Thinking about first ever cruise.

[Golf12345]

Hi Everyone!

 

This is my first post. Have been thinking about a cruise for a long time and now its time for us to take the PLUNGE! BUT don't know where to start! Too confusing and we need help PLEASE! We are a couple in our late fifties and early sixties, but are NOT old! We do like a bit of luxury. We do like our food. We want to know we are on a ship, and am not worried about sea sickness. We are active and fairly adventurous and like hiking, running, water sports. We like some culture. We would like some night life but are not night owls! We don't like the look of those really huge ships. The things we are worried about are; will there be crowds of people when we arrive in a port? Is there time to actually see something of the place you are visiting? Is it very crowded in areas like the pool and sun beds We were thinking about a Mediterranean cruise, possible next year.

[Keith1010]

If you are concerned about the ports I would take a Mediterranean cruise in April or May or late September into early October. It's a great time to sail the Med as the ports are less crowded and the temperature is much more mild. We love this time.

 

When you say luxury that has different meanings to different people.

 

The luxury lines will provide a cruise with far less crowds than you see on the larger ships and a fine level of service.

 

So, check out these cruise lines and see if it fits your budget.

 

You can just go to their web sites to look up voyages and see pricing.

 

Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea and Regent.

 

Start there and if the pricing is not to you liking we can offer other suggestions such as premium cruise lines.

 

Keith

[Golf12345]

Thank you very much. That certainly will help us to start actually planning our first cruise.

[Essiesmom]

Start out by deciding where you want to go. I see you are from the UK. Have you traveled in Europe before? Get a copy of Rick Steves' Mediterranean Cruise Ports (or his Northern European Cruise Ports if you decide to do the Baltic). If they aren't in your local bookstore, they can be had from amazon. He will tell you what there is to see/do ineach port, and how much of it you can do in the time you have in port. And how to do it on your own, if you don't want to take the tours offered by the ship.

Also keep in mind that cruises in the Med are usually very port intensive. A 12 day cruise may have only one day at sea, when you are not in a port. So the amenities on board may not be as important since you won't have much time to utilize them.

Cabins on cruise ships are much smaller than the US standard hotel room, unless you book a suite. (I say US standard, because we have had tiny hotel rooms in europe that make any ship cabin seem roomy). Food is very subjective. The lines that cater most to the British palate will be Cunard, P&O, Fred Olsen, Cruise & Maritime. If you prefer the Italian style, try MSC or Costa. AIDA is pricey and aimed mostly at Germans. The lines Keith mentioned will give you much smaller ships, at a price much higher.

My best advice is to visit a brick and mortar travel agency, hopefully one that sells a lot of cruises. Talk with them, get brochures, pick their brains. You don't havve to book with them, but once you are decided about what you want, I think you should use and agent (not online agency) for your first cruise.

After you have talked with an agency, when you have more questions, come back here and ask them. Keep in mind that a great many of us are from North America, and have some different booking regulations from those of you in Europe, so some answers may not apply to you (posters won't always notice that you are from the UK.

 

Anyway, happy planning! EM

[Jay23]

I suggest you look at Oceania Riviera or Marina. These ships are not too small, but only have 1200 passengers so plenty of space for all. Lovely accommodation and the best food at sea!!! Downside is there is not a great deal of evening entertainment, and no Big Shows, not something we worry about. Go to a TA who specialises in cruising, for advice and good deals. Unfortunately we are not allowed to mention Travel Agents on this site or I would tell you exactly who to try.

[Golf12345]

Thanks Essiesmom and Jay

 

That's really helpful! Can't wait to do some research now.

[lahlah57]

Do not forget Crystal either! You would fit right in. It wouldn't hurt to look for an agent that specializes in cruises concerning your criteria. They are worth their weight in gold cause there is so much in regards to details that an agent can deal with!

[Roz]

Planning a cruise is nothing to have a sad face about. Be happy! :D

 

Roz

[lahlah57]

Planning a cruise is nothing to have a sad face about. Be happy! :D

 

Roz

 

So true:D

For the first timer it can be daunting but a call to an agent is priceless!

[rakuroda]

Hi Everyone!

 

This is my first post. Have been thinking about a cruise for a long time and now its time for us to take the PLUNGE! BUT don't know where to start! Too confusing and we need help PLEASE! We are a couple in our late fifties and early sixties, but are NOT old! We do like a bit of luxury. We do like our food. We want to know we are on a ship, and am not worried about sea sickness. We are active and fairly adventurous and like hiking, running, water sports. We like some culture. We would like some night life but are not night owls! We don't like the look of those really huge ships. The things we are worried about are; will there be crowds of people when we arrive in a port? Is there time to actually see something of the place you are visiting? Is it very crowded in areas like the pool and sun beds We were thinking about a Mediterranean cruise, possible next year.

 

Aloha Golf12345 :D

 

You could just take a short cruise for your first time to see if you like it. Hiking is for the port stops. Most ships have running for exercise either on a treadmill or a designated running path (check with the cruise line). If you are still quite active, cruising may be too slow for you. Most cruisers are looking to relax and not be too active (that is one reason you see so many retirees on cruises). Unless you want a really active type atmosphere like on some Carnival or Disney cruises.

 

My wife doesn't like to unpack & re-pack so to her cruising is a great way for her to see different places without the unpacking & re-packing. Then if we see someplace she really likes, she plans a return trip. The food on board is much better than a quick family type restaurant on shore. Crowded is subjective, yes there will be lots of people around the pool/sun beds on sunny cruising days, depending on the ship occupancy, just like any resort hotel. There is mostly small theater type evening entertainment on most cruise ships, illusionist, bar singers & musicians, some small musicals. No late night-owl type entertainment.

 

Yes the ship size can have a lot to do with crowds. The mega ships with high occupancy seem crowded to me, but the small ships are a bit more expensive because of the "personalized" service on board.

 

We haven't looked into them ourselves but we know people that have gone on river cruises you could investigate.

 

Aloha :D

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Being as you are from the UK -- look at the Med cruises. We have done quite a few of them -- and there are so many different itineraries that are wonderful.

Follow Keith's advice!!

[Rebel54]

Have you considered a river cruise? Smaller boats, smaller groups.

[jocap]

I've read your post very carefully, and think that one ship which might please is the Queen Mary 2, Cunard line. She's large, but has many activities for sea days, but importantly, if you're sailing from the UK, has an indoor pool, which takes care of the cooler days going down to the Med.

Another ship is P&O's Aurora- again, an indoor pool; classic ship built for world cruises, and medium size.

Both of these ships are unique, not having been copied by cruise lines, and built for sturdiness in rough weather. They do have a formal element- a couple of evenings a week will be formal dress for dinner, although you can opt out and eat in the buffet on those nights, but you'd be in the minority.

[Deedied]

Interesting information. We would be particularly interested in cruise lines that are flexible in accommodating special needs children, as Royal Caribbean was not and it had a largely negative effect on our entire vacation. Thanks!

[NMLady]

Interesting information. We would be particularly interested in cruise lines that are flexible in accommodating special needs children, as Royal Caribbean was not and it had a largely negative effect on our entire vacation. Thanks!

 

Did you contact the RCI Special Needs department before your cruise letting them know what your child needed?

 

What kind of Special needs child? Autistic? Mobility impaired? Downs syndrome?

That is important information to have in order to recommend a cruise line.

You also might want to check the Cruise Critic Disabled forum topic for help.

[Flatbush Flyer]

If you are concerned about the ports I would take a Mediterranean cruise in April or May or late September into early October. It's a great time to sail the Med as the ports are less crowded and the temperature is much more mild. We love this time.

 

When you say luxury that has different meanings to different people.

 

The luxury lines will provide a cruise with far less crowds than you see on the larger ships and a fine level of service.

 

So, check out these cruise lines and see if it fits your budget.

 

You can just go to their web sites to look up voyages and see pricing.

 

Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea and Regent.

 

Start there and if the pricing is not to you liking we can offer other suggestions such as premium cruise lines.

 

Keith

 

 

I suggest going straight to the premium lines, in particular Oceania. Their new "O Life" program, which includes gratuities, internet and multiple excursions, now mirrors all of the included amenities of luxury sister line Regent, except for alcohol being optional at extra cost. Figure in an alcohol package and O provides all that Regent does for a significantly lower price (and arguably much better food according to many who have sailed on both).

[Sea Green]

Dont worry - you'll be fine! :D

 

Basically EVERY cruise line sells essentially the same product - bed board and accommodation on a nice ship that takes you to different interesting places! The differences between the lines are cosmetic - some will focus more on 'fun' activities and partying, some on lectures and enrichment, etc.

 

Visit a high street travel agent or two to have a chat and get some brochures, but dont feel obliged to book with them. Americans use travel agents, and especially cruise specialists, a lot as they can often negotiate good deals, upgrades, on board credit etc but British agents dont really do this and you will generally get exactly the same deal booking direct with the cruise line.

 

I dont know what your idea of 'luxury' is, but I wonder if booking with a premium line as been advised above is a good move for a FIRST cruise, until you know if you like cruising or not. You might want to try P&O or Cunard first. These both have mid sized ships which are very different to the new 'mega-monsters.' Have you checked out which lines sail from your closest port? Look on their websites to see which ones appeal to you.

 

Port times vary but usually ships arrive between 8-9am and leave between 4-5 pm. You can do quite a lot in the times in between.

 

Generally - the bigger the ship + hotter the destination + close to school holidays, the more crowded it will be. As you are both outdoorsy types, have you considered a fjords cruise instead? It can still be sunny, but not as intense as the med and may be a nice introduction to the world of cruising.

 

Im sure you will have lots more questions so remember to come back and post them :)

[Cruzaholic41]

Hi Everyone!

 

This is my first post. Have been thinking about a cruise for a long time and now its time for us to take the PLUNGE! BUT don't know where to start! Too confusing and we need help PLEASE! We are a couple in our late fifties and early sixties, but are NOT old! We do like a bit of luxury. We do like our food. We want to know we are on a ship, and am not worried about sea sickness. We are active and fairly adventurous and like hiking, running, water sports. We like some culture. We would like some night life but are not night owls! We don't like the look of those really huge ships. The things we are worried about are; will there be crowds of people when we arrive in a port? Is there time to actually see something of the place you are visiting? Is it very crowded in areas like the pool and sun beds We were thinking about a Mediterranean cruise, possible next year.

 

I'm a former partner in a large travel firm in Miami. If you were to walk into my office saying just that, 3 cruise lines would come to mind immediately for Europe - Oceania, Azamara and Celebrity. Oceania is kind of a secret in the cruising world with a fantastic product and little to no added costs (so don't be put off immediately to the prices). Celebrity is a little more mass market, but their Solstice Class ships are some of the most beautiful and elegant large ships at sea. Azamara is also a great line with small ships. Azamara has no formal nights, but people still dress the part and the atmosphere on board is very nice.

 

Other lines to consider for Europe are Holland America and Princess, both who seem to have excellent itineraries.

 

Royal Caribbean is another one, but limit it to Vision and Radiance Class ships. The other classes might be too large and active for your tastes.

 

Avoid Carnival and NCL.

Edited July 20, 2015 by Cruzaholic41

[Kalookigran]

Hi, will be travelling to Med on Oceania Marina in October, this is the first time on a cruise and soooo excited. Panicking a little re excursions to Rome, Venice and Florence - is it an option to go under our own steam or join an organised trip, hear these are really expensive, (but don't want to miss bus back to ship !!!!!!!!!) don't want to be hearded around either! just a few pointers would be brilliant .

[Cruzaholic41]

Hi, will be travelling to Med on Oceania Marina in October, this is the first time on a cruise and soooo excited. Panicking a little re excursions to Rome, Venice and Florence - is it an option to go under our own steam or join an organised trip, hear these are really expensive, (but don't want to miss bus back to ship !!!!!!!!!) don't want to be hearded around either! just a few pointers would be brilliant .

 

Hate isn't a strong enough word for me when it comes to cruise ship excursions. I dread the idea of cramming into a bus with 200 fellow passengers, a couple of who will always hold you up and ruin it for everyone.

 

for Italy, I highly recommend checking out this website:

 

http://shareashoreexcursion.com/

 

Independent tours are so much better and you can organize a small group of your own by searching your ship and ports.

[Floridiana]

Hi, will be travelling to Med on Oceania Marina in October, this is the first time on a cruise and soooo excited. Panicking a little re excursions to Rome, Venice and Florence - .

 

Congratulations, my favorite line! Have you gone over to the roll call of your cruise? It's the hang-out for passengers interested in private excursions. Personally, I would do Rome and Florence on a ships excursion because of he distance to the port. Definitely Florence. In Venice, the ship docks close to the city, so I would go on my own.

[lisamacaroni]

We have only been on one ever ourselves--Carnival Sunshine. Next one booked for this fall. Loved it!!!So fun, lots to do. See so much in short time. The only negative is the cost for me. Slowly creeps up so one week amounts to $2000 a person in no time once you figure cruise, tips, flights, excursions, extras. An all-inclusive is definitely a cheaper option but don't get to see as much. Love both in all honesty.

 

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[Nigella]

 

 

Americans use travel agents, and especially cruise specialists, a lot as they can often negotiate good deals, upgrades, on board credit etc but British agents dont really do this and you will generally get exactly the same deal booking direct with the cruise line.

 

 

This isn't true at all in my experience in the UK. If you go to the big name High St agents you may well not get any discount. But if you try the ones that are specialist cruise travel agents, usually online only, and ask for it, they will offer a discount or OBC.

The discounts get more generous depending on whether you're booking a luxury cruise or not, but IMO any discount, even £50 saved is better than nothing. It's £50 towards your next cruise ! ;)

 

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[Jay23]

Nigella is correct. The specialist Cruise Travel Agents in the UK offer many good deals, check out the Sunday Newspapers and you will find the Cruise specialists on full page ads. Phone them up. They have lots of deals not just the ones they put in the paper.

[Kalookigran]

Thanks for your advice Floridiana, much appreciated. Now all need is reliable taxi service !!! Anyone got any info for which service to use, heard Viator are good. Time running out ! only got 83 days to organise - ;)