mooph

So I'm new to this, and frustrated by the numbers of clicks it takes to get simple questions answered.

Say I want the smallest ship that sails Alaska or the Baltic Sea itineraries. I find the interface so cumbersome. I'd like one page with all the stats of each ship's passenger capacitiy, with a listing of the next 5 departure dates + itineraries for that ship. When does it go where? From the list above it seems I have to individually visit each ship's page just to get the basic info on it to rule it in or out of my consideration

Something like handy calendars showing which ships will go to 'x' destination over the next 2 years would be so helpful.

I guess I'm being unreasonable, but if anybody knows some secret handy places to look, I'd appreciate it.

Also, one other question: Are all NCL cruises 'Free Style', or only some? If only some, is there a chart or symbol on the specific cruise page that designates that?

Mooph.

Thanks for that edifying summary of the issues.

I really don't care what others do, but I remember soon after bottled water came out I began to feel like a sucker drinking it, like I was being had.

Oh well, as you say, to each her own.

Mooph

Had I known a simple question about whether ship's water is drinkable would stir up such an old feud, I wouldn't have asked. I've been lucky to live someplace with good tap water and always assume I'll drink that unless told otherwise.

Is there a reason not to simply drink tap water from your room or suite? I mean, is it contaminated or something?

mooph

Does 'SKY' refer to a ship or a passenger designation?

From my initial browsing, it looks like the 'open bar' proviso is included with mini & regular suites.

First cruise...porthole (only discovered on day 3 when I finally pulled back the curtain on the wall and found it wasn't just for decoration! LOL)

What is a 'hump' cabin?

Thanks,

Mooph

whoops. just saw someone answer this above.

Lots of helpful info coming in, and I thank you all.

P&O grade their cabins so that a cabin of one grade may be very desirable (and have a good view if booking an obstructed view etc) where as another in the same grade may not be desirable (under a restaurant or nightclub, for example). If you book early you can make sure that you get the most desirable cabin for your money.

Yes, I spent a lot of time yesterday just trying to figure out cabins and how to get what you want. I read a whole thread about whether to use special cruise consultant or dealing direct w/P&O. Better to get a 2BR suite for the friend & me, vs 2 balcony cabins...how much togetherness is too much for 16 nights??

And how on earth would I know if calling P&O directly would yield me the best cabin in my grade...? I'ts all a bit overwhelming if you're mildly obsessional like me.

It then occurred to me that there's a downside to these huge ships. It must take a good hour or more to disembark at a port of call. Maybe a smaller ship company would better suit....Windstar, Grand Circle Travel, etc.

And, tartan, it's both apt and amusing for you to note the more upscale dress code, given we're from CA. Neither of us are dress up sorts, so thought we'd use the restaurants or some off-hour eating time to not look foolish. I don't know how much I'd care once aboard about not fitting in re: clothing.

Onward to more research. Thanks again for your input.

Mooph

But, Grand Circle Travel is a small boat cruise line, geared to lively seniors. It's not a travel agency.

Mooph

I don't see Grand Circle Travel or their subsidiary, Overseas Adventure Travel, on this forum. Anybody know why? (Now I type that I realize, it would mostly be GCT, since OAT aren't cruises.)

mooph

I'm appreciating the feedback. Sounds like best bet would be RT flight from SFO to Heathrow and express bus to Southhampton.

I'm noticing that people seem to book almost two years out. Like now for a mid 2018 cruise. Is that because the cabins people want fill up fast?

Thanks,

Mooph

Has anyone taken this cruise? I haven't seen posts about it and don't know if that's just because it doesn't appeal, if it's new, or what.

My main concern is it looks like the ship is the hugest available, which does not appeal to me.

Thoughts?

mooph

P&O is British company, and I'm wondering if Americans are present on this board. A friend & I are researching the 16 night Scandinavia, Baltic cruise and are trying to evaluate the extra costs and logistical issues. Do Americans fly into London, then train or drive to Southhampton?

Any practical feedback would be appreciated.

Mooph