that’s something that’s easily solved with a multi-point adaptor that lets you charge all your devices at the same time. It’s not a big deal, if you’re prepared.
Food
In my opinion, the food served on Ambassador cruises is exceptional. It seems to be more in line with a what’s served on luxury cruises that come with a far higher ticket price.
You can choose to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in either the buffet or the main dining room. Whichever you choose, the menu is almost identical. So really it comes down to whether you fancy a quick meal, or a more elaborate and luxurious affair.
Breakfast is served from 7 am until 10 am. Personally, I find that to be a little early. Factoring in showering and dressing, it required me to set an alarm for 9 am, which is not something I usually want to do on a sea day – especially if I’ve been on the dance floor until 2 am!
There are two dining times in the evening – 5.45 pm and 8.15 pm. Again, I like it when cruise lines offer the flexibility of open seating, but I understand why it makes sense to do it this way. And after all, many cruisers do prefer the traditional set times, sitting in the same seat every night, with the same waiters.
There’s a poolside snack bar that’s open from 12-6 pm serving burgers, hot dogs, pizzas and chips. There’s afternoon tea at 3.30 pm and then waiters come around with canapes at 11 pm. You can also buy crisps and nuts in the bars.
Ambience has two speciality dining restaurants. They’re very reasonably prices at £20-£30 per head and ideal if you want to celebrate a special occasion. We ate in the Indian restaurant, Saffron, and it was the best curry I’ve ever had!
When it comes to special diets, I felt very well catered for as a vegan. Everything is clearly marked with allergens, there are always options available.
What I especially loved was that in the main dining room, my food came out on a blue plate, instead of the usual white plate, so there’s no chance of it being mixed up.
Drinks
Ambassador Cruise Line has an extensive drinks menu and the drinks are very reasonably priced. You can have pretty much any cocktail you can think of for £7, which is much cheaper than most bars on land!
The wine tends to be a little pricier at £9 or £10 per glass. But Ambassador’s drinks packages are very reasonably priced too, so I’d recommend taking a look at those if you plan on cruising with Ambassador.
If you’re not sure whether to get a package or not, then you can let my drink package calculator do the maths for you. You just enter which drinks you would have in a typical day, and it will let you know how much your bar bill will be both with and without a package.
The drinks menu is extensive, with pretty much any drink you can think of. I noticed that the measures of spirits are 40ml, which is much larger than the standard 25ml you get in pubs in the UK.
Entertainment and Activities
On the cruise, there were lots of activities onboard on the sea days – bridge, ukulele lessons, watercolour painting, dance classes, choir, crafts, guest lectures, cooking demos and so much more. You certainly won’t be bored!
The trickiest part is deciding which to go to, as many of them take place at the same times in the morning.
I did plan to do watercolour painting, but I was put off by the £25 per person charge to buy the paints. However, many savvy cruisers in the class had brought their own equipment, so next time I’ll probably buy a cheap set off Amazon and bring it with me.
There’s lots happening in the evenings too with plenty of live music around the ship as well as bingo, quizzes, comedians and gameshows. Each night there’s a West End-style performance in the theatre. The cast are so talented.
There is also a casino, but it’s very small. It’s also cash only, and there are no points schemes as you’ll find on the American cruise lines. The upside though is that some of the machines have a minimum bet of 9 pence, whereas on the American ships it’s often 75 cents, so your money lasts a lot longer!
Service
I found the service on Ambience to be absolutely spot on. Every crew member was so friendly, polite and happy to help.
The ship was never crowded and I never had to queue for anything. As soon as we sat down in any bar or in the buffet, someone would be over to take our drinks order.
The ship is kept spotlessly clean, and my cabin steward did an amazing job too. I would rate the service on this ship as 10/10 without hesitation.
Destinations
Ambassador Cruise Line sails all over Europe from the UK on Ambience and Ambition. They just added a third ship, Renaissance, which is based in the Caribbean for fly-cruises from UK airports.
My cruise was a 16-night round-trip sailing from London to Scotland and Norway. However, due to other commitments, I was only able to sail for the first seven nights, and I flew back from Tromso in Northern Norway.
Highlights of my cruise included a visit to Loch Ness, a day in Alesund where I climbed up a mountain to enjoy spectacular views of the ship, and Trondheim, where I took myself on a self-guided walking tour of the city.
I’ve visited Norway several times, but always in the summer. The winter is very different and I definitely recommend cruising then. It’s much less crowded, and offers a different experience.
I was hoping to see three things on my cruise – snow on the deck, whale and the Northern Lights.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get lucky with any of those. Although it was November, the temperature never dipped below freezing, the sea was a little bumpy for whale-spotting and the sky was a little too cloudy for the lights to make an appearance.
However, the day I disembarked, other guests on the ship, including YouTuber Travel Blog Jamie sent me photos of the Northern Lights!
Shortly after that, Steve who works for the ORCA charity, sent me a photo of a whale that he spotted by the ship!
I think I definitely need to book this cruise again and experience the full itinerary next time.
As it happens, the cruise will be repeated in the spring, so if you’re interested, you can view and book that cruise on the Ambassador Cruise Line website.
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Conclusion
This was my second cruise with Ambassador Cruise Line. The ships are quite different in terms of layout, but each offers a warm welcome, fantastic service, excellent food and outstanding value for money.
I would recommend Ambassador to anyone looking for a relaxing, adults-only experience at sea. Most guests are couples over 50, but there are also a good number of solo travellers onboard and with the mixed tables and solo meetups its really easy to make friends onboard.
I think that Captain Egil hit the nail on the head when he said: “We’re not the biggest, we’re not the fanciest, but we are the friendliest”.
