Cruises First time. Any advice?

Archergirl

Although its true the ship won't wait, I have not heard of anyone on an organized trip being let behind, if they were to be it would mean the end for the company running the trip....

daveyjp

Choose one and go on it and then start learning about cruise holidays!

There is too much information to research that you will get a million different opinions, but very little of it useful if you have never been on one,

My only tip is maybe start with a 7 day trip. Long enough to get into what a cruise is about, short enough you can survive if you don't like it!

r2015

Fred.Olsen's gratuities are £5 per person per night and their drinks prices are resonable, no extra tips, tax etc added to them unlike American cruise lines.


Or you could take an all inclusive drinks package.


I've just come back from a cruise to Sweden with Fred. Olsen.

gettingtheresometime

Archergirl wrote: »

Although its true the ship won't wait, I have not heard of anyone on an organized trip being let behind, if they were to be it would mean the end for the company running the trip....

That's one of the main selling points of an organised tour as tacpot pointed out.

maman

daveyjp wrote: »

Choose one and go on it and then start learning about cruise holidays!

There is too much information to research that you will get a million different opinions, but very little of it useful if you have never been on one,

My only tip is maybe start with a 7 day trip. Long enough to get into what a cruise is about, short enough you can survive if you don't like it!

I don't know how experienced a traveller you are but I did a fly cruise to the Caribbean. That meant there was something new to see and do every day as we sailed around the islands.


There are short cruises to places like the Channel Islands if you just want a taster.


Personally I wouldn't go for a 2 week Med Cruise as it ends up with a very busy middle section and very boring days at sea at the beginning and end. I suppose it depends how much you'll enjoy the various on board activities during the day time.

boliston

i've done 2 fred olsen cruises and pay as you go drink prices seem ok - i would not want to £15 per day per head "all inclusive" deal as there is no way I'd spend that much just on drink - my first cruise i did a few excursions but they mostly involved being on a coach which made me quite travel sick - the second cruise i did NO excursions and just explored each port town on foot which gave me a much better feel for the place than sat on some coach!

BarryBlue

daveyjp wrote: »

Choose one and go on it and then start learning about cruise holidays!

There is too much information to research that you will get a million different opinions, but very little of it useful if you have never been on one,

My only tip is maybe start with a 7 day trip. Long enough to get into what a cruise is about, short enough you can survive if you don't like it!

I agree with you. The short 'taster' cruises are not typical at all, and many are just party cruises full of hen/stag dos trying to drink the ship dry. Avoid like the plague. Apparently many of the crew don't like them either.

We are seasoned cruisers, 25+, and took my daughter and her partner on their first a few weeks ago. We chose it very carefully and all decided 7 days was about right. They loved it!

Our first cruises were Thomson, but their ships are old and not very big. We cruise most with P&O for their excellent ships, good value, and not being full of Americans.

There are lots of tips we would pass on to first timers, but the most important is 'Do your research'. Read websites, talk to people who have cruised, and you will be fine. Of course, your first cruise is a learning curve and your fellow cruisers will all have advice to offer which may or may not be useful to you.

POPPYOSCAR

Thank you everyone.

Have been reading up on various sites and reviews etc. and found out quite a bit I would not of thought of.

Was thinking of 7 days going from and returning to Southampton.Staying in the Holiday Inn the night before with park and cruise rate.

Was looking to book a balcony room, never realised that some have an obstructed view!

Thinking of doing a taster day with PO £30 per head with three course lunch, tour of the ship and questions etc.

Do you book direct? or is it cheaper with a TA? I have not seen any difference in the prices on websites such as Planetcruise etc. but maybe I am missing something?

pandora205

I did a solo cruise last Christmas (as my adult offspring were visiting that father overseas), which I booked with some trepidation. However, I needn't have worried it was great and now I'm hooked!

I took an easy option by going all inclusive with Marella, and also booked organised shore excursions, which I'm glad I did as it took several days before they hosted singles events. I found it very easy to dip in and out of activities, such as evening entertainment, and had no problems joining others for meals etc. and everyone was really friendly.

I loved waking up to a new port each morning (mine was the Canaries and Madeira), and couldn't wait to go on deck to watch us coming into port.

It's worth joining facebook groups related to your cruise as they are a mine of information (as well as Cruise Critic). It's also worth studying deck plans if you choose a room, to avoid noisy places under nightspots, etc. and obstructed views. We were lucky having calm seas but they do say for those prone to seasickness stick to midships and lower down, as this minimises movement.

I've booked a second cruise in October and didn't hesitate about going alone this time.

Katiehound

Always book through a dedicated cruise travel agents- they will discount the cruise or provide an add-on such as free drinks/transport/parking. The travel agents I have used are Ocean World Travel & ROL- both these have been in business for 20? years.
It is not cheaper to book direct.

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Decide exactly where you want to go.
Do you want to sail from UK? This might make voyage longer but does cut out all the hassle of airports, liquids in luggage & luggage weight.

Sun? (Med, Portugal, France) amazing scenery? (Norway Iceland) fascinating cities? (Baltic) or Caribbean / Indian Ocean........

I think the Baltic would be a great cruise for the first timer- may not be hot weather but there are some fascinating cities including St Petersberg. (Should you choose this destination always book a tour of St P from the ship- that way you don't need hassle & expense of a Russian visa.)

If you book an excursion from the ship you will not be left behind- we have arrived back more than an hour late with tour. Somewhere- can't remember where we watched 3 or 4 people going out on a pilot boat chasing a big cruise liner! They had to climb aboard on deck 2 using the pilot's route!

If you are happy going to Bluewater, Meadowhall etc then choose a huge ship- if you don't like crowds then go for an older model with far less guests.
Beware: cruising can become addictive!