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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Marc Shoffman

Get your sweatpants ready – cruise line unveils 1980s-themed sailing featuring Bucks Fizz spin-off

Rescue your shell suit from storage for Ambassador’s 1980s-themed sailing - (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Ambassador has launched a 1980s-themed cruise where you can celebrate the best of the decade with some of the stars from the era.

The British cruise brand is bringing the 1980s back on a nostalgic four-night Benelux Coast Explorer sailing on its newest ship, Ambition, in May 2025.

Passengers can expect themed cabaret shows, nostalgic menus, fancy-dress competitions and workout classes inspired by the era of leotards and leg warmers.

If you are still making your mind up, there will even be performances from Bucks Fizz spinoff The Fizz, featuring original band members Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston.

They will deliver a special performance in The Palladium onboard.

The itinerary also features a talk from 1980s’ punk rock legend and now Strictly Come Dancing star Toyah Willcox.

This is an adult-only sailing, so there won’t be any kids in the way while you throw your shapes from back in the day on the dancefloor.

It departs from London Tilbury on 1 May 2025 and prices start from £539 per person.

Ports include Zeebrugge, where you can walk the cobbled streets and experience the chocolate shops and waffle houses of Bruges.

The ship also visits the Dutch harbour city of Ijmuiden, that serves as an access point to travel into Amsterdam.

A variety of cruise brands offer themed-sailings, letting passengers celebrate their passions at sea.

Royal Caribbean is hosting Eurovision sailings next year to watch the final onboard and take part in themed events with fellow superfans, Virgin Voyages hosts an annual comedy cruise, while Princess keeps the past alive with The Love Boat-themed cruises.

If the 1990s was your decade, Marella has an Electric Sunsets 1990s to 2000s cruise in November 2025 that includes performance from B*Witched and The Honey.

Ballet fans can also enjoy a Dance the Atlantic sailing with Cunard in August 2025. It will see performances from the English National Ballet aboard Queen Mary 2 on a transatlantic sailing from New York to London.

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