First time, aged 60+ ideally from Southampton or Tilbury/Dover etc

[TheBritishIndian]

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)

 

 

[crystalspin]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

I put Southhampton, 6-9 days, and Mediterranean in the Find A Cruise option at the top of the Cruise Critic page, and got only this one cruise (which isn't even the Mediterranean, telling me you probably cannot GET to the Med and back in under 10 days):

https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?port=149&depcity=129&length=6-9

 

So if you take out Mediterranean, you get 85 possibilities and much sooner range of dates:

https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?depcity=129&length=6-9

 

I have not cruised with Celebrity, but I feel confident that they are similar to other mainstream (not luxury) lines. 

 

You should not remove auto-tipping as it rewards all the people who make your cruise special, including ones you never see to "tip cash near the end".

 

Drinks packages would be extra and both people in a cabin would normally have to purchase, so buying as you use will be better when one person doesn't drink alcohol. You can sign up ahead of time (while making the booking) for early or late served dinner in the dining room, or any-time-dining which would let you eat in the buffet if you like.

 

Bedsheets are probably changed once a week, meaning on turn-around day for a 7-day cruise. The bed is made up daily. The ship will have laundry service by piece or some times by the bag. Some ships have self-serve laundry; you will have to research that once you pick a line and ship.

 

You can take prepackaged snacks on board as well as your own teabags. You almost certainly canNOT take your own liquor but may be able to buy a bottle for your cabin from the cruiseline.

 

Here is the UK board where more specific questions might be answered!

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/544-uk-cruisers/

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

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)

 

 

Your first step is to find a reputable travel agency that specializes in cruising. Do your homework and you will be rewarded with unbiased recommendations and having your hand held this first time.

That said, I suggest that you peruse the Oceania Cruises forums here on CC.

”O” is a premium cruise line with ships serving either 1200 or 670 passengers (yes, seaworthy and stable) with excellent space and crew ratios, admittedly the best cuisine at sea, a country club casual dress code and no proms, phony art shows, pesky photogs, incessant PA announcements nor amusement parks overrun  with kids.

In addition, O fares are mostly all-inclusive (beverages, specialty restaurants, internet, et al.) but have a menu of “O Life” options that let you select an included option from booze, tours or SBC. AND O fares include air tix OR an air credit.
 

Overall, O is a rare value in the cruise industry. And I’d characterize it’s clientele as primarily accomplished adults who are cosmopolitan, well traveled and who have worked hard for their money.

[Aquahound]

Wow, that's quite a list of preferences.  Finding an average of all those preferences, I do not recommend anything in the luxury market.  I also do not recommend NCL or Carnival.  

 

I think Celebrity is a nice balance for you.  It's more upscale than others, but still has great entertainment that you won't find on cruise lines in higher categories.  Celebrity is also one of the only lines that does not allow smoking anywhere inside the ship.  Several others still allow it in the casino. Plus, Celebrity's ships are gorgeous.  No strict formal nights....only nights where they suggest dressing up, but certainly not mandated.  

 

Narrowing in on your budget, if Celebrity is a little too pricey, take a look at Holland America, especially their newer ships (Koningsdam or newer).  Their entertainment isn't as good as Celebrity, but their prices do tend to be more affordable, and the ships are really nice.   

 

Princess and Royal Caribbean are excellent choices as well, but you'll find more crowds on board.  Those are 2 very popular cruise lines.  No one touches Royal Caribbean in the entertainment department.  

 

Yes, your main dining room and buffet meals are included on all cruises.  There are options to pay more for certain specialty restaurants, but there is absolutely no mandate to do that.  

 

There's nothing wrong with taking your own packaged food items, like nuts, but you won't be able to board with brandy.  Most lines do allow you to board with a bottle or 2 of wine.  

[Flatbush Flyer]

11 minutes ago, Aquahound said:

…..There are options to pay more for certain specialty restaurants, but there is absolutely no mandate to do that.  

 

There's nothing wrong with taking your own packaged food items, like nuts, but you won't be able to board with brandy.  Most lines do allow you to board with a bottle or 2 of wine.  

Yet additional reasons to consider premium lines.

Again using Oceania as the prime example since they have:

no charge for specialty restaurants

bring as much wine and spirits as you want (even at port stops) for in cabin consumption. Take personal wine to meals for $25 corkage.

One final item: when looking at the cost of a cruise, don’t make the rookie mistake of comparing only cabin fares! Look at all your expenses “door to door” including desired options like beverages, internet, gratuities, specialty restaurants. One of the key items often forgotten is the cost of airfare (even if you don’t need it). Why? As aforementioned, some premium/luxury lines like Oceania include airfare or provide an air credit to DIYers. So, a DIY air credit could lower the bottom line cost to you for an intercontinental transit by $2-3k per cabin. 
Check the true bottom line of all required and optionally desired costs and you may be very surprised when comparing the cost of a premium line to the upper end of the mass market (e.g., Celebrity, Viking, etc)

[Cruzaholic41]

I’m a former partner of one of the worlds largest cruise travel agencies in the world, so I have a ton of experience helping new cruisers like you who are trying to check so many boxes. I still cruise a couple dozen times a year and have cruised every recognizable line multiple times. The first thing to know is, no line is perfect in that they will check every box.That is a fact.  
 

First things first. Take with a grain of salt those who don’t consider your needs and only want to push “their” cruise line. I’m not saying don’t listen. Just be skeptical. 
 

I am keying in on your wants for a large ship, not formal, and especially the amount you’re wanting to pay. The rest, while important, are anecdotal. The price, however, will be a tough one. 
 

Aquahound mentioned Holland America, which was my first thought, but I don’t think they have anything scheduled from those ports. 
 

My first recommendation is Celebrity Solstice Class ships. Silhouette sails out of Southampton. It’s is a beautiful, large ship that checks many of your boxes, and does not feel overcrowded. If I were still in the business and you were my client, that’s the cruise I would highly recommend to you. 
 

I would also love to recommend Virgin Voyages. I found their cruises to be somewhat unique and a lot of fun. Their ships are amazing. But again, they don’t sail from those ports. 
 

One of my favorite lines right now is Viking Ocean. It is an excellent premium line that also checks some of your boxes. However, I don’t think this category of lines is for you. Cruise a great line like Celebrity first to see if you enjoy cruising and if afterwards, you want to tailor your experience to something more subtle (and more expensive), then maybe I’ll encourage you toward VO. If you want to tailor it to even bigger, more energetic ships, I’ll encourage you toward Royal Caribbean. Anthem sails out of Southampton and the shows on board are some of the best at sea. I’m only not pushing you that way now because those ships carry a lot of people. 
 

I hope this helped. Ask away if you have more questions. 😊

[John Bull]

20 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

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

Since you propose up to 7 days and don't want to fly you won't be able to cruise the med. or the Canaries, they're too far

And 10 nights is the shortest cruise to Iceland .

Baltic cruises are 10+ days. Super-interesting and varied cities, altho the jewel of the Baltic - St Petersburg - is off-limits due to the war in Ukraine.

 

Consider the Norwegian fjords mainly for the views from the ship.  Most ports are small, and yes - prices in Norway are eye-watering. But since your bed & board are on the ship you're likely to spend ashore only on coffees & snacks, perhaps souvenirs, perhaps an excursion or two, so if you've not seen Norway a cruise is possibly the cheapest way to visit.

 

About the furthest south you'll manage is Lisbon, mebbe Gibraltar on a 10-night cruise, and since these involve the English Channel, the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic  do avoid October to April.

 

British Isles cruises appeal to North Americans, though if you're well-travelled in the UK the itineraries probably won't appeal.

 

You could try a cruise involving Bruges and northern France, perhaps Amsterdam.

But avoid cruises of less than 3 or 4 nights. Shorter cruises tend to be booze-cruises for stag & hen parties

 

20 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

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.

 

To avoid daily charges, book a Brit-orientated cruise line - P&O or Marella or Fred Olsen.

 

20 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

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

 

Most ships are informal these days. Some have one "formal" night per week but even that isn't like it used to be - and you can eat in the buffet that night.

 

20 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

 

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

 

A  problem with all-singing all-dancing "fully-inclusive" is that you're paying for stuff that you might not want or need. 

All cruises include meals & snacks and entertainment, some (eg Marella) include drinks. Other things like wifi and excursions can be added-on, but wifi on ships is expensive and sometimes slow or unreliable, and excursions are poor value - you can almost-always do your own thing in the ports 

 

20 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

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

 

🤣🤣🤣 You and us both !! Avoid MSC ships, seriously high-tech 😟

 

20 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

 

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?

 

 Some cruise lines have self-service laundries on board, all offer fast laundering & pressing for a cost- but for seven days will you need it?  Basin in your cabin bathroom for any small items, take a little washing powder.

 

20 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

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

 

You've said "friendly, something like for us that is quiet, not full to the hilt, ie 3k passener ship 100% full" and "a big newish ship" - it has to be one or the other..

 

Anyhting fro 5 nights is ok and for the meditrian 7/10 nihgts

 

A competent cruise specialist travel agent can help with cabin selection. Google for them. And once you have a cruise or two in mind, phone them. 

You wont't get a no-fly Med cruise for less than 14 nights. It's 7 nights or more  fly-cruise, or 14 nights sailing from the UK.

And check out the websites of P&O, Marella and Fred Olsen 

20 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

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

 

P & O always have a proportion of Indian (mainly Brit Indian) passengers 

 

20 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

 

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

As earlier in my post, all meals & snacks are included. You decide for each meal whether you want the serviced main dining room or the self-service buffet. (Most ships offer "premium" pay restaurants,  but most Brits will use them only for a special occasion like an anniversary or birthday).  

 

I like the cabins are smart.

On all ships they're always clean, always en-suite, always a TV,  always hairdryer and other basic needs  P&O and some others include ea & coffee makings in the cabin. But the size and other amenities depend on how much you're willing to pay

 

i like the no smoking no pets other than Cunard whic is too posh for me

Cunard don't actually permit pets. Only transportation of pets in kennels to tor from North America. Yes, Cunard are too posh for us too.

 

We can afford higher prices but at atm looking at about 1k max per person for up to ten nights 5/7 nights ok

 

7 nights no-fly from the UK usually start around £600 to t£700

 

20 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

 

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?

 Own food depends on the cruise line, but  ship's restaurant or buffet usually include curries. Your own snacks & nuts no problem (but why would you need them?)

 

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)

 

 

You will dramatically widen your choice if you're prepared to fly, or to consider 12+ days

 

And check out my post on another thread 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2913442-never-booked-or-know-what-to-book-any-advice/#comment-64825965

 

Happy hunting

 

JB 🙂

[Essiesmom]

Living in an island country, you have options…there are large ferries that travel from your coast to Northern Europe.  If you find a cruise you like, but it leaves from Holland, France, Germany…you might start your adventure on an overnight ferry…many have basic cabins, restaurants, shops…. EM

[TheBritishIndian]

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

[TheBritishIndian]

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

[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

[John Bull]

15 minutes ago, TheBritishIndian said:

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

 

 

That's a bone of contention on both sides of the Atlantic, so put your tin helmet on 😮 😄.

 

US ships work broadly on the same basis as US restaurants etc - "wages" are meagre, well below a living income, and made up by tips at around 18% to 20%. Willingly paid by the vast majority of North Americans because they know the score, but most Brits & Aussies don't know the situation - or know it but rail against it - and expect service, whether it's hotel rooms, pubs, restaurants, etc to be included in the listed price, leaving the customer to choose whether and how much to tip.

 

Yes, on most US cruise ships you can remove or change the auto-tip, but that understandably creates anger amongst US cruisers. You should only do that if the service has been sub-standard and not resolved. And you certainly shouldn't do it to bring it down to the level of UK tipping.

 

The American tipping culture is out-of-step with most of the rest of the world  (altho of course some of them will disagree 🙄) but sadly it's gradually being exported - witness the service charge now added in some UK restaurants,-notably in central London and other tourist hot-spots, and auto-tips on Italian cruise ships. 

P&O has had American owners, Carnival Cruise Lines, for some years now and a few years ago they tried adopting the American system of added gratuities / tips / service charge / call-it-what-you-will. It went down like a lead balloon and after a year or two they dropped it.

 

Fact is, your cruise ticket pays decent wages on P&O & Marella, so there are no service charges, ditto P&O Australia

And because of the clash of tipping cultures many US cruise lines including Royal Caribbean and Princess  incorporate those auto-tips in the cruise ticket price for cruises out of the UK & booked in the UK  - which you and I and the rest of the UK population  reckon is where it belongs. 

Same for some US cruise lines based in Australia

 

So auto-tips are applied to comparatively few cruises out of the UK, altho most Brits put their hand in their pocket for something for their cabin steward (£10 or £20 for a week?) & perhaps their dining room waiters- but that's purely discretionary, you won't be chased down the corridor.

Check the small print in cruise lines' terms to see if a charge will be added (you might have to hunt, some are quite coy about it) and ask the UK cruise agents that you talk to.

 

If you are told there's a daily charge for cabin steward, dining staff, etc., and a percentage of the cost of drinks that you buy, I suggest you choose to

- avoid those cruises, or

- add the costs to the ticket price before comparing it with charge-free P&O and Marella.

- but if you choose a cruise with those charges please don't remove or reduce them - that would penalise the hard-working crew, not the cruise line..

 

That's all just one of the many reasons why I always advise first-time Brit cruisers to choose a cruise line geared to Brits.

 

JB 🙂

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 hours ago, TheBritishIndian said:

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

This “no tipping” attitude would get you a load of grief in the US. That said, understand that a default gratuities charge (automatic or buried in the fare) across the bulk of the cruise industry will never go away because the bulk of the passengers are Americans.

 

In any case, it’s a non-issue on most premium/luxury lines where gratuities are not charged - particularly for “preferred” customers (e.g., on Oceania, as little as five short cruises nets you complimentary gratuities for all future cruises).