Themed cruises set sail on Ambassador Cruise Line: cricket and crafts

Every now and then a ship sets sail on a special themed voyage – a cruise where hundreds of likeminded travellers get together to visit new destinations and connect over a shared interest, with a specially curated onboard entertainment programme to match the unique theme.

Ambassador Cruise Line has announced a range of special interest themed cruises onboard their two-ship fleet, with cricket and crafts taking centre stage.

How does a themed cruise work?
Generally speaking there are two types of themed cruises – one is created by the cruise line itself and features all the typical entertainment and service plus a host of themed extras, and the other is a chartered cruise, where another company stages a full-ship takeover and brings a completely one-off entertainment package for the unique cruise.

Ambassador works with partners to bring an enhanced entertainment programme during themed cruises, supplementing the range of in-house entertainment that is available on regular sailings.

So, enjoy all the favourite evening stage shows, live music, bridge instruction, daily activities, and then throw in some extra events, presentations, Q&As, and interactive workshops for an even more memorable holiday.

Cricketing legends take to the high seas
This December, go on an international cricket tour unlike any other. Sailing aboard Ambience from London Tilbury, you’ll be hosted by renowned British sports broadcaster Garry Richardson alongside a host of top-tier cricketers and pundits.

A total line-up of five special guests, including three international cricket stars – step forward Graham Gooch OBE, Geoff Miller OBE, famous broadcaster and former cricketer Jonathan Agnew MBE – promise to make this German Christmas cruise a thoroughly memorable experience.

A five-night cruise, with fares starting at £519 per person (plus match-day tickets to Essex Cricket thrown in for good measure) is a perfect showcase of the premium value that Ambassador Cruise Line represents.

Offering two full days at sea, punctuated with port stays in Hamburg and Amsterdam, this short winter break is an ideal way to inject some sporting fun into the heart of winter.

Get crafty on Ambience this autumn
Take to the seas in September for a 10-night ‘Supercraft Cruise’ around the British Isles. Launched by Julie Peasgood, who found fame on Emmerdale before expanding into the world of arts and crafts, this cruise features an impressive team of seven expert craft workshop leaders.

Returning to Ambassador following previous successful crafting cruises, this year’s special cruise brings together passionate crafters from across the UK and is an ideal opportunity to learn new skills and connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts.

The British Isles round-trip from London Tilbury calls in major cities like Liverpool and Belfast, as well as quirky remote ports, such as Scrabster at the northern tip of Scotland – for John O’Groats. You’ll also connect with the crafting communities of the Inner Hebrides, with stops in Portree (Isle of Skye) and Tobermory (Isle of Mull).

If September doesn't suit, there are two further 'Supercraft' cruises to choose from. Ambassador's 42-night 'Highlights of Brazil and West Indies adventure' sets sail on January 18, 2023 and costs from £2,939 per person. Meanwhile the line's 11-night 'Iceland's Northern Lights cruise' sets sail on March 13, 2024 and costs from £1,009 per person.

Cruise for the good of the oceans
Cruise lines play an important role in advocating for the protection of the world’s waters and marine wildlife – after all, the cruising industry relies on the seas for its future.

So, Ambassador has teamed up with ORCA, one of the UK’s leading whale and dolphin conservation charities, to offer a dedicated sailing, with a team of scientists and activists onboard to run workshops and seminars, while collecting valuable data through research during the voyage.

The monumental 34-night ‘Grand Canada & Greenland Experience’ is a rare opportunity to enjoy a roundtrip cruise to the largest country in the Commonwealth from London.

In addition to ORCA representatives contributing to the onboard enrichment programme, you’ll also be sailing with Nick Hewer (of The Apprentice and Countdown fame), who will be engaging in a fascinating interview session with the cruise director.

The grand voyage, aboard Ambience, departs London on September 12, 2023.