There's still time to nominate the grandparent figure in your life for a free cruise. Ambassador Cruise Line's fourth annual Great British Grandparent search runs until Sunday, November 15, 2026, with entries accepted in written, audio or video form via the line's website.
The idea is simple: anyone can put forward a grandparent — or someone who has stepped into that role — who has made a real difference to their family or community. An expert panel will judge the submissions, and the overall winner will be revealed shortly before Christmas. The prize? A complimentary week-long, full-board, no-fly sailing for two, taken at a time of the winner's choosing. Campaign patron and actress-singer Claire Sweeney put it nicely: a chance to hand over all grandparental duties for a week and simply enjoy the trip.
Sweeney has a personal stake in the campaign. She credits her own grandparents with funding her early dance and singing lessons — her grandad bought her first pair of tap shoes when she was 10 — and says watching her 12-year-old son's relationship with his grandparents has given her renewed respect for the role. Ambassador's own research backs that up, pointing to grandparents as the unsung helpers of modern family life, regularly contributing time, childcare and money.
Past winners show the kind of stories that resonate. The first title in 2023 went to Raymond Pearson from Essex for his dedication to his family. Jeanette Townsend from West Sussex took the 2024 honour, and last year's winner was Janet Dinsdale from County Durham, nominated by her niece Jane for the care and support she gave the family after the loss of her daughter.
For travellers, the appeal is twofold. If you know someone who deserves recognition, the nomination process is free and takes minutes — and the winner doesn't need to be a seasoned cruiser, since the prize sailing is no-fly and full-board, which suits older guests who'd rather skip airports. Even if you don't win, Ambassador's no-fly model, sailing from regional UK ports, is worth a look for anyone who finds long-haul transfers a chore. The campaign is also a nudge that cruise lines increasingly court multigenerational travel: a prize trip for two is an easy way to give a grandparent and grandchild (or grandparent and plus-one) proper time together, without anyone having to organise it.
Nominations close November 15, 2026, and the winner is announced just before Christmas — so if there's a grandparent-shaped hero in your family, get writing, recording or filming before the deadline.
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