First Timers - Should we be concerned with older ships and dated interiors ?

[gavman99]

Hi, looking for some advice. My wife and I are both in our late forties and have never cruised before but really keen on booking our first cruise.

As we've never done it before, we were thinking of just something about 7 days in length, maybe 9 but no more than that. We keep coming back to the Italy and the Adriatic coast (Split, Dubrovnik, etc) but from what I can tell from browsing available cruises, the ships which tend to go to these places tend to be a bit smaller and a bit older. 

We're really excited at the prospect of going away but we're concerned that on these sort of ships, we may experience tired cabins/decor and a lack of things to do. We run the risk that if the first cruise falls short of "that was amazing" then it may put us off from booking another one.

Does that make sense ? Are our concerns valid ? If so, any suggestions of alternatives cruises in central/eastern med on newer, more modern ships ?

We're based in Scotland so we'd be doing a fly cruise rather than sail from Southampton. If only going to be on a ship for 7/9 days, we don't want to waste 4 of those just getting from/to UK to the Med.

Thanks.

[CDNPolar]

5 minutes ago, gavman99 said:

Hi, looking for some advice. My wife and I are both in our late forties and have never cruised before but really keen on booking our first cruise.

As we've never done it before, we were thinking of just something about 7 days in length, maybe 9 but no more than that. We keep coming back to the Italy and the Adriatic coast (Split, Dubrovnik, etc) but from what I can tell from browsing available cruises, the ships which tend to go to these places tend to be a bit smaller and a bit older. 

We're really excited at the prospect of going away but we're concerned that on these sort of ships, we may experience tired cabins/decor and a lack of things to do. We run the risk that if the first cruise falls short of "that was amazing" then it may put us off from booking another one.

Does that make sense ? Are our concerns valid ? If so, any suggestions of alternatives cruises in central/eastern med on newer, more modern ships ?

We're based in Scotland so we'd be doing a fly cruise rather than sail from Southampton. If only going to be on a ship for 7/9 days, we don't want to waste 4 of those just getting from/to UK to the Med.

Thanks.

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

I truly hope that your first cruise becomes a "That was amazing" experience.  We fell in love with cruising in early 2017 and have cruised 10 times since that first cruise and have four future cruises booked.

 

Our first cruise was on the Viking Star and it was Empires of the Mediterranean as the Itinerary.  We loved this itinerary and every cruise port up the coast from Athens to Venice.

 

We love Viking ships and although some Viking Ocean ships are getting older now we find that they keep the interiors in great shape.

 

A lot will depend on what cruise lines you are looking at and there are pros and cons to large ships vs. smaller ships and what kinds of amenities you are looking for.  Do you want a Casino?  Do you want 900 guests on board or 3500 guests?  Do you want a budget type cruise or more luxury?

 

You would really help us here to know the following because your ask is a bit general and you will get advice and answers all over the place...

 

1) What cruise lines are you considering?

2) What ships by name?

3) What itineraries are you considering?

 

 

[sparks1093]

Even an old hotel offers its own charm and elegance, as long as it is maintained properly. Most cruise lines maintain their ships well and while décor may be outdated it won't be "worn". 

[gavman99]

Thanks both. Doesn't have to be huge and whilst casino may be nice 1 or 2 nights, not having it isn't an issue.

 

1) What cruise lines are you considering? 

We're not looking for mega luxury. Budget/mainstream is fine. We've been looking at P&O, Norwegian & Celebrity. Had also looked at Marella & MSC but reviews scared me away from those 2 companies.

 

2) What ships by name?

P&O Azura

Norwegian Sky

Celebrity Constellation

 

3) What itineraries are you considering?

P&O - Valetta, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Trieste

Norwegian - Rome, Naples, Sicily, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Split, Venice

Celebrity - Rome, Naples, Sicily, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Ravenna

Edited March 26 by gavman99

[9tee2Sea]

My very first cruise was Trans Atlantic ( 10 days) on the QE2.  It took awhile to get into the cruising mode ( all those sea days, and going so slow).  If the ship is old/tired, just keep imagining that this one ship, was the main mode of transportation for many people to get to different places.  Smaller/ older/ tired ships, have 1 good advantage over the big, new action packed ships.  The smaller ships can get right into town ( in most cases), where as the bigger ships usually dock in a commercial port, and you may have to take transportation to get into town. That is the case especially in Venice.  Only ships of a certain size can actually go thru the main canal. Have a great time, and just remember, it's your first cruise. If this ship was not to your liking, try another one.  Now you will have a reference point to what you do/do not like about cruises.

[John Bull]

Hi, and welcome to Cruise Critic,

 

I always recommend a Brit-orientated cruise line for a Brit's first cruise.

A cruise is very different to other holidays, there's lots to learn and for a first cruise it's best to keep things simple - ship's currency, language, food choices, entertainment, no unexpected cost add-ons etc etc.

 

For instance....

No mental arithmetic or bank charges when converting USD or euros to sterling.

No multiple languages for announcements (a real bore when an entertainments director takes an age to speak in six languages) and no understandably stilted interaction with your fellow-passengers who have limited English (but not a big problem with the crew)

Food differences aren't a big deal on American ships, but if you choose an Italian ship it's best if you like pasta and a few strange combinations 

On US & Italian ships a daily charge of about $14 to $16 per person per night is added to your on-board account. And a service charge of about 20% on already over-priced drinks etc. Don't necessarily be put off by those add-ons, but do allow for the extra costs when comparing cruise fares against those of P&O and Marella and perhaps smaller cruise lines geared to Brits.

P&O and Marella  fly-cruises are usually on aircraft chartered by the cruise line - choice of departure airport, no risk of missing the sailing because of a flight delay, transfers to the ship included, no having to leave the ship at 9am on the last day, - until your transfer is called you have the run of the ship, dining, bars, pools etc (but not your cabin).

And there's the camaraderie of "Brits abroad"

 

Aurora is a favourite ship of ours - a "proper" traditional cruise ship with a tiered stern - not rows of chicken coops on a gigantic barge &  topped by USS Enterprise.

She carries about 2500 passengers,. Norwegian Sky and Celebrity Constellation are a similar size, and that's ideal - certainly big enough to keep you amused for a 7-day port-intensive cruise. I don't like the huge 5,000-passenger leviathans, many of their passengers don't care too much about itineraries - their destination is the ship itself. Older ships tend to lack the whistles & bells, but they're well-maintained & frequently refurbished.

Aurora is now one of P&O's adults-only ships, so she appeals more to the older passenger - in your eyes that may be a plus or a minus.

 

Celebrity is an excellent cruise line, more refined than most the mass-market lines but usually a little more expensive. Connie is one of their older ships, but you'll still be impressed.

 

Norwegian is more of a with-it cruise line, and has plenty of toys. The downsides are that the included food is reported as being well below-par as it concentrates on its many premium-pay restaurants. It also has a reputation for "nickel-and-diming" its passengers - expect the cruise to cost a great deal more than the headline price.

 

MSC has the youngest & most stylish fleet - you'll be wowed.

And prices are keen

But yes, there are downsides. Mainly the language barrier - not a problem on sailings from the UK because a huge proportion of passengers are Brits, but on Med cruises almost-all are continental Europeans. Language isn't a big problem with the crew, but many are somewhat aloof. 

Food also relies heavily on pasta. And lots of small courses which added to leisurely service can make dinner a long drawn-out affair.

But worst reviews tend to be from un-savvy Americans & Brits who are surprised that an Italian ship is very Italian 🙄. Go with the flow & you'll enjoy.

 

And dig deeper into reviews of Marella.

We've enjoyed many cruises on Marella ships - including the Adriatic.

Like P&O, passengers are Brits. A broad mix from all corners of the UK and all income brackets. Perhaps a little rough-and-ready, but the friendliest ships we've sailed. And fairly basic choice of drinks (eg choice of John Smith's beer and one indeterminate lager, moderate selection of cccktails, etc ) are included. Good if not fantastic entertainment - shows, comedians, plenty of varied live music bars. And surprisingly good food.

 

Itineraries -.

 

Yes, we love the Adriatic, including cruises, gulets, and road trips.

 

P&O's Valetta seems a strange & distant turnaround port for an Adriatic cruise - and being your turnaround port you'll see little of it. Trieste is for Venice, about 2 hours away.

 

Norwegian & Celebrity's itineraries are better, with only one difference between the two,

We rate Constellation's Kotor highly - a wonderful long & scenic sail-in / sail-out, and a beautiful compact and friendly old town right by the port. (some ships berth, some moor offshore & you're ferried ashore by ship's tenders - a bit of a bind on bigger ships but a new experience for you). Far better than Norwegian's Corfu.

I mentioned that was the only difference in those two itineraries.

But Norwegian goes to Venice.

Errrr, no it doesn't.😡😡😡

Most cruise ships are now banned from sailing into  Venice.

Look more closely at the itinerary. She goes to Trieste, same as Aurora.

Celebrity goes to Ravenna, another port for Venice, also something over 2 hours from Venice.

That's a further reason why I'm cautious about Norwegian

Something you'll have to get used to - cruise lines have much the same reputation as Ryanair for being more than a little misleading about their destinations , eg London is Southampton or Dover, Bangkok is Laem Chabang, Cairo is Alexandria or  Port Sokhna. But because Venice is renown for its wonderful sail-in up the Giudecca Canal, describing Trieste as "Venice" takes the biscuit. 🙄

If you've not visited Rome, do fly out a few days early. 

 

Lots to consider, hope I've helped more than I've confused.

But all first cruises are great - enjoy choosing & enjoy cruising

 

JB 🙂

 

 

 

 

[gavman99]

@John Bull - thanks so much for all that info....some good reading there which my wife and I will digest over later. 

 

You mentioned Marella drinks......I had asked a question in another thread specifically about which cruise lines sell Strongbow as lager/beer isn't my thing. I believe Marella does but would be good if you happen to  know for sure one way or another and also whether its draught, cans or bottles.

[John Bull]

13 minutes ago, gavman99 said:

@John Bull - thanks so much for all that info....some good reading there which my wife and I will digest over later. 

 

You mentioned Marella drinks......I had asked a question in another thread specifically about which cruise lines sell Strongbow as lager/beer isn't my thing. I believe Marella does but would be good if you happen to  know for sure one way or another and also whether its draught, cans or bottles.

 

I'm not a cider-drinker, but the internet tells me it's draught Strongbow 🙂

 

A couple of BTWs

 

1. the "premium" package probably isn't worth the cost (unless you prefer bottled Bulmers).

 

2. Marella's cocktails are rather weak - and we're not the only ones who think that.

It actually worked out well for our Adriatic cruise - against my own advice to avoid the Med in high summer we were temped by a bargain late-booked July cruise. Fortunately we'd previously visited most of the ports, because we couldn't hack traipsing round in the afternoon heat and spent most afternoons in a shady corner near top-deck bar. I guess I got thro as many as a dozen BBCs and Pina Coladas in an afternoon, ordering another each time one was brought to me - but I remained sober and totally in command of my limbs.

 

JB 🙂

[screwsmcernst]

On 3/26/2024 at 12:03 PM, gavman99 said:

@John Bull - thanks so much for all that info....some good reading there which my wife and I will digest over later. 

 

You mentioned Marella drinks......I had asked a question in another thread specifically about which cruise lines sell Strongbow as lager/beer isn't my thing. I believe Marella does but would be good if you happen to  know for sure one way or another and also whether its draught, cans or bottles.

We sail Celebrity, and they have Strongbow cider.  

 

[Felicity830]

Hi, I’m 47, husband is 51, we both love holiday and I’ve persuaded him to go on a cruise. 
he refused to waste days sailing from the uk in the cold weather so we decided to book

a Royal Caribbean Adriatic Sea cruise from Ravenna, to Athens, Santorini, Split, and Kotor.

its on the Enchantment of the Seas and is around 20 years old. I’m not too bothered about the decor as I’m just excited to be on a cruise. I’ve been looking on tiktok lol to see peoples reviews and it looks great. 
only problem is getting to Ravenna and back as what was supposed to be a cheaper first cruise turned into an almost 2 week hol as we’re staying in Bologna after the cruise just to manage the flights. 
I also booked a balcony which was about an extra £400. 

[cruiseaholic777]

I have sailed on the Enchantment 2 or 3 times. It is a nice older ship. It will be fine as long as you don't have kids. There is very little for kids on this ship. Have a great cruise.

[KimA75]

My ex and I cruised on an older and smaller ship for our first cruise in 2016.  All we cared about was that it went where we wanted.  I never even noticed any issues or thought about it being older until we started cruising more and booking newer, bigger ships.  For our first cruise, the older, smaller ship was absolutely perfect.  We had such a great time and I am now addicted to cruising.  Ever since then, the kids have joined in.  Because of what they like, I am booking the bigger ships.  But, I am looking forward to cruising on my own later and returning to the smaller ships to experience more port options.  I have only cruised Royal Caribbean, so I can't give any advice on the itineraries you are looking at.  All I can say is that I would definitely not hesitate to book one of these.

[SbbquilterUT]

We have cruised for years on a variety of ships and enjoyed all of them.  If you are used to very expensive, immaculate hotels and resorts you might see a ship as dated but we have not had real issues except in the days of fabric shower curtains that get too friendly.  We really enjoy an older, smaller ship (when we are without kids) where we can find places to enjoy the sea.  I can recall reading reviews for a cruise we were on and the other opinions may be wildly different than ours.  Enjoy

[john watson]

I think a fly cruise makes a lot of sense out of Scotland.  While you mention the wasted sea days out of Southampton which you see in a negative manner, I would be more positive on those.  I think my objection would be getting from Scotland to Southampton, in both terms of time and cost.  Some lines include the airfare with a list of available airports. Many do a cruise only fare rate so you need to factor in your own arrangements cost and to be prudent book an overnight hotel at the port of embarkation in case of travel delays.

 

Regards John