Holland & Belgium Escape Cruise
Journey from London to Holland & Belgium on an exhilarating short break cruise
Set sail for a delightful escape to the North Sea coast, where culture and coastal charm come together. Visiting Ijmuiden, your gateway to the Netherlands, you’ll find sweeping dunes, seaside tranquillity while in Zeebrugge, step into the storybook beauty of Belgium. Blending relaxed coastal views with rich European heritage, this cruise promises a refreshing and memorable getaway.
Your holiday includes
- All port taxes, fees and charges
- Porterage of luggage between the port and cabin.
- Spa access
- Use of gym, swimming pool and hot tubs
- Range of fitness, dance and wellness classes
- Amazing entertainment
- Comfortable accommodation in chosen cabin category
- Full board cuisine
Your holiday extras
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal extras
- Some meals & drinks
- Compulsory gratuities & service charges at £7pppn added to on board account unless upgrading to Ambassador Fare
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
Ijmuiden
Ijmuiden, on the Dutch coast, showcases the comings and goings of a bustling harbour. Explore historic landmarks like the North Sea Canal, visit Felison Cruise Terminal, and experience the unique atmosphere of this Dutch city along the North Sea.
Zeebrugge
Zeebrugge, nestled along Belgium's coast, offers maritime history and serene beauty. Explore the historic port, visit the Maritime Museum, and savour Belgian cuisine at seaside cafes. With picturesque views of the North Sea, it's a charming retreat for those seeking a refreshing coastal experience.
Location & Itinerary
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 - 1 August 2026 Departs: 1700 Depart London Tilbury
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 - 2 August 2026 Arrives: 0900, Departs: 2000 Holland
Ijmuiden, on the Dutch coast, showcases the comings and goings of a bustling harbour. Explore historic landmarks like the North Sea Canal, visit Felison Cruise Terminal, and experience the unique atmosphere of this Dutch city along the North Sea.
Day 3 - 3 August 2026 At Sea
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 4 - 4 August 2026 Arrives: 0800, Departs: 1800 Belgium
Zeebrugge, nestled along Belgium's coast, offers maritime history and serene beauty. Explore the historic port, visit the Maritime Museum, and savour Belgian cuisine at seaside cafes. With picturesque views of the North Sea, it's a charming retreat for those seeking a refreshing coastal experience.
Day 5 - 5 August 2026 Arrives: 0800 London Tilbury
Travel & Stay
The Ship - Ambience
Here she is, our flagship of the fleet, our first lady of the sea: Ambience. Derived from the French word for ‘surrounding’, our ambition at Ambassador is to create the optimum atmosphere onboard; one that brings out the best in each of us. The perfect ambience.
With an average 1,400-guest capacity and careful configuration, she offers both a feeling of spaciousness and freedom, whilst retaining that sense of intimacy and camaraderie we each crave; it’s whatever makes you comfortable.
Entertainment-wise, she really will spoil you for choice. Let your hair down at the Observatory and bring out your finest ensembles for The Palladium. Whether you like it shaken or stirred, she has numerous bars to whet your whistle, including Raffles Bar, Botanical Lounge, SW19 and The Purple Turtle Pub.
Dining options are plentiful at our Buckingham restaurant or the Borough Market, with plentiful cuisine options, and for those wanting to soak in nature’s glory, we have our glorious Alfresco Grill. Wining and dining are more than fine at Saffron*, Sea & Grass* or our deluxe Chef’s Table*, where we offer a speciality gastronomic experience that’s not to be missed.
Put your best cards forward at Aces & Eights bridge and card room and the Ambassador Casino, or revive and renew at the gym and Wellness Centre. Other facilities include Kapoor’s, our onboard crafting studio, Brontë’s library, the shopping galleria, not to mention a swimming pool, two hot tubs and a large screen for outdoor movies. Sound good?
*Supplementary charges apply
Restaurants
Buckingham Restaurant (Main dining) - Elegant main dining with attentive table service and multi-course menus inspired by classic British and international cuisine. Fine dining meets relaxed service in a light, spacious setting.
Borough Market (Casual buffet) - A casual dining hub offering global dishes in a vibrant, relaxed setting. Ideal for light bites or leisurely lunches with friends.
Alfresco Grill (Outdoor dining) - Relaxed outdoor dining with pizzas, burgers, salads and ocean views. Grilled favourites on deck. Casual, fresh and perfect for warm-weather cruising.
Sea & Grass (Fine dining supplement £29.95pp) - 7 act tasting menu showcasing highlights of land and sea
Saffron (Indian fusion supplement £19.95pp) - Our journey into Indian Gastronomy
Chef’s Table (Exclusive supplement £89pp) - 3 hour experience including tour of galley, gifts and menu walk through by our exec chef
Dining Under the Stars (Fine dining supplement £29.95)- 7-course menu featuring our house special Surf ‘N’ Turf
Lounges & Bars
Raffles Bar – Art Deco glamour, perfect for pre-dinner drinks.
The Botanical Lounge – Modern gin and cocktail bar with a lush aesthetic.
The Purple Turtle Pub – British-style comfort and community.
The Observatory – Panoramic lounge for live music and DJ nights.
SW19 – Enjoy a relaxed drink overlooking the buzz of Centre Court.
Dickens Coffee House – Artisan coffee and sweet treats.
Consulate Bar - Aft-deck bar made for sail-away cocktails, sunshine and sea views.
Wellness & Fitness
Green Sea Spa with sauna and steam room
Green Sea Spa Treatments: offering hair, nails, facials, massages & more*
Small Fitness Centre with weights and cardio equipment
Outdoor Pool & Hot Tubs
Out on Deck: walking track, shuffleboard, table tennis
Entertainment & Enrichment
- West End-style shows in The Palladium Theatre
- Live bands and classical recitals
- Enrichment talks and guest lectures
- Art classes and craft workshops
- Theme nights and dance evenings
- Boutiques: Pandora, Estee Lauder, Jonnie Walker, gifts, jewellery, travel essentials and more
- Photo Gallery: capture your favourite cruise memories
- Bronte Library & Aces & Eights Card Room: quiet spaces for reading, puzzles, cards or bridge
- Wi-Fi: available throughout the ship,
Shops, Lounges & Quiet Spaces
Boutiques: Pandora, Estee Lauder, Jonnie Walker, gifts, jewellery, travel essentials and more
Photo Gallery: capture your favourite cruise memories
Bronte Library & Aces & Eights Card Room: quiet spaces for reading, puzzles, cards or bridge
Wi-Fi: basic available throughout the ship (upgrades available on payable board)
Your Cabins
INSIDE CABINS
Ideal for guests who prefer to spend their days exploring the ship or destinations ashore, Ambience’s Inside Cabins provide everything you need for a restful stay.
Features include:
- Twin or double beds (some with Pullman)
- En-suite bathroom with shower
- Air conditioning and storage space
- Tea & coffee facilities, fridge, safe, hairdryer, flat-screen TV
Perfect for: solo travellers or couples seeking comfort and simplicity at sea.
NB - no inside cabins are available on this cruise
OCEAN VIEW CABINS
Enjoy the beauty of the sea right from your room. Our Ocean View Cabins offer large picture windows or portholes, bringing natural light and inspiring views.
Features include:
- Sea-facing windows or portholes (Aloe Deck 4 may close in rough weather)
- En-suite shower room
- Tea & coffee facilities, fridge and flat-screen TV
- A calm, airy space ideal for longer voyages
Perfect for: guests who love to watch the horizon drift by.
BALCONY CABINS
Add an extra touch of indulgence with a Balcony Cabin. Enjoy your own outdoor space — perfect for morning coffee, fresh air and watching the waves or evening sunsets.
Features include:
- Private balcony with seating
- En-suite bathroom with shower
- Tea & coffee facilities and fridge
Perfect for: couples or guests wanting privacy, fresh air and sea views.
Availability & Pricing
Build Your Quote| Accommodation | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Place in a twin share ocean view cabin | £579.00 | Available |
| Place in a sole occupancy ocean view cabin | £848.00 | Available |
| Place in a twin share Balcony cabin | £868.00 | Available |
| Place in a sole occupancy Balcony cabin | £1248.00 | Available |
| Option | Price | |
| Return Coach travel London Victoria/Tilbury | £49.00 | Available |
| Car parking at London Tilbury | £64.00 | Available |
| Upgrade to Ambassador Fare including prepaid drink | £180.00 | Available |
Not enough spaces left for you? Click here to join the waitlist
Passport validity
For UK passport holders your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) and what this means for Ambassador’s guests
In alignment with the latest guidance, we can confirm that guests sailing on board Ambassador Cruise Line’s no-fly sailings will not be impacted by the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) during their trip. This new digital border system, which first began on 12 October 2025, changes the requirements for British citizens travelling to a Schengen Area country with travellers using a UK passport now required to register biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, upon arrival. However, cruise passengers embarking and disembarking a sailing in the UK are not required to go through this new process. This means that guests of Ambassador’s no-fly sailings – which all depart from and return to one of seven UK regional ports, namely, London Tilbury, Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol Royal Portbury and Portsmouth – need not fret about the new EES requirements before, during or after travelling with us.
Travel Insurance
Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel.
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).
UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU.
Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.
NB – A GHIC/EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance!
The latest FCO travel guidance for Belgium & Holland
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Host & Everything Else
What is the dress code on board?
During the day, we suggest that you wear casual clothing for your comfort. For the evenings on board, every day the Daily Programme suggests, as a guide, a mode of dress for that particular evening’s events. There are generally two ‘formal’ or gala nights planned every 7-12 nights when many gentlemen wear dinner jackets, although a lounge suit is quite acceptable. Ladies on these occasions have a chance to dress up and often opt for evening or cocktail dresses. Please note that jeans, T-Shirts, shorts and open neck shirts are not permitted in the main restaurant on Formal or Gala evenings. On evenings proposed as ‘smart’, a suit or smart jacket and trousers, with or without a tie, for the men is suggested and the ladies have further opportunities to look elegant in cocktail dresses or trouser suits. A ‘casual’ recommendation often covers evenings spent in port or when a special event such as a deck party is scheduled. In these cases, the choice of dress is left entirely to you. As general guidance, the number of formal nights onboard is as follows: 2-5 Nights -1 formal night, 6-20 Nights - 2 formal nights. For further information, please visit: https://www.ambassadorcruiseline.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-cruising-dress-code-with-ambassador/
Pam Harte
There are a number of places to eat on board -
Buckingham & Holyrood Restaurants - Ambition’s two main dining rooms offer classic, multi-course menus and exceptional service at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Borough Market - Casual dining with global dishes to help yourself in a relaxed setting.
Alfresco Grill - Outdoor dining with pizzas, burgers and salad by the pool. Simple pleasures, sea breezes and relaxed service.
Lupino’s (£14.95pp*) - Mediterranean cuisine in memory of our late colleague Michelle Lupino
Saffron (£19.95pp*) - Our Journey into Indian Gastronomy
Chef’s Table (£89pp*) - 3 hour experience including tour of galley, gifts and menu walk through by our exec chef
Dining Under the Stars (£29.95*) - Fine dining, 7-course menu featuring our house special Surf ‘N’ Turf
* Supplement applies
Choose to upgrade to Ambassador Fare
- Gratuities & service charges
- Premium wines
- Premium drinks from the bar
- Premium teas & speciality coffees
- House wines
- House brands from the bar
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Choice of 1st or 2nd dining sitting for dinner
Gallery
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