[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!

[mrapbp]

Went on a 4 day cruise as part of out honeymoon 12 or so years ago, was pretty good fun and was an American cruise from LA to Mexico and seemed to be a good mix of young and old.

They has a casino so kept me happy!!

[Artie Fufkin]

I've chatted with a good number of people who have cruised and here's my observations:

1. They all love it and have either booked again or will book again.

2. They are all over 40, most around 50.

3. A guide to price is £100 per person per day. Remember this includes all food but not drinks.

4. Get a room with a window. You won't see much but you will know what time of day it is and won't feel as though you're in a prison cell.

5. While the ship may be 5 star, a standard room is not. It's tiny.

The following website is a great place to start for prices and info [it's the AV Forums of cruising] cruise.co.uk

We've been tempted ourselves but have actually been put off by people's holiday videos. The entertainment looks cheap and cheesy holiday park type stuff and some of the ships look unbelievably tacky and tarty. I suppose when you go over the £100/day price then things will improve. All depends what you want really.

[lurcher]

Went with RCI on a Med cruise 7 yrs ago with another couple , really enjoyed it and would do it again if we can afford it , very relaxing and plenty to do , gym/shows/casino/disco/choice of eating formal or casual.
Think we paid £800 each but I believe if you can go at late notice you may get it much cheaper .
Very few children on board , mainly couples 30-70"s I thought .
Bit of a laugh seeing the posers , women dressed up as though they were meeting royalty ( captains night ) and some of the blokes were as bad , but at least there was choice.

Julian

[Miyazaki]

I've been on a few websites and people have said the worst thing you can do is book online. Apparently you get a better deal negotiating in a travel agent. Has anyone done this with any degree of success? Cheers.

[CavalryMaster]

We've been on a cruise with my girl, but it was in ASIA.. First we went to Phuket in Thailand and Boracay in the Philippines. Man! it was an experience for a lifetime, people are friendly and nice. But you must be carefull as not everyone are, especially outside the establishment, but it's really worth a try.

[johnny-17]

I've been on 3 cruises now and both my wife and I wouldn't 'knock' it.

First cruise was on smaller ship about 15 years ago, very old fashioned and quite formal, although there were a lot of people our age (early 30's) most of the passengers were elderly and talked about the Titanic all the time (not the movie).

We then went with Ocean Village about 6 years ago and that was a whole different ball game - Freestyle cruising.
No dressing up, mountain biking tours in all resorts, white water rafting, etc., etc. Dining when you wanted basically you came and went as you pleased. Very good quality food and standard on board. A lot of people on this cruise were trying cruising for the first time and it was apparent within a few days that all their worries were forgotten and that they could quite get used to this cruising lark.
The only difference between this cruise and the first was that there was a high proportion of Polyesterl shirts worn during dinner.

Last year we went on a Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas which was amazing.
Bodyboarding everyday on the wave rider, ice skating on a really big rink, eating burgers in Johnny Rockets dinner, plus Ben & Jerry's Ice cream parlour - what's not to like.

Sure if you go during term time you will get older passengers, but go during the holiday's and you will see as many children onboard as you will see in any other holiday resort.

Whilst some of you may think that cruising is for older people, just remember that older people also go to main holiday resorts outside of the holidays. Its no different when it comes to cruising.
Our ship had a massive dedicated pool area just for children/families as well as professionally run youth clubs and kiddies clubs.

Food was to a high standard, choice of being formal, or informal you decide!
Getting up every morning somewhere different yet travelling there is high quality surroundings without the constant unpacking has to be a bonus.
And okay, if you don't like the place you visit that day don't worry because you will be going somewhere else the next day.

Just remember that when you arrive at your apartment/hotel in say Spain or Greece and you don't like the resort or atmosphere then what do you do, just moan or go to a different country instead?

Okay so we like cruising, but we still holiday in Scotland, England, the Canaries, Florida and Las Vegas etc, as these holidays can be just as fun as cruising.
You won't cruise all the time but for those that think they won't like it, how do you know you will like Benidorm until you've been?