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• Ambassador Cruise Line

Just Back From Ambassador's "Ambience"

By London-Calling , July 13, 2023 in Ambassador Cruise Line

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London-Calling

One Year On

I was fortunate to be onboard 'Ambience', the new Ambassador's cruise lines first ship, for her maiden cruise in May 2022. 

My original ship review was generally positive, but highlighted some serious issues.

13 months later, I have just returned from a second cruise onboard Ambience: a 17-night cruise to Norway’s North Cape and Spitzbergen.

It was an excellent itinerary of eight ports of call and eight days at sea, in between. Below are my opinions about the onboard experience, one year on.

June/July 2023: Ambience Cruise Review - HERE

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15 hours ago, London-Calling said: One Year On   I was fortunate to be onboard 'Ambience', the new Ambassador's cruise lines first ship, for her maiden cruise in May 2022.      My original ship review was generally positive, but highlighted some serious issues.     13 months later, I have just returned from a second cruise onboard Ambience: a 17-night cruise to Norway’s North Cape and Spitsbergen.   It was an excellent itinerary of eight ports of call and eight days at sea, in between. Below are my opinions about the onboard experience, one year on.     June/July 2023: Ambience Cruise Review - HERE      

Thanks very much - I have just read your excellent and thorough review - and will watch the YouTube video tonight with a glass of wine !

Its a shame the problems have not all been ironed out.

I prefer balcony cabins and these are expensive on ambassador (as there are less of them compared to other ships I suppose) which has put me off ambassador so far , along with the aircon , tatty furniture and lack of tables for 2 issues.

I cannot  believe someone would play a saxophone in their cabin - how incredibly stupid and selfish - was there any action taken about this ?

Glad you had a good holiday despite all the cabin moves and strange steward !

We went to Spitsbergen with Fred in 2017 - What an amazing place isn’t it ? Probably the most interesting cruise we have done. 

Do you plan to go on Ambition ?

Thanks Paulatsea.

To he honest I've experienced pluming, air-con issues and worn furniture on lots of older ships, such as CMV, Olsen and Thomson. Unfortunately it's not unusual. I guess that the way these lines offer some great fares, is that they do not spend a fortune on refits.

In addition, sadly tables for two are rare on many ships.

The Saxophone issue was dealt with.

Ambassador do offer some great late fares, even on their balcony cabins.

Yes I will try Ambition as soon as I have the time and money. She actual passed us, as we were going up to Norway, she was coming back. Please see video below:

1 hour ago, London-Calling said: Thanks Paulatsea.   To he honest I've experienced pluming, air-con issues and worn furniture on lots of older ships, such as CMV, Olsen and Thomson. Unfortunately it's not unusual. I guess that the way these lines offer some great fares, is that they do not spend a fortune on refits.   In addition, sadly tables for two are rare on many ships.   The Saxophone issue was dealt with.   Ambassador do offer some great late fares, even on their balcony cabins.   Yes I will try Ambition as soon as I have the time and money. She actual passed us, as we were going up to Norway, she was coming back. Please see video below:          

Thank you London-Calling - will watch both videos later.

One more video, Ambience in Norway:

On 7/13/2023 at 4:13 PM, London-Calling said: One Year On   I was fortunate to be onboard 'Ambience', the new Ambassador's cruise lines first ship, for her maiden cruise in May 2022.      My original ship review was generally positive, but highlighted some serious issues.     13 months later, I have just returned from a second cruise onboard Ambience: a 17-night cruise to Norway’s North Cape and Spitzbergen.   It was an excellent itinerary of eight ports of call and eight days at sea, in between. Below are my opinions about the onboard experience, one year on.     June/July 2023: Ambience Cruise Review - HERE      

Thanks for the interesting and comprehensive review. I have done one short cruise on Ambience and have another (6 night) one booked on Ambition for later this year.

Good to hear that many of the problems have been resolved. I only have two concerns about booking a longer itinerary with Ambassador which are the ongoing aircon problems and that (on Ambience at any rate) the swimming pool is not heated.

How long Ambassador plan operating Ambience is an interesting question. As you say, they probably got her at a knock-down price in the Carnival Corp Lockdown Sale but I think they spent quite a lot her in engineering terms to make her a low-emission vessel because of the much tighter environmental constraints being launched in many areas. I feel very little was spent internally, with the Purple Turtle Pub being the only significant change as it was previously the casino.

I am surprised that so many pax can overlook the aircon issues. I don't need a luxury cabin but I do want one that has functioning aircon.

As someone who prefers a traditional style cruise on a smaller ship, I really hope Ambassador sort these problems and thrive in a very competitive market.

HI Andrew, thanks you for the thank you. I completely agree. Ships and cabins change temperature during a cruise, therefore the need to be able to regulate the air-con is a must.

I'm sure most of Ambience's cabins have functioning air-con, but which ones don't. Its a bit like Russian roulette, it would seem.

25 minutes ago, London-Calling said: HI Andrew, thanks you for the thank you. I completely agree. Ships and cabins change temperature during a cruise, therefore the need to be able to regulate the air-con is a must.   I'm sure most of Ambience's cabins have functioning air-con, but which ones don't. Its a bit like Russian roulette, it would seem.   Malcolm

Indeed, which is okay whilst not sailing at capacity so spare cabins are available. Should they start sailing with a full ship however, it could be a problem...

• 4 weeks later...

CruisingSarah

Just wanted to say thank you Malcolm for the two excellent reviews which were very useful to us pre-cruise.

We are just back from a 7 day Fjords trip on Ambience.  I will get around to writing a review too in the coming days.  I have a lot to say, not too much of it good unfortunately, and we also experienced issues with the air conditioning/heating in the cabin, basically it was not functioning at all, and in certain public areas too, either freezing cold or unbearably hot.

Our cruise was totally full and reception had signs up to say don't bother asking to change cabins.

One cabin we heard of had severe water ingress which was present on boarding and they had tried to dry out but it persisted all cruise.

There was significant water ingress from above into the buffet restaurant on both sides close the doors nearest the pool.  We did have exceptionally bad weather but nonetheless would expect the restaurant ceilings to be water tight.

Happy to answer any queries and will get a review up soonish.

Hi Sara, thanks for the rhanks.

Sorry to hear that you had issues. I have just remembered that a theatre show was cancelled on my cruise, due to water ingress into the theatre, pre show. Yet we had pretty good weather.

Ambience is an old lady in need of a good overhaul.

• 2 weeks later...

Big big thank you for the detailed review. We are sailing London to Sydney in Jan 2024 on Ambiance and getting very excited now and your review helped calm a few nerves. We have sailed a number of times from cheap and cheerful quick to a number of longer world repositions. Your detail and personal observation in the review also made me laugh. We booked for value not premium so liked your comment and made us feel comfortable in we can make our cruise what it is. On the drinks package side we booked so long ago our top drinks package was included for free in the price so I believe we will be “quids in” for a having a few coffees and imbibing as and when with wine at dinner. Interesting you say the later deals reduce pricing, is that on direct website? I can see the individual pp price for an inside cabin which we like is currently still a couple of thousand more than we have paid. Is the price reduction usually after the 90 days out pay in full has passed. Because we are British expats living in Aus and still working, planning cannot be last minute but interested in this area of booking later as retirement looms might be a way to get things even better value? Again thank you for the review your time spent writing it up is well appreciated. 

Update on my saving, my saving is a thousand in Aus dollars at the moment but that could be also due to conversion fluctuations so very interested in late booking drops information not for this cruise information but in general. Thanks

• 3 months later...

Loved this ship when she was Pacific Dawn.  I was looking at the part world cruise from Perth to Tilbury but unfortunately a bit too expensive as a single.  In 2018 I sailed with CMV from Singapore to Tilbury.  Very cheap and cheerful.  You can overlook some issues for that price.  

Yes, Gwendy, the old Pacific Dawn was my favourite P&O Australia ship. Last sailed on her in 2018. I was amused to see that the cabin carpets are the same as when I last sailed on her! 😆

I must say that I like her purple and white hull as the Ambassador livery. The old girl looks pretty good.

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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

Ambience Cabins

Ambience Ship Profile

Ambience Virtual Tour

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Copyright 2024 Ambassador Cruise Line is a trading name of Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited.

Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13299365

Cruise Review

Ambassador cruise line welcomes ambience: ‘a triumph on all levels’.

Ambassador Cruise Line officially welcomed its first ship Ambience during a glitzy ceremony at London Tilbury on 19 April. Cruise Trade News was there to witness its arrival. Words by Vicky Mayer.

My first impression of Ambience , the first ship from new British cruise company Ambassador Cruise Line, is overwhelmingly one of space.

The launch of this eagerly awaited ship had to be put back by two weeks because of a lack of fuel – as the cruise line’s CEO Christian Verhounig says: “Some you win, some you lose,”

However, this delay did nothing to diminish the appetite of both guests and invited travel agents and trade media, as the ship opened its doors for the first time for a renaming ceremony with its godmother and Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell .

As a mid-size ocean ship, Ambience is designed to carry up to 1,400 guests in 798 cabins and offers a choice of five different restaurants and two cafes, plus nine lounges, a swimming pool, gym and a spa.

When the ship made its debut in 1991 it was called Regal Princess and her godmother was the then prime minister Margaret Thatcher. The ship subsequently joined the P&O Australia fleet, sailing as Pacific Dawn , meaning now is its third incarnation and – Ambassador Cruise Line hopes – its best yet.

Wooden decks, the enormous Observatory Bar at the front of the ship on deck 14 and an old-school funnel give it a lovely iconic feel and the size of the cabins on a cost-conscious line like this is almost unheard of.

Ambience changed from top to bottom

The common areas – such as the three-deck Centre Court atrium, Botanical Lounge on deck seven, fun British pub the Purple Turtle and the Buckingham Restaurant  – feel fresh and new.

The Borough Market buffet bar on deck 12 is also a revelation – designed so guests don’t feel like they are sitting in a school hall – offering some great lunch choices including the Asian-inspired Points East counter and British favourite chip stall ‘Salt & Vinegar’.

The cabins aren’t as modern as the main areas of the ship but what they lack in fancy décor, they make up for in sheer size with generous balconies. There are also plenty of staff on attendance in the corridors.

Another plus is that plugs in the cabins are British and guests can make their own tea and coffee.

As for the cuisine, there are three speciality restaurants on board – Saffron, an Indian curry house, Sea & Grass, a surf and turf restaurant noted for its prime cut steaks, and Chef’s Table, a VIP multi-course dining experience specially created and hosted by the executive chef.

Charges apply for these eateries with prices starting from £14.95pp at Saffron through to £24.95pp at Sea & Grass.

Guests can also buy a drinks package, starting at £79pp for a three-night cruise. However, the on-board prices are very reasonable – with a pint of beer at £4, a small glass of house wine at £3 and cocktails at £5.

In keeping with Ambassador’s British heritage, Olympic star Sally Gunnell was on board to rename the ship. She told those in attendance how cruising was one of her passions and left everyone in no doubt what an honour it is for her to be Ambience’s godmother.

Can Ambassador Cruise Line thrive?

A question for many is, can this new British cruise line carve out its own niche in what is an increasingly crowded market? Judging by what was on offer in Tilbury, the early indication is a resounding yes.

Speaking to guests on board, they really appreciated the effort that Ambassador Cruise Line has made to update and refresh Ambience.

Everywhere on board, there is the line’s signature purple colour, as well as plenty of happy customers discovering the joys of a friendly, well-run line whose fares, in these cash-strapped times, won’t break the bank.

Many of the company’s staff, including Verhounig, have worked in the sector for many years and therefore have a wealth of knowledge to tap into.

Ambassador Cruise Line deserves a pat on the back for launching its first ship in a tough market. But it doesn’t stop there.

The line’s second ship, Ambition , is set to arrive in 2023, and there’s a strong possibility more will follow over the coming years.

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What’s onboard Ambassador’s flagship Ambience from cabins to dining?

Ambassador Cruise Line is a British company that burst onto the cruising scene post-Covid offering adults-only cruises around the world. This is what you need to know about its first ship Ambience.

In association with:

Ambassador Cruise Line’s flagship Ambience was the brand’s first vessel, now sister to second ship Ambition which launched in 2023.

The UK’s newest cruise company, Ambassador offers no-fly sailings aimed at the over-50s market – and flagship of the fleet Ambience provides the perfect comfortable residence in which to cruise.

So, what can globetrotters expect to find onboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience? We’ve taken a look at the dining, cabins and entertainment onboard Ambience as well as answered some of your burning questions about Ambassador Cruise Line ships.

– READ MORE:  We cruised Norway with Ambassador – this is what happened  –

Ambience cabins

Ambience boasts seven accommodation decks with 20 twin and single cabin categories. The vast majority are twin lower bed configurations (some with fold-away upper pullman berths or sofa beds) and in most cases can be converted to double beds.

On this first adults-only ship of the Ambassador Cruise Line fleet there are 13 cabins adapted for guests with disability and mobility needs and 40 cabins with interconnecting doors.

All Ambassador cabins are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities including a shower and ample storage space. They also all feature tea and coffee-making facilities, a fridge, hair dryer, personal safe, UK three-pin electrical sockets, USB ports and a flat-screen TV complete with house movies, news, documentaries and ship information channels.

Non-balcony cabins range from inside, to views from obstructed to porthole to picture window ocean. There are a variety of balcony cabins, too, from superior balcony to premium.

Meanwhile, all suites come with a private balcony and sitting area plus a complimentary bottle of house wine and mineral water, fresh fruit and daily canapés and a chargeable mini bar.

In addition to the above amenities and facilities, guests will get an umbrella, a pair of binoculars and a world atlas, along with a breakfast-in-bed tray, a cosy bathrobe and a pair of slippers.

There are 14 spacious De-Luxe suites – the highest category of all. Most of these have a sofa bed that can accommodate a third and/or fourth passenger and offer standard cabin facilities as well as en-suite with a bath and separate shower, dressing area and second flat-screen television.

You’ll also get a separate check-in waiting area, an espresso coffee machine and easy departure with a private disembarkation waiting area.

– READ MORE:  Complete guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin  –

Ambience dining

Ambience has two restaurants included in the cruise fare as well as three speciality eateries which cost a little extra.

Breakfast and lunch are served on an open seating basis while you will need to request one of two dinner sittings if dining in the main Buckingham Restaurant.

Of the two included restaurants, the first is the more formal Buckingham dining room which serves upscale food; the second is the more casual buffet-style option, Borough Market, where flavours from around the world unite.

Speciality restaurants are as follows:

• Sea & Grass: a gastronomic journey across seven acts
• Saffron: a voyage into Indian gastronomy
• Chef’s Table: a VIP multi-course dining experience specially created and hosted by the Executive Chef

– READ MORE:  What to know about dining on Ambassador cruises  –

Ambience entertainment

Whether you want to be thoroughly diverted by an all-out show or fancy a spot of quiet time, Ambassador ship Ambience has you covered.

The biggest entertainment venue on board is the multi-tiered Palladium where the talented Show Team and guest artists perform. Then there’s the Observatory, home to cabarets and the late-night disco.

Ambience hosts everything from comedy acts, cocktail making and dance celebrations choreographed by Strictly’s Anton Du Beke to celebrity guest talks, calligraphy and book clubs.

Guests can hit up the casino or shopping zone while other facilities on Ambience include the Aces & Eights bridge and card room, Kapoor’s Crafters Studio, Bronte’s Library, Active Studio and the gym and Green Sea Spa.

– READ MORE: What’s onboard Ambassador’s second ship Ambition? –

Ambassador Cruise Line FAQs

How old is the cruise ship ambience.

Ambassador flagship Ambience was first built in 1991 for Princess Cruises and was refitted in 2017 and 2022.

What was Ambassador Ambience before?

The vessel was formerly Regal Princess (1991–2007) and then P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn (2007–2020). It was christened as Ambience during an Ambassador Cruise Line ceremony at London Tilbury on April 19, 2022.

How big is the ship Ambience?

Ambience is 245m (811ft) long with a gross tonnage of 70,285grt. Boasting 11 guest decks, the ship has 789 cabins with capacity for 1,400 guests.

Are Ambassador cruises adults only?

Yes, Ambassador cruises are adults only with the exception of occasional specified multi-generational cruises taking place during school holidays.

How many ships do Ambassador have?

As for how many ships does Ambassador Cruise Line have, the answer is currently two – Ambience and Ambition.

How many single cabins does Ambience have?

Ambience has 89 cabins allocated for single occupancy across a range of categories.

– READ MORE: Full list of new ships sailing in 2025 –

Grand mediterranean with ambassador cruise line.

Duration: 32 nights

Where: London Tilbury | Leixoes, for Oporto, Portugal | Cadiz, for Seville, Spain | Palma de Mallorca, Spain | Civitavecchia, for Rome, Italy | Naples, Italy | Syracuse, Sicily, Italy | Piraeus, for Athens, Greece | Istanbul, Turkey | Canakkale, Turkey | Kusadasi, for Ephesus, Turkey | Haifa, for Jerusalem, Israel | Limassol, Cyprus | Alexandria, for Cairo, Egypt | Catania, Sicily, Italy | Gibraltar | London Tilbury (United Kingdom)

Ship: Ambience

Price: From £1,699 pp

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Ambassador Cruise Line – Ambience Cruise Ship Review

Ambience Review

I recently sailed with Ambassador Cruise Line as a guest aboard their ship ‘Ambience’. My sailing took in some last of the year winter sun in the Canaries, Madeira, and Morocco, and I was really looking forward to experiencing what Ambassador had to offer. For me, this sailing was more about the ship and onboard experience, instead of the ports. Why? Because it is a line many had asked me about and were keen to find out if it would be a good fit for them and their next cruise holiday.

So, let me get right down to it…

Ambience Public Areas

First impressions of the ship were very good. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised. I’d seen images online of Ambience and read a few different things here and there, but nothing compares to your own experiences and a first-hand encounter. I’d been impressed with what I’d seen online, but in person, I was even more surprised.

Her interior spaces are just beautiful! Across the entire ship, the only thing I didn’t like was the main stairwell carpet, so I think I can give a 9.5 out of 10 on that side of things. My favourite areas were her main Lido Deck, The Botanical Lounge, Raffles Bar, The observatory (I loved the ram-headed tables in there) and Borough Market. I also liked the Purple Turtle Pub and was frequently dragged in there by my friend to watch the football. I’ll be honest, she’s an older ship so I had expected some of her spaces to look tired and run-down, but that really was not the case and I think that’s what surprised me. Everything looked relatively new and cared for and some of her lounges felt more glamorous than I’d expected.

The Palladium is the ships’ 2-deck theatre and although I’m not a huge lover of cruise ship entertainment – I prefer to sit and chat with people – I did pop my head in a few times and caught sections of the performances. The consensus onboard was that the show team were excellent. I’m not going to argue with that, as I didn’t watch enough of their shows to do so. Not once did I hear anyone say they hadn’t enjoyed their performance.

There were always plenty of things going on that people could join in with, including bingo, archery, craft classes, curling, bowling, lectures, gaming sessions, karaoke, deck laps, and much more.

Ambassador went above and beyond on the ships’ Christmas decorations. I can honestly say that I’ve never seen so many beautiful trees and decorations on a cruise ship – they were everywhere, much to my delight! A team came onboard in Tilbury and spent several days decorating every part of Ambience. There was even a card themed tree in the card room and I loved it! I stumbled across it at around 4am one morning when I couldn’t sleep.

Ambience Dining

Borough Market is the ships’ buffet area, and this is where my friend and I preferred to eat most of our meals. I’d completely forgot until the last second that I’d not selected a preferred dining time and thus we were put on second sitting. That was too late for both of us, but we were quite happy with Borough Market. It was easy, convenient and there was always a good selection of dishes available. It’s not the biggest space when sailing on a full ship and it was very busy at times, but the food selection in here could not be faulted. I frequently enjoyed the stir-fry and pasta options. The breakfast choice was also excellent. I loved the hash browns (Ambience now takes lead for the best hash browns at sea for me) and the scrambled egg was always nice and bouncy – never watery or sad looking. I think of some smaller ships I’ve sailed on; Ambience had a far better variety of dishes available. I never once went into Borough Market and said I don’t fancy anything.  I can’t comment too much on Afternoon Tea, as I tried to stay away, but they did do a tasty ham, cheese, and tomato grilled sandwich.

The Al Fresco Grill was popular with many guests and I did try a few dishes here. The pizza, well, it wasn’t the best. I tried it once, and that was enough, but the hot dogs were good and my friend enjoyed the beef burgers. There was quite often a wait for food here – they really could have done with another chef on this station – but I didn’t mind, as I then knew my order was cooked fresh and hadn’t been sitting on a hot plate.

The menus for The Buckingham (the ships’ main dining room) were very similar to what was also served in Borough Market (although, I think Borough Market quite often had a few tasty extras) and these were available to view from mid-morning each day within the ships’ app, which was very easy to use, It detailed the daily entertainment, restaurant and bar opening times – just about everything, really. It was also convenient for accessing my onboard account. Like most, it only worked when connected to the ships Wi-Fi.

Ambience – Sea & Grass

We also dined in the ships’ 2 speciality restaurants – Saffron and Sea & Grass. I must be honest; I wasn’t expecting the portion sizes in Sea & Grass that were served. It’s a 7-course menu, so I thought they’d be tiny little mouthfuls, but I was SO wrong! This is an epic culinary journey and to really make the most of it, just completely forgo lunch that day. Each dish is served as per menu order, and you only select for your main course. I’ve included the menu so you can see everything that’s served and then the main course choice. The only thing I didn’t like was the goat’s cheese – I’m not a huge cheese lover to begin with but can now say goat’s cheese is definitely not the one for me. The cost at Sea & Grass is £24.99 per person and it’s worth it.

Ambience – Saffron

Saffron was just as enjoyable and very tasty! Not quite as much food this time, but still more than enough for 2 people. We were served the entire selection of starters to share, and these were very nice. The chicken was my favourite. For my main course I ordered the Thali, and I was glad I did – it was VERY good. My friend ordered the prawns. Everything was full of flavour. I couldn’t fault anything. A large portion of rice was served for us to share, this too was flavoursome, and the naan bread was light and delicious. Again, I’ve included the menu. The cost at Saffron is a mere £14.95 per person. I actually wish we’d dined here more than once, if I’m honest.

Madeira, Canaries & Morocco

As I said, this cruise was more about the ship than ports, but let me just touch on a few things. We visited Vigo, Madeira, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Casablanca, and Cadiz. We were supposed to visit Leixoes, but pilot strikes changed our itinerary and Cadiz was added – much to my delight as it’s a beautiful place! I didn’t do any tours on this cruise. My first tour which was supposed to be in Vigo I cancelled. I’d watched the weather for the few days leading up to embarkation and it looked miserable. As it was an open-sided road train tour, I decided to cancel and I’m glad I did because it poured all day. My other tour was in Leixoes, but we never got there. So, I ventured ashore under my own 2-foot steam and just wandered. My friend made a GREAT find for us in Tenerife. It was the African Market, and it was lovely to have a walk around and see and smell all the local meats, fruits, veggies, and spices. It’s not far from the port and worth seeking out. I was quite happy just taking my days as they came. It really was more about the onboard offerings this time for me.

I did, of course, look through all the tours and there was a vast selection in every port. You certainly couldn’t say there was no variety. The Destinations team were very helpful, they couldn’t be faulted. Although I only briefly spoke with them, I did sit in Dickens one day and casually eavesdropped on a conversation one of the team was having with 2 older ladies. They wanted to do a tour in Madeira, but they didn’t know what they wanted to do. The team member spent a long time with them, explaining what was on offer and what he would recommend based on their level of ability. He was very patient and both ladies left with a booked tour and very happy faces.

Ambience Info and Solo Cruisers

I would highly recommend Ambassador for solo cruisers. On my sailing, there were roughly 150 solo guests and they frequently attended solo meetings, lunches, and dinners. I became friends with several of these passengers and they all commented on how well the solo get-togethers had been arranged. I frequently cruise solo myself and although my friend was with me for this trip, I’d have no issue cruising solo with Ambassador. In fact, I look forward to doing just that, hopefully in the not too distant future.

To touch on a few other things, I had the Expedition package, which basically meant I could have anything on the drinks menu at no extra cost. It was massively good value for money. There are 3 Ambassador Moments package options, Expedition is the highest one and the only one that includes the more speciality focussed teas and coffees. The other 2 levels are Experience and Explorer, but Experience doesn’t include any drinks. I drank a lot of the loose leaf tea during this cruise and I loved it! Presentation was so good and the flavours were nice – rooibos chai was my favourite. I’ve included some info on the packages available, but please always check directly with your travel agent or Ambassador for the latest pricing info – this is just a rough guide. Tea and coffee from the self-service machines is available 24/7 in the Borough Market.

Ambassador Cruise Line FAQ’s – Ambience Answers

Room service is available 24/7 but there is a small charge per each item

There is a self-service laundry on Deck 10 and it is HUGE! The biggest self-service guest laundry I have ever seen. I believe it was approx. £3 for a wash load and around the same for the dryer

There is a vegan/vegetarian section within Borough Market – I’m sure this would also be available in The Buckingham. The ship can also cater for guests in need of a lactose free diet, Kosher and more. You just need to let them know in advance of your sailing

The Buckingham menu changes every evening for dinner, but like many other lines, things such as grilled chicken, steak and salmon are always available

In my opinion, the ships’ best kept secret is the Consulate Bar and the section of deck it is on – I’ll let you find it for yourself

Seasickness tablets are available free of charge from Reception

Cabins have UK 3-pin sockets, some with USB ports. We only had 1 socket in our cabin but my friend packed a travel cube – extension cables are NOT allowed

The Wi-Fi was pretty good – no qualms on that side of things from me

The website states that the ship offers a small bureau de change service by way of Reception, however, on my sailing Reception did not hold any foreign currencies – bear this in mind before sailing. I’d suggest you exchange your money pre-cruise

Cabins do have fridges – I think they were only added to the ship just before my cruise as ours wasn’t actually switched on until 5 or 6 days into the sailing

Bookings for Saffron and Sea & Grass are to be made at The Buckingham during the main evening dinner service – I’d suggest arriving just before first-sitting to ensure you can find someone to make the booking for you

First sitting dinner is at 18:00 and second sitting is at 20:30

There are 3 dress codes: Formal, Smart and Casual. Personally, I think Formal and Casual would suffice, Smart felt redundant, to a degree.

There were a few shops onboard, but they didn’t always seem to open as per the daily paper timings. There’s a duty free section which offers spirits, tobacco, perfume, clothes and then bits and bobs such as toothpaste and sweets. There’s a small Pandora store and then another shop offering jewellery and watches

The casino onboard is small but does the job. There’s no Roulette wheel (which I was disappointed about) but there are slot machines and 2 gaming tables, one of which I think was Black Jack

The Chef’s Table dining experience received rave reviews from those who tried it. I believe this is charged at £89 per person

The onboard library is quite small but it has a surprisingly large and very varied selection of books – I was impressed

Ambience – The Bit That Needs Resolved

There were several aspects of the cruise that could have been better, and I’d like to think in time they will be improved. Most didn’t impact on my overall cruise experience – they were annoying little things that either worked themselves out or were addressed once briefly mentioned – but one that did impact the cruise and on a daily basis was the service from bar staff. This was something that the vast majority of people onboard were constantly complaining about. The wait time for drinks was quite often painful. Upwards of 25 minutes some mornings just for 2 coffees and that was when there was only half a dozen or so people on the deck. It became an expectation in many areas that when you ordered, you’d not get your order for quite some time. There just wasn’t enough crew to manage demand from the number of guests that were onboard. This also had an impact when it came to how you were treated by the crew members that were taking orders. I was served more than once without having a single word uttered to me, quite literally. I know we all have off days, but I don’t expect literal silence between ordering, the drink being served and then signing for it. Several times, I bypassed crew that were taking orders and went to the bar/counter to order, but I was then met with a hostile bar tender or barista – I felt like I couldn’t win. For me, this was the main thing that needed to be addressed and it needs to be done relatively quickly.

Would I Sail With Ambassador Again?

I can’t say that the issues with service have put me off because It’s something that can be resolved. The overall cruise was very good, and I was pleasantly surprised with many aspects of it. Public areas and the food far exceeded my expectations, my cabin (superior twin on deck 9) was comfortable and there was more than enough storage space for 2 people. It was nothing flash, but it did the job, it was clean and it was in line with what I’d expect on a ship of Ambience’s age. Reception staff were always helpful, smiling and friendly, even when clearly up against it from some passengers that needed to take the tone down a little bit. Our cabin steward couldn’t be faulted, he was wonderful. A large majority of crew were excellent, very friendly and couldn’t do enough for you.

The morning we arrived in Cadiz it was raining heavily and I mean heavily! We suddenly sprang a small leak in the cabin so off I went to reception to report it. I’d been back in the cabin less than 5-minutes when there was a knock on the door – it was our cabin steward and his supervisor. They immediately started making arrangements for the issue to be fixed, the carpet to also be cleaned and dried. I have no idea what was done or when, but after our quick whizz around Cadiz in a tropical downpour, we arrived back to the ship to find everything resolved. We couldn’t have asked for more.

I’d absolutely cruise with Ambassador again and if things I’ve noted are resolved, it will prove to be a popular and long-lived cruise line among many UK cruisers. I know there have been some issues recently and sadly Ambience’s festive cruise was cancelled, but please, don’t knock this line down just yet – give Ambassador a chance to rectify the issues and then give them a try. I’d like to think you would be pleasantly surprised…

AD/ I was a guest of Ambassador Cruise Line for this sailing.

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Never again Ambassador, Just returned from Christmas market cruise with Ambassador but never again Ambassador. Tilbury terminal we were not allowed to use toilets so we had to use outside porta chemical trailer toilet which was disgusting frozen and full of human waste it was on the floor, disgusting but had to go. Then this so called medic turned up with a old wheelchair and cardboard box containing covid test kits and old Army 6ft table, the medic himself looked like just been kicked out of bed and having to go to work what a mess. On the ship one could see the ship was tired and could do with a good clean up and sorting out. Last night of the cruise the cabin flooded from the ceiling maintenance team turned up and opened up the ceiling when water rushed everywhere and shock when one saw the old corroded ceiling with old and molded towels shoved which were soaked from previous leaks and bodged up. How long had that been bodged up for is my question. Have sent a report to Ambassador but no reply yet. Would not recommend anyone to book or sail with Ambassador cruises…

We sailed on Ambience 11 December on their Cricket Legends cruise to the German Christmas Market. Overall, it was good, but I do echo the comments about drinks service….it was slow. Also, we had an issue with our cabin, the temperature control was not working and at one point the cabin temp was only 13.8c. Although reported to reception at 8:30am, by 5pm the fault had not been fixed. We were ultimately moved cabin at 8:30pm. But was disappointed in the poor service. I’d rate the food as good, portions could be bigger, the cheese and biscuits – a mouse would even ask for more cheese! Staff were friendly. Embarkation was easy, disembarkation was slow.

This is a great review , very informative and honest . There has been some very mixed comments on Facebook over the last few weeks . I hope the cruise goes ahead in January .

Quality review. Not coloured by the fact it was written by a guest of Ambassador, told it as it was – Warts and All. Looking forward to hearing the service issues are sorted out, then we’d consider this line of the strength of this review.

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Ambition: Ambassador’s freshly upcycled ship with a noble history

As Britain's youngest cruise line, Ambassador has already made its mark on the world of cruising. Here's the full backstory of their freshly renovated ship, originally launched in 1999, and why their option of modernisation makes perfect sense

There’s a new kid on the block, and they are worth getting excited about.

Ambassador Cruise Line established itself during the industry’s post-Covid reshaping, emerging through the sector’s mayhem with a clear-cut mission to offer no-fly cruises out of Great Britain .

Based in the UK, the company’s primary focus is on “premium value”, and while London Tilbury remains the line’s proud base, cruises are offered out of six UK regional ports - Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol and Falmouth. It’s a full-on Albion operation where Britannia explores the waves.

As the first British cruise line to launch since 2010, Ambassador operated with a solitary vessel throughout the first two years of activity; announcing their purchase of flagship Ambience in May 2021, before opening ticket sales the following month.

So - that’s all great, but where’s the heritage angle?

Well, that’s where it gets exciting as it also goes hand-in-hand with upcycling and sustainability. And, as we all know, that methodology fits with a changing cruise world.

Ambassador: Upcycling with style

To most people, upcycling is a dirty word; responsible for bric-a-brac images of questionable efforts showcasing the handiwork of priggish-churchy types. Luckily, some sectors successfully quash such negative stereotyping.

Classic car restorations command respect, whereas renovating age-old buildings remains firm as ‘stylish upcycling’.

Then there’s the cruise industry.

Ambassador has undertaken such a venture for the second time (following MS Ambience ), bringing new life to a celebrated heritage vessel and facilitating high-quality cruises on a more accessible price band.

May 2023 witnessed the inaugural voyage of Ambassador Ambition from Newcastle’s Port of Tyne to France and Spain, except – this was not the ship’s first sailing. Far from it. Ambition has been on the go since 1999. Her sister ship, Ambience , is older still – setting sail in 1991.

Ambassador Cruise Line has taken two mature vessels and transformed them into people-pleasing beacons that capture the long-lost style of older ships, and then reconditioned both interior and exterior to facilitate contemporary demands. To us, that’s the perfect package. It’s 'upcycling' at its very finest.

Yet, some may find such an idea unappealing. After all, old ships are…well… old; rusty relics of a bygone era.

However, such an attitude is redundant in our modern world. Renovation is far chicer and, dare we say, more environmentally friendly than laying down a new keel and plundering the earth’s resources.

Upgrading the powerplant to comply with modern environmentally-aware standards, arguably, also makes better sense than constructing a new propulsion system from scratch.

Others may bemoan the loss of the heritage ship’s original identity. Some may say that such a plan is wrong, but it’s far cleverer than just restoration. It’s modernisation. All the character of the ship is still there, but with latter-day innovations.

It's akin to modernising an old house. You keep the thatched roof and the leaded glass, but you install central heating and a SMEG fridge. You wouldn’t complain about staying in Versailles after engineers installed WiFi, over the new Travelodge, right?

MS Ambition - Success and turbulence from the past

The MS Ambition, most recently operated by AIDA Cruise of Germany (a subsidiary of Carnival), was originally ordered by Renaissance Cruises in the summer of 1996, before the order was withdrawn due to financial upheaval.

Certain media outlets proclaimed that the unnamed ship was akin to an unloved orphan; the ship’s lifespan destined to be cut tragically short.

With construction already underway at the prestigious Chantiers de l'Atlantique ( birthplace of the iconic SS Normandie and later Cunard’s QM2 ), and ownership shared between the yard and investors through Auxiliaire Maritime, Festival Cruises then took over the build before taking delivery of the vessel prior to a new millennium.

Floated out on January 2, 1999, and christened by Claude Deschamps (wife of French footballer Didier Deschamps) on June 25, the ship was proudly named MS Mistral before her maiden voyage on July 17.

After the political strife and uncertainty, the future looked bright for Festival’s up-to-the-minute acquisition.

Sailing from Genoa to the Greek Islands, before heading for the Mediterranean, she swiftly made Cuba her home from home. However, Festival Cruises soon collapsed and most of the fleet – including the semi-new MS Mistral, was sold off in 2004.

Spearheading a new chapter for cruising

Following the demise of Festival Cruises, MS Mistral enjoyed numerous titles with different firms.

Initially sold to Alstom Group (the parent company of Chantiers de l'Atlantique) and chartered as the Iberostar Mistral to Viajes Iberojet (operated by Ibero Cruises) before being sold to Ibero at auction and officially renamed Grand Mistral, the ship then transferred to Costa Cruises and became known as Costa neoRiviera.

This was a big deal. Costa wasn’t just using their neoRiviera as a mere ship, but also as a trendsetter.

Her new owners launched a sub-product with neoRiviera at the forefront, focusing on smaller ships that made longer calls at port – offering more time and overnight stays in exotic locations with greater inventories.

Based out of Dubai, she debuted with Costa on November 24, 2013, following a £10 million transformation.

After a successful stint with Costa, she then left the fleet in October 2019 after AIDA Cruises purchased the ship in May 2018. No less than $55 million was plundered during a drydock session to bring cabins and safety gear up to state-of-the-art standards, integrating the ship with AIDA’s fleet.

Arriving in Palma de Mallorca in November 2019 for her christening by German supermodel Franziska Knuppe, the newly titled AIDAmira joined three other vessels as part of the 'AIDA Selection' – performing longer itineraries in far-flung exotic locations.

Yet, the cruising landscape changed soon after AIDAmira’s maiden voyage to Cape Town, South Africa.

In March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic hit the industry hard, starting with the quarantine of 1700 passengers during an outbreak of Coronavirus onboard AIDAmira. Passengers disembarked after a plethora of negative tests, but that wasn’t the end of the problem.

The ongoing pandemic caused an operational shutdown for cruise lines, and AIDAmira suspended operations before being laid up for almost two years. That’s when Ambassador entered the picture, having been raised from the ashes of defunct CMV (Cruise & Maritime Voyages).

Ambassador takes over

AIDA Cruises sold the liner to Ambassador in January 2022, who then in turn renamed the ship Ambition before dispatch for an extensive refit in Montenegro.

Plans for her maiden voyage were quickly changed, however, to accommodate a request from the Scottish Government.

The Governmental request wasn’t for anything of a political nature per se, but instead for a six-month charter to provide accommodation for refugees of the Ukraine war .

Having arrived in Glasgow at the beginning of September 2022, Ambition joined Tallink’s cruise ferry Victoria I to jointly house thousands of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.

Frightened, exhausted and hungry, refugees enjoyed an introduction to their new Scottish home from the safety of the ship, before further accommodation across the country could be organised.

A four-week refit then commenced in Bremerhaven, Germany, to bring Ambition up to International Maritime Organization’s Tier III emission standards, enforcing a reduction in the ship’s nitrogen oxide emissions.

Work was also carried out on the rudders, stabilizers, and propulsion units, before applying a fresh coat of paint in Ambassador’s official colours. After a turbulent and exciting history, Britain’s newest cruise line offers a new chapter for the heritage vessel.

Christened in the Port of Tyne by Olympic Gold medalist Shirley Robertson , rather than beached up at the breakers' yard, Ambition now has a new mission to perform under the Ambassador brand.

Once referred to as the ‘unloved orphan', Ambition has come through the years to find true acceptance as a no-fly idol of cruising prowess.

It is heritage in motion, and unlike other historical vessels that are dry-docked for eternity as museum pieces, Ambition can be enjoyed where she belongs – upon the waves.

Virgin Voyages returns to Portsmouth with its third ship, Resilient Lady

Celestyal cruises rewards team gb olympic medallists with complimentary cruises, riviera travel boosts 2026 tall-ship programme, interview: dr damon stanwell-smith on viking's genomics at sea programme, royal caribbean’s icon of the seas to star in channel 4 documentary, seabourn adds extra antartica sailing for 2026, p&o cruises announces new partnership with southampton fc, windstar cruises marks 40 years of small ship sailing, gary barlow and p&o cruises team up to launch talent competition, seabourn reshapes spring 2025 season to avoid red sea, about calum brown.

Calum holds a deep interest in all things heritage and remains one of Britain’s most enthusiastic historians. As a seasoned journalist, he has spent considerable time abroad and relishes all forms of transport. Shipping is in the blood, with a family connection to Stena Line embedded in his DNA. He also refuses to admit that 21st Century music exists.

Calum has developed a skill for bringing history alive, and always insists on making heritage accessible for everyone.

Ambience: pictures from the Ambassador’s flagship

Ambience , first ship for the Ambassador Cruise Line ‘s fleet, in the Cruising Journal Photo Gallery. All areas on board, restaurants, lounges, services but also an overview of the cabins and outdoor spaces, from the swimming pools to the Sun Deck.

Do not miss the Reportage, the Video and all the Reviews of Ambience on Cruising Journal, with advice, opinions and cruises on offer.

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The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

The MSC Cruises fleet has grown enormously in recent years. As recently as early 2017, the line had just 12 ships in operation. But it's been adding new cruise vessels at a blistering pace, and it now operates 22 vessels. Three more are on the way in the next few years.

As a result of the growth, MSC Cruises recently passed Norwegian Cruise Line to become the world's third-biggest cruise brand when measured by passenger capacity. Only Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are bigger.

Like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival, MSC Cruises operates a wide range of ship styles and designs. The line's newest ships are among the largest ever built by any line. Eight MSC Cruises vessels rank among the world's 20 biggest cruise vessels . But not all MSC Cruises ships are supersized. MSC Cruises also operates quite a few relatively smaller, intimate vessels.

For more cruise guides, reviews and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Indeed, four MSC Cruises ships are less than a third the size of its biggest ship (the recently unveiled MSC World Europa ) and rank among the smallest of cruise ships operated by the major mass-market lines. That means you have a lot of choices when it comes to picking the perfect MSC Cruises ship for you.

The good news for those of you trying to get a handle on all the options is that the 22 ships in the MSC Cruises fleet can easily be bunched into just six groups of vessels that have similar amenities. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

These six groups, made up of ships constructed around the same time to the same basic design, are known in cruise industry lingo as "classes," and each has its own look and feel.

An introduction to MSC Cruises ships

As noted above, MSC Cruises is now the world's third largest cruise line, after several years of rapid growth. Not including pulldown bunks and pullout sofas, the line's 22 ships have 77,832 berths — about 24,000 more than Norwegian's fleet. And the growth won't be slowing anytime soon. Three more giant new MSC Cruises vessels are on order for delivery over the next few years that will add another 15,000 berths.

At its current pace of growth, MSC Cruises soon could pass Carnival to become the world's second-biggest line.

The grand dame of the MSC Cruises fleet is its recently unveiled MSC World Europa. At 215,863 tons, it's the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever built and the first of a new series of so-called World Class vessels that are nearly as big as Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships and soon-to-debut Icon Class ships (the world's biggest cruise ships).

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

The next-biggest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet are its also-recently-unveiled Meraviglia Class vessels: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia. Similar in design, these five ships aren't quite as big as MSC World Europa, but they're right up there when it comes to size, amenities and passenger capacity.

MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia, which debuted in 2019, 2021 and 2023, respectively, are a tad longer than MSC Bellissima and MSC Meraviglia and are considered a subset of the class known as Meraviglia Plus. They each can hold 4,842 passengers at double occupancy — 6,334 passengers if every last pulldown bunk and pullout sofa is filled.

The other two Meraviglia Class ships, which date to 2019 and 2017, respectively, can carry more than 5,600 passengers with every berth filled.

In addition to these five giants, MSC Cruises also operates four large Seaside Class ships that each have a total capacity of 5,336 to 5,632 passengers.

Add those in, and MSC Cruises operates 10 of the world's 35 biggest cruise ships.

The line also operates four somewhat smaller Fantasia Class vessels that can each hold around 4,400 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an MSC Cruises ship

Together, the 14 World, Meraviglia, Seaside and Fantasia Class vessels make up MSC Cruises' big-ship fleet. The line's remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are considerably smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,700 to 3,200 passengers.

The eight smaller ships, which in general are the line's older ships, allow MSC Cruises to offer itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of the World Class or Meraviglia Class vessels, although even the biggest MSC Cruises ships are still designed to be able to call at most ports around the world.

The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of MSC Cruises fans who are willing to give up some onboard amenities in exchange for intimacy. They're also usually less expensive on a per-day basis.

In addition to all of the above, MSC Group — the line's parent company — has announced plans for yet another class of big ships to start arriving later this decade, though there have been few details released. MSC Group also is developing a series of small luxury vessels that'll operate under a separate brand to be called Explora Journeys.

World Class

Ships in class: MSC World Europa (2022); MSC World America (coming in 2025); unnamed (coming in 2026); unnamed (coming in 2027).

Size: 215,863 tons.

If you love nothing better than a big, bustling resort with every sort of amusement known to humans, this is the MSC Cruises ship class for you. Currently, only one ship is sailing, but another will debut soon, with two more on the way.

While not quite as big as Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class and Icon Class vessels (the world's largest floating megaresorts), the World Class ships are not far behind in grandeur and amenities. They are bigger and more amenity-filled than any vessel you'll find at such rival big-ship lines as Norwegian, Carnival and Princess. Only Royal Caribbean has ships of the same scale.

Unveiled in the final days of 2022 (so close to year's end that we considered it a new vessel for 2023 when we listed the year's most exciting new ships ), MSC World Europa can hold up to 6,762 passengers — almost as many as can fit on Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class vessels — and that's a big deal.

This is the first time in the 14-year history of the record-breaking Oasis Class series that a vessel has come close to the Royal Caribbean ships in passenger capacity or size. MSC World Europa offers a major new option for cruisers who love being on the biggest, most amenity-packed vessels.

At 215,863 tons, MSC World Europa is about 4% to 8% smaller than the five Oasis Class ships. But by one measure, it's even bigger. MSC World Europa is 21 decks high — three decks higher than the Oasis Class vessels.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking the right cruise for you

As for its onboard offerings, MSC Cruises took a page from Royal Caribbean's playbook by breaking down the public areas of MSC World Europa into districts. They include an adults-only "Zen district" and a separate "family district" that houses as many as 10 new kids' facilities. There also is a central interior promenade with entertainment, shops and bars.

Additionally, MSC World Europa has six pools and 14 hot tubs, making it one of the most pool-covered ships at sea. The watery offerings include an Aquapark with multiple waterslides that integrate virtual reality technology. There is also a family sun deck.

MSC World Europa has 13 dining venues, including the new-for-the-line Chef's Garden Kitchen (an outlet focused on microgreens) and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating. In a twist, the ship has three separate buffet restaurants, each with its own ambiance.

Drinking spots include a two-deck English-style pub dubbed Masters of the Sea Pub, which serves beer made on board. There's also a new gin bar, a first for MSC Cruises.

MSC World Europa is just the first of at least four World Class vessels that MSC Cruises plans to unveil over the next few years. The next ship in the series, MSC World America, is due in 2025 and is scheduled to be deployed in Florida . Two more World Class vessels are scheduled for completion in 2026 and 2027.

Seaside Class

Ships in class: MSC Seaside (2017); MSC Seaview (2018); MSC Seashore (2021); MSC Seascape (2022).

Size: 153,516 to 170,412 tons.

Looking for a megaship specifically designed for cruising in warm-weather locales such as the Caribbean? The ships in this class could be the answer.

The four vessels in MSC Cruises' Seaside Class feature layouts with lots of outdoor spaces for sunning, strolling and bar-hopping.

Each of the Seaside Class ships boasts an unusually broad, uncovered, outdoor promenade on Deck 8 that offers close contact with the ocean and a Miami Beach-like pool area at the back of the same deck that's surrounded by loungers. Another pool and lounge area at the top of each ship is connected to the lower pool area by glass-enclosed elevators.

The latter pool area at the top of each of the ships is, notably, topped by dual zip lines that run from funnel to stern — at 345 feet the longest at sea. A third pool area is located at the top of the ship toward its center (this one with a closeable roof), and there's a fourth pool area in the ship's exclusive suite area, the MSC Yacht Club.

Put it all together, and the Seaside Class vessels have the highest ratio of outdoor space per passenger of any of the MSC Cruises ships, according to the line.

As is typical for the biggest megaships, Seaside vessels also have a wide range of restaurants, bars and lounges. Among nine distinct eateries are two main dining rooms, two buffet eateries, a pan-Asian restaurant, sushi bar, Teppanyaki eatery, American steakhouse and seafood restaurant. There are more than a dozen bars.

Related: Don't miss these loyalty perks when sailing with MSC Cruises

All of the ships also have a water park with waterslides and a hanging bridge feature, a sports court, Formula 1 race car simulators, virtual arcade games and bowling and an XD cinema (featuring 3D movies plus immersive special effects, such as moving seats).

In addition, each of the vessels has a large spa, casino, disco, theater and library with a pool table.

Measuring 153,516 to 170,412 tons, the Seaside Class ships are a tad smaller than the biggest MSC Cruises ships (see the World Class, above, and Meraviglia Class, below).

MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview can carry 4,132 passengers at double occupancy (5,336 passengers with every berth filled).

MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape are slightly bigger versions of the first two ships in the series that are part of a subclass called Seaside EVO (EVO stands for "evolution"). They each can hold 4,540 passengers at double occupancy (5,877 with every berth filled).

Meraviglia Class

Ships in class: MSC Meraviglia (2017); MSC Bellissima (2019); MSC Grandiosa (2019); MSC Virtuosa (2021); MSC Euribia (2023).

Size: 171,598 to 181,541 tons.

Until late 2022, these were the biggest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, and they're still giant by any standard. If you're a fan of big, bustling resorts that are loaded with all sorts of amusements, they should be on your short list among MSC Cruises vessels, along with the World Class ships.

Nineteen decks high and 1,036 feet long, the first two ships in the Meraviglia Class — MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima — are chock full of 30 bars, lounges, eateries and snack outlets (so many there's little chance you'll get to them all on a single sailing).

The next three ships in the series — MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia — offer even more outlets. They are slightly stretched versions of the first two ships, a subclass of the series known as Meraviglia Plus.

All five of the vessels are built around a grand interior promenade that's home to restaurants, bars and shops. The promenade is covered in an innovative "digital sky" made with LED screens.

All of the ships also have a giant pool deck, a water park and a sprawling amusement area with race car simulators, a flight simulator and an XD cinema.

What you won't find on the Meraviglia Class ships is intimacy. These are vessels that can carry as many as 6,334 passengers when every berth is filled. They each operate with up to 1,704 crew members. That means you could be sharing your vacation with more than 8,000 people.

Fantasia Class

Ships in class: MSC Fantasia (2008); MSC Splendida (2009); MSC Divina (2012); MSC Preziosa (2013).

Size: 137,936 to 139,400 tons.

Back in 2008, when the ships in this series began debuting, they were among the biggest cruise vessels in the world, and they still are relatively large by cruise ship standards — if not quite as big as the latest MSC Cruises ships.

While no longer on the list of the top 20 biggest cruise vessels — indeed, they barely crack the top 60 these days, thanks to a flood of bigger ships in recent years — they offer a classic big-ship experience with lots of restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top attractions.

On each of the Fantasia Class ships, you'll find five separate pools (including one with a retractable roof that is perfect for rainy days), 12 whirlpools, a waterslide, XD cinema, sports court, squash court, Formula 1 race car simulator and extensive children's program areas.

In addition, each of the vessels has a large spa, casino, disco, outdoor cinema and multiple showrooms, lounges and bars.

One notable difference between the Fantasia Class ships and the new Meraviglia Class and Seaside Class ships is that they have fewer dining options. You'll find two main restaurants on each of these vessels, a main buffet, a separate self-service food area with pizza and an American-style steakhouse.

At 137,936 to 139,400 tons, the Fantasia Class ships are about 36% smaller than the line's new MSC World Europa and its coming World Class sisters, a significant step down in size. They're about 23% smaller than the Meraviglia Class ships.

They also carry significantly fewer passengers than the World Class and Meraviglia Class ships. MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida carry 3,274 passengers at double occupancy (4,363 with every berth filled). The slightly bigger MSC Divina and MSC Preziosa carry 3,502 passengers at double occupancy.

Musica Class

Ships in class: MSC Musica (2006); MSC Orchestra (2007); MSC Poesia (2008); MSC Magnifica (2010).

Size: 92,409 to 95,128 tons.

Not sure that you want to sail on a megaship with 6,000 people but still want a vessel with a good amount of features and activities? The Musica Class ships may be the perfect solution.

At 92,409 to 95,128 tons, the four vessels in the series are barely half the size of MSC Cruises' massive Meraviglia Class ships but still big enough that they have a lot to offer.

Each of the vessels has at least four places to eat including two main restaurants, a casual buffet and a sushi bar.

You'll also find two pool areas on each of the ships, whirlpools, a miniature golf course and a sports court. Each of the ships also has a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges.

What you won't find on the ships, because of their smaller size, are the truly over-the-top family attractions that you'll find on bigger MSC Cruises ships such as giant waterparks with multiple slides and sprawling amusement areas with race car and flight simulators. If you can't live without those sorts of features on a cruise ship, the Musica Class probably isn't for you.

You'll also find a far less diverse array of restaurants.

Each of the Musica Class ships holds a bit over 2,500 passengers at double occupancy (around 3,200 with every berth filled). That's less than half the number of passengers you'll find on the biggest MSC Cruises ships.

That makes them perfect for cruisers who want to get away from the sort of crowds that are on the biggest megaships without giving up too many of the amenities that big ships have to offer.

Lirica Class

Ships in class: MSC Armonia (2001); MSC Sinfonia (2002); MSC Lirica (2003); MSC Opera (2004).

Size: 65,542 to 65,591 tons.

Dating to the early 2000s, the Lirica Class ships are the smallest at MSC Cruises, and they offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line's vessels.In general, they appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship than what you'll find on the big MSC Cruises ships. They also draw cruisers who care more about the destinations they visit on a cruise than onboard attractions.

Along those lines, MSC Cruises often sends some of its Lirica Class ships to South America, South Africa and the Middle East to operate destination-intensive itineraries with abundant port calls. The vessels also often sail voyages in the Mediterranean that are longer than the seven-night trips that are the norm at MSC Cruises. In both cases, the allure of the cruises has more to do with the ports the ships visit than the onboard experience.

The Lirica Class ships don't have the big water parks that are common on newer MSC Cruises ships. For the most part, their top decks are lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the early 2000s. All of them have at least two pools and two whirlpools.

Related: Is cruising right for you? Start by asking yourself these 7 questions

In addition to a main dining room and a casual buffet, each of the ships has an outdoor grill and pizza stand near its main pool area, as well as a sushi bar.

Each of the Lirica Class ships holds about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy (around 2,700 with every berth filled). That's less than a third of the passengers you'll find on the biggest MSC Cruises ships.

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• Ambassador Cruise Line’s first ship Ambience renamed by Olympic...

Ambassador Cruise Line’s first ship Ambience renamed by Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell

Speaking at the renaming ceremony of the UK-based Ambassador Cruise Line ’s first ship Ambience by godmother/Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell , the chief executive Christian Verhounig said that "launching the first British cruise line in over a decade in the middle of a pandemic" showed how strongly they believed in the future of ship cruising.

Apologizing for the 14-day delay in delivery of the cruise ship , resulting in the cancellation of 2 voyages, Verhounig added it had not been an easy decision to make.

Verhounig said Ambassador was a “properly capitalized company from the outset to give peace of mind to customers and agents” and “positive support” from consumers and the trade had given the company confidence to commit to a second ship, Ambition .

He added all money was held in a trust account and they were not using any of their money to fund operations.

The 1991-built cruise ship MV Ambience was previously known as "Pacific Dawn" (P&O Australia), "Amy Johnson" ( CMV ), and "Satoshi" (Ocean Builders' "Crypto Cruise Ship" 2020-2021). The boat was launched as  Regal Princess  (link to the 2014-built liner). As "Pacific Dawn", the vessel was operated by  P&O Australia  ( Carnival Corporation -owned company) in the period 2007-2020. 

The Maiden Voyage was initially planned for April 6 (4-night short break roundtrip from homeport Tilbury-London  to  Hamburg ). However, due to "supply chain disruptions" caused by the Ukrainian crisis, the brand's launch/Ambience ship's inauguration was eventually rescheduled for April 20 (4-night roundtrip from Tilbury to Hamburg) and two Norwegian Fjords voyages were canceled (Apr 10 and 16).

The Best Things To Do On A Cruise When It Rains, According To Passengers

W hen you think about cruises, you think of sunny skies, warm breezes, and endless days of outdoor adventure. However, sometimes life gives you rain, and it's up to you to make a splash. While a rainy day at sea may seem like a setback, it can offer a unique chance to uncover hidden gems and experience aspects of your cruise that might go unnoticed on sunnier days.

Indoor attractions and activities on board come alive when it rains, offering an abundance of experiences to keep you entertained and engaged. Whether you're seeking relaxation, entertainment, or enrichment, there's something for everyone to enjoy when the weather isn't cooperating. From art galleries to spas and casinos to culinary delights, rainy days at sea can be surprisingly fulfilling. So, when the raindrops start to fall, don't let it dampen your spirits. To make sure that your adventures continue no matter the weather, we dived deep into cruise forums and websites to curate the best things to do when rain interrupts your voyage on the high seas.

Read more: These Countries Have The Best Weather In The World

Join A Fitness Class

Cruise ships offer a range of activities to keep you moving, come rain or shine. One fabulous option to stay active is to join a fitness class. Whether you're a yoga enthusiast, a pilates pro, or looking for high-energy cardio, cruise ships have classes for all fitness levels. These classes not only help you maintain your exercise routine while on vacation but also provide an opportunity to try something new and exciting.

Check your cruise itinerary for the classes they specialize in. For instance, Cunard is renowned for ballroom dancing activities, offering complimentary classes followed by evening balls. Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, provide state-of-the-art fitness classes from TRX to indoor cycling.

Participating in a fitness class when it's raining can have additional benefits beyond physical exercise. The endorphins released during exercise can uplift your mood, countering any feelings of gloominess and lethargy that the rain might bring. Moreover, exercising with a group can also be incredibly motivating, plus you might even make new friends on board.

Enjoy Live Shows

Cruise ships offer a captivating and dazzling array of entertainment options, even though they are often overlooked and eclipsed by other fun cruise activities. Those rainy days on a cruise offer the perfect opportunity to unwind and devote your time and attention to exploring these captivating performances. From Broadway-style musicals to comedy acts, live music to acrobats, there's something for every taste.

Even when you're confined indoors due to the rain, live shows have the power to transport you to different worlds. The elaborate set designs, along with the ambiance created by music and lighting, create an immersive experience that could easily become a highlight of your voyage.

Moreover, the intimate nature of cruise ship performance often allows for a more personal connection and interaction with the performers and fellow audience. Whether you're moved by a touching musical performance or find yourself laughing at a comedy act, these moments can become cherished parts of your vacation. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite performer that you wouldn't have encountered otherwise.

Learn A New Skill

Just because you can't physically explore doesn't mean you can't expand your horizons by learning something new. Cooking lessons and demonstrations, led by professional chefs or even guest chefs from renowned restaurants, are among the most popular classes on cruise ships. Whether you're mastering basic cooking skills or diving into elaborate ethnic fares, these classes offer a hands-on experience that's both educational and delicious.

Some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises and Holland America, offer photography classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced. The best part is you can immediately practice what you learn and capture stunning vacation images to remember the journey. Another skill to pick up to make the most out of your vacation is learning a new language. Some cruise lines offer classes that teach basic phrases and greetings, perfect for getting up to speed ahead of your next destination. On a broader scale, Crystal Cruise has a comprehensive enrichment program offering everything from arts to business courses. No matter which class you choose, learning a new skill is a fun and rewarding experience that will definitely keep you excited even when the weather is less than ideal. You might even discover a new passion that will stay with you long after your cruise ends.

Make It A Spa Day

The weather may be gloomy, but your mood and wellness don't have to be. Embrace this opportunity to indulge in a spa day that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or body treatment, and let the hands of a professional melt away any tension. After all, even the most enjoyable vacation days can take a toll on your body, and a pampering day might be just what you need, even if you didn't realize it beforehand.

Most cruise lines feature a thermal spa with heated beds and saunas that can be particularly comforting during rainy weather. In addition to traditional spa treatments, many cruise ship spas offer unique experiences, from Balinese-style treatments to Ayurvedic therapies, boasting anything from arctic showers to exotic steam vapors.

A spa day can also be a wonderful way to bond and spend quality time with your travel companions, whether it's your partner or the whole family. Many cruise ship spas offer couples' romantic treatment or group packages, allowing you to enjoy the pampering together for an unforgettable holiday.

Watch A Movie

When it rains on your cruise, grab some snacks, settle into a comfortable seat, and let yourself explore the cinematic universe. Cruise ship cinemas offer a quality experience that rivals your local theater, with state-of-the-art sound and projection systems. For example, Carnival Cruise Line has IMAX theaters that play Hollywood blockbusters, documentaries, and more, while Disney Cruise presents the Buena Vista Theatre, a glamorous, classic, art-deco-style cinema.

Even if your ship doesn't have a cinema, or if you simply prefer a more intimate setting, you can still enjoy a movie in the comfort of your own cabin. Most cruise ships are equipped with in-room entertainment systems with various channels and movies on demand. This is a perfect time to catch up on or rewatch some classic cruise-themed movies like "Speed 2: Cruise Control" (1997), "An Affair to Remember" (1957), or "Out to Sea" (1997). If you have a specific taste or can't find a movie you like, you can always connect your own device to the in-room TV. This way, you can create a personalized movie marathon that suits your mood.

Try A New Restaurant Or Bar

No matter which cruise line you're aboard, food is undoubtedly going to be one of the highlights of the experience. Cruise ships offer an abundance of gastronomic options for passengers, from casual joints to upscale fine dining. When the weather takes a turn, it's time to channel your adventurous spirit into your meals. After all, one of the joys of traveling is trying new experiences, especially ones of the flavorful kind.

Even if the weather is good, exploring the dining options your cruise offers is a must, as many cruises feature specialty restaurants you can't find anywhere else. For instance, Disney Cruise boasts Remy, a luxurious adult-only restaurant inspired by the animated film "Ratatouille," in collaboration with French celebrity chef Arnaud Lallement. Similarly, Royal Caribbean's passengers can indulge in Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, which offers omakase-inspired dining experiences with hibachi theatrics and teppanyaki specialties. Whether you're craving a casual bite or a gourmet meal, the diverse dining options onboard promise a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to different cultures.

Explore The Ship's Behind-The-Scenes

If you've enjoyed your cruise experiences so far, you might be curious about what goes on behind the scenes. Many cruise lines offer guided tours that take you to areas that are typically off-limits to passengers, and a rainy day presents the perfect opportunity to explore these unseen parts of the ship. Signing up for a tour of the ship's behind-the-scenes areas can enlighten, educate, and inspire a newfound appreciation for the whole experience — of the technology, history, and even the crew.

One of the most common areas for a tour is the galley, the cruise ship's kitchen. Here, passengers can observe how dishes are prepared and learn how the kitchens are organized. Other tours may take you to the engine room and navigational bridge, where you can see the equipment and machinery that power and operate the ship. Some tours even cover areas like the laundry room, medical center, and waste management facilities, which can be surprisingly fascinating.

Go To The Solarium

If the rain is falling and you crave a panoramic ocean view, the solarium is your go-to spot on the ship. A solarium is like the porch of your ship, except it's enclosed by glass walls, making it a perfect escape during wet weather. This space offers a serene ambiance, particularly when the soothing sounds of the ocean blend harmoniously with the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof.

The solarium is typically located near the spa or pool area, making it an ideal spot to indulge in some self-care. Whether you choose to unwind on a heated lounger or take a dip in a thalassotherapy pool, there are many ways to stay warm and comfortable regardless of the weather. If that wasn't enough self-pampering and rejuvenation, the solarium is also where you can find some of the healthiest meals on the ship, including smoothies, salads, and fiber-rich bites. Furthermore, many solariums are dedicated adult-only areas, providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking some quiet relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of other onboard activities.

Hide And Find Cruise Ducks

Hiding and finding rubber ducks has become a beloved tradition among cruise passengers. This whimsical activity adds an element of surprise and excitement to the cruise experience, especially on rainy days when other activities may be limited. The premise is simple: Participants hide small rubber ducks throughout the ship for others to find, or they try to find the ducks hidden by others. These ducks can be creatively decorated and equipped with a tag that explains the tradition, or they may include the name of the person who did them and the date the duck was initially hidden.

Cruise ducks can be hidden anywhere, from stairwells to lounges and decks. However, there are some unofficial rules, such as avoiding the pools, gift shops, food preparation areas, spas, and anywhere they can be blown off or fall overboard. Hunting for ducks is also a fun way to explore different nooks and crannies of the ship that are otherwise overlooked. When you find a duck, you can either keep it or hide it for others to find. You can also take a selfie and post it on the Cruising Ducks group on Facebook, which already has over 240,000 members.

Play Some Games

Trivia and bingo have long been popular indoor activities on cruise ships, offering a chance to have fun while socializing with fellow passengers and potentially winning a prize. These games are often held in comfortable lounges or bars, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere that's perfect for a rainy day.

If you're in the mood for something more interactive, many cruises offer video game areas and arcades. These spaces are not just for kids; they cater to all ages and provide a range of games to suit different tastes. Whether you're into classic arcade games, sports simulations, or feel challenged to enter a friendly tournament, there's something for everyone. Many cruise lines also have a comprehensive board game collection to choose from.

Want to take it up a notch? The casino is another thrilling option available on most major cruise lines. With a variety of games, from slot machines to table games, you are welcome to test your luck and skill to win some money or even a free cruise.

Appreciate Art

Going to an art gallery may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a fun cruise experience, but many mega boats are surprisingly rich in impressive artwork. Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess, Cunard, and others have invested millions in museum-quality artwork. These collections often include a diverse range of styles, from classic to contemporary, providing something to suit every taste. Boasting remarkable paintings, sculptures, installations, and more, these art galleries are not to be missed.

Exploring the art onboard during rainy days can also be particularly soothing, providing a peaceful retreat where you can really take your time to admire and ponder. Not only that, you can also attend an art auction onboard to simply observe the lively event or even bid for a chance to acquire a unique piece. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or just curious, exploring the art onboard can be an enriching experience, adding depth and culture to your cruise vacation.

Read A Book

Rainy days can be the perfect opportunity to indulge in one of life's simplest pleasures — curling up with a good book. Cruise ships often have well-stocked libraries with a wide selection of books to choose from. Whether you prefer novels, biographies, or travel guides, there's likely a book in the onboard library that will pique your interest. You can even keep up the cruising spirit by reading an ocean-themed book, such as "The Woman in Cabin 10" by Ruth Ware or the classic "The Old Man and the Sea" by Mark Twain.

Many cruise lines also offer book exchange programs, allowing you to trade your finished book for new ones. Not only making sure you have something fresh to read, this new book can also be a unique souvenir to take home when the journey ends. Most ship libraries allow you to check out the book, so you can either pick a cozy chair in the library, lounge in the solarium or even enjoy it in the comfort of your own cabin. There's never a bad time to enjoy a good book.

Go Shopping

Whether you're looking to treat yourself or find gifts for loved ones back home, the onboard shops offer a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. While you'll find well-known luxury brands, there's also a curated selection of merchandise reflecting your journey and the destinations you're visiting. From local artisan crafts to unique souvenirs, you're sure to find something special to remember your cruise by. Shopping onboard can also be relaxing because the shops are typically less crowded, allowing you to browse at your leisure. In addition to the shopping experience, many cruise ship shops host lively events and promotions. From trunk shows featuring local designers to jewelry sales and fashion events, there's always something exciting happening in the onboard shops. Don't forget to check out the duty-free shops for a chance to find a bargain on highly-taxed items like liquor and luxury goods.

Even if you're not in the mood to make a purchase, window shopping can be a delightful pastime. You can browse the items on display for inspiration, perhaps finding something you'd like to purchase later in your destination or hometown. Many cruise ship shops host lively events and promotions, be it a trunk show or jewelry sale, which is a fun activity in itself.

How This List Was Created

We scoured forums like Quora and Cruise Critic to identify activities mentioned and loved by passengers. Then, we search cruise websites and reviews to find stories and more specific information about these activities. Rest assured, we only select activities that are available on most cruise ships.

Read the original article on Explore .

Coast Guard Airlifts Woman from Cruise Ship Off New Jersey Coast

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A 56-year-old woman experiencing a medical emergency was airlifted from a Carnival Cruise Lines ship by the U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday night, authorities reported. The vessel, Carnival Venezia , was located approximately 52 miles east of Toms River when the incident occurred.

The emergency was reported to the Coast Guard around 7:50 p.m., prompting a consultation with the Coast Guard Sector New York’s duty flight surgeon. It was determined that the woman required a medical evacuation for a higher level of care. Consequently, a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City was dispatched.

The aircrew arrived at the ship at about 10:30 p.m., hoisted the patient aboard, and transported her to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in New Jersey. The woman’s condition has not been disclosed.

This successful evacuation underscores the Coast Guard’s crucial role in providing emergency medical assistance in maritime settings.

Toms River, NJ - For years, the recreation building at Toms River's Riverwood Park has been used each winter to house the homeless during cold winter days. That was under a program called "Code Blue," which ran from November through March of each year. Now, Mayor Rodrick said that the shelter has been operating illegally, outside of the terms of a lease agreement enacted by the previous mayor and council.

For years, officials from Just Believe, Inc. claimed they had been allowed to operate the facility year-round by previous Mayor Maurice "Mo" Hill,

This year, after taking office, Mayor Dan Rodrick advised Just Believe that they must start adhering to the terms of their lease. Instead, Rodrick claims that the organization had run an 'illegal shelter' in the middle of one of the township's biggest public parks, next to a playground, basketball courts, and soccer fields.

Rodrick is accusing Just Believe, a local nonprofit, of running an unauthorized homeless shelter in the town's Riverwood Park Building. According to the mayor, the original deal was for the building to be used as a warming center—a temporary refuge for homeless residents of Toms River during extreme cold.

But things have escalated.

Rodrick said he had no intention of terminating the Code Blue shelter this winter, but said the group did not have any authority to use the building all year long.

Last night at the town council meeting, ranking officials from Just Believe were tripped up on their words about whether or not they were using the building without permission. At first, they denied it, saying it was just used for storage. Then they said they had only been using the building for meetings, which was not a condition of their lease with the township.

Later, they said they were always allowed to operate there under former Mayor Hill.

The mayor claims that Just Believe expanded the operation beyond what was agreed upon. He says the organization brought in nearly 300 homeless individuals from other parts of Monmouth and Ocean County to the shelter.

This unexpected influx put the group on the town’s radar, especially since the building was supposed to be cleared out for a local radio club. In the summer, the park is active with children and families all season long.

Rodrick said the shelter's intent was to provide relief for the homeless in Toms River, not to serve the entire state's homeless population.

Former Toms River Councilman Terrance Turnbach was the key official in this movement. Turnbach, who once said he would house the homeless in his backyard, instead repurposed the recreational center to operate the shelter in the building at the park.

Rodrick said that to operate a full-time homeless shelter; the organization would have to go through the same planning and zoning board process as any other resident or entity seeking to repurpose any structure in town.

Instead, under Turnbach and Hill's leadership, the organization was allowed to bypass the town's planning and zoning laws,.

Worse, residents who opposed the shelter in their neighborhood were left powerless to complain about a shelter that technically and legally did not exist.

When the town locked the building to hand it over to an amateur radio club permitted to use it in the warmer months, they didn’t expect any issues.

After all, Just Believe supposedly cleared out their things in March. However, the mayor claims that group members broke into the building instead of sorting out the situation with the township and started making noise on social media. The mayor believes these posts were politically motivated, accusing the town of shutting down the shelter without justification.

The town insists they didn’t terminate the agreement with Just Believe but merely reminded them of the terms. But the mayor is now adamant that Toms River won’t become a “depository” for homeless individuals from other counties, especially given concerns about drug addiction and mental illness among the homeless population.

Adding fuel to the fire is the revelation that a large homeless camp has been growing in the woods of Toms River, possibly housing up to 100 individuals.

That homeless camp grew under Hill and Turnbach's term in office and went unchecked by the local government despite several incidents involving police response.

The mayor is blaming the previous administration for letting the situation spiral out of control, but he’s also indicating that a recent Supreme Court decision could give the town new legal authority to address these issues, including the makeshift tent city operating in Downtown Toms River. These days, homeless residents are a common sight loitering downtown.

Finally, there’s the threat of legal action against Just Believe for allegedly getting involved in local politics. The mayor hints that the nonprofit could be reported to the IRS if they don’t avoid political matters, given that 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from participating in political campaigns.

He accuses Believe of being tied to the now-ousted political group led by Hill and Turnbach behind the scenes. Since 2019, Just Believe went from under $50,000 in annual revenue to nearly $350,000 in 2022, according to the organization's latest available public tax return.

Over 30% of the group's donations are spent on salaries, including President Paul Hulse's $52,442 salary as of 2022. The group spends $47,000 on other salaries.

Just Believe criticized the township's decision to enforce the lease agreement between their organization and the township. The group said on Wednesday, they were not operating a shelter inside the building during the summer months.

UTICA, N.Y. — On August 23, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Utica Police were dispatched to the Hannaford Plaza on Mohawk Street following a report of an individual with an outstanding warrant who had also just committed a larceny in one of the stores.

After conducting a search of the area, officers located the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Kevin Robinson of Utica, riding a bicycle near James Street and Miller Street. When officers attempted to stop him, Robinson continued to flee on his bicycle until reaching Tracy Street, where the pursuit came to an end.

The chase concluded when Robinson collided with an officer, causing both to fall to the ground. Robinson was then taken into custody. The officer involved sustained injuries to his hand and was exposed to bodily fluids from the suspect, requiring medical treatment at Wynn Hospital.

Robinson was transported to the Utica Police Department and has been charged with multiple offenses, including Assault in the Second Degree, Resisting Arrest, Petit Larceny, as well as several New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law violations. Additionally, Robinson was taken in on an outstanding warrant.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that five individuals have been charged in connection with a significant organized retail theft operation that targeted multiple stores across nine counties in Southeastern and South Central Pennsylvania. The operation resulted in the theft of over $71,000 worth of goods over a three-month period earlier this year.

The suspects—Marlin Polanco, Malik McDonald, Cartier Hardy, Homario Oldacre, and Lorenzo Walters—face numerous charges in Dauphin County, including corrupt organizations and organized retail theft. The charges stem from 40 documented incidents between February 28 and May 30, 2024, during which the group allegedly stole over-the-counter medications, health products, and beauty items from major retailers such as Giant, Weis Markets, and Wegmans. The affected counties include Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Lancaster, Union, Lehigh, Berks, Chester, and Northumberland.

“These thefts not only impact businesses but also harm our communities by affecting the availability of essential products,” said Attorney General Henry. “The collaboration between my office, multiple district attorneys, and local police departments has been instrumental in fighting for justice. Our commitment is to tackle these crimes head-on to protect our communities from these harmful actions.”

Polanco, McDonald, and Oldacre are currently in custody, while Hardy and Walters remain at large.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Kelsey Ashworth and Philip McCarthy of the Organized Retail Crime Unit. Attorney General Henry reminded the public that all charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Montgomery County Police Target Impaired Commercial Drivers in Specialized Traffic Operation

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