Family Holidays Abroad for Dummies

Imlay

Kynthia - thank you. Our current holiday insurance doesn't have a cruise element to it but it is due for renewal in January 2018. Do you think that it would be ok to wait and then add on the cruise element?

Katiehound - thank you. I didn't know that there were dedicated cruise travel agents!! I've been having a wee look at TripAdvisor but I will certainly post my ports on a new thread and see what people suggest. It's just trying to get a balance of doing things and not going overboard (pardon the pun) with money! My cousin lives in Norway and has been filling us in with the scary prices as well as a few things to do.

loobs40 - thank you. I'll certainly look into this as any advice will be gratefully received for us first timers.

Thanks again everyone

Katiehound

Probably a silly question but: are you good sailors??!!

The reason I ask is that I would include something like Stugeron in your first aid kit. Do take that- whatever you would take on a day out etc. Although there are medical facilities on the ship they are seriously only for medical emergencies because above all else you will pay (through the nose!) for everything

If you like your morning cuppa in bed does your cabin have tea making facilities?
If not is there a free tea / coffee self service station? I'm thinking a travel kettle might be needed! On cruises I have seen people fork out for a fancy coffee (at fancy coffee chain prices) every day plus oh, the scone of the day @£1. Yes, I realise that's not a huge price- but everyday for 14 nights- and the joke is that you could have one or more free scones at teatime. Beware: as with any other service, cruise lines are in the business of making money for themselves and they are many sneaky ways to do it!!

if you are moderate drinkers the all inclusive package, if offered may be a good deal for you. Not sure how they pan out for the sprogs but guess that would be for coke, sprite etc.
If you are travelling from UK by ship and the sprogs like their crisps etc pack them.

If you want Wifi follow the crew when in port- they know all the free / cheap spots!!

Really you need to have cruise cover now because something might happen in the intervening gap before Jan next year and you stand to lose the full holiday price. Perhaps take out a new policy now and then cancel the old one or talk to your existing insurers to see what they suggest- they may be able to extend for a small premium. Personally I wouldn't wait (having just had to cancel an expensive cruise) Have a look at Explorer Insurance

Imlay

Thanks Katiehound. It is not a silly question my husband and children are good sailors and I hate boats!!! Mad I know but it is a present for hubby's 50th birthday next year. I'll definitely be taking your advice!

We've opted for the inclusive drinks package as I didn't want to worry about being able to afford juice, ice cream etc for the 4 of us. We are not big drinkers but it gives us the option as birthdays, Christmas and holidays are about the only time we have an alcoholic drink especially with the prices in Norway.

We leave from Southampton so we will definitely pack our supplies of our favourite treats. Thanks for that tip as it will be life saver.

I'm sorry to hear that you have had to cancel your cruise. I hope that everything is ok and that you will be able to reschedule. I shall certainly look into Explorer Insurance.

Thanks again for all of your support its been invaluable