To cruise or not to cruise

[Summerslam]

Would you? Assuming you had the money and could afford it, does the idea of floating around the Mediterranean or Caribbean, for a week or two, appeal?

I've heard so many differing opinions. Personally, I think I'd like it. Just me and DH, on an adults only cruise.

What do you you think? Relaxing holiday visiting different places with no effort? Or akin to a sojourn on a prison ship, trapped with passengers you can't escape from?

Also experiences of internal cabins v ones with windows. Is paying double foe a balcony necessary? Especially on a winter cruise?

Sounds like you didn't do your research and went on a line that wasn't matched with your expectations

I’ve cruised once in an internal cabin and I wouldn’t do it again. If you think a balcony is too expensive then a cabin with a window called an outside cabin is a good compromise.
If you do a bit of research you’ll find the price of upgrading to a cabin varies and can be just a few hundred pound more per week.

I really wouldn't pick Virgin as an example of what most cruises are like. But if you think their style matches yours, go for it!

You clearly don't know cruising

A balcony is only really worth it if you have lots of sea days. If you're in a port every day, you won't have time to sit out on your balcony

Some are, lot's aren't. You need to do your research. Every cruise line has a different "personality"

Why are some posters so defensive about cruising? If you like it, go enjoy yourself and don't worry about those of us who think it would be awful. More space on the shios for you! I only like self-catering holidays. Lots of people think that would be awful on holiday (including people who have never done a self-catering holiday!)but it's just what I like to do. People enjoy different types of holiday.

i would 100% recommend OP. We did our first one earlier this year. One of the best trips we have ever done and we love to travel. Do lots of research, book a balcony room as it was amazing watching the sea go by and waking up in a new place. We couldn’t really fault our experience the places and the ship itself was just fantastic. Our in-laws love a river cruise too. Feel free to DM if you want more info. Happy cruising!

So is the internet, but you're clearly living with that

I love cruising

It's often more cost effective than an all inclusive hotel and you get to visit multiple places

You have to pick a good ship though and research amenities. Virgin cruises are the best ones we've been on so far, closely followed by the Oasis class ships from Royal Caribbean

The kids love it too, so much to do onboard

That was because countries were so scared of Covid at the time they wouldn't let the ships dock

Some cruise lines do this, but there are also sailing cruise ships, ships running on gas, etc. The cruise industry is making huge efforts. It's sea freight that's really worrying

The gentle rocking of the ship in a wonderfully dark inside cabin provides me with the best sleep ever, anywhere. It's bliss

I don't think it's being defensive as such, it's correcting the misconceptions/utter nonsense/false assumptions of those who have never been but seem to consider themselves experts

I hated being inside. I could never see if it was morning if I woke in the night. I don't wear a watch and my phone didn't work at sea so I found that unnerving.

You don't need a balcony. But I do feel you need a window

I really like the marella (tui). They are all inclusive (including the tips which add up ) they tend to be smaller ships which I prefer, great entertainment and I like that you can sit where you want , when you want at dinner whereas some they designated you a table and time

How do people on this thread who love cruises deal with sea sickness?

You're aware only a small portion of the population suffer from sea sickness right?

Yes people do enjoy different types of holiday. I love cruising but also love city breaks and self catering in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Variety is the spice of life and all that. I don’t know anyone who ONLY does cruises.

I found the same. I also love seeing the sea sparkling on the ceiling of my cabin in the morning.

We all love cruising but steer clear of big family oriented lines. We go for balcony cabins with DSs next door and balcony partition removed so we go in and out of our rooms via the balcony. We love dressing up and the talks etc so it’s a line such as Cunard for us. King size beds and decent size cabin, pool, gym, theatre, and great ports of call. We’ve done Northern Europe and the Med and when retired we’ll be doing more. If we could afford it we’d go every year.

I get sea sick but not on a cruise. They are really well stabilised and it's actually a gental soothing when you are going to sleep

Maray1967 we do that with the balcony dividers too, one of our favourite things is watching the sailaways together with a cocktail or mocktail.

Funniest comment of the thread.