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The Courier
5 days ago
- The Courier
What's it really like inside the 700ft cruise ship sailing from Dundee? We go on board to find out
It's not often (well, ever) that I need to pack my passport for work. But today, I'm going on a cruise ship. 'Tis the sometimes strange life of a journalist – and photographer Steve Brown, who is joining me on the excursion. We've been invited on board Ambassador Cruise Line's Ambition ship, which is currently docked in Dundee, for a tour. We will also enjoy a taste of its Theatre at Sea experience. But first of all, we need to actually find the ship – surprisingly tricky, considering it's 700ft. The cruise terminal, run by Forth Ports, is poorly signposted, and Google Maps keeps leading us into private industrial yards. When we eventually make it to the correct location, parking on a dusty dirt path in the tired shipyard, it feels less like 'We're going on a cruise' and more 'Are we trespassing?' Perhaps it's an area that may improve as cruise traffic increases. There were 16 departures in 2024, compared to just nine this year. But the sight of the very big and shiny Ambition, which is docking in Dundee six times this summer, is extremely impressive. We join the growing queue of cruisers for security before boarding the ship. Deciding to ignore the fact that I am sadly not off on a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise with everyone else, I feel myself getting swept up in the holiday atmosphere. Ambition is primarily aimed at the over-50s market (the average age of a UK cruiser is 54), and this is reflected in the crowd. But there are also some young couples and plenty of children. It seems to be a popular choice for wheelchair and mobility scooter users as well. After a very warm welcome on board the ship, we are shown to a relaxing lounge area for refreshments. We've been on board for less than 10 minutes and I'm already astounded by the quality of service. Attentive waiters in crisp white shirts circle the room with silver trays and steaming coffee, ensuring our plates and cups are always full. I have never been on a cruise before, but Steve, who sails with his family every year, tells me this is the norm. I am beginning to understand and see the appeal. Although Ambition was built in 1999, it underwent a full refit in 2023 – the same year it began sailing from Dundee. This is evident from the slick and modern interiors as we're led through expansive hallways on our tour. The place is buzzing as luggage-wielding guests are shown to their rooms by staff. Ambition, run by an international crew of nearly 500, can carry up to 1,200 passengers. There are 714 cabins, 125 of which have balconies and 113 of which are suites. On deck five, we pass through the Buckingham Restaurant, where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. The eatery – one of seven on board – features huge windows overlooking the silvery Tay. Passengers are tucking into a breakfast buffet. I glance longingly at the trolley of warm pastries. We're then led to the lifts (even these are impressive – they could probably hold at least 30 people each). We head up to deck 11, which feels like the heart of the ship. There are several restaurants, as well as a pool area, gym and spa. Firstly, we visit Borough Market, another of Ambition's casual dining restaurants, which our guide tells us is a 'celebration of all flavours around the world'. There's an enormous selection of buffet food on offer, including pasta, meat, salad and desserts. With vegan options and a kid-friendly offering (I spy potato smiles and waffles), there seems to be something for everyone. We also peek our heads into the Chef's Table – a luxurious dining area hidden behind a curtain, where passengers can enjoy multi-course a la carte dining with wine pairings. Then we visit the sun deck – possibly my favourite spot on the ship. It features a giant pool, hot tubs, a cocktail bar and various nooks for sunbathing or socialising. Right now, there are also glorious views over Dundee Law. You can tell it's a Scottish crowd, as the rain does nothing to deter guests sipping pina coladas by the pool or children gleefully splashing in the hot tubs. Around the corner, there's also a great area for playing darts and a pool table. Then we head into the Green Sea Spa. Despite the name, it's decked out in serene shades of baby blue and cream. Treatments like manicures, Indian head and hot stone massages are available for an extra cost, but most facilities are included in the ticket price. This includes a humongous steam room and sauna, both of which boast floor-to-ceiling windows – the views must be spectacular at sea. Next door is a well-equipped gym and active studio, where regular spin classes are held. We then head down to deck seven to take a look at the Cavern – a modern seating area with a stage and a bar – where much of the entertainment takes place. Busy from 9am until late, this includes bingo, quizzes, dance classes, silent discos and DJ sets. Fitted with turquoise and orange sofas, jazzy carpets, walnut surfaces and a reflective ceiling, it feels nostalgic and glamorous. It's giving Great Gatsby vibes. Finally, we visit deck six, where there's a theatre, a library and several bars and restaurants. Our guide points out Angel Bar, which is one of two onboard bars with no background music or entertainment, making it an ideal spot for some downtime. Like many of Ambition's leisure facilities, it's named after destinations featured on the ship's itineraries. In this case, Antony Gormley's Angel of the North sculpture, located in Tyne and Wear. I stop for a browse in the Bronte Library, which runs on a 'take a book, leave a book' system. It's a cosy little sanctuary on the ship. We then pause in the relaxing Clifton lounge, where we are surprised with a pop-up theatre vignette. The three young actors, starring in a Georgian-style bit about the language of fanology, succeed in making us all laugh. Apparently, these surprise scenes are a regular occurrence on board. Holyrood Restaurant – a formal dinner venue – is also located on deck six. This is where the ship hosts its Baked Alaska Parade – an onboard tradition where waiters carry flaming Baked Alaska desserts through the dining room while passengers wave napkins in the air. Our tour guide tells us that the spectacle, accompanied by much fanfare and music, began as a way for cooks to show off the heat of their ovens. (A proper Baked Alaska should have a crisp meringue shell with a still-cool ice cream centre.) Our day culminates with a visit to The Palladium – a glitzy theatre which could easily play host to an episode of Strictly Come Dancing. It is here that we learn more about the cruise liner's Theatre at Sea programme, which is run by PEEL Entertainment. Over the past three years, the group has staged a wide range of plays onboard Ambassador's Ambition and Ambience ships. We are also treated to readings of two plays from the Ambassador PEEL Playwriting Challenge 2025 shortlist: Tea Leaves by Claudia Feilding and Venison by Huw Turnbull. The winning play – which will be announced in December – will be produced as part of the Theatre at Sea programme. From the quality service to the endless food and entertainment, it's easy to see why Ambition is so popular. With more sailings from Dundee already announced for 2027, it's clearly striking a chord with passengers.
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
New Writing Sets Sail: Shortlisted Playwrights Celebrated as Theatre@Sea Heads to Dundee
Two playwrights from across the UK are preparing to see their work brought to life in a most unexpected setting — aboard a cruise ship, as it docks near Dundee this summer as part of the Ambassador PEEL Playwriting Challenge 2025. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Huw Turnbull and Claudia Fielding are among the twelve writers shortlisted for this groundbreaking competition, launched by Ambassador Cruise Line in partnership with PEEL Entertainment Group. Designed to champion original voices and bold storytelling, the challenge offers a rare opportunity for new plays to be professionally performed onboard Ambassador's ship Ambition, which is making a regional stop connected to Dundee as part of its summer sailing. Both Turnbull's play Venison and Fielding's Tea Leaves will be performed as part of a special reading event by Theatre@Sea's resident repertory company — a group of professional actors dedicated to bringing new and classic works to audiences at sea. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Huw Turnbull said: 'It's such an honour to have been shortlisted for the Ambassador PEEL Playwriting Challenge. The idea that something I have written might be performed on a ship that could be anywhere from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean or Northern Europe is so thrilling. I think that with such a variety of destinations and departure ports across the UK, the potential reach for pieces performed on the ships and the range of audiences is really unique and exciting. I think Ambassador PEEL's commitment to finding and commissioning new writing for performance on their ships is a wonderful opportunity for theatre makers to have work staged professionally over an extended period of time, which can often be a hard thing to come by.' Theatre @Sea Claudia Fielding shared similar excitement about the Challenge's innovative approach to staging new work: 'When I first heard about a competition where my play could potentially be performed on a cruise ship, I was immediately intrigued and excited to submit for such a unique and game-changing competition.' Their plays are among a diverse and dynamic shortlist that ranges from intimate dramas and comedies to bold reimaginings of classic forms — all written to be under an hour in duration and suitable for performance in the distinct environment of a cruise ship theatre. The Ambassador PEEL Playwriting Challenge 2025 is the first of its kind to take place at sea. One winner will be selected later this year, with the winning play staged as a full production aboard Ambition in 2025. The winner will also receive a £6,000 cash prize and a free cruise for two in 2026. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As the ship makes its way around the UK, including a regional event near Dundee, local audiences will have the opportunity to see professional readings of these shortlisted works — a rare chance to experience brand new theatre in an extraordinary setting. While Turnbull and Fielding hail from different parts of the UK, their shared excitement and creative spark are set to resonate with audiences far beyond any single port. The sea, it seems, is just the beginning.
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Pepper & Westley save game for Essex against Hants
Rothesay County Championship Division One, Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford (day four)Essex 296 & 358-6 dec: Pepper 140, Westley 130*; Dawson 4-82Hampshire 453: Dawson 139, Tilak 100; Critchley 4-102Essex (10 pts) drew with Hampshire (14 pts)Match scorecard Tom Westley and Michael Pepper combined for a 215-run sixth-wicket partnership that frustrated Hampshire and ultimately saved Essex from suffering their third County Championship defeat of the pair came together at 131-5, still 26 runs short of making Hampshire bat again, and were not parted for nearly three-and-a-half hours. Slowly but surely they took the game out of the visitors' grip that had looked strong after gaining a first-innings lead of 157. Pepper was the hare to Westley's tortoise, but both batsmen clocked up contrasting centuries, Westley his 30th in red-ball cricket and Pepper his highest first-class handskakes were exchanged to signal the draw at 16:50 BST, the Essex captain had batted for all but 12 overs of the 119 Essex faced in their second innings. He had struggled for runs this summer but his unbeaten 322-ball 130, with 12 boundaries, showed a high level of self-discipline and Westley had dug in doggedly, Pepper changed the tempo of the innings with some big-hitting before he was eventually dismissed for 140 from 154 balls, including 20 fours and a six. Pepper had also played a similar key role in partnership with Matt Critchley to help Essex secure an equally unlikely draw against Yorkshire last spinner Liam Dawson added two early wickets in the morning to the pair he had in the bag overnight, but while whirling away for a marathon stint of 41 overs could not improve on figures of had started the day requiring 49 more runs to make Hampshire bat again – or remain all day at the crease to hang on for the draw with seven wickets in hopes were high when overnight batsman Critchley was undone by a delivery from Dawson that turned and caught him on the instep of his front leg. He had dug in for an hour and a half for his 19, and had earlier set the tone for the opening exchanges by finally claiming the first run of the day from the 29th was particularly watchful, adding just a single to his overnight 50 in the opening 51 minutes and 35 balls before he went on the backfoot and drive Eddie Jack for a boundary. His concentrations was such that he added just 20 runs from 65 balls in the morning centurion Charlie Allison was slightly more expansive with two fours in 31 balls before he pulled Dawson to short midwicket. That wicket fell at 11:59 - the next came at 16:30.A sweep off Dawson for four by Pepper eased the Essex total into the black. It was at that point Pepper put his foot on the gas. He took 15 from an over by James Fuller, including a big yahoo for then cut Jack for another boundary that brought up the fifty partnership with Westley in 11 overs, of which the wicketkeeper-batsman contributed 42. Pepper's own half-century, reached with his eighth four, driven to long leg, took just 43 balls. The pair took another 13 overs to pass three-figures strike-rate increased in the hour after lunch when he added the 30 runs he required to reach his century, realised with a lofted drive off Dawson for his 11th was not long in following suit, a thick edge off Jack racing away to the third-man boundary took him to second century of the season. It also brought up 150 runs scored between the pair in 40 overs.A contrast in the pace at which the two batsmen had scored was shown starkly when Pepper caught up with Westley when both had 108; Pepper had got there in 152 balls Pepper's knock came to an end when he attempted to launch Tom Prest out of the ground but only found Kyle Abbott on the long-leg Reporters' Network supported by Rothesay
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Simple cruise hack can help you get more cabin storage without paying extra
One simple trick can help you get plenty more cabin storage space on your cruise ship without having to upgrade to a suite or larger room on holiday Brits heading on cruise holidays this summer won't need to fork out for a cabin upgrade if they want extra storage, thanks to a simple but effective trick. While cruise suites often come with perks like extra storage space, they're not always within your budget; but opting for a cheaper cabin doesn't mean you'll need to pack a little more lightly. In fact, there's one clever trick that cruise regulars swear by, and all you need to do is pack one extra item. The insiders over at Cruise Critic revealed the trick, explaining: "In many onboard bathrooms, there's just not enough space for all your toiletries, cosmetics, jewellery and other personal items you like to keep by the sink and shower. An old favourite trick of many cruisers is to hang up an over-the-door shoe organiser and fill the pockets not with footwear but with hairbrushes, detangling spray and other beauty needs. The cloth organisers are easily foldable to fit in your cruise luggage." READ MORE: Cruise passengers can currently get free drinks packages on over 40 sailings in 2025 It wasn't the only tip they had. If you're packing lots of toiletries but think you won't have enough space for things like your shampoo or razor, then the travel experts recommend also bringing a "magnetic or suction hooks to hang on doors and walls to hang toiletries from etc too". Of course one of the perks of cruises is that the ships don't tend to have strict luggage limits, so you can often rock up with two large suitcases and a personal bag (although if you've booked a cruise that departs from abroad, check your airline's luggage limits as these will apply!). Whatever itinerary you've got planned, one cruise expert recently revealed the six items he recommends that you always pack. Out of those, there's one easy mistake that a lot of people can avoid with a bit of planning. According to Bob McGowan, Chief Experience Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, most people only pack a rucksack for shore excursions in mind, or poolside days on the deck. However, when it comes to the evening time, they suddenly find that they don't have an appropriate bag for the restaurants and bars. He explained: "There is a common misconception that cruises are only about lounging around". He explained that while you'll want a backpack for your onshore excursions, it's worth thinking about an evening bag too when you're on the ship. "Having a compact bag whilst at dinner, enjoying a show or popping to the bar can be handy – helping to avoid that moment of panic when you realise you've left your phone in the restaurant - whilst a rucksack is great for a big day of exploring once in port." Speaking of the evening, don't forget to bring something a little fancier than your T-shirt and shorts combo for your adventures. He added: "Whilst the flamboyant and grandiose clothing once associated with cruising is less common now, it is definitely a good idea to bring along a smart outfit with gala dinners and speciality dining options often available on board. On most cruises there will be at least one black tie evening and it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underprepared. Plus, you're on holiday – the perfect excuse to get suited and booted for the occasion!"
The Courier
11-06-2025
- The Courier
Full list of cruises from Dundee in 2025 as sailings start this week
Dundee is set to welcome several cruises throughout the summer – starting this week. Sailings heading for destinations like the Norwegian fjords, France, Spain, the Faroe Isles and the British Isles will call at Dundee Port. Cruise ships will dock in the city on nine occasions, with the first visitor – Azamara Journey – expected in Dundee on Thursday (June 12). Ambassador Cruise Line's Ambition ship, which The Courier took a tour of in 2024, will also be a repeat visitor. The number of cruises planned in 2025 has dropped from the 16 that ran from Dundee last year. The following cruises will dock in Dundee this year: Ambassador Cruise Line has already revealed its 2026 itinerary for Dundee, including a 'party night'.
