TILBURY became, in turn, Amsterdam-on-Thames and Antwerp-on-Sea for hundreds of would-be holiday makers trapped by Storm Bert who spent the duration of a four day break moored up in Thurrock.

The borough-based Ambassador cruise line's 'Ambition' was due to sail from the Port of Tilbury's cruise terminal on Saturday (23 November) for Holland but high winds, with gusts of up to 50 know, stopped it from leaving.

Not quite Amsterdam, the sunny view for passengers on Sunday morning.

The ship's captain, Taras Kolomoyets, reported port authorites had closed the river to traffic and announced: "After consulting with the Port of London and the Port of Tilbury, we have been advised that these conditions are too dangerous for Ambition to depart and the port has decided to close to all vessels. We will need to remain docked until it reopens.

Guests on board nevertheless enjoyed all the entertainment board and spirits were high with an almost entirely British contingent of holidaymakers showing the 'stiff upper lip' and getting on with having a good time.

Sunday evening brought hope that the ship might sail for Antwerp, with Capt Kolomoyets, saying there was a chance conditions would improve and a message from the Port of London saying it had opened the river.

Some sailed - some partied on. A view from the ambition as the Putfleet- based roll-on roll-off ship Vespertine sailed past on Sunday evening for Rotterdam where it docked safely early on Monday.

A PLA spokesperson said: "The Port of London is open, although Storm Bert has affected some vessel arrivals and departures including the Ambassador Ambition.

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"The PLA pilot and the ship's captain made the joint decision to remain at the port until wind gusts reduced down to safe operating limits for departing Tilbury. Protecting the safety of all river users is our top priority." 

However, even though other ships were passing by on Sunday afternoon, it was still deemed too risky for the Ambition to sail and so guests were offered the opportunity to stay on board or disembark, with offers of compensation from the company.

On Monday the Port of Tilbury said: "Due to Storm Bert, which has caused widespread disruption across the UK, the wind conditions in Tilbury were too strong for the Ambassador cruise ship to leave the berth safely at the weekend. Safety is a top priority and we support the PLA's decision to suspend the departure."

Many chose to stay to the end and partied on – leaving the ship today with a voucher for a future trip among the compensation package.

As one group of guests departed, another was arriving. This evening (Tuesday (26 November), Ambition is due to leave for a 16 day trip taking in France, Portugal, mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and Madeira.