Best cruise line for us

[Ringhead]

My wife and I are 76, and have had only one short cruise.

We want to take a cruise to the Baltic states, Scandinavia and St. Petersburg.

We do like some peace and quiet. We are classical music people and would absolutely not want a cruise that plays unpleasant background music (anything but quiet classical music) in the common areas.

The big ships with zip lines, pool slides, a "hopping" nightlife, etc. would not interest us. A cruise line that had a string quartet playing at dinner would. We are foodies, but would not want to dress for dinner. Final criteria: a comfortable bed with blankets (not duvet). For me a comfortable bed is NOT a firm base. A soft or medium base and pillowtop much preferred.

Any suggestions on the line to take, rooms, etc?

Thank you!

[cb at sea]

You would probably be best served by a travel agent/agency that specializes in luxury cruises. They can compare ALL the lines to get you as much of what you like as is available.

[Flatbush Flyer]

My wife and I are 76, and have had only one short cruise.

 

We want to take a cruise to the Baltic states, Scandinavia and St. Petersburg.

 

We do like some peace and quiet. We are classical music people and would absolutely not want a cruise that plays unpleasant background music (anything but quiet classical music) in the common areas.

 

The big ships with zip lines, pool slides, a "hopping" nightlife, etc. would not interest us. A cruise line that had a string quartet playing at dinner would. We are foodies, but would not want to dress for dinner. Final criteria: a comfortable bed with blankets (not duvet). For me a comfortable bed is NOT a firm base. A soft or medium base and pillowtop much preferred.

 

Any suggestions on the line to take, rooms, etc?

 

Thank you!

 

The cruise line you are describing is exactly Oceania:

Well respected by many experts/travel publications as having the "best food at sea."

String Quartet that plays throughout the ship daily (plus piano player in Martini's bar).

Wonderful cabin amenities including beds so comfortable that passengers buy their next mattresses and bedding from the same manufacturer.

"Country Club Casual" dress code (no "prom nights"). No suits/ties/etc ever required.

Highly restrictive smoking policy (one fully enclosed indoor space and one outdoor corner location on the pool deck.

Smaller ships (either 670 or 1100 passengers).

Interesting itineraries, often with some overnights in ports.

Exceptionally interesting lecturers

Tasteful evening entertainment

Mature cosmopolitan/well traveled passenger demographic.

Excellent value: cabin price includes airfare/air credit, internet, all non-alcoholic beverages, no-extra-cost specialty restaurants AND a choice of excursions or alcohol or OBC.

No art shows, amusement park, incessant announcements, "nickel-diming," etc.

[calliopecruiser]

Consider Crystal. They do have an evening dress code after 6 pm (no shorts or ball caps), and on "black tie optional" nights men must wear a jacket and collared shirt (but no tie is required).

[Joebucks]

The cruise line you are describing is exactly Oceania:

Well respected by many experts/travel publications as having the "best food at sea."

String Quartet that plays throughout the ship daily (plus piano player in Martini's bar).

Wonderful cabin amenities including beds so comfortable that passengers buy their next mattresses and bedding from the same manufacturer.

"Country Club Casual" dress code (no "prom nights"). No suits/ties/etc ever required.

Highly restrictive smoking policy (one fully enclosed indoor space and one outdoor corner location on the pool deck.

Smaller ships (either 670 or 1100 passengers).

Interesting itineraries, often with some overnights in ports.

Exceptionally interesting lecturers

Tasteful evening entertainment

Mature cosmopolitan/well traveled passenger demographic.

Excellent value: cabin price includes airfare/air credit, internet, all non-alcoholic beverages, no-extra-cost specialty restaurants AND a choice of excursions or alcohol or OBC.

No art shows, amusement park, incessant announcements, "nickel-diming," etc.

 

I'd agree. There are some other good choices too, but you probably couldn't go wrong here.

[LHT28]

I would go with a premium or Luxury line that have smaller ships

 

We prefer Oceania their larger ships are only 1250 PAX no formal nights but people tend to dress nicely in the evenings

 

 

 

Pick one that suits your budget & tastes

[DaKa2002]

The cruise line you are describing is exactly Oceania:

Well respected by many experts/travel publications as having the "best food at sea."

String Quartet that plays throughout the ship daily (plus piano player in Martini's bar).

Wonderful cabin amenities including beds so comfortable that passengers buy their next mattresses and bedding from the same manufacturer.

"Country Club Casual" dress code (no "prom nights"). No suits/ties/etc ever required.

Highly restrictive smoking policy (one fully enclosed indoor space and one outdoor corner location on the pool deck.

Smaller ships (either 670 or 1100 passengers).

Interesting itineraries, often with some overnights in ports.

Exceptionally interesting lecturers

Tasteful evening entertainment

Mature cosmopolitan/well traveled passenger demographic.

Excellent value: cabin price includes airfare/air credit, internet, all non-alcoholic beverages, no-extra-cost specialty restaurants AND a choice of excursions or alcohol or OBC.

No art shows, amusement park, incessant announcements, "nickel-diming," etc.

 

We also agree with this assessment!

[Ringhead]

Thank you!

[NMLady]

Another vote for Oceania

[dogs4fun]

We cruised Oceania's Marina through the Baltic - it was wonderful.

[jocap]

Depending on your budget: Saga's new ship will be launched in 2019, and is for people aged 50+. They are known for their enrichment activities.

Budget- Cruise and Maritime (adult only), small, older ships... and Fred Olsen, similar ships and some cruises are adult only.

All these ships will have formal evenings, though, as do most UK ships, but all will have other eating arrangements.

[Floridiana]

I vote for Oceania! You might also have a look at Viking Ocean and any of the luxury lines like Regent, Seaborn etc.

[Journeymaker]

I also would recommend Oceania but I would also like to recommend the midsized Holland America Lines and Celebrity Cruises and Regent Seven Seas for you to compare. Personally I had friends that just booked the 12 nights departing September 2, 2018 on Oceania Cruises' Nautica Oceania, having sailed I can tell you she delivers on all my requirements by offering a great itinerary the over night stay allows you to fully immerse yourself in the history, culture and cuisine during port calls. Oceania's Executive Culinary Director, acclaimed master chef Jacques Pepin, has assembled a menu of culinary delights that are the highlight of every guest's evening.

The sophisticated ambiance of Oceania Cruises extends to the entertainment offered onboard. You can listen to a 12-piece orchestra or jazz band, watch a cabaret show or enjoy local and regional entertainment from the ports you visit. Oceania regularly hosts guest lecturers, from famous authors to former ambassadors, who provide onboard enrichment. Oceania combines the best of new and old pastimes, preserving classic traditions like afternoon tea while providing contemporary services like 24-hour Internet access aboard all of its cruise ships. Built in 2000 opulent atmosphere of the Grand Dining Room, with its hand-painted domed ceiling and Villeroy & Boch china, sets an elegant tone for six-course meals, and Toscana, a restaurant resplendent in luxe fabrics and furnishings, serves delicious Tuscan cuisine amid fabulous views. Staterooms are decorated with comfortable furnishings and dark wood, and they feature the Tranquility Bed with Euro-top mattress, plush duvet, goose-down pillows and Egyptian cotton linens. The best thing is two overnights in St. Petersburg vs only one overnight on the two other brands.

I have also sailed on Holland America Lines that offers a great value in the Baltics on the Holland America Zuiderdam. You certainly won't be board on her Possessing one of the highest ratios of space per person in the Holland America fleet, the 1,918-passenger Zuiderdam is a modern ship with innovative, luxurious features. Expanded spa facilities -- with 11 therapy rooms, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam and aromatherapy rooms -- pamper passengers in one of the cruise line's most spacious spas. Elevators -- two are glass-enclosed with panoramic ocean views -- give access to 11 passenger decks, including a covered promenade that encircles the entire vessel. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters -- a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts.

 

Eighty-five percent of staterooms enjoy ocean views, and eighty percent of those have private balconies. Each stateroom is fitted with a data port for Web access, and there also is an Internet center and library. When it comes to dining, the Zuiderdam offers a variety of options: gourmet meals in the two-tiered main dining room, fine Italian dining at the Canaletto restaurant and casual fare at the Lido restaurant and Terrace Grill. Room service also is available at no additional cost. Entertainment is equally varied, with duty-free shops, casino, nightclubs and lounges, a sports deck, plus thrilling productions in the Vista Lounge showroom.

I also sailed on Regent Seven Seas Mariner - Regent’s all suite experience is guaranteed to wow even the most discerning passenger. At no extra cost, Regent includes unlimited shore excursions, restaurant visits, beverages (including fine wines and premium spirits), open bars and lounges, in suite mini bars replenished daily, gratuities, nightly entertainment, award winning theatrical and musical productions and WiFi throughout the ship. The pool deck is small and intimate, which means you can get in a few laps without worrying about crowding. The fitness center features several different machines to keep you active on your cruise as well. There are several lounges, including the Navigator Lounge, the Coffee Connection area and the Stars Lounge. Some quiet time can be enjoyed in the library, where you can peruse Regent’s extensive collection of books. You can also head to the Seven Seas Lounge to catch a great theater show with an equally great view. If you want to try your luck, the allure of the casino will pull you in for a night of fun and excitement. Don’t forget the luxurious Canyon Ranch Spa—it offers the latest spa treatment.

[Gwendy]

The Baltics are wonderful. Just check your itinerary carefully. We found this cruise to be the most port intensive we have done and because we wanted to see and do everything we could in the ports, we ended up very tired at the end if the cruise. It is a beautiful cruise, particularly sailing into Oslo. We were on Regal Princess, other lines may offer a couple of extra days in between ports.

 

 

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[OCruisers]

You might also want to consider HAL (Holland America).

[Heidi13]

My wife and I are 76, and have had only one short cruise.

We want to take a cruise to the Baltic states, Scandinavia and St. Petersburg.

We do like some peace and quiet. We are classical music people and would absolutely not want a cruise that plays unpleasant background music (anything but quiet classical music) in the common areas.

The big ships with zip lines, pool slides, a "hopping" nightlife, etc. would not interest us. A cruise line that had a string quartet playing at dinner would. We are foodies, but would not want to dress for dinner. Final criteria: a comfortable bed with blankets (not duvet). For me a comfortable bed is NOT a firm base. A soft or medium base and pillowtop much preferred.

Any suggestions on the line to take, rooms, etc?

Thank you!

 

We recently researched the luxury and ultra premium lines for finding a new cruise line for our 2020 WC. While any of Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, Regent, Oceania or Viking will meet you needs. Personally we opted for Viking:

- 930 pax and no kids under 16,

- lots of quiet places to relax,

- each ship has a classical trio,

- no formal nights, with the dress code stating elegant casual,

- good quality food in the MDR and 2 comp specialty restaurants

- one of the specialty restaurants is Italian and the other has a constantly expanding series of regional menus that rotate every few days.

- extensive series of enrichment lectures featuring upcoming PoC and other topics

- haven't taken the cruise yet, so can't comment on the beds, although reports state they are comfortable

[Flatbush Flyer]

You might also want to consider HAL (Holland America).

 

 

 

OP said "GOOD food."

[Aquahound]

I recommend Oceania, Azamara and/or Viking Ocean.