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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be panicking re cruise holiday booked and terrible reviews... help!

17 replies

Topsycurvy · 23/01/2015 11:08

We booked a cruise a couple of months back for October this year. Me, DH and 4dcs. Reviews were good when I booked but have just been looking through more recent reviews and most are terrible! Im so worried as this is the most expensive holiday we've ever booked, never been abroad as a family before and DH didn't want to fly. Please... anyone got anything positive about the Azura? We are doing to 14 night med cruise, was so excited, but now.... less so!!

OP posts:
MrsTawdry · 23/01/2015 11:11

here's one and it's very recent. another below it.

callow · 23/01/2015 11:16

Well I have been on the Azura several times and it is my favorite ship. I would not hesitate to go back again.

At lot of reviews come from experienced cruisers who get very picky over minor details. If you are a first time cruiser you will be impressed.

Sternin · 23/01/2015 11:18

I've been on the Azura, although it was a few years ago now. Had a lovely time. Sorry I can't be of more help. Remember though that people are more inclined to review if they've had a negative experience than a positive one.

poocatcherchampion · 23/01/2015 11:21

We are going on the azura in may. ILs are taking us. They are experienced cruisers and picked it. I am really looking forward to it

Topsycurvy · 23/01/2015 11:24

Thanks for the replies, you have calmed me a little!

Has anyone done the med cruise in October? Im also starting to worry that we'll need to pack coats not bikinis!!

OP posts:
Wonkyparsnip · 23/01/2015 11:30

When I went it was mainly shorts and thirst weather occasionally trousers and t shirts but not really sunbathing weather (end of October)

Szeli · 23/01/2015 22:40

I think my sis is on that ship quite often. she'll keep your dcs entertained!

i know a few who have been on as guests and really enjoyed it

FarFromAnyRoad · 23/01/2015 23:06

We usually take a break in October for DH birthday - almost always Italy or South of France. It's always warm - in fact just this year we were swimming in the sea in Nice so I'm sure you'll be fine weather-wise. Hope you have a lovely holiday Smile

Wellieswithaholein · 23/01/2015 23:34

Not been on Azura ourselves, but my dsis her family and aunt uncle have a few times and loved it. We've been on quite a few cruises and all were fantastic.
Take no notice of those reviews- someone will always moan about something.
I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Yambabe · 24/01/2015 00:25

Not cruised, but we go to Majorca in October every year and it's bikini weather Smile

SuasSios · 24/01/2015 07:14

We did a Med cruise in Oct before and the weather was perfect for us. It wasn't boiling hot (being at sea is cooler than on land) but it was definitely shorts and tee-shirts weather. We didn't need anything heavier than a cardi/sweater in the evenings. You'll love it, I would go back in a flash!

Sirzy · 24/01/2015 07:18

We are going on azura in May having done oceana last year. You will always get mixed reviews but the majority of the reviews I have seen are positive.

TheSkiingGardener · 24/01/2015 07:34

We've done a lot of P&O cruises and are booked on Azura in July. We've also been round her for a day and she's a lovely ship. People always whine, don't worry. Especially cruisers for some reason if the ship isn't their preferred size, shape, layout or organised their way.
I've done the Med in October too, perfect for kids. Some days were shorts, some were trousers but we never had to panic about the kids being out too long and smothering them in suncream every ten minutes. We spent time on a beach and used the outdoor pools and it was lovely.

Becles · 24/01/2015 09:55

I second saying take the reviews with a shed load of salt. Have a look at www.cruisecritic.com and their forums. Loads of suggestions for cheaper excursions, tips and reviews, but also a roll call of people on the same trip.

Enjoy.

EnlightenedOwl · 24/01/2015 10:48

Not a cruise but I booked a holiday cottage for last summer. Later after booking I found some awful reviews. Was in a serious flap about it but you know it was lovely. Quirky but lovely. Sure it will be fine x

Topsycurvy · 24/01/2015 11:05

Thanks everyone, I now have a smile firmly back on my face and the bikini diet is back on!!

OP posts:
Alibalibumblebee · 24/01/2015 11:12

I do wonder at times about the people who go on a Cruise, and yes, Im one of them, because it seems to me that an awful lot of them just go so they can pick faults in their holiday. I think it stems from days long ago when to go on a Cruise really was something and meant you were quite swanky, but the reality is that nowadays cruising is an affordable holiday and nothing more than a package holiday at Sea even if you Cruise with some of the more exclusive companies. People forget that though and are inclined big it way up in their head and expect way more than they should.

Perhaps start looking at shore excursions you fancy doing and slowly let your excitement build up over the next few months.

Your holiday will be what you make of it and even if it doesn't work out you'll be going ashore almost every day and you'll find the hours on the ship pass quickly. In fact some days you might not even go ashore, you might just like to enjoy the peace of doing nothing and seeing what goes on when a ship is in port. Its fascinating stuff.

Im not long back from a 2 week back to back in the Carribbean on the MSC Divina. I stayed in the Yacht Club with my family but when I go back on board in May for a week round the Med Im in the main part of the ship because I think it will be better fun - not so cut off.

Then in September Im doing a 10 day Arctic one with NCL and Im looking for ward to that as well.

Im travelling alone this year and really looking forward to it because against all odds, and much to my surprise, Ive found I love Cruising.

You'll have a great time, especially if you don't listen to rubbish reviews by people who seem to delight in trying to out score each other on Cruising Forums.

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