British Isles Discovery and French Charms

The British Isles Discovery and French Charms is a 13-night Europe cruise aboard Ambience, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line. Departing London (Tilbury) on April 11, 2027, the voyage visits 9 ports.

Length: 13 nights
Departs: Apr 11, 2027
Returns: Apr 24, 2027
Ports of call: 9
Days at sea: 3

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Itinerary

Day 1 Apr 11, 2027 London (Tilbury) Departs 17:00 London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st-century city with history stretching back to Roman times. At its centre stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower and Westminster Abbey, site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex, and the entire city.

Day 3 Apr 13, 2027 Invergordon 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore The Highlands in the northern part of Scotland are known for their magnificent scenery, boasting a landscape of dramatic mountains and forested hills. This region also is of historic importance and full of legends including the fabled Loch Ness monster. For centuries, Scotland was England's principal enemy. Then in 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I of England, thus establishing the first political union between the two countries. Despite these ties, Scottish nationalism persisted.The resistance came to an end in 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charlie, in a sad but heroic attempt to reclaim the throne, was defeated in the Battle of Culloden. It changed the social structure of the Highlands forever. Powerful clans were disarmed; for many years wearing kilts was prohibited because the kilt was seen as a symbol of Scottish pride. Scotland ultimately was ruled from London. Invergordon is the port for Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands and junction of many routes. Over the centuries, Inverness was often the focal point of clashes between Highland chiefs, and the Crown. Today the town is a popular tourist attraction as well as a gathering place for the clans of the surrounding area. Many of the traditional Scottish events take place here each summer, including the Highland Games and the Sheep Dog Trials. Invergordon is also a good starting point for excursions to many of the area's attractions, including the Battlefield of Culloden, Loch Ness, the villages of Tain and Cromarty, historic castles and old whisky distilleries. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, in addition to fishing and agriculture. Enjoy the picture-perfect scenery and perhaps an opportunity to chat with a Highlander eager to introduce you to his fabled land and its rich heritage.

Day 4 Apr 14, 2027 Kirkwall, Scotland 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore The seventy or so Orcadian isles apart from rugged rock of Hoy - are low-lying and richly fertile. First inhabited by late Stone Age settlers, followed by broch-builders and Picts, fromthe 15th centuries Orkney was ruled as a Norse kingdom, passing to the Scottish crown in 1471. Mainland Kirkwall is the capital. The Orkney Islands are politically a part of Britain, yet seem quite different in many ways. Numerous place names have non-English sounds, reflecting the original Viking settlement of the 9th century. Norse crafts and traditions are obvious everywhere. These islands were ruled from Norway and Denmark until 1468, when a Norwegian king gave them to Scotland in lieu of a dowry for his daughter's marriage to King James III. In addition to the Norse heritage there are numerous remains of prehistoric monuments such as the Stenness Standing Stones at Finstown. The archipelago is located at the same latitude as southern Greenland; the Gulfstream accounts for the islands' temperate climate. Approximately half of the 60 islands are inhabited; the rest are home only to seals and sea birds. Most of the inhabitants, who draw their livelihood from the fertile hills rather than the sea, live on Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands. Kirkwall, located on Mainland, is the principal harbor and capital of the Orkneys. Steep-roofed stone houses line streets that wind around the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral. A museum featuring Orkney historical artifacts is housed in the 16th-century Tankerness House. Other attractions around the island include Maes Howe, the site of Britain's best-preserved megalithic tomb, and the stone-age village of Skara Brae. Scapa Flow serves as a reminder of more recent times when, during both World Wars, Britain's naval base was located here. Kirkwall, Scotland port guide Search cruises visiting Kirkwall, Scotland

Kirkwall, Scotland photo — Day 4 Apr 14, 2027 Kirkwall, Scotland 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore The seventy or so Orcadian isles apart from rugged rock of Hoy - are low-lying and richly fertile. First inhabited by late Stone Age settlers, followed by broch-builders and Picts, fromthe 15th centuries Orkney was ruled as a Norse kingdom, passing to the Scottish crown in 1471. Mainland Kirkwall is the capital. The Orkney Islands are politically a part of Britain, yet seem quite different in many ways. Numerous place names have non-English sounds, reflecting the original Viking settlement of the 9th century. Norse crafts and traditions are obvious everywhere. These islands were ruled from Norway and Denmark until 1468, when a Norwegian king gave them to Scotland in lieu of a dowry for his daughter's marriage to King James III. In addition to the Norse heritage there are numerous remains of prehistoric monuments such as the Stenness Standing Stones at Finstown. The archipelago is located at the same latitude as southern Greenland; the Gulfstream accounts for the islands' temperate climate. Approximately half of the 60 islands are inhabited; the rest are home only to seals and sea birds. Most of the inhabitants, who draw their livelihood from the fertile hills rather than the sea, live on Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands. Kirkwall, located on Mainland, is the principal harbor and capital of the Orkneys. Steep-roofed stone houses line streets that wind around the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral. A museum featuring Orkney historical artifacts is housed in the 16th-century Tankerness House. Other attractions around the island include Maes Howe, the site of Britain's best-preserved megalithic tomb, and the stone-age village of Skara Brae. Scapa Flow serves as a reminder of more recent times when, during both World Wars, Britain's naval base was located here. Kirkwall, Scotland port guide Search cruises visiting Kirkwall, Scotland

Day 6 Apr 16, 2027 Belfast 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Reborn as a cool, modern city, Belfast has successfully left its troubles behind, emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture, where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. Take a voyage of discovery in its maritime quarter, home to a celebrated museum dedicated to the most famous ship ever built, which was constructed right here in the city’s shipyards. A walk across the Lagan Weir Footbridge brings you to Belfast’s fascinating Titanic District – an area of the city devoted to its rich ship-building heritage. The state-of-the-art Titanic Museum brings the story of the doomed vessel to life, and is the largest museum dedicated to the infamously ‘unsinkable’ ship. Wind up a nautical-themed ramble along the Maritime Mile with a visit to SS Nomadic, the smaller cousin of the Titanic, and a ship which serves as a fascinating time capsule back to the pomp and grandeur of the Titanic, while also telling its own stories of service in both World Wars. There’s just enough time to give the 10-metre long Salmon of Knowledge sculpture a quick peck for luck, before continuing to explore. A stark barbed wire and graffitied sheet metal barrier marks an abrupt scar through the city’s residential areas. The Peace Line was constructed during the height of the Troubles, when Belfast was plagued by sectarian divisions between Protestants and Catholics. Nowadays, you can jump in a black taxi tour to see the colourful murals and living history of the walls, which stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. After exploring the city’s historic divisions, a reminder of Belfast’s uniting creativity can be found at the Metropolitan Arts Centre – a seven-storey tall building, which invites light to gloriously cascade inside. The Cathedral Quarter is a cobbled blend of flower-adorned pubs, restaurants and theatres, and venues where music spills out onto the streets at night, and many a pint is cheerily shared. Belfast port guide Search cruises visiting Belfast

Belfast photo — Day 6 Apr 16, 2027 Belfast 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Reborn as a cool, modern city, Belfast has successfully left its troubles behind, emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture, where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. Take a voyage of discovery in its maritime quarter, home to a celebrated museum dedicated to the most famous ship ever built, which was constructed right here in the city’s shipyards. A walk across the Lagan Weir Footbridge brings you to Belfast’s fascinating Titanic District – an area of the city devoted to its rich ship-building heritage. The state-of-the-art Titanic Museum brings the story of the doomed vessel to life, and is the largest museum dedicated to the infamously ‘unsinkable’ ship. Wind up a nautical-themed ramble along the Maritime Mile with a visit to SS Nomadic, the smaller cousin of the Titanic, and a ship which serves as a fascinating time capsule back to the pomp and grandeur of the Titanic, while also telling its own stories of service in both World Wars. There’s just enough time to give the 10-metre long Salmon of Knowledge sculpture a quick peck for luck, before continuing to explore. A stark barbed wire and graffitied sheet metal barrier marks an abrupt scar through the city’s residential areas. The Peace Line was constructed during the height of the Troubles, when Belfast was plagued by sectarian divisions between Protestants and Catholics. Nowadays, you can jump in a black taxi tour to see the colourful murals and living history of the walls, which stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace. After exploring the city’s historic divisions, a reminder of Belfast’s uniting creativity can be found at the Metropolitan Arts Centre – a seven-storey tall building, which invites light to gloriously cascade inside. The Cathedral Quarter is a cobbled blend of flower-adorned pubs, restaurants and theatres, and venues where music spills out onto the streets at night, and many a pint is cheerily shared. Belfast port guide Search cruises visiting Belfast

Day 7 Apr 17, 2027 Liverpool 09:30 – 18:00 8.5 hrs ashore An MSC Northern Europe cruise to England is the perfect opportunity to discover the dynamic, exciting port of Liverpool: it’s a vibrant city with a Tate Gallery of its own, a series of innovative museums and a fascinating social history. And of course it also makes great play of its musical heritage – as well it should, considering that this is the place that gave the world The Beatles. The main sights are scattered throughout the centre of town, but you can easily walk between most of them. If you want a cathedral, they’ve “got one to spare” as the song goes; plus there’s a fine showing of British art in the celebrated Walker Art Gallery and Tate Liverpool, and a multitude of exhibits in the terrific World MuseumLiverpool. When you step ashore from your MSC cruise, you can’t miss St George’s Hall, one of Britain’s finest Greek Revival buildings and a testament to the wealth generated from transatlantic trade. Now primarily an exhibition venue, but once Liverpool’s premier concert hall and crown court, its vaulted Great Hall features a floor paved with thirty thousand precious Minton tiles (usually covered over), while the Willis organ is the third largest in Europe. Huge and flashy, in a show-stopping Danish-designed building, the Museum of Liverpool opened in 2011. Spread over three floors, the galleries play on Liverpool’s historic status as the “second city of Empire”, exploring the complex political and life histories that have unfolded in a community whose wealth and social fabric were built on international trade. Dominating the waterfront are the so-called Three Graces – namely the Port of Liverpool Building (1907), Cunard Building (1913) and, most prominently, the 322ft-high Royal Liver Building (1910), topped by the “Liver Birds”, a couple of cormorants that have become the symbol of the city. Liverpool port guide Search cruises visiting Liverpool

Liverpool photo — Day 7 Apr 17, 2027 Liverpool 09:30 – 18:00 8.5 hrs ashore An MSC Northern Europe cruise to England is the perfect opportunity to discover the dynamic, exciting port of Liverpool: it’s a vibrant city with a Tate Gallery of its own, a series of innovative museums and a fascinating social history. And of course it also makes great play of its musical heritage – as well it should, considering that this is the place that gave the world The Beatles. The main sights are scattered throughout the centre of town, but you can easily walk between most of them. If you want a cathedral, they’ve “got one to spare” as the song goes; plus there’s a fine showing of British art in the celebrated Walker Art Gallery and Tate Liverpool, and a multitude of exhibits in the terrific World MuseumLiverpool. When you step ashore from your MSC cruise, you can’t miss St George’s Hall, one of Britain’s finest Greek Revival buildings and a testament to the wealth generated from transatlantic trade. Now primarily an exhibition venue, but once Liverpool’s premier concert hall and crown court, its vaulted Great Hall features a floor paved with thirty thousand precious Minton tiles (usually covered over), while the Willis organ is the third largest in Europe. Huge and flashy, in a show-stopping Danish-designed building, the Museum of Liverpool opened in 2011. Spread over three floors, the galleries play on Liverpool’s historic status as the “second city of Empire”, exploring the complex political and life histories that have unfolded in a community whose wealth and social fabric were built on international trade. Dominating the waterfront are the so-called Three Graces – namely the Port of Liverpool Building (1907), Cunard Building (1913) and, most prominently, the 322ft-high Royal Liver Building (1910), topped by the “Liver Birds”, a couple of cormorants that have become the symbol of the city. Liverpool port guide Search cruises visiting Liverpool

Day 8 Apr 18, 2027 Cobh, Ireland 13:00 – 22:00 9.0 hrs ashore When you step ashore from your MSC Northern Europe cruise in Cork, everywhere there is evidence of its history as a great mercantile centre, with grey-stone quaysides, old warehouses, and elegant, quirky bridges spanning the River Lee to each side of the city’s island core. But equally powerful draws are its lively atmosphere and large student population, combined with a vibrant social and cultural scene. Massive stone walls built by invading Normans in the twelfth century were destroyed by William III’s forces during the Siege of Cork in 1690, after which waterborne trade brought increasing prosperity, as witnessed by the city’s fine eighteenth-century bow-fronted houses and ostentatious nineteenth-century churches. The graceful arc of St Patrick’s Street – which with Grand Parade forms the commercial heart of the centre – is crammed with major chain stores. Just off here on Princes Street, the English Market offers the chance to sample local delicacies like drisheen (a peppered sausage made from a sheep’s stomach lining and blood). The west of the city is predominantly residential, though Fitzgerald Park is home to the Cork Public Museum, which focuses on Republican history. Kinsale, 25km south of Cork city, is also waiting to be enjoyed on an MSC Northern Europe cruise excursion. Kinsale enjoys a glorious setting at the head of a sheltered harbour around the mouth of the Bandon River. Two imposing forts and a fine tower-house remain as evidence of its former importance as a trading port, and Kinsale has built on its cosmopolitan links to become the culinary capital of the southwest. Add in plenty of opportunities for watersports on the fine local beaches and a number of congenial pubs, and you have a very appealing, upscale resort town. Cobh, Ireland port guide Search cruises visiting Cobh, Ireland

Day 10 Apr 20, 2027 St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly 07:00 – 19:00 12.0 hrs ashore Scattered 30 miles offshore from England’s most south-westerly point – Land’s End – the Isles of Scilly are home to rich wildlife, and green land sloping to powdery white beaches. The Isles of Scilly’s biggest island harbours around 1,600 people – roughly three-quarters of the total population - and is one of five occupied islands. Isolated and serene, life here hums along at its own pace in this archipelago's bubble, which enjoys the UK’s mildest climate, and some of its most spectacular beaches. View less Hugh Town is the centre of St Mary’s, and you’ll be warmly welcomed by the incredibly tight-knit local community. A peaceful place, watch out when the waters are suddenly parted by the competition of gig racing – the island’s sporting pride and joy - which sees teams competing in colourful rowboats. Elsewhere, catch sight of Atlantic seals and seabirds like puffins and fulmars, along nine miles of coastline. You can also spot the ghostly shipwrecks strewn around the island’s waters, and the 140 islands and skerries that have made treacherous sailing historically. There's a dense collection of historical sites that belies the islands’ small size – from a former prime minster’s grave to star-shaped fortresses. Tresco Abbey Garden is one of the UK’s most vibrant gardens, with diverse plants bathing in the warmer climate and over 300 species on display. Taste the rewards of the mild weather with a glass of wine from England’s most south-westerly vineyard.

Day 11 Apr 21, 2027 St. Peter Port, Guernsey 07:30 – 17:00 9.5 hrs ashore A busy port since Roman times and one-time home of Victor Hugo, Guernsey's capital, St Peter Port, is the prettiest town in the Channel Islands with fine Georgian and Regency houses, tumbling terraced gardens, winding streets and hidden leafy alleyways. The best way to discover the true beauty of Guernsey is on foot, exploring the Ruettes - tranquil, quiet lanes that are dedicated to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. And history lovers will be in their element exploring Castle Cornet, the last Royalist stronghold of the English Civil War and now home to several museums and theatrical events. Fort Grey was a bastion against Napoleon and is now a fascinating Shipwreck Museum while the German Occupation Museum gives a vivid account of island life during WWII. When you have finished sightseeing, do leave time for shopping, as Duty Free Guernsey offers some of the world's best bargains on cameras and electrical goods, jewellery, perfume and wine (please note opening times might change during the weekend).

Day 12 Apr 22, 2027 Honfleur Arrives 11:30 The crammed together, timber-framed houses of Honfleur's delightful waterfront simply beg to be painted, and the waterfront beauty has been immortalised on the canvases of artists like Monet, and Honfleur's celebrated son, Boudin. Located in scenic Normandy, where the Seine opens out into the Channel, this is one of France's - and the world's - most spectacular, historic harbours. Impossibly picturesque, the Vieux Bassin's Norman harbour townhouses are an artist’s dream, reflecting out onto the still water, between bright wooden fishing boats. View less It may be gorgeous, but it’s also a historically important port, and Samuel de Champlain's epic voyage - which resulted in the founding of Quebec - launched from these waters. Take a stroll back in time, as you wander cobbled streets where flowers spill down walls or sit to indulge in Calvados – brandy made from Normandy's famous apples. A museum dedicated to Eugene Boudin, the town's influential impressionist artist, displays visions of the harbour and region, as well as paintings of the town's stunning wooden church. Wander to Eglise St Catherine itself, to see the twisting structure, which is France's largest wooden chapel. Constructed from trees taken from nearby Touques Forest, it replaced the stone church that stood here previously, which was destroyed during the Hundred Years War. Out of Honfleur, The spectacular Pont de Normandie cable-stayed bridge loops up over the Seine's estuary, bringing excursions to Le Havre even closer. The pensive, sombre beaches of the D-Day landings stretch out across Normandy's coastline, while the Bayeux Tapestry unfurls within reach of Honfleur's picturesque scenery. Honfleur port guide Search cruises visiting Honfleur

Honfleur photo — Day 12 Apr 22, 2027 Honfleur Arrives 11:30 The crammed together, timber-framed houses of Honfleur's delightful waterfront simply beg to be painted, and the waterfront beauty has been immortalised on the canvases of artists like Monet, and Honfleur's celebrated son, Boudin. Located in scenic Normandy, where the Seine opens out into the Channel, this is one of France's - and the world's - most spectacular, historic harbours. Impossibly picturesque, the Vieux Bassin's Norman harbour townhouses are an artist’s dream, reflecting out onto the still water, between bright wooden fishing boats. View less It may be gorgeous, but it’s also a historically important port, and Samuel de Champlain's epic voyage - which resulted in the founding of Quebec - launched from these waters. Take a stroll back in time, as you wander cobbled streets where flowers spill down walls or sit to indulge in Calvados – brandy made from Normandy's famous apples. A museum dedicated to Eugene Boudin, the town's influential impressionist artist, displays visions of the harbour and region, as well as paintings of the town's stunning wooden church. Wander to Eglise St Catherine itself, to see the twisting structure, which is France's largest wooden chapel. Constructed from trees taken from nearby Touques Forest, it replaced the stone church that stood here previously, which was destroyed during the Hundred Years War. Out of Honfleur, The spectacular Pont de Normandie cable-stayed bridge loops up over the Seine's estuary, bringing excursions to Le Havre even closer. The pensive, sombre beaches of the D-Day landings stretch out across Normandy's coastline, while the Bayeux Tapestry unfurls within reach of Honfleur's picturesque scenery. Honfleur port guide Search cruises visiting Honfleur

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Show all 50 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Not listed
Balcony Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	BAL10AFT	Balcony
Balcony Cabin (Forward - Deck 10)	BAL10FWD	Balcony
Balcony Cabin (Midship - Deck 10)	BAL10MID	Balcony
Balcony Cabin (Midship - Deck 10)	BAL10MIDS	Balcony
Balcony Cabin (Aft - Deck 11)	BAL11AFT	Balcony
Balcony Cabin (Midship - Deck 11)	BAL11MID	Balcony
Balcony	BALG	Balcony
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 5)	INS05FWD	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 5)	INS05MID	Inside
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 6)	INS06FWD	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 6)	INS06MID	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 8)	INS08MID	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 9)	INS09AFT	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	INS10AFT	Inside
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 10)	INS10FWD	Inside
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 10)	INS10FWDS	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 10)	INS10MID	Inside
Inside Cabin (Aft - Deck 11)	INS11AFT	Inside
Inside Cabin (Forward - Deck 11)	INS11FWD	Inside
Inside Cabin (Midship - Deck 11)	INS11MID	Inside
Inside	INSG	Inside
Inside Guarantee	INSSG	Inside
Outside Guarantee	OS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 4)	OUT04MIDS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 5)	OUT05FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 5)	OUT05FWDS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 5)	OUT05MID	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 6)	OUT06FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 6)	OUT06MID	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 8)	OUT08AFT	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Mid - Deck 8)	OUT08MID	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin - Obstructed View (Midship - Deck 8)	OUT08MIDO	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 9)	OUT09AFT	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 9)	OUT09FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Midship - Deck 9)	OUT09MID	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	OUT10AFT	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 10)	OUT10AFTS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 10)	OUT10FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 10)	OUT10FWDS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 11)	OUT11AFT	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Aft - Deck 11)	OUT11AFTS	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 11)	OUT11FWD	Oceanview
Ocean View Cabin (Forward - Deck 11)	OUT11FWDS	Oceanview
Outside	OUTG	Oceanview
Outside	OUTSG	Oceanview
Deluxe Suite (Forward - Deck 11)	DLX11FWD	Suite
Deluxe Suite (Midship - Deck 11)	DLX11MID	Suite
Junior Suite	JS	Suite
Suite (Midship - Deck 11)	SUI11MID	Suite