DESTINATIONS RIVER AND SEA | CRUISE
exper expert ASK THE
Nicola Harper, head of distribution,
Ambassador Cruise Line “The benefits of Ambassador’s smaller ships
extend beyond being more intimate, accessible and friendly. They’re more nimble too, meaning they can reach incredible destinations that
larger cruise ships can’t. For example, on our itinerary to the River Seine and Antwerp,
guests will sail up the Seine to Rouen, which is 75 miles inland. Guests will also experience the quaint city of Antwerp with ease as the
ship sails up the River Scheldt and berths right in the town centre.”
A walking tour of Rouen’s medieval quarter takes in the city’s most famous sights, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and a statue marking the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Honfleur, at the mouth of the Seine, is so picturesque it’s been immortalised by artists such as Monet. Recommend clients stop in one of the waterside cafes and watch the world go by. On my cruise, I had expected a shuttle bus
to Antwerp’s city centre, so it was a wonderful surprise to wake up and find Ambition moored right in the heart of Belgium’s handsome second city.
GUIDED EXCURSIONS There’s the option to sign up for guided sightseeing excursions in Antwerp and farther afield to Bruges and Brussels. Our morning tour, which disembarked straight off the ship and walked to Antwerp’s main square, provided a good overview of this cosmopolitan city. We hear about the legend behind the hand-shaped biscuits that gave Antwerp its name – a tale involving a Roman soldier who cut off the hand of a giant and threw it into the river – and its recent evolution as a fashion capital. With the tourist office right next to Ambition’s docking spot, I later buy a 24-hour Antwerp Pass for €45. It’s well worth the outlay because it covers free entry into museums and attractions,
travelweekly.co.uk
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Antwerp; De Koninck beer; Rouen; Ambition balcony suite PICTURES:
www.woodmonkey.be; De Koninck; SC Stock; Riccardo Sai
As it’s an older ship, cabins are roomier than on many newer vessels
including the De Koninck brewery, as well as public transport to get there. Back on board, there’s no shortage of things
to do. Ambition is a very comfortable ship, with a good range of cabins across six categories, including dedicated single rooms and suites with balconies that come with perks such as wine, daily canapés and optional breakfast in bed. As it’s an older ship – Ambition first set sail in 1999 and underwent a £43 million refit in 2019 – cabins are roomier than on many newer vessels. My shipmates are a jolly bunch and it’s easy
to get chatting to people in areas such as Grafton Street, an informal arts and crafts area, making Ambassador a great line for solo travellers. Daily themed trivia quizzes attract a big crowd, with plenty of banter and friendly competition. Plus, there’s bingo. The Purple Turtle Wine Bar is another popular gathering spot, and if your clients enjoy a tipple or two, recommend one of Ambassador’s reasonably priced drinks packages (which also cover tips).
When it’s time for some peace and quiet, I head to the library. Here, Emily Brontë fans can see a costume worn by actress Alexandra Dowling, who played Emily’s older sister Charlotte in the 2022 biopic Emily. It’s another interesting touch on a ship firmly aimed at the British market. The food is very good, too. The included main
restaurants operate on a traditional two-sitting basis at dinner; for more flexibility, head to the Borough Market buffet, where international dishes are served alongside favourites such as full English breakfasts and roasts. There’s also speciality dining, such as the excellent Indian fusion restaurant Saffron – good value for the £16.95 per person supplement – and the intimate Chef’s Table. While the latter isn’t cheap at £89, it’s an exceptional culinary experience. The multicourse tasting menu culminates in one of the most spectacular desserts I’ve ever seen. It’s one of the many highlights of this novel river and ocean cruise.
TW BOOK IT
Ambassador Cruise Line’s eight-night River Seine Experience & Antwerp round-trip cruise costs from £849, departing on October 19 from Newcastle Tyne and October 20 from Dundee, including all meals and onboard entertainment.
ambassadorcruiseline.com
4 APRIL 2024 45
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