Tell me about cruising

[Violaviolin]

I'm considering a cruise next year for the first time but I know nothing about cruising and have never been on one.
I'd be travelling solo. Are cruises suitable for singletons?
I have no idea where to start or even if I want ocean cruising or river cruising.

Advice welcome. These are the things I'm looking for:

• About a £2k budget from North UK. About a week. *I'm 41 so don't want anything too young or too old in other guests. I think I'd prefer child free but this wouldn't be a deal breaker.
• Not too formal/ not formal dress unless it's for an occasional night. Some informal dining is a must as I hate pretentious food.
• I think I'd prefer a large boat with things to do e.g. pool, cinema, entertainment, choices of a few different restaurants.
• Not overly bothered by locations but would like a couple of day trips off boat if possible.
• Friendly staff.
• Not bothered if room is small - it's the experience of the overall boat I'm more interested in. I would love a balcony/ sea view though.

Any suggestions welcome.

How does food work? Bookings/paying etc.
How do day trips off shop work?
Anything else a newbie would be clueless about?

Thank you.

There are many YouTube videos reviewing cruises.
My own favourite is EmmaCruises

I've just re read your OP a balcony I lovely but hard to find as a single cabin . Most singles are insides.

Port days depends on the port. Some you can walk into a large port and have plenty to do. Some you need a transfer as the port might be 10-15 minutes from a town centre. Some are tender where you get a smaller boat from the ship to the port. What's in port website is good and factual. If you want to go further afield you can do a a shore excursion. These vary wildly in price from cruise lines and are extortionate on American ships. Or you can book an independent trip. The Advantage of the cruise trips is that you are guaranteed to get back on board as they will hold the ship if you are late. In a week I'd do one shore excursion. We've done sea kayaking several times which is great and and an amazing food one at a vineyard in Italy.

You cruise card on board is how you spend money on drinks and all purchases. You can buy various drinks packages but these can be expensive. Tips also need (well should be paid but you can opt out ) paying but many are now included in the UK fair or an extras package.

The NCL escape had a package you got intenet, all inclusive drinks, $50 port excursion credit, 2 speciality meals and tips for £99 for week. The speciality dining options varied including steak and fusion Asian, tapas, seafood etc. Princess has something similar but it's 30pppd

As op mention an adults only area is nice but if you go in term time there will not be many kids on board and mainly preschoolers.

Not the kind of cruising I was expecting either! Perhaps in my mind as I just watched the George Michael documentary "Outed" on Channel 4.