Would I recommend Ambassador Renaissance?

I've sailed on both Ambience and Ambition a few times and really enjoyed them. They each have their own personality and it turns out their sister has one too...and I rather like her!

Renaissance is very much a traditional, smaller cruise ship. She was originally built for Holland America Line as one of their S-class ships and you can still see so much of that HAL character onboard. Lovely wood finishes, elegant lounges and plenty of wonderful spaces where you can just sit with a coffee and watch the sea go by. What many will say...proper cruising!

And if you've sailed on Celestyal Journey, you might recognise her because they're actually twin sisters! Although Renaissance has kept much more of her traditional look.

First thing I noticed was just how lovely her condition is. Even the carpets have a nice spring in them when you walk...yes, I notice these things! 🤣 She's clearly been well looked after and refurbished whilst keeping her lovely traditional style. There are so many gorgeous lounges and cosy little corners to relax in...just how I like a cruise ship!

And what I particularly loved was how many of these spaces overlook the sea. I do like a cruise ship where you can actually feel connected to the sea!

Now...the main dining room and theatre...
These two spaces really stood out for me. Both are absolutely beautiful, with so many lovely details. I kept finding myself looking around and spotting something else sparkly or quirky.

I also enjoyed lunch in the main dining room and the food was just as good as I've experienced on her Ambassador sisters. I had a nose around the buffet too and everything was beautifully presented and looked really inviting. Obviously I couldn't visit a cruise ship without investigating the food...

Apparently the entertainment is very similar to Ambience and Ambition too, with the same style of shows and onboard entertainment. I've always thought Ambassador do a really good job in this department, so that's another tick from me. Although I'll have to come back for a proper cruise to judge that one myself!

The cabins were another pleasant surprise. Really lovely, beautifully presented and looking in great condition. Yes, the bathrooms are still a little 90s, but they were sparkling clean and there's nothing wrong with a bit of nostalgia! 🤣

Now let's talk about the outdoor decks...particularly the aft decks overlooking the wake. What a gorgeous space!
I could just imagine myself sitting there in the Caribbean sunshine, cocktail in hand, watching the wake disappear into the distance. My favourite view on a ship.

There are also a few French touches around the ship, which makes sense with her French connections, and it gives her a slightly different personality to her Ambassador sisters.

Something else I'm really pleased about is having another smaller, traditional ship available to book in the UK. Well done Ambassador

I think there's still a big market for ships like Renaissance. Not everyone wants waterslides, rollercoasters and thousands of passengers. Sometimes you just want a lovely ship, good food, entertainment, beautiful destinations to explore and somewhere comfortable to sit and enjoy being at sea.

Unlike her two Ambassador sisters, Renaissance spends much of her summer sailing from France before heading off to the Caribbean for winter...not a bad life really...

So...my overall thoughts?

She's elegant, traditional and has a lovely relaxed cruising atmosphere.
Of course, I've only visited for the day rather than sailed on her, so I can't comment on what the full onboard experience is like. But first impressions...she's made a very good one!

And I think those of you who enjoy Ambience, Ambition, Fred. Olsen ships or P&O Aurora would feel very much at home on Renaissance.

She's a little gem and I'd happily sail on her! 😍