Jaffamonkey

Thanks basenji56! 🙂

Hello! I am a (planning stage) 1st time cruiser from New Zealand. I have done a lot of research and watched many review and tip videos, so am reasonably familiar with most cruise lines, but find myself stuck nailing down the best cruise line to try first, and I thought cruisers who have been on Viking - my fave line so far - as well as other lines may be best to advise me here. First - destinations/ports called on are only a minor factor in decision. Any place new is interesting, and I genuinely don't much care where I am travelling to. Viking pluses for me: I LOVE the 'no nickel and diming' philosophy, how inclusive it is, that it is adult only (although would also be fine with lines that allow Kids but don't attract many) and that there is no casinos/art auctions/hard sell anywhere. Even though I am far from a 'money no object' person I would rather pay significantly more to then not be hassled onboard, and not have to worry about running up unexpectedly high bills for extras. I don't care whether I will get the cheapest possible experience or whether something like a drinks package (which will def get) will be 'good value' for me. I don't mind doing the figure juggling at home while researching but don't want to have to do it onboard.. and don't want to face sales 'opportunities' at every turn either... so these all immediately put Viking at top for me while I was researching options. Not quite as important for me, but I also like the look of the food & dining options, cabins, reports on service, and the focus on enrichment over flashy entertainment. Viking issue for me: In my view they take the 'thinking man not drinking man' philosophy too far. The bars onboard look like brief stop off points rather than places to while away a few hours chatting and laughing with friends. The cocktail and bar menus are heavy on the understated classics and spirits/liquers/wines etc but very light on fun/extravagant style cocktails or a good range of beers - eg dark beers like porter/stout and an english ale or 2. The party cruise lines are a complete turn off for me & I don't care AT ALL about having big flashy shows or resort style attractions - BUT at the same time the rather austere looking atmosphere aboard Viking is a bit of a turn off too. If I could have Viking but with an English style cosy pub added and broader range of cocktails available I would likely be very happy. Other line considering: Oceania - I like the warmer decor and get a good 'feel' about them from reviews and videos - they also have a much better range of drinks available for my taste... but again - the bars are very non cosy looking, and not somewhere I can imagine spending much time. I looked at Virgin, but don't much like the cabin and balcony designs, and would probably also be happier with the older age groups on other lines. Any advice? I like the look of Cunard for pubs, warm decor, small conveniences kettles in cabins etc (Brit style attractions, which are also appealing to me as an older NZer), but dislike the greater formality and - especially - all the additional costs and sales/marketing onboard. Thanks for any help! :)