Christmas And New Year Sailing To Spain And Portugal | Ocean Cruise | 2026

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1 - London Cruise Terminal (Tilbury, UK)
20 December 2026 | Departs: 17:00

London Tilbury, a key entry point to the UK capital, is nestled along the River Thames in Essex. Discover waterfront attractions like Tilbury Fort, which offers a window into the rich maritime history of this quintessential port town on the Thames Estuary.

Day 2 - At sea
21 December 2026

Sea days are the perfect opportunity to explore the ship, relax and unwind and spend quality time with those around you. Whether you pamper yourself in the Green Sea Spa, experience all the outstanding cuisine we have onboard, enjoy our amazing entertainment in the Palladium and other venues, attend a class or talk or play games with friends or family, there's something for everyone.

Day 3 - At sea
22 December 2026

Day 4 - Leixoes, for Oporto (Portugal)
23 December 2026 | Arrives: 08:00 | Departs: 17:00

Near the city of Porto, Leixos is one of Portugal's major seaports and is widely associated with the exporting of port wine. Day trips to Porto are a popular activity, but there are also quayside beaches and cafes to enjoy on either side of the Douro River.

Day 5 - Lisbon (Portugal)
24 December 2026 | Arrives: 09:00 | Departs: 18:00

Portugal's bustling capital of Lisbon allures with its mix of Old World charm and seaside vibes. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets in the Alfama district, lunch atop the scenic overlook of Santa Catarina, and savour Lisbon's rich cultural tapestry.

Day 6 - At sea, Christmas Day
25 December 2026

Day 7 - Almeria (Spain)
26 December 2026 | Arrives: 08:00 | Departs: 18:00

Almeria invites you to explore its dramatic landscapes and fascinating history. Visit the Alcazaba fortress, a Moorish marvel perched high above the city, or wander the quaint streets of the Old Town. Unwind on the pristine beaches or venture inland to the lunar-like landscapes of the Tabernas Desert, which served as the backdrop for hundreds of ‘Spaghetti Western’ films.

Day 8 - Malaga (Spain)
27 December 2026 | Arrives: 08:00 | Departs: 20:00

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, Malaga enchants with its romantic Spanish character and Andalusian ambience. Climb the fortress walls of the Alcazaba, bask on golden beaches such as Playa de la Malagueta, and immerse yourself in the city's cultural richness.

Day 9 - Gibraltar (Spanish Coast)
28 December 2026 | Arrives: 08:00 | Departs: 20:00

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, captivates with its iconic rock and maritime history as the gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Explore historic fortifications and keep an eye out for the iconic Barbary macaques that roam the streets.

Day 10 - Cadiz (Spain)
29 December 2026 | Arrives: 08:00 | Departs: 20:00

The ancient seaport of Cadiz is a testament to Spain's seafaring history. From charming plazas to sun-drenched beaches, the city invites exploration of its cultural richness and Andalusian allure.

Day 11 -At sea
30 December 2026

Day 12 - Vigo, for Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
31 December 2026 | Arrives: 08:00 | Departs: 19:00

Vigo, nestled in Spain's Galician region, allures with its historic Old Town, stunning waterfront, and the pristine Cies Islands a short boat ride away. Explore medieval streets, discover Castro Fortress, and savour the delights of fresh seafood and other Spanish delicacies.

Day 13 - At sea, New Year's Day
1 January 2027

Day 14 - At sea
2 January 2027

Day 15 - London Cruise Terminal (Tilbury, UK)
3 January 2027 | Arrives: 08:00

What's included

What's Included:

• Door to Door Service from selected postcodes
• Cruise passage in the cabin accommodation selected
• Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner
• Services of the ship’s staff throughout your time on board
• Guest speakers & classes
• Entertainment from shows to plays and cabaret to live music
• Visit to Leixos for Oporto and Lisbon (Portugal)
• Discover Almeria, Malaga, Gibralar, Cadiz for Seville, and Vigo for Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

Highlights

Door to Door Service, Leixos for Oporto, Lisbon, Almeria, Malaga, Gibralar, Cadiz for Seville, and Vigo for Santiago de Compostela

AMBIENCE

Ambience 

Welcome aboard the Ambience as we set sail on new adventures with our great value cruising partner Ambassador Cruise Lines. Combining spacious and stylish public areas, friendly service and first class entertainment, the Ambience is the perfect choice for those looking for comfort, facilities and fabulous cruising itineraries. With an average capacity of 1400 guests over a carefully configured design, the Ambience offers space and freedom, together with a greater intimacy than other larger ships. By day enjoy the many facilities on board, the fabulous excursions on offer, or take part in some of the classes and events. By night, enjoy highly regarded dining experiences and soak in the many entertainment options, from top rated live performances to after dark parties or more refined lounges and bars. Whether you are a seasoned cruise guest or a first time sailor, the Ambience really is what cruising is all about.

> Air-conditioning > En-suite facilities > Flat screen TV > Hairdryer > UK three pin & USB sockets > Safe > Tea and coffee making facilities.

FACILITIES

•   Restaurants
• 11 Lounges & Bars
•   Live entertainment at the Palladium Theatre & Outdoor big screen
• Ambassador Casino
•   Swimming Pool & hot Tubs
•   Green Sea spa
•   Gym & Jogging & walking track
•   Comfortable Cabins (choose from inside, oceanview, balcony & suites)
•   TV in room
•   Wi-Fi (charges apply)

Everything included - Ocean cruises

• Door to Door service to port*
• Cruise passage in the cabin accommodation selected
• Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea & dinner
• Entertainment from shows to plays and cabaret to live music
• Captain’s cocktail party and dinner
• Services of the ship’s staff throughout your time on board
• Guest speakers & craft classes
• Port taxes & porterage
• ABTA bonded

*Click Here for full door to door service details and availability

Images

Ocean Cruising - Dining & Entertainment

Dining & Entertainment 

The Ambience is all about your complete hospitality package and at the heart of it is their dining experience and fabulous entertainment. Enjoy full breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Buckingham restaurant with exceptional service and authentic flavours or in the more relaxed Borough Market restaurant and perhaps treat yourself with a visit to the VIP Chef’s Table*, or the speciality Saffron or Sea & Grass* restaurants. By night the ship comes alive with spectacular live entertainment in the Palladium theatre as well as a host of lounges and bars that offer entertainment to suit all tastes.

On board facilities include:

• Eleven bars & lounges
• Buckingham & Borough Market restaurants
• Fine dining at Saffron, Sea & Grass and Chef’s Table restaurants*
• Live entertainment at the Palladium Theatre
• Ambassador Casino
• Shopping galleria
• Photo gallery
• Bronte’s library
• Green Sea spa
• Gym
• Jogging & walking track
• Swimming pool
• Hot tubs
• Outdoor big screen
• Extensive sun decks
• Reception
• Tour desk offering shore excursions
• 9 lifts

*additional charge.

Important Information

Ocean CruiseImportant information relating to all Cruise Holidays onboard Ambience:

• All prices £’s per person (from).
• Prices are based on two passengers sharing a cabin (except for single cabins).
• It is a condition of booking a cruise that you have adequate travel insurance before departing (it is essential your travel insurance includes Covid-19 cover).
• A Grand UK Holidays representative does not escort these cruises.
• These cruises are not exclusively for the over 55s but Ambience operates as an adult only cruise ship on most cruises. They do not accept anyone under the age of 18 on the featured cruises.
• It is important that you are fit and healthy to embark on a cruise holiday and your attention is drawn to section 10-12 of our Booking Conditions.
• Full British Passports are required for all cruises.
• Optional shore excursions, personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry, communication and medical fees are not included.
• According to international custom in the hospitality industry, tipping is accepted as recognition of good service. For your greater convenience the ships operate an automatic tipping system so instead of worrying how much and when to tip, an amount of £7.00 per person per night (£6.00 per person per night for cruises over 16 nights) will be debited to your on-board account.
• All itineraries are approximate and may be subject to change.
• Please be advised that the ships offer designated smoking areas on open decks. Our website prices are indicative of prices at time of our brochure going to print, however Ambassador Cruise Lines operate a fluid pricing policy and therefore prices are subject to change. We will always endeavour to secure the best price or offer available at time of booking.

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