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.

Having kids emits a lot more CO2 than cruising does. So does shipping heaps of unnecessary tat from China. So does producing clothes...

From the cruise lines I've been on, it sounds like Holland America Line and Celebrity cruises would be the best fits for you.

Really, each line has it's own personality and you need to find out which one fits you.

I suggest you take a look at cruise critic where you'll find reviews and discussion boards. It's a great resource

Yes I agree with you actually.

I just think it’s time to gently start questioning our own choices, that’s all.

In principle, yes of course we should be able to go and enjoy ourselves as we work hard and deserve a break.

I’m just really worried about the world and the damage it does. Sorry if I offended anyone last night- I got a bit climate anxious.

I just think it’s time to gently start questioning our own choices, that’s all.

I don't disagree. We've not been out of the U.K. since before the pandemic, and now are looking at using trains more. But for the fjords a boat is the obvious way to see them.

Camping is great if you're fit enough but there's a reason cruising often appeals more to older people - apart from other physical considerations the unspoken one may be access to a loo! When you start questioning other peoples choices, always be aware that they may not have the same options as you. Climb your mountains and backpack while you can!

Agree, I am absolutely not, and never will be, fit enough for a tent. I need a comfy bed for my aching joints. Cruises allow me to visit lots of places within my physical limits & in my experience have the best beds!

For small children Disney really is the premier line. Well, adults love it too, it’s that good. It is expensive. They’re doing some sailings from the UK next summer unusually. Royal Caribbean is also good for children as it has more activities that most and the ships really have the wow factor. I don’t choose to sail on them (any more) because we don’t use the activities so prefer a smaller & calmer ship.

We love a cruise holiday and have been on many. We love being able to get a taster of different parts of the world and travel whilst asleep!
Our best cruise when the kids were young was Disney - fabulous but expensive!
With older kids, we enjoyed Princess. We did go with P&O for a cruise, but didn't enjoy it and a lot of hassle to book things as their tech is slow!

Thanks for all the replies so far. I'm going to study them over the weekend!

I’m that sort of person. Just trying to explore my own beautiful area before prats like you ruin it beyond recognition for the next generation.

Sorry, is “prat’s like you” not referring to cruisers on this thread? Not sure why you think I’ve mis quoted you.

And you didn’t answer the question. Is is not better to have tourists all in one place then travelling around all over the world individually.

She was quibbling about the apostrophe in prats in yours.

@ErrolTheDragon ah fair enough. Although not sure good grammar makes people morally superior .

I keep looking at these and trying to justify the cost but they look great. What was the demographic like?

Just throwing this in here as an alternative but what about getting an interrailing ticket and travelling by train around Europe? If you’re fit and able it gives you a lot more freedom to explore places on your own timetable and you’re not stuck with the same people at dinner every night.

https://www.seat61.com/how-to-use-an-interrail-pass.htm

No there will usually only be a coffee machine (RCI star class) However your genie should contact you a week or so before your cruise to ask for your preferences and if you ask for tea facilities they should be able to arrange it.
Have fun!

Most people were 40s and 50s and Americans but I met lots of fascinating people and had some great discussions about American politics. I’m still on touch with some of them. There were younger and older people too. The crew were brilliant as well.

Love a cruise. Been on 4 on Disney - superb for kids. Also done about 6/7 on celebrity.

Keep looking at other lines but celebrity has good itineraries & vibe. I also like a couple of sea days to chill. We sail in suites & are starting to look at the more upmarket ones but they are generally smaller so not sure yet! Will look at scenic now.

First thing I do if no kettle is ask for one. I take my own tea bags.

We rarely do ships excursions & often hook up with people on our cruise critic roll call to book smaller (cheaper) excursions with them - Go with a reputable company or guide if doing this.

Im also limited mobility & a cruise for me is ideal as you get a lot of assistance & I can do my own thing on the ship if I’m not 100%.

I also like attending the lectures on board as well as entertainment.

Just did Norway & it was fantastic. Last year Israel. Next year is Scandinavia - great way for me to see the world. Dh isn’t as keen but we do our U.K. self catering as well.

*whirlyhead · Today 06:33
everyonebutme · Today 06:04

I keep looking at these and trying to justify the cost but they look great. What was the demographic like?
Show quote history
Most people were 40s and 50s and Americans but I met lots of fascinating people and had some great discussions about American politics. I’m still on touch with some of them. There were younger and older people too. The crew were brilliant as well*

I went on a Scenic river cruise to Cambodia and Vietnam a few months ago and have just booked to stay with some friends we made o that trip, they live in America. I also really enjoyed the river experience.

Fixed dinner companions is essentially a thing of the past

If you’re fit and able it gives you a lot more freedom to explore places on your own timetable and you’re not stuck with the same people at dinner every night.
I have been on 20 cruises and never had fixed dinner companions.
Regarding the kettle/tea making in the cabin I’ve found all cruises from the UK have a kettle but many other cruises don’t.

We did our first cruise in Feb this year, a Western Europe from Southampton with P&O. I really liked not having to do the airport bit. It seemed so easy, from getting to the ship, we dropped the luggage and was on board within about 45 minutes.

Having nothing to compare it to, I thought P&O were great. The buffet restaurant was slightly chaotic, but then buffets usually are. We also ate a lot at the included restaurants (they are called 'main dining rooms' MDRs) there are 4 on board (we were on Iona) so it felt like we were always somewhere new.

We were with the DC so didn't pay to eat. Youngest is a bit fussy and he was happy to eat the steak in the MDRs so we stuck to the buffets or MDRs.

I loved waking up somewhere new, and we always go off to explore.

In January just me and DH are doing another P&O, a canaries cruise. I think we'll probably try some of the extra restaurants on this one.

Overall with a massive 1 cruise under my belt I can say I loved it and would highly recommend!

@ZeroFuchsGiven we're going on our first cruise to the Norwegian Fjords with P&O on 12th August. Cannot wait, who knows whether we’ll love it or hate it or something in between but we’ll have fun finding out!

what about getting an interrailing ticket and travelling by train around Europe

Nothing wrong with that but it is pretty much the complete opposite of a cruise.

I don’t understand why people come on the thread to to derail.
A friend does a lot of cruises and has been with several lines but now goes only on Silversea which really sound fab /smaller shops /interesting destination s /excellent service.

I really think you’re right about getting what you pay for although I think the base product is still way better than an all inclusive hotel on land.

The only ship I’d say to avoid is the Norwegian Epic. The “unique” features are really bad. For instance having the shower and toilet separate and in the cabin rather than in a bathroom. The basin is in the cabin too rather than with the toilet ..yuck. And the sofa curves the wrong way. Bed is small too which is odd for an American line.
And go for ships built after 2018 otherwise they lack USB ports and decent plugs for tech.

@Marchintospring

We take an extension cord. Wifi is the main issue on older ships we found - not an issue so much if you dock daily as you can just use land based internet but if you take a transatlantic you have to accept the lack of connectivity or be willing to do essential work (dp cant take a full break from work alas) in the middle of the night when less people are using it, wasn't enough bandwidth basically.

@Wheredidtheselotapego

Fixed dining is not the case now, I travel Cunard mostly and we select freedom dining - can have a table for 2 or share with different people each night