How horrible will it be.......?>

I'm hoping for some reassurance from you experts here, but I'm prepared for the worst:eek:

I've never been on a cruise, and have never had the slightest desire to. The nearest we've got to cruising was a couple of week-long trips on small boats (max 12 passengers) in the Hebrides, visiting remote and uninhabited islands and watching wildlife. It was brilliant, but the idea of going on one of those monstrous cruise liners really turns me off!

Now as my username suggests, I just love islands, and on my list of islands to visit before I die are the remote Atlantic outposts of Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha. Now these are not easy (or cheap) places to get to, but we've found a cruise in early 2015 which goes from Cape Town to the Canaries calling at Namibia, St Helena, Ascension and the Cape Verde Islands. It's on a ship called MV Voyager, which belongs to a company called Voyages of Discovery.

Now on the one hand we really do want to get to these destinations, and there are not many other options for getting there - certainly not affordable ones. On the other hand, I've got this horrible feeling that we will have to endure being trapped in a floating old-folks home surrounded by people playing bingo, eating vast quantities of terrible food, and having to endure dressing for dinner and (worst of all) being subjected to 'entertainment'. I've read some reviews of this ship, and they are mixed, to say the least. Any comments - should we go for it, or not touch it with a bargepole? All advice gratefully received. Thanks

I would go for it.

As I understand it, the Voyages of Discovery ships are not the glitzy cruise ships that you see on TV. They go to exotic locations like those you have listed. While I am sure most of the passengers will be older, that does not mean they spend all their time in a wheelchair drooling on themselves. Talk to either a travel agent familiar with the company or the company itself to get a better idea of what you are getting yourself into.

I'm hoping for some reassurance from you experts here, but I'm prepared for the worst:eek:

 

I've never been on a cruise, and have never had the slightest desire to. The nearest we've got to cruising was a couple of week-long trips on small boats (max 12 passengers) in the Hebrides, visiting remote and uninhabited islands and watching wildlife. It was brilliant, but the idea of going on one of those monstrous cruise liners really turns me off!

 

Now as my username suggests, I just love islands, and on my list of islands to visit before I die are the remote Atlantic outposts of Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha. Now these are not easy (or cheap) places to get to, but we've found a cruise in early 2015 which goes from Cape Town to the Canaries calling at Namibia, St Helena, Ascension and the Cape Verde Islands. It's on a ship called MV Voyager, which belongs to a company called Voyages of Discovery.

 

Now on the one hand we really do want to get to these destinations, and there are not many other options for getting there - certainly not affordable ones. On the other hand, I've got this horrible feeling that we will have to endure being trapped in a floating old-folks home surrounded by people playing bingo, eating vast quantities of terrible food, and having to endure dressing for dinner and (worst of all) being subjected to 'entertainment'. I've read some reviews of this ship, and they are mixed, to say the least. Any comments - should we go for it, or not touch it with a bargepole? All advice gratefully received. Thanks

A cruise ship is a mobile island:). While for many the ship is the destination for you it is a mode of transportation to places you want to go, so maybe if you focus on that it won't be so bad.

I would go with the voyages of discovery. I am sure it will be a great opportunity.

Keith

GO FOR IT !! :) :cool:

I think you'll find that you're really glad that you did.

Since you posted your on board expectations entirely in negatives, I would say no. Cruising is not for you.

I think you've already decided cruising will be a negative experience, so I would recommend against it. You're going to be miserable and will make those around you miserable.

Roz

On the other hand, I've got this horrible feeling that we will have to endure being trapped in a floating old-folks home surrounded by people playing bingo, eating vast quantities of terrible food, and having to endure dressing for dinner and (worst of all) being subjected to 'entertainment'. I've read some reviews of this ship, and they are mixed, to say the least. Any comments - should we go for it, or not touch it with a bargepole? All advice gratefully received. Thanks

You've done a good job explaining what you don't want your cruise experience to be, and I also think you have chosen a good line, based on those wants and needs. You might even want to consider and research a smaller ship than that of The Voyager.

The premium lines do generally attract an older demographic, but I think the overall experience on a premium/ smaller line would be better for you.

You've done a good job explaining what you don't want your cruise experience to be, and I also think you have chosen a good line, based on those wants and needs. You might even want to consider and research a smaller ship than that of The Voyager.

 

The premium lines do generally attract an older demographic, but I think the overall experience on a premium/ smaller line would be better for you.

I think you have no idea what ship the OP is talking about. In fact, Voyager is smaller than most of the ships on the premium/luxury lines. 15, 271 tons. Perhaps you were referencing Voyager of the Seas???

http://us.voyagesofdiscovery.com/ship.php?ship_id=897&type=33

Hi everyone. Could someone please explain how I begin a new thread? I can't work it out.

Also, my wife and I are travelling from Scotland to Southampton to board the Queen Elizabeth on July 1st - anybody else out there doing the same?

I'm hoping for some reassurance from you experts here, but I'm prepared for the worst:eek:

 

I've never been on a cruise, and have never had the slightest desire to. The nearest we've got to cruising was a couple of week-long trips on small boats (max 12 passengers) in the Hebrides, visiting remote and uninhabited islands and watching wildlife. It was brilliant, but the idea of going on one of those monstrous cruise liners really turns me off!

 

Now as my username suggests, I just love islands, and on my list of islands to visit before I die are the remote Atlantic outposts of Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha. Now these are not easy (or cheap) places to get to, but we've found a cruise in early 2015 which goes from Cape Town to the Canaries calling at Namibia, St Helena, Ascension and the Cape Verde Islands. It's on a ship called MV Voyager, which belongs to a company called Voyages of Discovery.

 

Now on the one hand we really do want to get to these destinations, and there are not many other options for getting there - certainly not affordable ones. On the other hand, I've got this horrible feeling that we will have to endure being trapped in a floating old-folks home surrounded by people playing bingo, eating vast quantities of terrible food, and having to endure dressing for dinner and (worst of all) being subjected to 'entertainment'. I've read some reviews of this ship, and they are mixed, to say the least. Any comments - should we go for it, or not touch it with a bargepole? All advice gratefully received. Thanks

Welcome to Cruise Critic, good luck with your decision.

Hi everyone. Could someone please explain how I begin a new thread? I can't work it out.

Also, my wife and I are travelling from Scotland to Southampton to board the Queen Elizabeth on July 1st - anybody else out there doing the same?

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

To start a new thread go to any forum page and on the left, right above the thick blue line with the forum title you will see and icon called....you guessed it "New Thread".

As for your sailing, here is a link to the forum for Cunard Roll Call for your sailing:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1821178

Hi everyone. Could someone please explain how I begin a new thread? I can't work it out.

Also, my wife and I are travelling from Scotland to Southampton to board the Queen Elizabeth on July 1st - anybody else out there doing the same?

At the top of the forum page there is a button labeled "new thread", click that and viola', you get to start a new thread. There is a roll call section on the board and you should find a page for the QE and if someone is sailing the same time as you they have probably started a roll call. (I was going to provide you a link but Kirk beat me to it :) )

I'm hoping for some reassurance from you experts here, but I'm prepared for the worst:eek:

 

I've never been on a cruise, and have never had the slightest desire to. The nearest we've got to cruising was a couple of week-long trips on small boats (max 12 passengers) in the Hebrides, visiting remote and uninhabited islands and watching wildlife. It was brilliant, but the idea of going on one of those monstrous cruise liners really turns me off!

 

Now as my username suggests, I just love islands, and on my list of islands to visit before I die are the remote Atlantic outposts of Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha. Now these are not easy (or cheap) places to get to, but we've found a cruise in early 2015 which goes from Cape Town to the Canaries calling at Namibia, St Helena, Ascension and the Cape Verde Islands. It's on a ship called MV Voyager, which belongs to a company called Voyages of Discovery.

 

Now on the one hand we really do want to get to these destinations, and there are not many other options for getting there - certainly not affordable ones. On the other hand, I've got this horrible feeling that we will have to endure being trapped in a floating old-folks home surrounded by people playing bingo, eating vast quantities of terrible food, and having to endure dressing for dinner and (worst of all) being subjected to 'entertainment'. I've read some reviews of this ship, and they are mixed, to say the least. Any comments - should we go for it, or not touch it with a bargepole? All advice gratefully received. Thanks

I just want to comment no one will force feed you and require you eat vast quantities of terrible food so don't worry about that. You can eat or not eat whatever you wish and certainly whatever anyone else eats shouldn't be a problem for you.

You don't have to play Bingo and if there are old-folks....... well, if you are really lucky, you, too, some day will be old. There is only one alternative to growing old. :)

It has been mentioned above that going with preconceived notions of so much negativity may be a self-fulfilling prophecy of a less than wonderful experience. When we embark on any journey with a head full of negative thoughts, we surely will have a less than joyful experience.

IF you want to go, adopt a more positive outlook, if possible, and realize you and your travel companion can do whatever you wish, how you wish, when you wish (for the most part) and need not have anything to do with anyone who doesn't interest you.

Hopefully you'll have a better time than you expect.

Cruising is not for everyone. Maybe you are one for whom cruising may not the best idea? Something to think about.

In any case, welcome to CC. Happy you found us and hopefully we can clear up any misconceptions you may have about cruising or on the other hand, confirm other notions.

Hi everyone. Could someone please explain how I begin a new thread? I can't work it out.

Also, my wife and I are travelling from Scotland to Southampton to board the Queen Elizabeth on July 1st - anybody else out there doing the same?

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Follow what Kirk said to do.

I'm hoping for some reassurance from you experts here, but I'm prepared for the worst:eek:

 

I've never been on a cruise, and have never had the slightest desire to. The nearest we've got to cruising was a couple of week-long trips on small boats (max 12 passengers) in the Hebrides, visiting remote and uninhabited islands and watching wildlife. It was brilliant, but the idea of going on one of those monstrous cruise liners really turns me off!

 

Now as my username suggests, I just love islands, and on my list of islands to visit before I die are the remote Atlantic outposts of Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha. Now these are not easy (or cheap) places to get to, but we've found a cruise in early 2015 which goes from Cape Town to the Canaries calling at Namibia, St Helena, Ascension and the Cape Verde Islands. It's on a ship called MV Voyager, which belongs to a company called Voyages of Discovery.

 

Now on the one hand we really do want to get to these destinations, and there are not many other options for getting there - certainly not affordable ones. On the other hand, I've got this horrible feeling that we will have to endure being trapped in a floating old-folks home surrounded by people playing bingo, eating vast quantities of terrible food, and having to endure dressing for dinner and (worst of all) being subjected to 'entertainment'. I've read some reviews of this ship, and they are mixed, to say the least. Any comments - should we go for it, or not touch it with a bargepole? All advice gratefully received. Thanks

I say -- go for it.

Our first cruise was on a small ship -- 18,000 tons -- and we loved it.

No one is going to make you play Trivia -- or eat tons of food.

The ship is a floating hotel for you to get to all those wonderful places you want to visit. Being able to unpack once and see those places is a PLUS!!

I think you have no idea what ship the OP is talking about. In fact, Voyager is smaller than most of the ships on the premium/luxury lines. 15, 271 tons. Perhaps you were referencing Voyager of the Seas???

 

http://us.voyagesofdiscovery.com/ship.php?ship_id=897&type=33

I understand which ship the OP was speaking of. Given the post, I offered that they might like to research even smaller ships; Windstar comes to mind.

I guess I was also comparing to my experience of a smaller ship, Oceania, Regatta.

I think you should not go.

You already have a negative pre-conceived notion of what cruising is (or isn't) and I am a firm beleiver that if you go in with a negative (or positive ) opinion then that is what your vacation will be..negative.

This is not your Grand Parent's cruise. This, IMHO, is exactley what you are looking for to get to the places you want to see.

"Our renowned shore excursion programme is at the heart of the Voyages of Discovery cruising experience. From the ‘must-see’ sights of each destination, to hidden gems that you might not expect, our meticulous planning ensures that your time ashore is as enjoyable as your time on board. When choosing how to spend your time ashore, consider the many benefits of our organised shore excursions over making your own arrangements."

"A Voyage of Discovery is unpretentious, peaceful and charming in its understated elegance. There are no casinos or extravagant theme nights, just spacious public rooms and restaurants, cosy and friendly bars, fine food and engaging entertainment."

"

She carries just 550 like-minded passengers in home from home comfort, and will be host to many of the same renowned Guest Speakers that have been such an important aspect of our high quality cruise programmmes."

That sounds wonderful! DO IT!

Cruises are what you make of it. Some people cruise for the activities on board, some use it as a travelling hotel, some go purely as a more cost efficient way to visit a location. You can easily spend the entire time in your cabin if you don't want to deal with people. I personally love meeting new people. I'm in my 30's and most of my cruise friends are older than me (some could be my patents). They are there to have fun. Just find others with the same attitude (if you want) and it should be enjoyable.

This is not your Grand Parent's cruise. This, IMHO, is exactley what you are looking for to get to the places you want to see.

 

"Our renowned shore excursion programme is at the heart of the Voyages of Discovery cruising experience. From the ‘must-see’ sights of each destination, to hidden gems that you might not expect, our meticulous planning ensures that your time ashore is as enjoyable as your time on board. When choosing how to spend your time ashore, consider the many benefits of our organised shore excursions over making your own arrangements."

 

"A Voyage of Discovery is unpretentious, peaceful and charming in its understated elegance. There are no casinos or extravagant theme nights, just spacious public rooms and restaurants, cosy and friendly bars, fine food and engaging entertainment."

 

"

She carries just 550 like-minded passengers in home from home comfort, and will be host to many of the same renowned Guest Speakers that have been such an important aspect of our high quality cruise programmmes."

 

That sounds wonderful! DO IT!

Agree, sounds like a great match.

I think you've already decided cruising will be a negative experience, so I would recommend against it. You're going to be miserable and will make those around you miserable.

 

Roz

I'm hoping for some reassurance from you experts here, but I'm prepared for the worst:eek:

 

I've never been on a cruise, and have never had the slightest desire to. The nearest we've got to cruising was a couple of week-long trips on small boats (max 12 passengers) in the Hebrides, visiting remote and uninhabited islands and watching wildlife. It was brilliant, but the idea of going on one of those monstrous cruise liners really turns me off!

 

Now as my username suggests, I just love islands, and on my list of islands to visit before I die are the remote Atlantic outposts of Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha. Now these are not easy (or cheap) places to get to, but we've found a cruise in early 2015 which goes from Cape Town to the Canaries calling at Namibia, St Helena, Ascension and the Cape Verde Islands. It's on a ship called MV Voyager, which belongs to a company called Voyages of Discovery.

 

Now on the one hand we really do want to get to these destinations, and there are not many other options for getting there - certainly not affordable ones. On the other hand, I've got this horrible feeling that we will have to endure being trapped in a floating old-folks home surrounded by people playing bingo, eating vast quantities of terrible food, and having to endure dressing for dinner and (worst of all) being subjected to 'entertainment'. I've read some reviews of this ship, and they are mixed, to say the least. Any comments - should we go for it, or not touch it with a bargepole? All advice gratefully received. Thanks

Sorry to say, but after your dreadfully negative comments, and your determination to be miserable I would not inflict you and your attitude on the other passengers.

Find another way to travel.

I'm hoping for some reassurance from you experts here, but I'm prepared for the worst:eek:

 

I've never been on a cruise, and have never had the slightest desire to. The nearest we've got to cruising was a couple of week-long trips on small boats (max 12 passengers) in the Hebrides, visiting remote and uninhabited islands and watching wildlife. It was brilliant, but the idea of going on one of those monstrous cruise liners really turns me off!

 

Now as my username suggests, I just love islands, and on my list of islands to visit before I die are the remote Atlantic outposts of Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha. Now these are not easy (or cheap) places to get to, but we've found a cruise in early 2015 which goes from Cape Town to the Canaries calling at Namibia, St Helena, Ascension and the Cape Verde Islands. It's on a ship called MV Voyager, which belongs to a company called Voyages of Discovery.

 

Now on the one hand we really do want to get to these destinations, and there are not many other options for getting there - certainly not affordable ones. On the other hand, I've got this horrible feeling that we will have to endure being trapped in a floating old-folks home surrounded by people playing bingo, eating vast quantities of terrible food, and having to endure dressing for dinner and (worst of all) being subjected to 'entertainment'. I've read some reviews of this ship, and they are mixed, to say the least. Any comments - should we go for it, or not touch it with a bargepole? All advice gratefully received. Thanks

Speaking as someone who felt exactly as you do before my first cruise I'd say go for it. This ships sounds like quite a fun experience and it doesn't seem like a floating bingo-palace at all.

Put aside all your preconceptions about cruising. I base all my cruise choices on itinerary and I'm yet to have a bad experience, no matter what the cruise line. Sure, I've found myself on ships surrounded by people I didn't particularly like and offered up a smorgasbord of trashy "entertainment" but that's all part of the fun, and you can always opt out of anything that doesn't take your fancy. On the other hand the food is always good, the service is always great and the cabins are a comfortable place to sleep. If the itinerary is right then there is absolutely no reason to say no.

As for the reviews, a lot of the bad ones seem to be relating to cruises with bad weather. This ship is relatively small and will be more at the mercy of the elements, but that's all part of the adventure.

On the other hand, I've got this horrible feeling that we will have to endure being trapped in a floating old-folks home surrounded by people playing bingo, eating vast quantities of terrible food, and having to endure dressing for dinner and (worst of all) being subjected to 'entertainment'.

You'll probably get some nasty replies from older folks who enjoy the bingo and the so-called "entertainment" but feel free to ignore them :)

Just on the dressing for dinner thing - from what I can see there are two main restaurants on board and only one has formal nights. The Veranda restaurant is casual at all times.

Many thanks to everyone who replied - I'm really grateful for your helpful advice.

The balance of opinion is 12 in favour of going, and 4 advising against it. Which seems conclusive enough, even allowing for the fact that on a forum like this there is likely to be a natural bias in favour, seeing as most members will be cruise enthusiasts. So I'm thinking we will go for it. The first challenge will be persuading Mrs Islophile! I think my best prospect of achieving this will be by adopting Wallie's line:

This, IMHO, is exactly what you are looking for to get to the places you want to see.

It's a long way off, but if we do go I'll post a review here. Thanks again - I really appreciate your comments. :)