First Cruise as a couple late fifties - cruise passengers

[Fridayfeeling77]

We quite fancied a fly cruise early autumn thinking possibly med or Adriatic, Portugal/Azores. Thinking no more than 10 to 14 days as its our first time.

Unsure about what type of cabin to choose we are both tall and have a KS bed at home. I fancied the idea of a balcony, is the food always buffet/cafeteria style where everything tastes the same or do you have to pay extra to avoid buffet style. Not necessarily bothered about dressing up in full evening dress every night I prefer a dress or nice top and trousers that you could wear to go out in at home rather than buying full on dressing up clothes we may never wear again. We like to choose a meal and be served what we have ordered at the table.Also not sure about forced entertainment having to sit through a show often just prefer to chat, people watch and enjoy a couple of drinks.

DH has spoken to a man from work who is a seasoned cruiser he recommended Fred Olsen and choosing the cheapest cabin as you only sleep in it. This man is two years older than DH and whilst he sounds like a nice man they don’t sound much fun as a couple.

Just wondering has anyone cruised with Fred Olsen and any advice re FO or cruising. Will we be the youngest on board any other companies that might be better.

Viking?
no under 18s, medium sized, all cabins have a balcony, one tour included at each port, optional drinks package but wine, beer, soft drinks, at lunch and dinner are included even if you do t have a drinks package.

I’ve been on quite a few cruises with different companies. We had a beautiful balcony cabin on Fred Olsen Balmoral but the beds were the worst we’ve ever had. It was quite a shock. Two smallish singles which were fixed to the floor. Everything else about the cruise was fantastic so just check what the beds are like before you book!

Hayes Travel & Bolsover Cruise Club both have excellent reputations for doing the hard work for you.

Thanks are they not an even older crowd than Fred Olsen? Or is that more the River cruises?

Average age is late 50s/early 60s. I imagine the longer the cruise, the higher the average age.

I recommend Princess. If you go for princess premium, everything is included, including as many speciality meals as you like. I had an onboard spend as part of a promotion on a princess cruise and didn’t spend it. Room service, including delivery, is free. Good mix of demographics. They have a couple of formal nights but they’re optional and I didn’t dress up. One of the most comfortable beds I’ve slept on and you can choose kit or twin configuration in the app before you sail.

A balcony is worth it, especially in the fjords!

Thanks that sounds ideal. Have you cruised anywhere else with them and did you book online or through a travel agent?

We've been cruising since we were in our mid 40s, and would probably recommend Celebrity from your OP, or possibly Princess. We did Fred Olsen for a long weekend, which was fine, but longer might be boring. Cunard Queen Mary 2 was again great for 3 mights, but 9 grew tedious. NCL I've only taken for a short trip, but seemed to have more of a buzz: lots of restaurants, the Ice Bar, a dinner theatre etc. I would not choose P&O again. HAL was fine for a specific itinerary, and main dining was lovely, but entertainment was a case of making our own.

We've been on three Celebrity ships (one twice), and all have been great for dining, reasonable for entertainment (martini bar and cellar masters also good, plus a lawn and glass blowing on the top deck) and have not felt crowded at high percentage capacity. We've had balconies each time (including one immense "hump" balcony that could have hosted a small party. The balcony was surprisingly good even around Japan, where we started off in t shirts and ended up being able to make snowballs out there.

Individual ships count. Sky Princess is poor IMO. Very ferry like outside. It’s got that dated American feel - all beige and brown and brass even though it’s relatively new. Also they put in old style lifts. Everyone has to wait ages as they only go up and down.
New ships look bright and have lots of glass. The lifts are smart. You press the floor and they tell you which one goes there first. No riding up to go down nonsense.

Bear in mind that people who say “get the cheapest cabin because you’ll only sleep in it” are extroverts who enjoy spending lots of time in the bars and only go to the room/cabin late at night. Not all cruisers are like that. I’m an introvert. I like a bit of social chat etc, but I also need my own space at times to ‘recharge’.

When was that? That put us off their ships for years, but thankfully they have all been beautifully upgraded now 🙂

I'm a solo cruiser who discovered cruising in my 60s (having had quite a negative view before actually trying). I've been on quite a few cruises and agree it's worth the extra for a balcony cabin, and suggest choosing a midship cabin for stability. Study the deck plans before selecting a cabin - You don't want to be under/near bars, swimming pools or restaurants.

My favourite line is Celebrity, though it's not the cheapest and there are quite a few extras to add on (though I got a good deal with included onboard credit). I take my gym kit too and make the most of any free classes/activities.

An easier choice for a first cruise would be Marella (as many things are included). I've never paid for a restaurant and usually dress up/eat at the main dining room in the evenings. I do purchase the premium drinks package (as I'm a bit fussy about wine and like to have included coffee shop drinks). Marella's Adriatic Explorer cruise was excellent - It's a lovely itinerary with spectacular ports and scenery.

For a first cruise, it makes sense to select organised excursions unless visiting an easy port (where you can walk off the ship straight into the town/beaches).

A final thought, it's worth considering a river cruise too. These are smaller and often more luxurious, with excursions and drinks included.

I’ve only been with them once but have booked again! My one trip was Sky Princess and I personally thought it was beautiful but I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

we booked via an agent - cruises are usually cheaper through an agent and would recommend it, although I believe princess will match a quotation if you book direct. Also they do a 10% blue light discount if you have one.

I think pretty much all cruise ships have huge beds, certainly in my experience.
They also all have both buffet and sit down options for your evening meal, usually breakfast too.
The only line which really requires formal dress is Cunard so perhaps avoid them. You are too young for Fred!
All entertainment is optional, chatting and having a drink is always an option, we like the bars with live music for an aperitif.

Cruise Critic is a great source of info.

Princess and Celebrity are probably my recommendations for mid market, unless you are happy to splurge a bit more, in which case smaller ships such as Azamara, Oceania, Silver sea, Regent etc are lovely. You get what you pay for!

Marella cruises eg out of palma are an excellent option. All inclusive, ports are mostly accessible by public transport or walking distance, trips are more reasonable than some lines. Surcharges on premium drinks are very low and multiple restaurants are included at no extra cost plus premium restaurants again aren’t too expensive. The wine tasting afternoon on the sea day i recommend too. You don’t get speakers, classical recitals or ballroom dancing but the flip side is they are not prescriptive over evening clothes (no gym wear or pool ware though!)

@StrikeForeverIt was ages ago, just after Balmoral was ‘stretched’. Luckily all beds have been fine since.

Fred Olsen ships are very different these days