“The Cruise to Nowhere” December 2025

“The Cruise to Nowhere” December 2025

Thanks to Robbie Ashmore’s organisational skill, AMYC were able to enjoy a luxurious Christmas event this year aboard the Ambassador Cruise Line ship, ‘Ambition’, sailing from Tilbury to – (ahem!) Tilbury, over the weekend of 19th -21st December. Hence the “Cruise to Nowhere” in the title.
Sixteen club members took part (an excellent turn-out!) Apart from the usual “Thames Crew”, it was a pleasure to welcome Nick & Tracie and David and Linda from our ‘coastal division’.
Tony & Sharon and John & Geraldine had booked an additional night aboard and so arrived on the Thursday (in appalling weather!) The additional night included a black-tie dinner and show, plus breakfast on Friday morning. The dinner and show were excellent. John & Tony were encouraged to buy ten beers at a bargain (for the ship!) price and were later seen carrying them around the ship in an ice bucket! Tony got a little too merry and, when standing up to retire at the end of the evening, failed to notice his leg had come off, and promptly fell face down on the floor! Luckily, nothing but pride was damaged, and thanks to John and a burly member of staff, Tony was helped to his cabin. Breakfast next morning was a disorganised ‘bunfight’ as most of the guests had to leave the ship by 10am ready for the changeover and were eager not to miss out on their breakfast.. Luckily, this was a one-off demerit, as subsequent breakfasts were much more civilised.

Six more couples joined the early birds at lunchtime on Friday to start the cruise proper. Needless to say, activities started in the bar, before groups broke up to explore the ship at their leisure. Robbie and Jill and Nick & Tracie had bid for a cabin upgrade, and both had been successful, obtaining palatial suites! Robbie & Jill were able to entertain the whole club for drinks in their suite, complete with a private deck overlooking the stern!
Friday evening entertainment included a formal dinner followed by an excellent show in the ship’s theatre with a theme of “The Greatest Showman”.
The ship set sail Friday evening and set a course up the East Coast to a position East of Lowestoft, where it circled for most of the time at sea (An announcement over the ship’s PA told us the crew were calibrating their navigation equipment) Sea conditions were benign, but with a bitter wind making strolls on deck something for only the hardiest members!

At breakfast on Saturday members were encouraged to wear Christmas jumpers, and much thought had obviously gone into them, with illuminations to the fore! During the morning, the ‘Albany Ladies Wild Swimming Team’ (Sharon, Lin & Geraldine) plus the Vice Commodore braved the chill wind on the upper deck for a stint in the Jacuzzi. The Saturday evening meal was a formal affair, with members wearing club regalia. The Commodore raised a toast to the members and wished everyone a very Happy Christmas. The dinner was followed by another first-class theatre performance, with scenes from numerous West End shows.
Overall, the quality of the food, accommodation and entertainment was excellent. The feedback I got during the event was very positive. The Vice Commodore was even very happy to have drunk rather more than the maximum on his drinks package!
A big thank you to Robbie for organising the event, and to everyone who attended for your excellent company.
Perhaps we can organise another Xmas cruise next year? (I propose we appoint Robbie as ‘Albany Cruise Director!’) ​