TheBritishIndian

Just done a Google search to confirm you can opt out of paying tips automatically (1). You have the right to refuse this automatic gratuity charge and may compensate cruise staff on your own terms. However, you will need to notify the front desk of this desire. Otherwise it will appear on your bill when your cruise ends and it will be charged to your credit card on file. Understanding pre-paid gratuities on a cruise

Hello again Read again and again, really good stuff Re the tips - I recall seeing vlog saying you could opt out, I will look further Another thing I wont now do is a short trip less that 5 days judging by comments here I'm tempted atm P&O and I think I've seen many blogs on the boat Iona a pretty new boat About the bacy of biscay avoid if poss until April - may have to risk it so 7 to 10 days Thnaks I'm aware re hidden costs and not just the healine price Thnaks for confirm re wifi and excusions just as i thought A bit more reading, looking etc etc and hopefully go somewhere Thanks alla gain

Thank you all. I am digesting the help here and will come back and update.

Hello I fear flying I fear boats I thought cruises for the very old and more recent years, those dancing the nights away and loud However, watchig laods of Youtube Vlogs and reading here, is wanting me to have a tester trip, ie up to 7 days I have a better understanding of ships/hols lat few weeks after hours of reading and watchig Youtube I am aware about hidden costs EG the fridge with driks in room, the excursions can be sky high priced, we may miss ports, some ships are not as good as others for ride quality/service/rooms/enternatioment. I am aware Saga does picks up - but Sage is not for me/us as seems too formal We want an informal setting and I (Mr likes to dress in t-shorts/jeans/slacks/shorts and sandals) My OH wears nice western clothing and indian clothing - I drink she does not We want something where older people, couples, no postuing, friendly, something like for us that is quiet, not full to the hilt, ie 3k passener ship 100% full. We want to go to a warmer place but I've flown over bay of Biscay and seen videos of ships crossing there. I've read about hidden charges Ie tips but on some ships you can opt out as I think 14 quid x 2 daily is a lot of money - we would rather tip cash near the end those that did good We defintely want all inclusive but not the drinks We are not good with apps and never been on hols without our children who are in their late 30;s and have familys I often feel lost in corews but OH manages Are meals served on tables I think some are and some are buffet in all inc prices Are bedsheets changed and how often Laundry, how does that work, please? I read about lcoations of rooms and not to get one above, below the dance floors We want a big, newsih ship sailing from south England between tilbury and southamptio Anyhting fro 5 nights is ok and for the meditrian 7/10 nihgts I'm quiet and reseverd OH is is quiet but not as reserved as I am Sorry to say this, but from all the videos I've seen and seen dozens, rarely see Indian/Asian looking passengers and have no family or close friends that have been o a crusie holiday. Nears to a big ship was in Amsterdam, sock crusie o a rainy day, lol I love the all inclusive price as I said I feel lost and dont want to pay 200 for lunch/diner and not realise before I like the cabins are smart i like the no smoking no pets other than Cunard whic is too posh for me We can afford higher prices but at atm looking at about 1k max per person for up to ten nights 5/7 nights ok We are educated and worked as civil servants We do mix with all nice people form any background but I think I worry a lot Please help as I'm confused and worried and worried as well re covid etc but it will be our first real hols toghter without the children - we'd love them to come but they work and we left work close to 10 years ago (can you confirm we cant take our own food as OH likes almonds and nuts, we love tetlty te bags and nothing else does - how about a bottle of brandy for the cabin? Many, many thanks btw - how deep are the onboard pools? (Don't want to do Norway crusie just say a video jelly tot type small packet at harbout shop almost 4 quid that put me off)