Cruise from Southampton - family of 4

getmore4less

simone10 wrote: »

Evening Cruisers.

My hubby and I are going on a 2 night cruise from Southampton later this year. We've never been on a cruise before and generally I'm not keen on boats but as flying anywhere is a no-no to us, hubbie thought we could dip our toes in the water (not literally) and try a VERY short cruise.

Can I ask where you leave your car? Is there parking available at the port? If so is it chargeable? if there isn't do you leave it at a car park in a superb or street parking nearby?

TIA

which cruise? I can find the parking option for you.

there are two recomended companies, the cruise line should tell you which one they use.

not cheap but the most convenient.

alternatives are available from around £5per day

If travelling down and staying in a hotel some offer parking.

getmore4less

daveyjp wrote: »

CPS are the official providers of car parking.
http://www.candps.com/

For two nights its worth it. You drive to the terminal, handover your keys, they park it and it is by the terminal on your return.

they cover the carnival brands

it depends on the cruise line there is also

http://www.abparking.co.uk/

that cover the rest.

travellerboy

Mands wrote: »

Recently home from 14 consecutive days on a small and older ship :-)
Mands

We are recently home from a 21 night Caribbean cruise on a medium sized ship and those 'dam' standards have definitely fallen but still looking forward to a Celebrity cruise in May.

Mands

travellerboy wrote: »

We are recently home from a 21 night Caribbean cruise on a medium sized ship and those 'dam' standards have definitely fallen but still looking forward to a Celebrity cruise in May.

Ack, my post would have made much more sense if it'd included all the words, not just some


Recently home from 14 consecutive sea days on a small and older ship

The 'dam' ships are interesting: people seem to either love them or hate them with no middle ground. Worrying to hear that standards are slipping though. Enjoy the Celebrity cruise in May.

Mands

simone10

daveyjp wrote: »

CPS are the official providers of car parking.
http://www.candps.com/

For two nights its worth it. You drive to the terminal, handover your keys, they park it and it is by the terminal on your return.

getmore4less wrote: »

which cruise? I can find the parking option for you.

there are two recomended companies, the cruise line should tell you which one they use.

not cheap but the most convenient.

alternatives are available from around £5per day

If travelling down and staying in a hotel some offer parking.

getmore4less wrote: »

they cover the carnival brands

it depends on the cruise line there is also

http://www.abparking.co.uk/

that cover the rest.

Thanks for replies. Husband has booked it so I don't know all the details yet. I just know we are having an inside cabin cause it was cheaper (though still extortionate) and the outgoing date and return date and the fact he didn't check on what we do with the car.
He never mentioned having to book a hotel the night before so assume we aren't going on board until late afternoon. I haven't got a passport yet either.

Will look at your car park links

Thank -you

travellerboy

Mands wrote: »

................... Worrying to hear that standards are slipping though. Enjoy the Celebrity cruise in May.

Mands

The headline prices across the cruise industry have stayed fairly constant over the last 4-5 years, so something had to give. Cruise lines have looked for economies everywhere which has resulted in lower staff levels and low quality / variety of food. The HAL ship, again in my opinion, are the best on the seas for the 60+ age group. I would not recommend them for a family with children.

I now choose to lower my standard of cabin and use the money saved to dine mostly in the speciality dining restaurants, this then offsets most of the down-side of cruising.

zenmaster

McKneff wrote: »

The thing that bothers me, and I haven't been on a cruise, is it normal to have to walk miles from cabins to facilities. Its always put me off but Im happy to be corrected.

Anyone recommend one from Newcastle please.

There's loads. Mostly Scandinavia, Baltic and round Britain, all of which have their merits.

On a small boat the walking is not too bad but, bear in mind, you are walking in 3 dimensions as things are spread over many decks, though there are lifts.

Also, if I had £1 for every time I've walked aft when I meant to go forward and vice versa I'd have enough to pay for my next cruise.

Thomson are just fine. Cheap and cheerful.