Your Kind Advice For My First Time Cruise (Solo)

[Palma man]

Hi to all members,

Within the next month i intend to book my first ever cruise. The cruise i have in mind is the Mediterranean Spirit on 1st November
2008. The ship is the Island Star.

As i aleady live in Mallorca ( lucky me ! ) the money i will save on flights from the UK etc, i would like to use on a Premier twin/double cabin with balcony.

My question's are as follows,

1, What is this cabin like and what is the best level on the ship to book.

2, Is there anyone else on this site who has experienced this particular
cruise.

3, In general, have you enjoyed your cruise on this ship.

4, For a cruise in November 08 when is the best time to book.

Many thanks in advance for any replies.


Derek.

[MrsTW]

Hello and welcome Derek!

I sailed on Island Star last year so can help with some of your questions! :)

1. I had a Premier balcony on Sapphire Deck. It was cabin 1091, situated aft and starboard. It was in a quiet and convenient position with open deck space just a few metres away and just 1 flight of steps to The Grill and Beachcomber restaurants. Easy to grab a coffee and Danish pastry first thing in the morning and bring them back and sit on the balcony to enjoy! 2 chairs and a small table on the bacony which was an ample size. The cabin was a fair size....2 single beds with door to the balcony in between. A small sofa plus the usual wardrobes, dressing table and drawers. The bathroom was a good size, with a huge shower cubicle and lashings of hot water! ;)

2. Our itinerary was Mediterranean Discovery so different ports of call. :(
I have done Barcelona before and we did La Spezia for Pisa, Florence instead of Livorno and I'll be doing Messina this summer!

3. Yes, we all had a wondeful time and would sail with Island Cruises again! The crew was excellent....officers are very hands on, joining in shows etc. Happy, polite staff in restaurants, good cabin stewards.

4. Difficult to say! If you don't want a particular cabin etc then the later the better BUT as you want a balcony cabin and ther aren't too many of those then I wouldn't leave it too late!

Hope I may have been of some help! :)

[Palma man]

Hi MrsTW,

Many thanks for your very informative reply, ( i was starting to get a little worried at the lack of response :( )

I will act on your advice and secure a premier balcony cabin sooner rather than later.

No pun intented, but your a star:D .

Derek.