Cruises

[Klopite]

Never been on one but contemplating for April 2024 for a big birthday. Prefer adults only. Have looked at some but going round in circles. Can any one recommend any? Also all inclusive drinks packages is it worth it? I’ve looked at P &O Cunard and Royal Caribbean. Any help/ advice appreciated. Was thinking either Mediterranean or Caribbean

We did a Southern Caribbean cruise with Celebrity and it was fab but haven't done any other cruises to compare it to. We got the drinks package, I guess it depends how much you're going to drink whether it's worthwhile or not. We didn't book an adults only cruise but I don't remember noticing any kids.

If you want adults only then stay well away from royal Carribbean. P&o stick to the adult only ships (I think arcadia and aurora??). For fancier ones I'd look at azamara, silversea or Oceania or Cunard. All of them tech allow children but are unlikely to have many on board esp if outside the school holidays. Also look at celebrity esp the newer ships like the beyond which are more adult orientated.

Cruising is amazing and you'll have the best time.

As for packages it really depends on how much you drink and whether it'll be worthwhile will vary from person to person.

Have a look at Celebrity

Agree - Celebrity lean to a mature clientele. They’re an American line, so higher end product but less faux-posh nonsense than Cunard and P&O.

Their “Always Included” bookings include the non-premium drinks package which is perfectly adequate, IMO e.g. Prosecco but not champagne, couple of ‘house’ wines and beers etc.

They have a wide range of ships in the Med, from their oldest to their newest, priced accordingly, so do your research.

www.cruisecrtitic.co.uk is a goldmine of information. Make sure you check out the chat boards where you’ll get honest information from recent cruisers.

The Caribbean is absolutely beautiful and they're coming into peak season too. There's loads of great caribbean cruises deals about.

We went on a Celebrity Cruise to the Caribbean a couple years ago and it was one of the best holidays we've had.

I have sailed with Carnival, Royal Caribbean and MSC. We have got the drinks package every time and its well worth the money. Depending on your budget April is the perfect time to do the Caribbean. Virgin Voyages offer adults only cruises but from what I can gather they can be a bit out there.

All of the cruise companies cater for kids and you hardly see them.

I am sailing on Celebrity next month and cant wait!

Adult only I’d look at virgin voyages. I’ve seen reviews and it looks fantastic.

Drinks depends on how much and what you drink. As an example, our last royal Caribbean cruise we had the drinks package. It obviously included alcohol but it also included bottled water, proper coffee from the coffee shop and freshly squeezed orange juice.

We drink a lot of water so at least 4 of those 500ml bottles each a day, at least 2 coffees a day and a fresh orange juice with breakfast. A glass of wine or a beer with lunch if onboard and the a couple of cocktails by the pool in the afternoon. Then it’s dinner and wine and then a drink at the outdoor cinema at night.

It all adds up. Our last package was about $45 a day each. When you add it up over a week it sounds like a lot but broken down, it’s not.

Though I don't know much about the cruises in Mediterranean or Caribbean, if someone is looking for cruises in Australia, then I would recommend Australian Cruise Group. Their cruises are highly recommended to anyone seeking an adults-only cruise with inclusive drink packages. They offer a fantastic selection of cruise options that cater to adults, ensuring a serene and enjoyable experience, and their inclusive drink packages make it convenient to relax and unwind while taking in the beautiful Australian coastlines.

Having done 14
I would avoid P&O cheap yes but much lower standards.
Celebrity, Holland America, Princess are all good. Royal Caribbean may have a lot of children on board.
Plan your Ports look on Cruise Critic Forum, some ports are just Industrial so you are bused to the towns, some have docks specifically in the town for cruise ships.
Eastern med is our favourite
Unless you are a big drinker we felt the packages are not worth it, but we prefer to have a beer in a local pub onshore.
A cruise can be as busy or quiet as you want it