Considering a first cruise, recommendations please!

[tootiredtoocare]

Towards the end of 2024 and early 2025 my DH turns 55 and I'm 50. We're considering a cruise to celebrate. However, we'll be bringing our 13 year old with us, who has learning disabilities. She's very chilled and happy to do what we do, she doesn't need kids clubs or anything, in fact a lot of noisy kids is more likely to make her anxious. We'll be able to go in term time, which obviously helps. Additional - we're not sun seekers, nor are we sporty, not really keen on the Caribbean. We're looking at Oct, Feb or March ideally.

What about the Norwegian Fjords? P&O have good prices. Kids under 17 only pay £49 on some cruises. We're planning on going next summer for my husband's 50th. Brittania and Iona sail there.

How long would you like to go for?

Thinking around 10 days, maybe up to 2 weeks.

I'll take a look. I'd like to see the Northern Lights so it might be a good option. Thanks.

Would she like to sit for more formal style meals - 3 courses waited, or do you prefer more relaxed meals? P&o, Cunard are good for sit down meals and a posher formal night when everyone dresses up, whereas other lines don't have dress codes, or more relaxed at least .

There won't be many children on Cunard in my experience, but they do have some family cabins. I've not done p&o but my parents said it was good for the price, just no fancy afternoon tea daily.

I loved the 7 day trip to New York, but Norwegian fjords or Baltic Sea is good for completely no fly.

I would probably avoid the American cruise lines which tend to be noisier in my experience

I’ve done P&O to the Fjords in Norway. It’s quite a good place to start. Took
my mum though! You can also look at a cruise around the Baltic for 2 weeks. I used to work with someone who loved Mediterranean cruises. Lots of cities! Check your costs for excursions. Children more likely to be in the Med I think.

I recommend the fjords too. The cruise line we used went under during covid and ships were scrapped. 😞
What size ship would you like?

Budget usually dictates cruise ship size. We have been on expedition ships with 100 on board. I have been on big ones too but not the 3000 passenger ones! I know what I prefer but Dc are not really seen on the smaller expedition ships. I would go for as small as possible but the cheaper holidays are on the big ships. There’s always Hurtigruten which is a different experience in Norway.