Christmas Markets Cruise - Holland & France

5 Nights • Ambassador Cruise Line

From £439pp | Departs from Tilbury

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Christmas Markets Cruise - Holland & France

Offer Highlights

  • Ambassador Cruise Line
  • Tilbury
  • Ocean Cruise
  • Ambience
  • resort
  • Europe, Western Europe
  • England, Netherlands, France
  • 6 days / 5 nights

This 5-night pre-Christmas cruise from London Tilbury combines cultural discovery with festive European charm. Visit Rotterdam to experience its modern cityscape and winter atmosphere before continuing to Amsterdam, where canal-side lights, Christmas markets, museums and cosy cafés create a memorable December setting.

The journey concludes in Honfleur, a picturesque Norman port known for its historic harbour, art heritage and intimate winter ambience. With a relaxed pace and seasonal warmth throughout, this cruise offers a perfectly timed escape just before Christmas.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Rotterdam
Rotterdam feels open, confident and forward-looking, shaped by its vast harbour and bold skyline. Modern architecture rises beside broad waterways, creating a striking sense of space. Cultural districts, galleries and cafés soften the city’s contemporary edge. Life here moves with energy but never feels hurried. Rotterdam offers a refreshing and dynamic city experience.

Amsterdam
Amsterdam unfolds gently along its canals, where gabled houses lean towards the water and everyday life feels beautifully close at hand. Neighbourhoods invite unplanned wandering, from leafy streets to lively squares. Museums, cafés and small shops shape the city’s easy rhythm. There’s warmth in its scale and openness. Amsterdam feels creative, relaxed and quietly captivating.

Tilbury

Just 22 nautical miles down river from the Tower Bridge in London, Tilbury is a popular turnaround port for cruises visiting Baltic and Northern European destinations.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a city that's a long way removed from most people's stereotypical notion of the Netherlands. There are few, if any, canals to be found here nor are there any quaint windmills. There is, however, a thriving modern city which is one of the busiest ports in the entire world.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

A day to relax and enjoy life on board.

Honfleur

Honfleur, the most picturesque of the Côte Fleurie's seaside towns, is a time-burnished place with a surplus of half-timber houses and cobbled streets that are lined with a stunning selection of stylish boutiques. Much of its Renaissance architecture remains intact—especially around the 17th-century Vieux Bassin harbor, where the water is fronted on one side by two-story stone houses with low, sloping roofs and on the other by tall slate-topped houses with wooden facades. Maritime expeditions (including some of the first voyages to Canada) departed from here; later, Impressionists were inspired to capture it on canvas. But the town as a whole has become increasingly crowded since the Pont de Normandie opened in 1995. Providing a direct link with Upper Normandy, the world's sixth-largest cable-stayed bridge is supported by two concrete pylons taller than the Eiffel Tower and designed to resist winds of 257 kph (160 mph).

Tilbury

Just 22 nautical miles down river from the Tower Bridge in London, Tilbury is a popular turnaround port for cruises visiting Baltic and Northern European destinations.

Ambience

Ambience

Here she is — our flagship of the fleet and first lady of the sea — Ambience. Inspired by the French word for “surrounding,” our aim is to create the right atmosphere on board, so every guest feels at home. With space for around 1,400 guests, Ambience balances a sense of freedom with the intimacy and camaraderie many of us value.

Entertainment will spoil you for choice. Dress up for The Palladium or settle in at the Observatory. Enjoy a drink at Raffles Bar, The Botanical Lounge, SW19 or The Purple Turtle Pub. Dining includes the Buckingham Restaurant and Borough Market, with Alfresco Grill for fresh-air favourites. For something special, try Saffron*, Sea & Grass* or our Chef’s Table*.

Her dining options will inspire you with two main restaurants, speciality dining options*, and a more casual bistro-style café. Sit back, relax and enjoy a drink in one of her four bars, lounges and pub. Or take in a show in the tiered main theatre, or discover your hidden talents in the card room, library, and craft studio.

Other facilities include the wellness centre, gym, two swimming pools and a range of retail shops, perfect for days at sea.

Unique Features

Ambassador Cruise Line is passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, which is why their ships will exceed the latest environmental standards, including no single-use plastic on board and energy-efficient engines. They invite you to join them on their journey to a more sustainable industry with some of the most environmentally ships afloat.

De-Luxe Suite
De-Luxe Suite
Suite

Enjoy the exclusivity of your own Suite complete with a private ocean view balcony. Relax in a spacious sitting area, perfect for unwinding with a boo...

560 sq ft Max 3 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Shower Bath Room Service Available TV Safe +11 more
Suite
Suite
Suite

Enjoy the exclusivity of your own Suite complete with a private ocean view balcony. Relax in a spacious sitting area, perfect for unwinding with a boo...

372 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Shower Bath Room Service Available TV Safe +10 more
Suite Guarantee
Suite Guarantee
Suite

These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed suite cabin as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cabin will be on...

372 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Dining Area Vanity Area Shower Toiletries Provided +9 more
Suite Single Guarantee
Suite Single Guarantee
Suite

These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed suite single as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cabin will be on...

372 sq ft Max 1 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Lounge Area Dining Area Vanity Area Shower Toiletries Provided +9 more
Balcony Cabin
Balcony Cabin
Balcony

The Balcony Cabin offers a front-row seat to the mesmerising beauty of the ocean. These refined accommodations feature a private balcony and two twin...

210 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Shower Room Service Available TV Safe Hair Dryer +5 more
Balcony Single Cabin
Balcony Single Cabin
Balcony

Midship - Deck 10The midship Balcony Cabin (Consulate Deck 10) offers a central location and easy access to the swimming pool, Borough Market, and oth...

210 sq ft Max 1 guests
Shower Room Service Available TV Safe Hair Dryer Telephone +6 more
Balcony Guarantee
Balcony Guarantee
Balcony

These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed balcony cabin as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cabin will be o...

210 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Vanity Area Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV +5 more
Balcony Single Guarantee
Balcony Single Guarantee
Balcony

These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed balcony single as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cabin will be...

210 sq ft Max 1 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Vanity Area Shower Toiletries Provided Room Service Available TV +5 more
Ocean View Cabin
Ocean View Cabin
Outside

Sit back and enjoy endless ocean vistas from an Ocean View Cabin. This cabin type features two twin beds that are easily convertible to a double bed f...

190 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Shower Room Service Available TV Safe Hair Dryer +5 more
Ocean View Single Cabin
Ocean View Single Cabin
Outside

Forward - Deck 11The forward Ocean View Cabin (Ambassador Deck 11) is located just one deck below the swimming pool, Borough Market, and other restaur...

190 sq ft Max 1 guests
One Single Bed Shower Room Service Available TV Safe Hair Dryer +5 more
Ocean View Guarantee
Ocean View Guarantee
Outside

These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed outside cabin (cats 6C-8) as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cab...

190 sq ft Max 2 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Shower Room Service Available TV Safe Hair Dryer +6 more
Ocean View Single Guarantee
Ocean View Single Guarantee
Outside

These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed outside cabin as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cabin will be o...

190 sq ft Max 1 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Shower Room Service Available TV Safe Hair Dryer +6 more
Inside Cabin
Inside Cabin
Inside

Welcome to the cozy comfort of an Inside Cabin. Relax in your private space, complete with all the amenities you need for a memorable voyage. This cab...

190 sq ft Max 4 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Shower Room Service Available TV Safe Hair Dryer +6 more
Inside Single Cabin
Inside Single Cabin
Inside

Forward - Deck 10The forward Inside Cabin (Consulate Deck 10) is located a short distance from Deck 10's Viewing Area for panoramic views of the open...

190 sq ft Max 1 guests
Shower Room Service Available TV Safe Telephone Desk +1 more
Inside Guarantee
Inside Guarantee
Inside

These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed inside cabin as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cabin will be on...

190 sq ft Max 2 guests
Queen or Twin Configuration Shower Room Service Available TV Safe Hair Dryer +5 more
Inside Single Guarantee
Inside Single Guarantee
Inside

These are our Entry Level Fares – Simply offering a guaranteed inside cabin (cats 1-4) as standard, perfect for those who don’t mind where their cabin...

190 sq ft Max 1 guests
Double or Twin Configuration Shower Room Service Available TV Safe Hair Dryer +5 more

From Executive Chefs to talented bar staff, dining and drinks on board are designed with you in mind. Our carefully crafted menus blend traditional fare with locally inspired dishes, giving you a taste of the finer things in life. And you will enjoy exceptional service and authentic flavours every day, as outstanding cuisine shouldn't have to come at a high price.

We’ve got venues for every mood, from the elegant Buckingham and Holyrood (Ambition) restaurants offering sophisticated options catered to all, to Borough Market where flavours from around the world come together, allowing you to craft your own unique dining experience.

Why not expand your taste buds at one of our speciality restaurants? We have Saffron*, offering exceptional Indian fusion cuisine, and premium fine dining in Sea & Grass* and a taste of the Mediterranean in Lupino's* (Ambition).

Then there is the pinnacle of dining with Ambassador, The Chef's Table*, which includes an exclusive galley tour, and the Executive Chef walking you through every course, talking about the inspiration behind the dish and its preparation.

Breakfast and lunch are generally served on an open seating basis, giving you and your appetite plenty of choice. Please note on board Ambition, at breakfast you can expect a full buffet with one special served to the table and for lunch there will be starter, soup and desert served buffest style with the main course served to the table. With dinner, we operate two sittings, which can be requested after booking your cruise. If you have any dietary requirements, we can easily accommodate - just let us know in advance.

* Supplementary charge applies for select venues

Buckingham Restaurant
Buckingham Restaurant
Complimentary

Buckingham Restaurant is Ambience's main restaurant. Serving an exceptionally handcrafted breakfast, lunch and dinner me...

Sea & Grass
Sea & Grass
Cover

Sea & Grass is one of Ambience's specialty restaurants.Discover a menu handcrafted by our Executive Chef across seve...

Saffron
Saffron
Cover

Saffron is one of Ambience's speciality restaurants. Enjoy a journey into Indian gastronomy at Saffron, with a handcraft...

Borough Market
Borough Market
Cover

Looking for a more casual way to dine? Borough Market is the place to head. With stunning views and a variety of food st...

Chef's Table
Chef's Table
Cover

Why not expand your taste buds at our VIP Chef’s Table for a glittering gastronomic experience.

Alfresco Grill
Alfresco Grill
Complimentary

The Alfresco Grill is perfect for when you fancy enjoying a light bite on the open deck, accompanied by the stunning sea...

Room Service
Room Service
Cover

You will find a 24-hour room service menu in your cabin, offering a range of drinks and snacks, both hot and cold. Room...

Every day will be entertaining

Entertainment-wise, she really will spoil you for choice. World-class performers are waiting in the wings at The Palladium and parties after dark are warming up in The Observatory. Whether you like your drinks shaken or stirred, she has numerous bars to whet your whistle, including the speakeasy-style Raffles Bar, perennially elegant Botanical Lounge, SW19, and, of course, the iconic Purple Turtle Pub. 

Palladium
Palladium
Theatre

Enjoy yourself with a host of amazing entertainment including quizzes, crafting, plays, cabaret, Wes...

The Observatory
The Observatory
Bar Lounge Art Gallery

The Observatory is one of our favourite venues. With its ceiling to floor windows, it is the perfect...

Raffle's Bar
Raffle's Bar
Bar Lounge

Raffles Bar will take you back to the halcyon days of the roaring twenties, with decor to make you f...

Centre Court
Centre Court
Lounge

There are six entertainment venues including the impressive three-decked central Atrium.

Top Deck
Top Deck
Observation Point

There are spacious deck areas from which you can enjoy the panoramic views. And, when the weather is...

Botanical Lounge
Botanical Lounge
Bar Lounge

Home to our curated gin menu, the ever-elegant Botanical Lounge is the perfect spot for a relaxed dr...

Purple Turtle
Purple Turtle
Bar Lounge

The Purple Turtle Pub brings you the best of British in the middle of our ship in the form of a trad...

SW19
SW19
Bar

Want to relax with a drink while taking in the buzz of daily ship life? SW19 is the perfect place. L...

Onboard Photography
Onboard Photography
Photographers

You can count on our onboard photography team to capture all your special Ambassador moments during...

Shopping Galleria
Shopping Galleria
Shop

There’s nothing like a bit of retail therapy! Head over to our Shopping Galleria and Duty-Free where...

Coffee House
Coffee House
Lounge Cafe

No matter the hour, nothing is better than relaxing on the Lido Deck with a coffee or tea and watchi...

Consulate Bar
Consulate Bar
Bar

Located at the aft of the ship, our Consulate Bar is the perfect place to enjoy sail away with your...

Dicken's
Dicken's
Bar Lounge

Settle into the comfortable seats at Dicken's and meet with new friends, as one of our friendly bari...

The Pool Bar
The Pool Bar
Bar Lounge

The Pool Bar is one of the loveliest bars onboard Ambience. Enjoy a specially made cocktail as you s...

Brontë’s Library
Brontë’s Library
Library

Brontë’s Library can be found on Deck 8.

Find your perfect pace on Ambience. Whether it’s a morning stretch, a spa treatment or a quiet swim, the ship’s wellness spaces are designed to help you feel your best.

Jacuzzi & Pool
Jacuzzi & Pool
Pool Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

There are spacious deck areas from which you can enjoy the panoramic views. And, when the weather is...

Green Sea Spa
Green Sea Spa
Spa

Indulge in pure tranquillity at the Green Sea Spa, an oasis designed for ultimate relaxation. Whethe...

Gym
Gym
Gym

Revive and renew at the gym.

Deck 14 - Sun Deck
Deck 14 - Sun Deck

  • The Observatory
  • Big Screen
  • Jogger’s & Walker’s Track
  • Active Studio

Deck 12 - Lido Deck
Deck 12 - Lido Deck

  • Bridge & Wheel House
  • Coffee House
  • Sea & Grass
  • Pool
  • Relaxation Pool
  • Pool Bar
  • Borough Market
  • Saffron
  • Alfresco Grill
  • Ice Cream Shop

Deck 11 - Ambassador Deck
Deck 11 - Ambassador Deck

  • Hot Tubs
  • De Luxe Suites
  • Suites
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Oceanview Cabins
  • Inside Cabins

Deck 10 - Consulate Deck
Deck 10 - Consulate Deck

  • Self Service Laundry 
  • Viewing Area
  • Consulate Bar
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Oceanview Cabins
  • Inside Cabins

Deck 9 - Ambience Deck
Deck 9 - Ambience Deck

  • Oceanview Cabins
  • Inside Cabins

Deck 8 - Boat Deck
Deck 8 - Boat Deck

  • The Palladium
  • Bronte’s Library
  • The Partnership Lounge
  • No 10
  • The Purple Turtle Pub
  • Oceanview Cabins
  • Inside Cabins

Deck 7 - Promenade Deck
Deck 7 - Promenade Deck

  • Buckingham Restaurant
  • Raffles Bar
  • Botanical Lounge
  • Internet Corner
  • SW19
  • Shopping Galleria
  • The Palladium
  • Photo Gallery

Deck 6 - Main Deck
Deck 6 - Main Deck

  • Ambassador Casino
  • Shopping Galleria
  • Aces & Eights
  • Kapoor’s
  • Oceanview Cabins
  • Inside Cabins

Deck 5 - Reception Deck
Deck 5 - Reception Deck

  • Reception
  • Future Cruise Desk
  • Centre Court
  • Destination Experiences
  • Dicken’s
  • Self Service Laundry
  • Oceanview Cabins
  • Inside Cabins

Deck 4 - Aloe Deck
Deck 4 - Aloe Deck

  • Medical Centre
  • Oceanview Cabins

Deck 2 - Wellness Deck
Deck 2 - Wellness Deck

  • Green Sea Spa
  • Thermal Suites
  • Salon
  • Gym

Choose your cabin

Ambience Tilbury 17 Dec 2028 – 22 Dec 2028 Available
From £439 pp
No-fly cruise. Sails from Tilbury — no flights needed, so you can book online.
Inside

Cosy interior cabin, no window

12 options

from £439 pp
Outside

Ocean view through a window or porthole

10 options

from £559 pp
Balcony

Private balcony with sea views

5 options

from £869 pp
Suite

Spacious suite with premium extras

3 options

from £1,089 pp
Date Ship Inside Outside Balcony Suite
17 Dec 2028 Ambience £439 £559 £869 £1,089 Viewing
From £439 per person

Need help with booking? Call us: 01792 482 432

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