Ambassador Cruise Line hit the headlines last year when it announced the launch of its first-ever Caribbean fly-cruise season. We step onboard the vessel spearheading this new chapter to find out what’s on offer

The Renaissance era is defined as a “cultural and intellectual movement that marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity, through a flourishing of arts, literature, science and philosophy”. Therefore, relaunching a ship named after this cultural rebirth conjures lofty expectations for something new and exciting.

For Ambassador Cruise Line, its first-ever fly-cruise Caribbean vessel lives up to the billing. As I step onboard Renaissance for the first time in Tilbury, the line’s UK base of operations, a palpable buzz of excitement emanates as hands frantically prepare for the ship’s first transatlantic crossing to Barbados, where it will sail 14-night itineraries through to March 2026.

The addition of the vessel comes after Ambassador last year merged with French operator Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) to form the Ambassador Group. The 1,100-guest ship was renovated in 2023, and upgraded with the latest environmental technologies in January 2025 in line with Ambassador’s sustainability protocols.

Christian Verhounig, Ambassador Cruise Line CEO, believes the new Caribbean season “really showcases what makes us special”, with each itinerary designed to utilise Renaissance’s smaller size. Here, we take a closer look at what to expect from Ambassador’s first foray into the fly-cruise market.

Sea of dreams

All cabins are spacious – even the interior options – and offer ample room for storage and relaxation, making the accommodation feel more like a home rather than just a room. Options range from Inside Cabins to Suites, with the former offering a compact yet stylish feel with modern amenities and the latter featuring the same but with an elevated experience with premium furnishings and additional living spaces.

A private bathroom, flat screen TV, mini bar, safe, hairdryer and pool towels can be found in every cabin. Curtains on inside cabins are a nice touch, helping to alleviate the lack of a window. The ship has 18 wheelchair-accessible cabins, 100 single cabins and 102 interconnecting cabins, making it an ideal option for solo travellers, families and those with accessibility requirements.

Curtain call

Renaissance will host a range of activities and entertainment options to keep guests engaged day and night, including West End style shows, variety acts and more playing twice daily in the Theatre. The World of Wonder is one experience guests shouldn’t miss.

Starting with a vibrant 20-minute vignette that invites travellers to step into a world alive with rhythm, colour and culture, the show is guided by charismatic actor-hosts. It’s a whirlwind tour across continents, a visual and musical celebration filled with rich soundscapes, dazzling movement, and a confetti-filled finale that leaves the spirit lifted and the heart inspired.

Guests will also find a range of quizzes and gameshows, and the line’s Gala Night has been transformed with new pop-up performances from Theatre@Sea.

The last supper

Dining options are aplenty onboard, including the Vatel Restaurant, set across two decks with a ceiling illuminated by a thousand lights offering sweeping sea views; the Belle Vue buffet restaurant for a more casual dining experience; and several speciality dining venues including La Table Du Chef.

In the Grand Restaurant, the ship’s main dining room, guests will find Caribbean-inspired menus featuring sharing platters with oyster Bienville, Jamaican beef patties and conch fritters, as well as grilled beef tenderloin and a fragrant malai kofta korma for the main course.

Bars include the Panoramic Lounge, located at the front of the ship on the highest deck offering 180° views; and the Ocean Bar overlooking the Foyer, which is a great place for guests to enjoy a cocktail, wine or beer from a specially crafted drinks menu.

Sensational seas

For a near 34-year-old ship, Renaissance is home to the state-of-the-art Green Sea Spa, offering a choice of treatments like hot stone massages, seaweed wraps and traditional Balinese massage that uses acupressure, aromatherapy and long strokes to promote deep relaxation.

Elsewhere, The Lido Pool features two whirlpools, a swimming pool, plenty of sun loungers and a retractable roof. There’s also a well-equipped gym with free weights, cardio machines and aerobic area to work up an appetite.

Ambassador Cruise Line’s newest vessel is not only named after an era‑defining moment but embodied by it. After all, the line itself was borne from the ashes of Cruise and Maritime Voyages in 2021 after the company went into administration, so the addition of Renaissance feels like the next step in the right direction for a cruise line which continues to excite and surprise.