If your first taste of Ambassador Cruise Line was Channel 5’s Fun-Loving Brits at Sea, you will have met Kerri-Anne and Julie: lifelong friends, quick laughers and the sort of travel companions who collect happy strangers wherever they go. Their episode followed a sun-splashed sailing on Ambition, one of Ambassador’s smaller ships known for friendly service and an easy, home-from-home feel.

We asked the duo to tell us what it was really like once the cameras stopped rolling. Here is their warm, very honest debrief, tidied lightly for clarity and sprinkled with their best practical tips.

What were your first impressions the moment you stepped onboard?

“Classic, elegant and welcoming,” they said of Ambition. The décor was “immaculate,” the ship “spotless,” and the scale “exactly right.” They felt they could master the layout… then happily spent the week getting lost and finding new corners. “All part of the fun of cruising.”

Where on the ship is your perfect spot for that first coffee?

Mornings began at the Deck 11 buffet. “Find a window seat,” they advised. The daily shift from sea to shoreline turned a first coffee into a moving postcard.

Tell us about spa time; any treatments you loved?

A birthday pedicure for Julie, fresh blow-dries for both on the final sea day and a spa team they describe as “so friendly and welcoming.” Ocean views all round, and an instant drop in shoulders.

Was there a member of the crew who made your cruise feel extra personal? 

They will not pick one favourite because “everyone was brilliant,” but Harry in the Purple Turtle gets a nod for passion and know-how. The overall verdict on the crew: polished, warm, genuinely keen to help.

Where did you find your favourite bite on board?

“Not one mediocre meal.” From al fresco lunches on Deck 11 to a seven-course Dining Under the Stars evening, the catering team “deserve a medal.”

What was the small, unexpected moment that made you think, “Yes, we’re definitely on holiday now”?

The small, perfect moment was balcony time at sea with a cocktail and a changing horizon. Evenings started with wine in The Clifton Lounge, followed by a tour of the bars to test the ship’s Signature cocktail. “Pure holiday.”

The Silent Disco was Star of the show for you; why did it work so well?

“Everyone who loves a boogie should try it.” The joy is not hearing your own voice while you belt out the chorus, plus the stealth cardio after pudding. A firm rule: do not remove the headphones unless you want proof of your singing voice.

How did Ambition’s more intimate scale shape your days?

Ambition felt “not overwhelming,” with touch-screen maps by lifts that kept wayfinding civilised. They still got charmingly lost most days, which led to favourite nooks, easy chats and the sense of being known by the team.

What makes Ambassador a good pick for a friends’ getaway?

Dance classes, quizzes, tucked-away bars that become “yours” and staff who make you feel valued. “You can be as busy or as chilled as you wish,” which is exactly what you want when you are holidaying with a best mate.

When you stepped ashore, what was the best “we’re really here” moment?

The instant holiday cue was stepping into warm air on the pier. Their tip is simple: use the port talks and tour desk. Ships do not always dock in the thick of things, so a little planning buys a lot more “we are really here” time.

When filming the series, how did the production team put you at ease?

The Fun-Loving Brits crew kept things relaxed despite a tight schedule. Favourite behind-the-scenes memory? A bike day in Vigo where the team had to keep hopping out of Julie’s path. “Total catastrophe. Very funny.” The best bit, they say, is having a forever-souvenir to replay.

What pleasantly surprised you about cruising with Ambassador?

Sailing with a “newish line” reminded Kerri-Anne of her own days working at sea. “It felt more about the passenger experience than revenue.” Their summary of the product: “Absolutely fabulous — we will book again.”

Packing wisdom you will actually use?

“Take big pants and a bigger case.” Bring options because some evenings feel casual and others dressier. Kerri-Anne always leans dressy. “Plenty of time at home to play it safe.”

Any first-timer advice?

Arrive with an open mind and expect to be looked after. Pre-book popular tours, and if you are solo, do not worry — there is always something to join and someone to chat to.

If you could replay one five-minute slice of the trip, which would it be—and why?

They refuse to choose. “We laughed until we cried, met brilliant fellow cruisers and danced our socks off.” If pressed: balcony at dusk, silent disco at full tilt or that starry seven-course dinner.

What’s next?

They are already browsing. Ambience is calling, and so is a Caribbean run on Renaissance. Whichever ship they pick, we suspect the balcony will be involved and the headphones will stay firmly on.

Seen the series and fancy writing your own version? Ambassador sails year-round from UK ports with ships sized for easy days and friendly nights. Just remember Kerri-Anne and Julie’s golden rule: window seat for coffee, big case for outfits, and never take the headphones off mid-chorus.