Anyone been on a cruise?

[Miyazaki]

Hi all.

I have been looking at going on a cruise next summer as we have never been on one and haven't been on a holiday for 5 years so I thought that a cruise might be a bit special.

I was looking a cunard - but far too expensive. I have looked at ocean village and they seem quite good? I don't know anyone who has gone on a cruise before and I have only ever been on the ferry to Santander, which was only 24 hours but quite enjoyed it never-the-less.

Is there any cruise company that is good value for money and people have had a positive experience with?

Basically we are looking at a budget of a £3000 cruise for the two of us, which isn't actually that much money for a cruise!

Many thanks in advance for any forthcoming help.

[RuddyRoad]

Yeah. I've been on a cruise. It was a cheap Thomson one, but it was still amazing. Waking up in a different port/country each morning. Eating and drinking whatever and whenever you want, withou paying extra. Pretty good quality entertainment. Safe. Sea air.

I would say give it a go. Your budget opens up quite a few opportunities. I don't know about where you could get a best buy, but I've seen cruises advertised on Ideal World (via Planet Cruises) that seemed exceptional value.

Best of luck

[Miyazaki]

Originally Posted by RuddyRoad

Yeah. I've been on a cruise. It was a cheap Thomson one, but it was still amazing. Waking up in a different port/country each morning. Eating and drinking whatever and whenever you want, withou paying extra. Pretty good quality entertainment. Safe. Sea air.

I would say give it a go. Your budget opens up quite a few opportunities. I don't know about where you could get a best buy, but I've seen cruises advertised on Ideal World (via Planet Cruises) that seemed exceptional value.

Best of luck

Thanks for that. It seems all the deals are at awkward times of the year. Unfortunately I can't go outside of schools holidays as i'm a teacher, and they put all the prices up accordingly.

I'll have a look at ideal world.

[loz]

Originally Posted by Miyazaki

Hi all.

I have been looking at going on a cruise next summer

Are you a pensioner then?

[Miyazaki]

Originally Posted by loz

Are you a pensioner then?

That's the common perception isn't it.

I just thought it would be a good way to see loads of different places as the missus hasn't really been anywhere. I'd rather do an adventure holiday, but she'd rather be on the beach, so a cruise is a compromise.

We're both in our 20's BTW.

[loz]

Originally Posted by Miyazaki

That's the common perception isn't it.

I think it is the reality too, from the people I know who have been on them - elderly, widowed, ...

There is that line who advertise that they aren't like that though - who's name escapes me at the moment.

Why not try one of those cruises in smaller boats that go off the beaten track, that is more of an adventure if you fancy that.
Like the sailing clippers, or a cruise on an ice breaker.

e.g. http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/...FUQA4wodiCTaiw

[zmoosa1]

Never been on one myself but have a few people at work who have recently been on cruises.
One went on a Scandinavian cruise, she in her early 40's and loved it.
The second went on a Med cruise, and loved it....
The third went on the QE2 to NY and, guess what, he absolutely loved it.
I'd like to try a multistop cruise for my next holiday, just like the idea of waking up in different countries every morning.

[Miyazaki]

Originally Posted by loz

I think it is the reality too, from the people I know who have been on them - elderly, widowed, ...

There is that line who advertise that they aren't like that though - who's name escapes me at the moment.

Why not try one of those cruises in smaller boats that go off the beaten track, that is more of an adventure if you fancy that.
Like the sailing clippers, or a cruise on an ice breaker.

e.g. Arctic Cruises

Missus won't go as "they all look too cold".

[Alan CD]

My wife and I have been on a couple of cruises with the Fred Olsen line. Fairly cheap but good value for money.

Both cruises were two weeks in the Med. It quickly became apparent cruising is a way of life for many people, some do two cruises per year and live on board ship!

Recommend it but it is not for everybody.

[loz]

Originally Posted by Miyazaki

Missus won't go as "they all look too cold".

try this then
Star Clipper Cruises: Luxury cruise holidays on authentic Tall Ships

[RuddyRoad]

It's not all pensioners, and even if it was they would be just as much fun as anyone. I suspect the very expensive cruises have a fair proportion of older clients. But the cruise I went on was full of people of all ages (and shapes )....do your research and you'll have a great time.

[signs]

Thought about it , but the mandatory "blue rinse" before boarding put me off

[loz]

Cruise holidays' popularity continues to grow - Telegraph

The average age of British cruise passengers has fallen slightly in the past decade, from 55 to 53 years.

However, several companies which are actively targeting families and younger people said the average age of their passengers was falling much faster.

Ocean Village Cruises, which bases two ships in the Mediterranean over the summer and caters exclusively for Brits, has an average age of 44.

RCI and Carnival, which have ships operating out of UK and European ports this summer, said the average age of their British passengers was 48.

So even the ones that advertise to a younger crowd still only manage to attract an average age of 44.

[FZR400RRSP]

I've always fancied a cruise, but there are cruises and cruises now.
I want a proper, expensive, exclusive cruise with nice people.
I don't like the idea of these cruises being done by package holiday companies now.
It may have brought the cost down, but it's also destroyed the exclusivity.
For example, there's one bloke at work has been on several cruises.
I would not want to be stuck on a boat with his sort for two weeks.
Sorry if that's sounds snobby, I really don't care.

[Nicholas Gibbs]

Went on one a year ago round the Med with Royal Caribbean, I am early 30's and it was one of the best holidays I have ever done, brilliant fun though dont eat for several weeks before hand as there is tonnes and tonnes of grub to be had

Go for it you will love it!