Recommendations for a No Fly Cruise

swansea_lad

Hi all

Any recommendations for a no fly cruise? I like the idea of a smaller ship, so Fred Olsen, Ambassador, or P&O Aurora or Arcadia would be ideal. Some of the Ambassador deals are great value, Fred Olsen is more expensive but more luxurious.  Your ideas would be welcome.  Thanks

TadleyBaggie

Our preferred cruise line from Southampton is Princess, ships aren't too big. Celebrity is good too.

Nearlyold

Are you asking for destination/itinerary or ship recommendations or both?

swansea_lad

Both would be good. I was looking at a British Isles Cruise with either Ambassador or Fred Olsen. 5 or 6 days looks good. 

Nearlyold

We enjoyed our British Isles Cruise on Arcadia in 2023. We like cruising anyway though.

We also tried a cheapish "Bulbfield" River Cruise in Holland  with Leger last year,  Longish time on a coach to get there and back of course - overall we were impressed for the price. Liked the fact that you could walk off the boat straight into the town or city. 

shykins

Ambassador are a bit like the premier Inn of cruising,   if you want Hilton then you need Cunard if you are happy with Premier Inns then you will like Ambassador.   

They dont have all the bells and whistles of bigger/newer ships and as They go from Tilbury and other 'local' ports  that suits a lot of people and they do have some great deals!!  and of course they are in the main adult only except for 3 cruises in school holidays

Round britain cruises are great, they tend to be port heavy which can get tiring but we have loved the 4 that we have done     i guess it all depends on what you want and expect

daveyjp

Ambassador were formed by the ex CEO of Cruise and Maritime Voyages and are offering similar - older smaller ships at tempting prices.  My parents did go on a CMV many years ago and other passengers who had done lots of cruises rated the on board experience, food and service.

Fred Olsen and P&O are well established so it will be down to trip dates, the ports of call and price.

LightFlare

Plenty come and go from Liverpool 

Katiehound

We were very impressed with Ambassador when we went 3 years ago: they are a step up from Cruise & Maritime- good food, very helpful staff, great cabin. Ambience was a princess ship previously- great spaces aboard. Our only gripe was that you had to book all excursions (including on board) via the interactive screens. Trip was great value too

I cruise regularly with Fred. Lovely staff, good food, 'real ships' very friendly clientele

Be aware that prices quoted (with whoever) are always the cheapest available - lowest grade, interior.

Always worth booking through a dedicated TA, you will get a discount - do not book direct! 

If you can be flexible late deals can be an absolute bargain

shykins

I always book direct with ambassador, if you belong to English heritage theres a 10% code and if you keep checking the website they sometime offer 10% on certain cruises.   Some fantastic bargains if you can wait til 4 weeks or so out 

btw you Can book your excursions with the excursion team when their office is open you dont HAVE to use the screens. 

Murphybear

swansea_lad said:

Hi all

Any recommendations for a no fly cruise? I like the idea of a smaller ship, so Fred Olsen, Ambassador, or P&O Aurora or Arcadia would be ideal. Some of the Ambassador deals are great value, Fred Olsen is more expensive but more luxurious.  Your ideas would be welcome.  Thanks

I’ve never been on a cruise but have friends who go on 2/3 a year.  Their favourites are Fred Olsen and Saga plus Viking for river cruises

Ive looked at a few round Britain cruises and Fred Olsen are one of the cheapest but lots of things are extra.  Saga are quite dear but everything is included it can make a big difference.  These 2 have smaller ships and they can reach places that big cruise ships can’t  .    Apologies - I’ve just realised that you may not be in the Saga age bracket (50+ for first traveller then 40+ for the rest)

You are right wanting to look at smaller ships.  I had a friend who went on a cruise on one of the giant cruise ships.  She said it was a nightmare, you had to spend ages queuing up for everything all the time including the lifts.  Queuing up for food wasn’t much fun and as for getting near the swimming pool(s) forget it.  People probably go on them because they are generally much cheaper.