Just popped in to say hello - new to forum

[TheBeeSea]

Hello

 

Just looking and considerung a first time cruise (probably cruise & stay) next summer (school hols time) and thinking the Med (and possibly Venice) with Me, Mrs, and 2 x 14 year olds.

A bit confused on what you get on a cruise (AI?) and what cruise Line (seems to be too much of a lot of choice). Also booking cabins ?

 

Far too many questions at present.

 

All help will be appreciated!

[sparky-elpaso]

Hello

 

Just looking and considerung a first time cruise (probably cruise & stay) next summer (school hols time) and thinking the Med (and possibly Venice) with Me, Mrs, and 2 x 14 year olds.

A bit confused on what you get on a cruise (AI?) and what cruise Line (seems to be too much of a lot of choice). Also booking cabins ?

 

Far too many questions at present.

 

All help will be appreciated!

 

While it sounds like a trip to a travel agent that specializes in cruises might be in order I think I can give a few tips.

 

On most cruise lines food (main dining room, buffet restaurants, room service), basic drinks (coffee, tea, iced tea, water, juices at breakfast) are included. Any alcoholic drinks, beer, sodas, specialty coffees are extra. Most cruise lines have specialty restaurants that cost extra - your choice whether you go to them or not.

 

Mainstream cruise lines are Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, Celebrity, Disney, Carnival - they all have excellent web sites with tons of information.

 

Cabin choice is very individual. Midship and lower decks is good if anyone tends to be seasick - you can get a bit more motion the farther forward or aft and the higher you go but with modern ships there isn't a lot unless you happen to hit rough seas. Inside, window cabin or balcony is also a personal choice. We've sailed in insides and a balcony and we're booked in a window cabin on our next cruise. Cabins are a lot smaller than the average hotel room but usually very well designed with lots of storage - bathrooms are also small.

 

Ships are a cashless society - everything is put on your on-board account. Except for the casino, I think.

 

For us the order of importance is:

 

Where do we want to go and for how long? What itinerary has the best line-up of ports that we want to visit?

 

Which cruise line goes there? So far, we've sailed on Holland America and Royal Caribbean and liked both.

 

Price? Which type of cabin?

 

What types of things are there to do on the ship?

I'll admit we're easy to please. Some nice places to relax, some shows in the evening, and we're happy. Some people need to be entertained every minute of the day - others can make their own entertainment. Almost all ships have a casino (except Disney), a variety of bars, etc., entertainment including bar type music, movies, stage shows, a pool or two, a gym and spa (extra charge there of course) etc. There will be a daily newspaper kind of thing with a list of activities.

 

Excursions.

Depending on where we go we may use ship excursions or go on our own. Ship excursions tend to be a little more expensive but you have the comfort of knowing the excursion company has been checked out and that the cruise line will take care of any problems (including getting you to the next port if anything happens and you're so late getting back that the ship leaves - which happens extremely rarely).

 

Since you have children check to see what the kids club offers (for the 14 year old). On most cruise lines (not all) kids usually have to be 3 to use the kids club - some will take them at 2. Your kids will be pampered by the crew (they miss their own).

 

Hope this gives you a start on your research.

[suezyq50]

Welcome. There is a good article in paper today in the magazine type insert, USA Weekend. It states, "cabin, food, and passage between ports are included in the fare. These are not included: speciality restaurants, alcohol, soft drinks, spa treatments, gambling, shore excursions, tips, and many onboard sprot activities." I will add shows, demos, such as ice carvings, towel/napkin foldings, that sort of thing are at no additional cost. Keep using this board. You will learn a lot.

[paul929207]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

In addition to the lines listed above, there are also several that cater to the UK passenger. These include Thompson and P&O. and maybe others.

[marshhawk]

You mentioned your location as "home". But it would also help the respondents to your questions if you were not so uninformational. You don't have to tell us your street address, but what city are you from, That way we can help you find ports that are near you or accessible to you. I mean if you live in Aruba, you may not want a beach driven cruise. If you live in Europe, you may want a Carribbean cruise. Welcome and cruise happy.:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Since you are from the UK -- there are a lot of choices for a Med cruise.

Best to see a TA.

[Keith1010]

Just wanted to welcome you to Cruise Critic.

 

Keith