First cruise as a couple - suggestions with good food - short d

[Chocolatey1234]

Any recommendations for a first cruise newly empty nesters (destinations, duration, cruise liner, package), with good food (one of us is also gluten intolerant). I am thinking not too full on and manic so would do adults only or outside of main school holiday period and high summer temperatures.

Any recommendations please? What cabin is best I am thinking maybe a small window would feel less claustrophobic. Also how big are the beds are they standard doubles or king?

Or anything to avoid and why. Visited a travel agent and she was pushing us down a very expensive cruise route saying one company is like travel lodge/premier inn etc.

Also please mention in comments if it is full on dressing up at all meals or some meals or how dressed up (is it evening dress black tie for men or just smart casual) on an evening.

Thanks

@Chocolatey1234 All smaller ships are expensive because of the staff to passenger ratio. I’d save up and go once with them (others are available on Noble Caledonia) or maybe consider a River trip. I’m just not up for being around thousands of other people but you have to pay for the privilege. All the excursions are included on the ships and once you factor the massive cost of the excursions from big ships, the costs narrow. We had the most amazing trip around the Hebrides and are a bit addicted now so have been several times since and a few booked up. A company offering smaller ships that’s more budget conscious is G Adventures. We went to the Arctic with them and it was well run and very good but obviously not luxurious. Good fun though.

I would highly recommend Azamara for couples your age,if you are ok with a fly cruise ( Idon’t like coming back to Southampton on a rainy/grey day). Smaller ships. Adults only. All inclusive including drinks, smart casual dress code (no formal evenings).

I've done quite a few Northern European cruises with P&O from Southampton both 1 week and 2 week on Iona and Britannia. I'd recommend a one week one first if you've never been on one. Two weeks is a long time on a ship if you're not sure. I've really enjoyed all the P&O cruises I've been on. They're always at a particular standard, booking and embarkation is easy. Food is nice. Entertain is good. I personally prefer Iona to Britannia. I've heard Arvia is very similar to Iona and does Med cruises all summer so it might be worth looking at them.

I'd recommend one to Norway as well, it's very quiet there with beautiful scenery.

You do have to dress up on some of their nights if you want to eat in certain restaurants but not all of them so you can always find somewhere to eat if you don't want to dress up. They list where you can eat if you don't want to dress up in their daily newsletter. I never dress up and have no issues.

If you did go for a Norwegian one, I'd suggest a balcony cabin because so much of that trip is sailing up the fjords and it's nice to see that from a private balcony however I'd suggest just a window cabin if you go in the colder months. There are loads of websites that tell you which cabins to go for and which cabins to avoid. There are some that are better for people who don't like to feel the ship move etc. There are some cabins which are above smoking areas or the bars so you might want to avoid those but like I said, there are so many websites where you can get this info.

If you enjoy the cruise, you might find they're addictive. I went on one last at the latter half of last year and already hoping I can go on one this year! They can be good and they're a convenient way to travel round to lots of places at once. All you need to do is book and get to the ship in time and the rest is basically done for you.

Sorry bit late to reply to this thread but for what it's worth I would highly recommend Fred Olsen cruises, exceptional staff, really nice smallish ships, good cruise itineraries and very much up to you on how much you need to dress up at any time! Average age of guests tend to be higher (think 60+) but that generally means less kids running around.
In terms of cabins...this website has a really useful guide to selecting the best cruise cabin...www.bestbookdirect.com/best-cruise-cabin-location-for-minimal-movement-and-noise.html