A cruise from the London International Cruise Terminal at Tilbury offers a hassle-free alternative to airport border queues, with embarkation taking just 30 minutes from bag-drop to cabin. The UK government website confirms that sailings starting and ending outside the Schengen area, such as those from a UK port, are usually exempt from EU Entry/Exit System (EES) checks for European day trips.
Quick embarkation and EES exemption
Captain Egil Aune announced a five-hour passage to the mouth of the Thames as the Ambience set sail. The leisurely journey along 40 miles of the London waterway contrasts with the efficiency of boarding. Compared to a two-hour queue at Naples Airport for EES checks, cruise passengers only needed to scan their cruise card for disembarkation in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Ship amenities and dining
Ambience is adults-only, carrying 1,400 guests, but feels roomy with modern British-themed decor and a Centre Court atrium. The ship includes a Lido deck, outdoor pool, and multiple dining venues. All dining in the Buckingham Restaurant, Alfresco Grill, and Borough Market buffet is included, with optional upgrades such as Saffron Indian restaurant (£20 three-course) and the Chef's Table (£89 each for eight courses with wines). The Chef's Table features theatrical presentations like an oyster amuse-bouche under a smoke-filled cloche and a candyfloss tree dessert.
Entertainment and relaxation
The Palladium theatre hosts shows like a disco performance with live Bee Gees harmonies by a cast of 10. The Observatory lounge, on deck 14, transforms into a nightclub with a live DJ, with sufficient soundproofing to avoid disturbing cabins. The Green Sea Spa offers treatments like reflexology with mineral wraps.
Port stops: Haarlem and Bruges
In the Netherlands, the cruise stopped at IJmuiden for Amsterdam, but the author opted for Haarlem, a city 30 years older than Amsterdam with fewer tourists. Highlights include the Hofje van Bakenes, the oldest almshouse courtyard in the Netherlands, founded in 1395. In Belgium, Zeebrugge served Bruges, where the Old Chocolate House offers DIY hot chocolate with stem ginger and chillies. The Belfort tower features a 47-bell carillon.
Value and booking
The three-night cruise is a low-hassle city break with optional upgrades. Ambassador offers mini-cruises and longer voyages via ambassadorcruiseline.com or 0330 162 4111. Prices vary by length, cabin type, and departure port.
