Cruise Ideas On The Med, Does Any One Have Any

annette48ann48

Hi
my mother (67years) and daughter (15) want to go on a med cruise next July. Any ideas what good whats not, and any good bargains to be had anywhere?

Froggitt

Depends what kind of cruise experience you want.......do you want to dress for dinner, do you want to eat at set times with set strangers, do you want the Hilton end or the Butlins end?

We did the Norwegian Jewel this summer.....fastastic new ship at the Hilton end of the scale, but without the stuffiness of more traditional cruiselines like formal nights and set mealtimes.

Your other choices include things like Thomson, Island, Easycruise (all catering for the Brit passenger), and Im sure Princess, Celebrity and RCCL also do the Med in the summer (catering mainly for the Yanks).

annette48ann48

Hi Froggitt
they don't want top end or low end somthing in the middle

IvanOpinion

It all depends on what you call top end and low end. Royal Caribbean try to attract the families, Carnival attracts a younger party crowd, Princess, Celebrity and P&O are very traditional, Cunard can be overly formal. Haven't done NCL but generally have hard pretty good reports about them (although several people complain about onboard prices). Ocean Village is more casual but I am heaing some reports about 'Butlins at sea' (although we had a great time on OV in 2004) Island cruises and Thompson are a bit more traditional but their ships lack that 'wow' factor .. they do however have a great follwing.

Ivan

Mrs_pbradley936

I prefer Celebrity BUT that’s because I like adult company and good food. If I wanted facilities for children or I liked bingo I would opt for Carnival. Thompson give good all round value for money. I have tried lots but for me Celebrity is the best.

i_love_it

First choice.co.uk have some great cruises leaving palma majorca, inclusive deals includng flights on their website

Cazzywazzywoo

Last year we went on a med cruise with Thomson and it was great for teenagers -so I am sure your 15yr old would love it. If you go all inclusive then there is no need to worry about drinks bills -there are great cocktails for kids and adults alike included in this. Food and entertainment were really good too.
There is so much to do. I understand the Thomson Spirit is having a refurb this wintwer so it may be worth getting on one of their cruises.
All round there is loads to do for all ages on a cruise and I would definitely recommend one.
We have already booked with Thomson cruises for next year.

Enjoy...
Cazzy

Froggitt

Both Carnival and Celebrity persist with the "formal evening" dressing up with set meal times.....if thats your bag, then fine.

Personally, I loved NCL.....the onboard prices were same as youd pay in a restaurant or bar for drinks etc.

Never tried OV, Island or Thomson, but I understand they are more towards the Benidorm end of the market.