This eight night itinerary started and ended in Belfast, which made it a very straightforward option. There were no flights or transfers, just boarding in the afternoon and heading out across the Irish Sea.
It was a lovely route, taking in the UK, Ireland and northern France, with enough time at sea to relax.
The Ship and Onboard Experience
The ship itself was a bit of a surprise.
It wasn’t about luxury, and that worked really well for everyone. Everything was easy to navigate and overall felt like good value for what you were getting. The same applied to the excursions, which were reasonably priced and easy to book.
What stood out more was the atmosphere onboard. Passengers were relaxed, social and friendly, which made a difference over eight nights.
There was plenty going on too, including a guest appearance from Jenny Powell, which added something different to the entertainment.
Liverpool
Liverpool was the first stop, with a full day in port.
The waterfront was the obvious starting point, with Albert Dock and the main sights all within walking distance. Some spent time around the attractions, while others headed into the city centre to shop.
It was an easy city to move around, which made the day feel straightforward.
Cobh for Cork
Cobh stood out on arrival, with rows of colourful houses climbing the hill above the harbour.
Walking up towards the cathedral gave a clear view back over the town and port, and it was worth doing just for that.
There was also a strong sense of history. The Titanic exhibition and memorial, along with the heritage centre, focused on emigration and Cobh’s role as the Titanic’s final port of call.
Excursions ran from the port to Blarney Castle, which gave people the chance to see more of the area beyond the harbour.
Cherbourg
Cherbourg was the first stop in France and felt different straight away.
Many took excursions out to the Normandy beaches, connected to the D Day landings. It was a longer day, but one that stood out for more than just the history.
For me, it was personal. My granda was part of the D Day landings. He flew in on a glider the night before the beach landings, so being there brought a different weight to the experience.
Places like Swords Beach and Pegasus Bridge gave a real sense of scale, but also of the individuals behind it.
Honfleur
Honfleur was smaller and more compact, and easy to explore on foot.
The old harbour, lined with historic narrow buildings, was the centre of everything. Most people spent their time walking, stopping for food, and taking it all in at their own pace. It was beautiful.
Sea Days and Return
There were three sea days spread across the trip, which helped break up the itinerary and made it feel less rushed.
The final day at sea led back into Belfast the following morning.
What Stood Out
This was a very handy option for anyone looking to cruise without the hassle of flying.
Being able to leave directly from Belfast made the whole trip easier, and it suited anyone who wanted a mix of destinations without overcomplicating the journey.
It was also good value overall, with reasonably priced excursions and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere onboard.
Ambassador also offers a range of sailings that start and end in Belfast across different dates, which makes it a flexible option if you are planning an adventure at sea.
