In the past few years, Dundee’s portside has been bustling with exciting activity from cruise ships.
Every time a cruise ship dips into the Firth of Tay, the residents of Dundee, Tayport, and Newport look on in awe, and it isn’t a surprise considering that such events are quite rare, especially when compared to ports like Miami, Palma, or Southampton.
Cruise liners have been making regular appearances in Dundee in recent years, with ships from companies such as CMV and the Magellan gracing the port.
Last year, Ambassador Cruise Line commenced operations from the city, with ships visiting on a more regular basis. It was fantastic news when Dundee was announced as one of their key ports of call.
This announcement coincided with the launch of their second ship, Ambition, following Ambience in 2021.
Ambition has significant ties to Dundee, not only being one of its seven ports of call but also having a local hero, Olympic sailing champion Shirley Robertson, as its godmother.
Ambassador Cruise Lines caters primarily to a more mature audience, targeting adults over 50. However, despite this focus, Ambassador offers what they call “multi-generational cruises,” essentially formal family cruises.
When I boarded, I noticed a diverse mix of age groups, from couples in their 30s to teenagers and families with older children.
I was thrilled to have formed a partnership with Ambassador Cruise Line early last year, where they invited me on the Summer Fjordsland cruise from Dundee in August 2024. The communication leading up to the cruise was seamless and very professional.
This was my second time on a cruise ship—the first in nine years since I sailed with Carnival during a family holiday to Florida.
Planning
After I was booked onto the cruise, I promptly received details of the itinerary, my cabin assignment, and options to configure my cabin layout and dining preferences.
I was assigned a Premium Oceanview cabin on Deck 10, located towards the aft. It was conveniently close to the lifts, although taking the stairs sometimes felt a bit of a trek depending on which deck I was visiting.
For the cabin layout, I had the choice of two single beds or one double bed, and I opted for the latter.
The week finally arrived, and here’s what I experienced.
Embarkation
22 August was Embarkation Day, and Ambition arrived in Dundee at around 4 a.m. from Newcastle.
Having the ship docked so close to my home—only five minutes away—was incredibly convenient.
A few days prior, I received an email from Ambassador with my embarkation details, including an assigned embarkation time of 11:50 a.m., with strict instructions not to arrive earlier. Ambassador is particular about managing boarding times, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for all passengers.
Once dropped off at the terminal—currently a large tent for Dundee—the staff swiftly took my luggage, which would be delivered directly to my cabin.
I passed through security quickly and received my cabin card and other essential items for my stay. A few minutes later, I was walking towards the ship.
Approaching the vessel, I felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. While I was thrilled to promote the cruise, this was my first solo trip, having always travelled with family or friends in the past.
I also saw this as a ‘trial run’ for my upcoming solo trip to Toronto next month.
Onboard, I was warmly welcomed by the staff, who guided me to my cabin: 1107 on Deck 10 aft.
Despite setting my cabin layout to a double bed before departure, I found two single beds on each side of the room. However, the crew quickly resolved this while I went for lunch.
The muster drill was brief and efficient, taking place outdoors—Ambassador opts for the traditional method, unlike many cruise lines that now conduct these drills via cabins.
It lasted around five minutes but covered essential safety instructions. The drill was scheduled three hours after embarkation and an hour before departure.
Afterwards, I headed to Borough Market for lunch, which was packed. Seating was a challenge, with passengers eventually sharing tables. I managed to find a seat after about five minutes with some pie and mash from the buffet.
Following lunch, I explored the outdoor decks. The view of Dundee was stunning, the ice cream vendor was open, and the pools were available for use. Although bar service was initially slow, it picked up as the afternoon progressed.
We set sail at around 4 p.m., and watching the ship depart from Dundee was a surreal experience. Like many others, I shared the moment with friends and family, video-calling them as the ship moved away from port.
I struck up a conversation with a couple also embarking from Dundee, which was a nice way to get perspectives from other local cruisers.
Dining
On board, passengers are assigned to one of two restaurants: the Buckingham or Holyrood Restaurant. I was assigned to Buckingham and chose the first sitting at 5:45 p.m. (the second is around 8 p.m.).
For my first evening, I dined with some followers of Dundee Culture, which was amazing! The meal was a lovely four-course selection, followed by tea or coffee.
After dinner, I discovered that I had been placed at the wrong table, despite my card showing the correct number. Initially, I was a little frustrated, but this mishap turned into a blessing. At my new table, I met three wonderful women who embarked from Newcastle—two lifelong friends and one solo traveller like myself.
Over the course of the week, we became well-acquainted, and they now follow Dundee Culture, which is brilliant!
One of the highlights of the trip was being invited to dine at the Captain’s Table.
The evening began with a drinks reception in the Library, followed by a sumptuous five-course meal at the Buckingham Restaurant. I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely couple who run a digital magazine and three other passengers who, like me, had embarked from Dundee.
We had a wonderful conversation about Dundee Culture and my experiences, making the evening truly memorable.
At Sea Days: Exploring the Ship
On sea days, I explored many areas of the ship. The shopping galleria offered a wide range of items, including confectionery—perfect for picking up gifts for family and friends. I also visited the library, which had a cosy, quiet atmosphere. There is also crafting activities aboard as well as games on the promenade deck too.
The ship boasts several bars, with my favourite being the Clifton Lounge. There’s also the Angel Bar, Pendennis Bar, and the Purple Turtle Wine Bar near the Palladium Theatre.
Entertainment was plentiful, with themed shows at the Palladium Theatre at 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m every night.
Word of the wise - go to the Palladium early to bag a seat. The first show I went to was packed and I had to stand. I'd recommend going to the second showing later in the evening as there is less people and you have more time to relax before the show, after having dinner.
There were also events at The Cavern on Deck 6 and the Pendennis Bar on Deck 5, ensuring there was always something to do in the evenings.
Destination Experiences
Eidfjord
The first destination on the third day of the cruise was Eidfjord. We embarked on the Voss cable car ride up one of the fjords—a breathtaking experience. Despite the weather being a bit gloomy, Norway’s natural beauty was still awe-inspiring.
After a scenic 40-minute drive from Eidfjord's port to Voss, we rode the cable car, which offered a thrillingly steep ascent. At the top, we indulged in delicious waffles with cream and jam in the restaurant while taking in the magnificent views before heading to the waterfall which was gorgeous.
Flam
The next day, I enjoyed an easier excursion—the Flam railway, located just minutes from the ship.
The hour-long ride to and from Flam was mesmerising, with stunning waterfalls cascading down the fjords.
We had a brief stop to capture some photos of the breathtaking scenery.
Bergen
The final excursion was the Bergen Funicular. Although it poured with rain initially, the clouds eventually cleared, revealing a stunning view of the city, reminiscent of Dundee Law’s panoramic views.
After descending, we explored Bergen’s bustling fish market before taking a short tour of the city. I spent about half an hour wandering before returning to the ship. Bergen left a lasting impression, and I would love to return.
Disembarkation
One of the perks of a cruise between Dundee and Norway is having a full day at sea before disembarkation. On the final day, I had plenty of time to pack and received my disembarkation instructions the day before.
If you have luggage, it can be left outside your cabin by 11:59 p.m., and the crew will take care of it, delivering it to you once back at port. I took advantage of this service, although I regretted not keeping out a few extra items I needed.
Disembarkation was a smooth and well-organised process. I was assigned a departure time of 11:45 a.m., with a cabin checkout at 10 a.m. The meeting point, like for excursions, was the Palladium Theatre. I took my time, relaxing at one of the bars before my designated departure time.
After leaving the ship, you arrive back at the tent where your luggage is waiting for and you can find yours based on what deck you stayed on. It's like baggage reclaim at an airport but a lot smaller which is good. I managed to get my suitcase in seconds.
Ambassador recommends pre-booking taxis to avoid delays, and there were two lanes at portside for pre-booked and non-booked taxis. Although both queues were lengthy, pre-booked taxis moved faster, and I only waited about five minutes before my ride arrived.
Leaving the port marked the end of a fascinating week filled with adventure and relaxation.
Conclusion
My time aboard Ambition was nothing short of amazing. Not only did I experience incredible destinations and superb hospitality, but I also had the pleasure of meeting so many followers of Dundee Culture!
I was approached for selfies throughout the cruise and was even mentioned on various social media pages, which was a lovely gesture. This cruise was a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and connection with fellow travellers and followers alike.
I would highly recommend taking a cruise by Ambassador from Dundee. It is indeed very efficient, and affordable as well which is brilliant!
Ambition will be leaving Dundee to go on the Norwegian Fjord Expedition cruise next August. This is a cruise that is available to book now!
Thank you very much to Ambassador Cruise Line and Rooster PR for being there for me before, and during my time sailing on Ambition.
A-Z Guide
Accessibility: The ship is well-equipped for accessibility, with lifts available to all decks and wide corridors for easy walking. Staff are always on hand to offer assistance where needed, ensuring a comfortable experience for those with mobility concerns.
Billing: Your final bill is left in your cabin’s pigeonhole the day before disembarkation. Charges for onboard purchases will be processed automatically, so you don’t need to worry about settling payments on the final day.
Cabin: The cabins are spacious, though the bathroom is small but functional. Do be mindful of the step at the bathroom door. The wardrobe offers plenty of space for your clothes and luggage.
Cruise Card: Upon boarding, you’ll receive a cruise card which acts as your key to the cabin and your payment method for drinks and services onboard. It’s essential for getting around and making purchases.
Destination Experiences: Shore excursions can be booked through the ship’s excursion desk. It's recommended to book early, as these trips fill up fast due to their popularity.
Dining: In addition to the main restaurants, there’s Safforin Restaurant, a premium option that requires reservations. For lighter meals, the Alfresco Dine & Grill is ideal, while Lupinos offers another casual dining experience.
Drinks Package: Opting for the drinks package is a convenient way to enjoy beverages onboard without needing to pay per drink. This can be arranged before your trip or onboard.
Embarkation and Disembarkation: The embarkation process is smooth and well-organised, with staggered times to avoid crowds. Disembarkation is similarly efficient, with luggage collection arranged and options for express disembarkation if desired.
Entertainment: The ship offers a range of entertainment options, including live shows at the Palladium Theatre, nightly events, and live music in bars such as the Pendennis Bar and Clifton Lounge.
Formal Nights: There are two formal nights during a week-long cruise where smart attire is required. “Dress to impress” is the theme, with smart-casual as the minimum dress code.
Future Cruises: While onboard, you can book future cruises at the designated desk. It’s a great opportunity to secure your next adventure with potential onboard booking discounts.
Gym and Fitness Centre: There’s a fully equipped gym and fitness centre available to all passengers, free of charge, for those wanting to stay active during the cruise.
Internet: Wi-Fi is available for a fee, and although it can be a bit patchy at times, it’s generally worth purchasing for the week. The staff, such as Jasmine at reception, are very helpful if you encounter any connectivity issues.
Photo Gallery: The ship’s photographers capture moments throughout the cruise, and these photos are available for purchase at the **Photo Gallery**. A lovely souvenir of your time onboard!
Pools and Hot Tubs: There are two main pools, a splash pool (which was closed during my trip), and two hot tubs. The pools were rarely crowded, though the hot tubs were particularly popular, especially on disembarkation day.
Reception: The reception is open 24/7, and the staff are very helpful with any queries or issues you may have. Whether it’s information about the cruise or assistance with Wi-Fi, they are always on hand.
Jogging and Walking Track: The ship features a designated jogging and walking track, offering a great way to exercise while taking in the stunning views from the deck.
Room Service: The room service is excellent, with swift delivery of food and other items straight to your cabin. Perfect for those wanting to relax and dine in the comfort of their room.
Security: You go through security when you board for the first time and every subsequent time to come on to the ship after excursions. When you board for the first time, there are no liquid restrictions, but alcohol is forbidden.
Shopping Galleria: There’s a range of shops onboard, offering everything from duty-free items to gifts and confectionery. A great spot to pick up presents for family and friends.
Spa: The onboard spa offers a variety of treatments, from massages to beauty treatments, providing the ultimate relaxation experience while cruising.
Weather: The weather during the cruise was mostly rainy, with only brief sunshine when leaving and returning to Dundee. Sea days were occasionally choppy, but nothing too rough.
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