Hidden Gems of France, Spain & Portugal from Liverpool

Date: 15 Jul 2024
Duration: 12 nights
Ship: Ambition
Line: Ambassador Cruise Line
Date Sailed | September 2016 |
Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
Ship Name | Empress of the Seas |
Destination | North America |
Empress of the Seas recently returned to the Royal Caribbean fleet after eight years with the Spanish company, Pullmantur. At just 42,000 tons and carrying around 1800 passengers, the ship is very much the 'baby' in the company line up; a diminutive little jewel in a fleet of giants.
Originally built in 1990, Empress of the Seas features most cabins in the forward part of the ship, while public rooms are mostly layered in the stern of the ship. Both inside and outside cabins are relatively small, though all have been recently refurbished. There is little by way of storage space, but the dress code is smart casual. On these short, port intensive cruises, you won't spend much time in your room, anyway. There are some larger, balcony cabins and suites if more space and seclusion is something you need to have.
There is a stunning, central five storey high lobby that is very much the focal point aboard Empress of the Seas. And, while causal dining is available around the clock at the outdoor buffet, always take the chance to enjoy at least one meal in the main dining room. It's a shimmering, beautifully dramatic space at the stern, two levels high, and with floor to ceiling glass windows on three sides. Many people claim that this is the most beautiful dining room on any ship at sea.
For fun in the sun, there is a large pool deck, complete with hot tubs and bar, plus rows of sun loungers. It's pretty and expansive, but it also gets full very quickly. Empress of the Seas remains a high density ship- the company can pack up to 1,840 passengers onto her for each cruise.
Entertainment continues almost around the clock on this ship, but don’t expect the lavish ice shows and promenade parades of the larger ships. Her size simply does not allow for them. Instead, expect a decent, busy casino, a disco, cabaret style shows, and a hugely popular piano player.
Newly refurbished, this lovely ship is ideal for a short break.
Dining and Food | 7 / 10 |
Spa and Gym | 7 / 10 |
Entertainment | 7.5 / 10 |
Childrens Facilities | 7 / 10 |
Accomodation | 6.5 / 10 |
Shore Excursions | 7 / 10 |
Service | 8 / 10 |
Luxury | 7 / 10 |
Value For Money | 8 / 10 |
Drinks Packages | 8 / 10 |
Date: 15 Jul 2024
Duration: 12 nights
Ship: Ambition
Line: Ambassador Cruise Line
£1,086 OUTSIDE
£2,164 BALCONY
Date: 16 Dec 2024
Duration: 20 nights
Ship: Quest
Line: Azamara Club Cruises
£4,499 OUTSIDE
£4,979 BALCONY
Date: 19 May 2025
Duration: 18 nights
Ship: Regatta
Line: Oceania Cruises
£5,199 OUTSIDE
£6,299 BALCONY
Date: 19 Mar 2024
Duration: 22 nights
Ship: Norwegian Dawn
Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
£5,970 BALCONY
Date: 14 Oct 2024
Duration: 12 nights
Ship: Celebrity Ascent
Line: Celebrity Cruises
£2,529 OUTSIDE
£3,171 BALCONY
Date: 3 Jul 2025
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Explorer of the Seas
Line: Royal Caribbean
£2,049 OUTSIDE
£2,179 BALCONY
Date: 16 Feb 2024
Duration: 12 nights
Ship: Regent Seven Seas Grandeur
Line: Regent Seven Seas
Date: 1 Feb 2024
Duration: 13 nights
Ship: Balmoral
Line: Fred Olsen Cruises
£1,552 OUTSIDE
£3,104 BALCONY
Date: 4 Jan 2025
Duration: 16 nights
Ship: Azamara Pursuit
Line: Azamara Club Cruises
£4,034 OUTSIDE
£4,529 BALCONY
Date: 16 Mar 2024
Duration: 17 nights
Ship: Silver Dawn
Line: Silversea Cruises
Date: 4 Aug 2025
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Queen Victoria
Line: Cunard Cruise Line
£1,331 OUTSIDE
£1,381 BALCONY
Date: 8 Jun 2024
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Seaview
Line: MSC Cruises
£1,149 OUTSIDE
£1,249 BALCONY
Date: 9 Sep 2024
Duration: 10 nights
Ship: Grand Princess
Line: Princess Cruises
£1,999 OUTSIDE
£2,279 BALCONY
Date: 24 Jul 2024
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Norwegian Spirit
Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
£1,148 OUTSIDE
£1,943 BALCONY
Date: 13 Nov 2024
Duration: 11 nights
Ship: Pride of America
Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
£3,679 OUTSIDE
£3,999 BALCONY
Date: 13 Jul 2025
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Silver Muse
Line: Silversea Cruises
Date: 1 Apr 2024
Duration: 20 nights
Ship: Emerald Princess
Line: Princess Cruises
Date: 3 Feb 2026
Duration: 12 nights
Ship: Carnival Luminosa
Line: Carnival Cruise Line
£3,049 OUTSIDE
£3,099 BALCONY
Date: 19 Aug 2024
Duration: 9 nights
Ship: Seaview
Line: MSC Cruises
£1,879 OUTSIDE
£1,979 BALCONY
Date: 1 May 2025
Duration: 11 nights
Ship: Carnival Venezia
Line: Carnival Cruise Line
£2,299 OUTSIDE
£2,449 BALCONY