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Over 105 Years Experience
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Discover Dutch and Belgian heritage on this enchanting North Sea journey. Enjoy free time in Ijmuiden and Zeebrugge, or embark on optional excursions to the amazing cities of Amsterdam and Bruges with history and picturesque canals.
This holiday operates under our Optimum Experience brand.
With elegant space-maximising interior design, our Optimum Experience vehicle offers incredible passenger comfort with a selection of fine tours and destinations to choose from. Our Optimum holiday packages include a wide range of excursions, events and admissions, accommodation in a minimum 3* hotel (unless otherwise stated) and, on all our European Holidays, a Skills Representative too! Why not also book our door-to-door service and make your next holiday stress-free?
We travel north to the port of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to embark on our cruise ship. Once onboard, you can relax and unwind in the fabulous facilities and entertainment opportunities whilst enjoying the evening as you cross the North Sea.
Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise towards the Netherlands. We arrive in Ijmuiden during lunch, a coastal town home to historic landmarks like the North Sea Canal, visit the Felison Cruise Terminal, and experience the unique atmosphere of this Dutch city along the North Sea. Optional transport and excursions are available for those who wish to visit Amsterdam. Discover the capital of the Netherlands as you’d like, with a canal-woven city overflowing with top museums, attractions, quirky shops, and eateries just waiting for you to explore. Perhaps hop onto a small canal boat and see this mesmerizing city, or visit the house of Anne Frank or the Vincent van Gogh Museum to view his magnificent complete works. We depart Ijmuiden this evening as our journey continues into the night.
We arrive in Zeebrugge this morning. Nestled along Belgium’s coast, you’ll find maritime history and serene beauty. Explore the historic port, visit the Maritime Museum, and savour Belgian cuisine at seaside cafes. With picturesque views of the North Sea, it’s a charming retreat for those seeking a refreshing coastal experience. For those wishing to explore city sights, optional transport and excursions are available to visit Bruges, the captivating capital of the Flanders region. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its picturesque tree-lined canal network, this medieval city is a compact treasure trove of architectural, cultural and culinary delights, perfect for exploration on foot. Bruges is also heaven for chocolate or beer aficionados, with plenty to taste, sample and even take home! Why not explore the charming sights by water on a sightseeing cruise or a romantic carriage ride along winding cobblestone streets and ancient bridges? Recommended highlights include the enchanting Lake of Love, the iconic Belfry Tower, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
Explore the ship, relax and unwind and spend quality time onboard as we cruise back home. Whether you pamper yourself in the Green Sea Spa, experience all the outstanding cuisine onboard, enjoy amazing entertainment in the Palladium and other venues, attend a class or talk or play games with friends or family, there’s something for everyone.
Enjoy your final hours relaxing on board Ambition as we return to the UK. Upon our arrival in Bristol, our coach will be waiting to take you home.
The second lady of the sea. Ambition is aptly named to further emphasise our commitment to inspire and delight every guest to enjoy an authentic cruise experience effortlessly, and sustainably.
Ambition will carry up to 1,200 passengers to give her a true sense of comfort and space in her 680 cabins.
We are offering both inside and outside (oceanview) cabins
Her dining options will inspire you with two main restaurants. Sit back, relax and enjoy a drink in one of her four bars, lounges and pub. Or take in a show in the tiered main theatre, or discover your hidden talents in the card room, library, and craft studio. Other facilities include the wellness centre, gym, two swimming pools and a range of retail shops, perfect for days at sea.
DECK PLAN
GRATUITIES & SERVICE CHARGE
For your convenience, Ambassador operate an automatic service charge and gratuity system, which is automatically added to your onboard account.
An amount of £7 per person per night will be automatically added to your onboard account. If you purchase a Drinks Package, gratuitues are also included.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Alfreton | Bus Station, Hall Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BT |
| Arnold | High Street Bus Stop, Outside Leisure Centre Car Park, Arnold, NG5 7EE |
| Beeston | Lace Road, behind the Cricketers Pub Beeston, NG9 2LA |
| Bulwell | Aldi (Bus Stop SW12), Sellers Wood Drive, Bulwell, NG6 8GE |
| Chesterfield | Coach Station, Beckingham Way Chesterfield, S40 1TH |
| Derby | Bus Station, Bay 27 & 28, Derby, DE1 2AY |
| Heanor | Market Place, Wilmott Street (Market Square side) Heanor, DE75 7EG |
| Ilkeston | Wharncliffe Rd, Market Place, Ilkeston, DE7 5GF |
| Leicester | St Margarets Bus Station, Stand SA, Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG |
| Leicester Fosse Park | Leicester Fosse Park, Bus Stop, Fosse Park Avenue Next to ASDA (opposite petrol station), LE3 2LL |
| Long Eaton | The Green, Outside Poundland Long Eaton, Notts, NG10 1HQ |
| Loughborough | Amber Rooms, The Rushes Loughborough, LE11 5BE |
| Lutterworth | George Street, Outside Wycliffe Rooms Lutterworth, LE17 4EG |
| Mansfield | Fire Station Bus Stop, Rosemary Street Mansfield, NG19 6AA |
| Nottingham | Mount Street, Alongside the Grosvenor Casino, Nottingham, NG1 6HE |
| Ripley | Market Place, Express Stand Ripley, DE5 3FJ |
| Rotherham | Interchange Bay C1/ C2, Frederick Street, Rotherham , S60 1QB |
| Sheffield | Pond Hill, Opposite Penny Black Public House Sheffield, S1 2BG |
| Toton | Tram Stop Park and Ride, Toton Lane Notts, NG9 7JA |
Checking availability...
To make a booking firstly select the correct number of passengers that will be travelling. This will perform an availability check to see that there is sufficient space on the tour. If the date you want is available select the Book Now button and you will be guided through the online booking process. If your date is unavailable you can use the Call Back facility to discuss further options.