First time cruise recommendations

[holidayhelp456]

Which cruise company would you recommend for a first time cruise?

Would be 2 couples and 2 older teens.

We have done many Marella cruises, so obviously like them.

@holidayhelp456
Sky is a lovely ship.

she loves the idea of the fitness classes and the spa and relaxing

You might want to reign back her expectations with spa - most cruise lines charge for the spa, even for access to the thermal pool - I don't know if this is the case for Princess, but I would expect it is. Spa access can be very expensive, often only available for the whole cruise, and treatments can be eye wateringly expensive. Fine if you've got the budget for it, but you do just need to be aware.

We took both euros and pounds but mostly tipped in pounds and the staff seemed happy. One lady in particular who worked in one of the restaurants and was so good with out 9 year old told us she wasn’t going to change it because she wanted to show her family back home English money so from then on we just tipped in pound 😊

We did a cruise last year on Sky princess and really enjoyed it. We have younger kids so I'm not sure about how good it would be for teens, but my kids enjoyed the kids club, pools and hot tubs outdoor cinema screen etc and there were activities each day that were family friendly (quizes, karaoke etc). Also enjoyed the shows in the evening. The buffet food was very good and we also enjoyed the pizza restaurant. We struggled to find much we liked to eat in the main dining room, but we are veggie and with younger kids so the buffet suited us better. We went in school holidays so there were lots of other families on board.

We did Royal Caribbean as our first cruise. It was brilliant. We sailed on the Allure of the Seas which at the time was their newest ship. They have since had a new one last year so will be worth a look. Lots of stuff for the teens and you to do.

From research online the treatments are ott ($299 for a 50 minute massage) but the spa itself doesnt seem too bad and they also have the sanctuary that seems reasonably priced. I think I expected the prices to be shocking being on a cruise though.

We have been looking at cruise videos and it looks like our favourite so think this is what we are going to go with.

For those that have been on a princess cruise, any tips on choosing room? We are looking at a mini suite and not sure what one to go for, any better location?

Also if anyone is a regular user and has a recommendation link feel free to send it over

Lots of people like a midships location. I'm not bothered where we go as it doesn't seem to make a difference to seasickness for me. Midships is less of a walk to a lot of places as well!

I’d go for midship and on a deck with cabins above and below to make it quieter.

Are you planning on having all 4 in one room or 2 separate?

It looks like it will just be 3 of us as my DD was going to bring a friend but she may not be able to make it, so thinking of doing a mini suite for the 3 of us so its a little more space but allows us to share 1 room.

Was just having a look at the map as some seem to have extended balconies for a little extra space, so trying to figure out where is best in relation to those.

Have been watching videos for lots of tips before we get ready to book.

Yes. Facebook group has some comments about being dated. It wasn’t as new/big as Arvia. I got lost. Loved it. There is just no pleasing some folk!

I wish we could’ve stayed on! Been to Croatia/Adriatic with Marella. My favourite itinerary (and am looking at Croatia land holiday for autumn!)

Be careful with your choices