Day 1 - Travel to Dundee and Embark (27 July 2027)
Your holiday begins as you travel to Dundee to board Ambition for an exciting cruise towards the sunshine of southern Europe. Once you’ve checked in and settled into your cabin, take time to explore the ship, find your favourite lounge, and soak up the first views as you sail out from the Tay.
With the days ahead building towards Portugal, Spain and beyond, your first evening on board is all about switching off, enjoying dinner, and getting into the relaxed rhythm of life at sea.
Day 2 - At Sea (28 July 2027)
Your first full day at sea is all about settling into ship life. It’s a great time to explore Ambition properly, find your favourite lounge, and get a feel for what’s on offer across the bars, cafés and social spaces.
If you fancy keeping busy, the daytime activities programme runs throughout the day, so you can dip in and out of things as you please, then finish with a relaxed evening show in the theatre.
Day 3 - At Sea (29 July 2027)
This sea day is ideal for making the most of Ambition’s dining choices. Alongside the main restaurants, there are more casual options too, so you can keep it simple or make a bit of an occasion of it, depending on your mood.
Later on, the ship really comes to life with live entertainment across the lounges and theatre, so you can enjoy a proper evening out without ever needing to leave the ship.
Day 4 - At Sea (30 July 2027)
A perfect day to focus on feeling good. You have the gym if you fancy a workout, plus swimming pools and hot tubs for a slower, more relaxed pace between activities.
If you want maximum switch-off, the Green Sea Spa is made for sea days, with sauna and steam room facilities, and treatments available if you fancy booking something special.
Day 5 - Leixões, for Porto (31 July 2027)
Docking at Leixões puts you in a brilliant spot for a day in Porto. Most people head into the city to wander the Ribeira riverside, take in the views from the Dom Luís I Bridge, and dip into classic sights like São Bento Station’s tiled halls and the old streets around the cathedral.
If you’d rather stay closer to the ship, the port area is right beside Matosinhos, which is known for its wide beach promenade and excellent seafood spots, so it’s ideal for a relaxed, easy day without a packed itinerary.
Day 6 - At Sea (1 August 2027)
This is a brilliant “learn something new” kind of sea day. Ambition often has informative guest speakers, and it’s the sort of day where you can take in a talk, enjoy the sea views, and still have plenty of time for a relaxed lunch and a wander on deck.
It’s also a great day to keep an eye on the water with ORCA. Their team run guided wildlife watches and activities on board, which makes the crossing feel like part of the adventure rather than just travel time.
Day 7 - Gibraltar Solar Eclipse (2 August 2027)
Gibraltar is a cracking port for a free day because the big sights are simple to reach. Most people head up to the Upper Rock to take in the views, spot the famous Barbary macaques, and visit highlights like St Michael’s Cave and the viewpoints looking out over the Strait of Gibraltar.
The real standout on this date is the total solar eclipse, which is due to be visible from Gibraltar, with totality expected late morning for a few minutes. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment from the ship and around the Rock, but it’s important to use proper eclipse eye protection during the partial phases and only view without protection during totality itself.
Day 9 - Alicante (4 August 2027)
Alicante is a really easy port day because the city is right there - you can walk into town, then spend the morning up at Santa Bárbara Castle for the best views over the coastline and rooftops. From there, it’s a lovely stroll down into the old town lanes and along the palm-lined Explanada, which is exactly the kind of relaxed Mediterranean wandering people want on a warm day.
If you fancy something more “local”, the Central Market is a great shout for a browse and a feel for everyday Spanish life, or you can keep it simple with a beach break right in the city. And if you want to turn it into a proper mini-adventure, Alicante is also the jumping-off point for trips over to Tabarca Island for clear water and a different pace for the afternoon.
Day 12 - At Sea (7 August 2027)
After a run of exciting ports, this sea day is ideal for a slower pace. Many guests make the most of the pool deck, grab a drink from the nearby bar, and enjoy the simple pleasure of proper open-deck sailing.
If you prefer staying indoors, there are plenty of quieter spaces too, including the library, card room and craft studio, plus the general daytime programme if you want something more social.
Day 13 - Ceuta (8 August 2027)
Discover Ceuta, where two continents meet. Explore the fascinating cultural mix at Plaza de Africa or dive into history with a visit to the Royal Walls. Ceuta’s blend of Spanish and North African cultures makes every step an adventure, and its coastal beauty is the perfect backdrop to a day of exploration.
Day 15 - At Sea (10 August 2027)
A great day for a little bit of “do what you like” freedom. You might browse the onboard shops, sort through your photos, and enjoy a calm afternoon bouncing between lounges and deck time as the scenery changes around you.
Then in the evening, you can lean into the entertainment, whether that’s a theatre show or live music in one of the ship’s venues, before rounding the night off with a final drink in the bars and lounges.
Day 17 - At Sea (12 August 2027)
This is a classic “reset” day at sea. It’s a good chance to revisit your favourite spots on board, enjoy a lazy breakfast, and take a longer stroll around the open decks without any timetable to worry about.
If you want to add something memorable to the day, keep an eye out for any ORCA sessions running, as these later sea days can be great for relaxed deck watches and learning more about what you might spot on the way home.
Day 18 - At Sea (13 August 2027)
By now, the ship feels familiar, so you can shape the day around what you’ve enjoyed most. Many people mix a bit of activity with a bit of calm, perhaps the gym or pool first, then a quieter afternoon in a lounge with sea views.
As evening comes around, there’s always something happening, from shows to live music and social entertainment, so you can keep it lively or keep it low-key.
Day 20 - Disembark & Return Home (15 August 2027)
After breakfast, you’ll arrive back into Dundee and disembark from Ambition, bringing your voyage to a close. It’s a final chance to take in the views as the ship returns to port and reflect on an incredible journey from Scotland to Portugal, Spain and beyond.
Once everyone is safely ashore, you’ll rejoin your coach for the journey home, rounding off a truly memorable cruise holiday.
