No-fly cruises from the UK with family make life infinitely easier – we’ve rounded up the many perks of family cruises without boarding a plane.
No-fly cruising makes travel with kids simpler
Family holidays can be a thrilling yet daunting prospect, especially when considering the logistics of travelling with children.
Does the idea of screaming offspring kicking plane seats or overpacking teens racking up luggage costs fill you with fear? Enter the serene sphere of no-fly cruising.
While flying might seem like the obvious choice for long-distance travel, opting for a cruise from the UK without the hassle of airports can transform your family holiday into a seamless experience packed with perks.
Families can drive to the port
Embrace a convenient getaway
One of the primary advantages of no-fly cruises with kids is the ease it offers. Instead of enduring the hustle and bustle of airports, flight disruptions, long security lines and the stress of managing restless little ones confined to seats, families can step onto their cruise ship directly from UK soil.
Ambassador Cruise Line multi-generational cruises leave from London Tilbury, eliminating the need for extensive pre-flight preparations and making the beginning of your family getaway a smooth and stress-free affair.
How to get to London Tilbury port
Guests on Ambassador no-fly cruises can drive and park at the port, take the c2c line train to Tilbury Town train station, arrive by taxi or make the most of Ambassador’s coach service, offered exclusively for passengers between London Victoria Coach station and the London Cruise Terminal on sailing days. The coach must be pre-booked at least seven days before sailing.
There are no luggage limits
Don’t fret about luggage limits
It’s rare to board a plane these days without someone in the party getting tripped up by stringent luggage restrictions, whether that’s overflowing hand baggage or weighty suitcases – and it can prove both infuriating and expensive.
Not so with cruises! A no-fly family cruise holiday means you can take as much as you like – no resorting to getting out the measuring tape or weighing scales required – although maybe don’t go crazy; do you really need a different outfit every day?
Ambassador Cruise Line luggage
There are no limits to how much luggage you can bring on an Ambassador no-fly cruise, however, do bear in mind how much space you’ll have in your cabin and that your suitcases will need storing in the stateroom as there are no separate baggage facilities aboard Ambassador cruise ships. Under-bed storage is available in most cabins for suitcases no bigger than 23 cm depth.
Note, if you use Ambassador’s coach service, no single suitcase can weigh more than 23kg (maximum size 76cm x 48cm x 29) and only one piece of hand baggage is allowed per person (maximum size 45 x 36 x 20cm).
Ambience cruise ship
Enriching exploration
No-fly cruises from the UK present a unique opportunity for children to embrace the journey itself. Youngsters can soak up magical coastal views, diverse landscapes and story-book-worthy seascapes, all while indulging in a range of onboard activities tailored to their age groups. How about an ice cream for whoever spots land ahoy first?
Travel the world fuss-free
A significant advantage of no-fly cruising is the ability to explore multiple destinations without the need for constant packing and unpacking – an absolute boon for frazzled parents!
What’s more, cruises cover various ports of call, allowing families to immerse themselves in different cultures, languages and landscapes seamlessly. From historic Moroccan cities to the natural wonders of Norway, each stopover with Ambassador multi-generational cruises opens children’s eyes to the glory of travel, all while the comfort of your ‘floating hotel’ remains constant.
The Norwegian fjords are a beautiful sight
Family-friendly activities
While Ambassador is generally an adults-only cruise line, it caters well for kids during its no-fly family cruise offerings, from pool fun to exciting activities.
During last year’s school holidays, Ambassador multi-generational cruises comprised pirate-themed crafts and a special pirate dinner as well as family drama classes, Just Dance and TikTok sessions, kids’ disco, family karaoke, trivia, Mini Me gameshows and family scavenger hunts – ensuring children are entertained and engaged throughout the journey, providing parents with some well-deserved relaxation time. How about a cocktail for Mummy?
Hear from Ambassador guests what they thought about their 2023 multi-generational sailing!
“Three generations had an amazing time. Ambassador totally exceeded our expectations. Thank you to the whole crew, there are no weak links.” – SA
“One of the best entertainment teams we have come across. Stage shows excellent. Food and service very good, will definitely be travelling with Ambassador again.” – LB
However, families should note there are no dedicated children’s facilities on board and kids using the onboard pools must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
What’s more, kids in nappies (including swim nappies) and little ones who are not toilet trained are not allowed in the swimming pools or whirlpools on Ambassador ships for public health reasons.
Ambassador puts on a range of activities for kids
Bonding opportunities
No-fly cruise holidays foster an environment that encourages bonding and these Ambassador family cruises are ideal for bringing everyone in the gang together, whether that’s grandparents, teenagers or tots (as long as they’re over six months old).
With ample opportunities for shared experiences, such as exploring new destinations together, participating in onboard activities, or simply enjoying meals as a family, such cruises create moments that strengthen familial bonds and create lasting memories.
Bring everyone in the family together
Dine in multiple venues
On the topic of family feasts, there is a range of dining venues on board Ambassador ships.
Both Ambience and Ambition boast outstanding main restaurants (Buckingham and Holyrood respectively) as well as casual buffet eatery Borough Market. As for speciality restaurants, both Ambassador cruise ships are also home to Chef’s Table – a VIP multi-course dining experience specially created and hosted by the Executive Chef, including a tour to the Galley – and Indian restaurant Saffron.
Additionally, flagship Ambience features Sea & Grass, which serves a seven-course “tasting journey” and Ambition has Mediterranean restaurant Lupino’s – so there are plenty of options to please all palates!
Safety and Security
For parents concerned about the safety and security of their children while travelling, no-fly cruises from the UK offer a reassuring environment. Cruise ships maintain stringent safety protocols and dedicated staff to ensure the well-being of all passengers, providing parents with peace of mind.
Great cheap cruise deals
Ambassador has some amazing family no-fly cruise deals up for grabs, so sailing with all the kids in tow doesn’t have to break the bank. On certain multi-generational cruises children can travel from just £99pp and on all of them you can currently bag half-price drinks packages! What are you waiting for?
Casual buffet eatery Borough Market
Ambassador family cruises 2024
Summertime Multi-generational Fjordland
When: August 3, 2024
Duration: 7 nights
Cruise itinerary: London Tilbury, UK | Bergen, Norway | Flam, Norway | Haugesund, Norway | Eidfjord, Norway | London Tilbury, UK
Adult price: From £999pp | Child price: £199pp
Book your Ambassador family cruise to Norway here
Multi-Generational Iberian Treasures & North Africa
When: August 10, 2024
Duration: 12 nights
Cruise itinerary: London Tilbury, UK | Leixoes, for Oporto, Portugal | Lisbon, Portugal | Cadiz, Spain | Casablanca, for Marrakesh, Morocco | Gibraltar | Vigo, for Santiago de Compostela, Spain | London Tilbury, UK
Adult price: From £1,529pp | Child price: £99pp
Book your Ambassador family cruise to Iberia & Morocco here
Ambassador family cruises 2025
Easter Multigenerational Getaway
When: April 17, 2025
Duration: 7 nights
Cruise itinerary: London Tilbury, UK | Honfleur, France | St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, UK | Cobh for Cork, Ireland | London Tilbury, UK
Adult price: From £759pp | Child price: £99pp