Is there a cruising thread on here? I've searched believe me!

melanzana · 25 February 2017 at 8:20PM

I am sure I saw one ages ago.

OH would like to try cruising now, (I'm not so sure, but what the heck, if you don't try you never know).

So if some kind soul could link to a cruising thread, I'd be so grateful.

And of course if you have any hints that would be great too, :j

gettingtheresometime · 25 February 2017 at 8:40PM

I'd try a mini cruise first - it is very marmite thing even the different companies will be a personal preference.

Caz3121 · 25 February 2017 at 8:50PM

cruisecritic tends to be the best forum for cruising, there will be cruises that appeal to different tastes, the challenge is choosing the right one

melanzana · 25 February 2017 at 9:01PM

It is just so confusing!

All inclusive but tips not included nor drinks.....or the opposite. No cash, some cash, ten restaurants, fifteen activities, shore leave, lol.

My head is melting. OH is keen. I know, so let him do the research, but I would end up on a sloop to China believe me! Easy way for him to get his own way and then blame me if it all goes South.

Anyway we are retired so I reckon the mad booze cruises won't appeal to us much.

My big fear is being cooped up every night with a Mrs Bouquet type or worse!

Yikes.

Caz3121 · 25 February 2017 at 9:40PM

We enjoy cruising for the purpose of seeing lots of interesting places without having to pack/unpack and travel between (we have done Singapore to Hong Kong via Bangkok and Vietnam and India, Sri Lanka, Maldives as well as the West Indies)
We do not want formal nights and having to get dressed for dinner every night sitting at a set table but many do
We are not bothered about climbing walls, ice rinks, shopping malls, glitzy shows but lots of people are
Our cruise line of choice is Azamara (not moneysaving as they are not cheap) but they have worked for us with itineraries and the food and service are second to none, about 700 passengers and 400 crew. They are all inclusive with tips included and we have always found a good mix of passengers (In January we did West Indies and was 677 passengers, approx 350 US and the remainder mostly Brits and Canadians. Age range I would average as 50+
We had looked at P&O but have always been on smaller ships and not sure how I would feel on the big ships so we have stuck with what we know (just means it takes longer to save up to do one)
If you can find the right fit you will want to repeat and cruising can be addictive but as an all-inclusive holiday can be pretty good value

daveyjp · 25 February 2017 at 10:24PM

I wouldn't choose a mini cruise. The staff hate short cruises which affects service, they are often full of party groups and you don't get long enough to get into what cruising is about.

Choose a week's cruise from Southampton. The P&O Atlantic coast trips to France, Spain and Portugal are a good introduction.

ibizafan_2 · 25 February 2017 at 10:48PM

We have been on two cruises, one wth Saga to see the Northern Lights, and we have just returned from doing a Caribbean cruise with Thomson. Loved every minute of both, but this was helped by the fact that both cruises were on small ships. We were berthed next to the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas while on one Caribbean island, and I was horrified at the size of it. Tripadvisor have a very good cruise forum, and as already mentioned, Cruise Critic. We have so far just decided on an itinerary that we like the look of, and gone from there. Next January we are doing a Fred Olsen cruise from South America, across the Pacific and finishing in Sydney, taking in South Pacific islands and New Zealand on the way. Cruising is a great way of seeing places that you might not get to see otherwise.

Katiehound · 25 February 2017 at 11:18PM

I have become a cruise fanatic! and yes, it is very much like marmite- you love it or you hate it!

You don't say where you live. That could make a difference as some smaller cruise lines operate out of regional ports meaning you don't have to travel far for starters. If you cruise ex UK (as opposed to fly cruise) there is no real limit on your luggage amount or weight.

If you like to dress for dinner and have waiter service then you can. If you find you are seated with awkward folk just chat to the maitre d' and he will move you. If you want to dress casually then there is usually a self service option.

I have always cruised with Fred.Olsen. Real ships and not so many folk, max 1200 on the largest ship, the others are around 800. No climbing walls ...... If you drink a lot then an all-inclusive deal would suit you. Generally tips are added but you are not forced to pay!
Fred. has an enjoyment promise- I don't know the t&cs but they will get you back to UK within a couple of days if you hate it!
Choose your destination.
Summer sun? or scenic places? I think the Baltic is lovely especially in late May/ June/early July with the very long days. Lots of fascinating places including St Petersberg. Or if you want to go with Fred they really specialise in Norway- and think of all that yummy food.....

Generally speaking it is not a cheap holiday but it is good value as the food is all in from breakfast to late night buffet, evening entertainments and loads of things to do on 'sea' days such as bridge, dance classes, craft /art, deck games, port talks and lectures.... or do nowt and sit on deck with a book!!

PompeyPete · 25 February 2017 at 11:49PM

Thomson for us.....3 times on CELEBRATION [preferred], and 1 on DREAM. Small ships are best, and if you can get an Adults Only even better.

I think the negative side of marmite is mainly down to the passenger. When we did Transatlantic on CELEBRATION, there were quite a few moaning about having to spend a week continuous at sea.....well it's a long way across that pond!

Also consider a Stay/Cruise or Cruise/Stay, ie. A week in a hotel followed by a week on a ship, or visa versa.

Do your homework though, as some cruise ports are a very long way from the city, especially in the Far East like Bangkok and Saigon.

Archergirl · 26 February 2017 at 9:35AM

Another vote for Thomson, although we hated Celebration lol, it was very vibrationy and like a ferry to us. 3 times on Dream, 2 x Caribbean and 1 x Med, also Fred Olsen Fjords was lovely.
We also prefer the smaller ships and these were quite informal if that's what you like.

melanzana · 26 February 2017 at 4:45PM

Thank you all for your insights.

I will think about it again.

OH would like the Norwegian Fjiords trip, so Fred Olsen is looking good for that.

But.... I would like a balcony, and I don't recall seeing that option on Freds. But maybe I missed it.

Anyway nothing ventured, nothing gained I suppose.

It's the tipping thing that kind of worries me. Not that I worry for having to do it, but if I could incorporate it into a package, all the better.

Thanks again.

Is there a cruising thread on here? I've searched believe me!

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