Talk to me about cruises

[everyonebutme]

We're a couple in our late 50s/60 and considering a cruise but there are so many when you start looking! So, what's the best cruise you've been on? Who did you book with and where did you go? We definitely don't want something huge or the really top end of the budget (well we would be can't afford it) so considering something a little smaller (even a river cruise). What else should we consider when booking as even the packages can be a little confusing? Thank you.

What ship are you on? We just came back from the fjords on Iona. It's incredible.

We are going on Symphony of the Seas in 2 weeks, never been on a cruise before, neither has DH. My main worry is will there be a kettle and tea bags, milk in the room. Our room has a 'genie' bit like a butler you call when you need something, I really don't want to call when I want a tea, much quicker to do it myself. Apart from that I'm looking forward to it.

Similar, but with Fred Olsen - a relatively small ship and sailing from edinburgh which is much better for us than Southampton as we're in the North of England, and it's obviously less time at sea before getting to Norway.

We've watched quite a few YouTubes for info - there are various for the specific ports, some of which aren't incredibly annoying - but imo the best for general information are the ones by Gary Bembridge.

There is a woman on Instagram called cruisemummy who is basically a cruise expert - she can even tell you which are the best cabins to book on which cruise ship! I’ve only ever been on P&O which I loved but my IL’s have been on loads - they just got a great deal with TUI, two weeks in America/Caribbean all inclusive for £3.5k for both of them. I think TUI is considered a bit more cheap n cheerful though and P&O a bit stuffier.

There will definitely be tea making facilities in your cabin!

@MrsMAC1234 Ha!! Coincidence, I went on Canberra 3 times including her final voyage! How small she was in comparison to todays ships but, in my experience, so much more opulent!!

Also if you want the liner experience, old school you can't beat sailing to New York on the Queen Mary 2. It's 6 or 7 nights then most people stay 2-3 nights in new York and fly home (or vice versa, plenty of Americans doing the reverse too). It's traditional, gala nights, dress codes after 6pm in most areas of the ship etc but not stuffy - the night club was full each night and it was refreshing as a middle aged person to have the opportunity to be included in nightlife (fed up with nightclubs being the preserve of the under 35's!) We enjoyed everything from a world class pianist giving recitals to a live band playing music like The Killers and Kings of Leon!

Thanks for reassuring me. DH is always on You tube watching videos of it but I prefer to keep it as a surprise. Our room has a slide in it!

That sounds amazing! Have fun!

I am currently on Iona in the ffjords - chilling on the balcony with a bottle of wine. It’s lovely.

from what you have said the smaller P and O ships may be a good option for you.

There will definitely be tea making facilities in your cabin!
There may not be, some cruise lines don't provide them as a matter of course. But if they aren't there, you can usually ask your room steward to bring you a coffee/tea maker and tea bags, and perhaps a small jug of fresh milk which you can keep in the fridge.

Sounds like you've got good weather!

Hope your journey out wasn't bumpy the wind was howling when we got off on Saturday.

If it's your thing, the infinity hot tubs deck 8 on the port side have the most incredible views in Olden.

Generally the American lines don't provide tea making facilities in your room unless sailing out of the UK when the clientele consider it essential! We actually rarely use it, we mostly get a cuppa from either the on board coffee shop (if we have a drinks package), from the self service dining room or via room service with breakfast.

I'd not thought about tea making (just checked, ours does have this) - I'd assumed they wouldn't want boiling water sloshing around in cabins.

Thanks for your reassurances, I will ask our room genie/steward for a kettle if there isn't one already, he's already been messaging DH.

Not bad weather at all thankfully. We where delayed coming out so only left Southampton early hours of Sunday morning but still having a fantastic time.

currently waiting with DS so he can watch a talk about concord - I am hoping I can discreetly mumsnet under the table 🤣

If it’s your first time I wouldn’t too much about which ship you book with. You have nothing to compare it to and generally you’ll be pleased. It doesn’t sound as if you need tons of water slides and ice Rinks so any of the ships will be lovely.
As people have said avoid school holidays where possible
Also the cheaper cruises ( the short ones in particular) attract those looking for a cheap booze cruise weekend rather than “a holiday”.
We did MSC Virtuosia in the school holidays as a couple and it was full but actually it was never too busy. Plenty of seats for the shows, in the buffet and always got a sun lounger. And it was a bargain.

We did 11 weeks around sth america, the Antarctic and Falklands with Fred Olsen. Had an amazing time! The ages were 50s to 90s, great entertainment, an amazing itinerary and the gale force 9 going over the Atlantic was fine . . . food varied but was on the whole pretty good. 11 formal nights was challenging clothing wise but great. I can highly recommend for a relatively chilled time. Cruises are what you make them, there's lots going on if you want it, or chill in the hot tub or pool.

I'd love some recommendations for Southampton departures because I can't fly any more.

Also I'm quite disabled now, and I don't think I'll be around, well, for a huge amount of time put it that way. We're the same age as OP & DH. We'll give anything a go otherwise!

It'd be like my 'bucket list' cruise, I suppose.

P and O are very good for people with disabilities. We are in an adapted cabin on Iona and it is very good.

the accessibility team can help before hand to ensure everything needed is in place

Our choice was partly determined by formal nights being optional... DH can't get his head around why anyone would want to wear a suit on holiday I think, and I can't find any nice shoes that fit me any more (dropping a small boat on a toe joint wasn't a good idea).

P&O, Fred Olsen and Princess would be my top choices for you from Southampton. They are all very good with disabilities and the newer ships have a lot more adapted cabins than older ships.

We went once and hope to gp next year. Agree that deciding the route - med / Caribbean / fjords- first is a good idea. We had a balcony cabin and drinks package. This suited us as we would put the kids to bed about 9.30 and sit with a cocktail on the balcony. Perfect!

For "poshness" I think it's
Silver sea / Regent
Cunard
Celebrity
RC / MSC
P&O / Mariella

Also have a good look at the facilities on offer on the ship. You can also Google the daily programme so you can see what's on each day.

Thanks, @Sirzy

Love P&O.

Similar ages to you. I would go during term time.

We usually go at the beginning of July on a Med cruise.