05-08-2025
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.
