Cruises

I’m another fan of cruising. I have a husband who never stops wanting to go on holiday . I had an unpleasant experience last year in CDG airport and swore I would never fly again. DH has booked us in to a cruise from Newcastle to the Arctic Circle. There are only 4 tours and probably none suitable for me but I don’t mind. If it’s a first time cruising and you’re sure you won’t be seasick then yes a balcony is good but if you are worried then look at the ship ,find out where the centre is and get a cabin nearest to that. Reception area is always I think the most stable place. There are cheaper cabins without windows in the centre and if you are not claustrophobic then they are ideal. There are always enough lounges and and windows for you have in the daylight and you don’t need windows when asleep. I prefer smaller ships- we went on Cunard once because it was going where we wanted at a time we wanted but I didn’t much like some aspects. If I sat for afternoon tea by myself( DH often has a nap in the afternoon) a stray man looking for a second wife would attach himself. I think Cunard was a hunting ground for second marriages.

Another yes for cruises. We have been on a river trip from Budapest to Amsterdam and there were time s when we had to climb over other parked boats and there were plenty of locks too. It wa s beautiful though.
Fir sea trips we like ti o choose smaller ships like Olsen and once went on a P and O which was a larger ship. The food was wonderful on all the ships and is a wonderful way of seeing places without having to carry luggage around. Travel is mostly at night and you wake to your new stop in the morning.
A balcony is lovely but try to work out which side you get the sun because once when we had a balcony we coukdnt really use it as it was always seemed to be in the shade.
However outside space is always nice.
My dh doesn’t much like holidays but he does like cruising.
As for cruise companies, most are American except for Olsen and P and O where prices are in sterling.
I am sure you will enjoy yourselves,

Gundy

I’ve said it before (here on GN) and I’ll say it once more…) I’m a Never Cruiser.

You’ll never find me on those “ship-locked”- tin can-virus-laden-boats in the middle of the ocean! There are sharks out there! And it’s dark freezing water!
Call me paranoid.
USA Gundy 😉

Not to worry Gundy. Plenty of your compatriots are taking up the chance. I think they made up 80% of the passengers on our last cruise. We now have friends all over the US that we are in regular contact with thanks to cruises.

I started cruising solo after my husband died - he'd refused to consider cruising beforehand, largely for the reasons already stated. I would heartily recommend it but do your research - the videos on Youtube by Gary Bembridge are very useful and will help you identify the best 'fit' for you.

I have cruised with Regent, Silversea and Crystal and whilst expensive they compare well when compared to the add-ons such as drinks, excursions, gratuities, transfers to/from ship and flights if applicable. Talk to a travel agent too.

I hope you try cruising and enjoy it as much as I do!

Go for it. Disasters can happen anywhere even at home, so don't listen to the doommongers.
Cruises seem expensive but as so much is included they aren't really.
There is no pressure to do anything you don't want or to dress up if it doesn't appeal.
We usually go for the cheapest cabin and spend time on deck or in a bar for the views.

Viking River. We cruise at least twice a year. Brilliant cruises.

My answer does not seem to have appeared! I am cruising at the moment. We are in Mauritius for three days and .among our way to South Africa, Namibia. Wonderful holiday. Give it a whirl.!!

emilie

Cruise? Prison,with the added danger of drowning.

nonsense

We both like cruises and agree with others to opt for a balcony at mid-ships.

We like the dining choices on board, can dip in and out of entertainment - nothing is compulsory.

As for D & V, you can contract that anywhere and it is basically a matter of personal hygiene surely?

I used to want to go on a cruise but as the ships got bigger and bigger with more and more 'entertainment' I started to dread the thought. However, lots of companies are now advertising small ship cruises which is slowly bringing me back. If anyone has done any small ship cruises I'd love to hear first hand knowledge please.

I’ve said it before (here on GN) and I’ll say it once more…) I’m a Never Cruiser.

You’ll never find me on those “ship-locked”- tin can-virus-laden-boats in the middle of the ocean! There are sharks out there! And it’s dark freezing water!
Call me paranoid.
USA Gundy 😉

I’ve tried river and ocean cruises (on relatively small ships) though I prefer river cruises.
Getting off the ocean cruises for shore visits was the biggest problem for me, and the endless flights of stairs or crowded lifts, but if you have mobility problems, even river cruises have a gangway to navigate. Walking across rafted boats is not hard.
The care and consideration and friendliness of the crew, from start to finish, the meals, the ever changing views, even the interest of going through locks, the excursions to new places and the friends we make, all make it worthwhile.

Definitely go for it. I was skeptical but did it last year. I will go again this year. Ensure you have a balcony.

As I have been a widow for many years and my other friendly travelling companions have died, I find cruises to be a safe way for a single lady to travel. I wouldn't choose one of the 'ginormous' liners, too impersonal but like Fred Olsen ships. Smaller and mostly able to dock without having to use tenders to and from the ship and shore. Food is always first class and the crew friendly and helpful. If you are mobile, there are visits arranged at each port of call, but you can also arrange these yourself. A mid ship cabin, not too near lifts and stairs, is a good choice. I have been lucky to make very good friends on a cruise. However, like all things in life it's 'horses for courses'!!

Kiwiqueen123

Just sitting here on this cold January morning thinking about cruises. We are both late 70's. DH has mobility problems but can walk. I'm fine now having recovered from a leg fracture. We've never ever been on a cruise and was wondering if anyone has some experience. We'd like a little luxury as its a long time since we had a holiday. Short trip probably as it will be our first, warm climate, just being on our own if we want to be but happy to socialise too. We're a long way away from the sea so a pick up point would be good.

Possibly I'm wanting too much but if I had some pointers/experiences I can then explore the possibilities.

We adore cruising, a fabulous way to travel and see the world. If you want sun you could do the Mediterranean and quite a lot of cruises leave from Southampton so that could be easier to get to or as others have said you can be picked up. I’d checkout cruise critic’s website lots of information and deals but lots of people leave reviews of ships cabins etc. DH and I have been on about 8 or 9 cruises now and planning another for next year. Good Luvk

Last year we took our first ever cruise and we went with Saga. It was not the cheapest on offer, but oh, it was superb! We were collected from our home by taxi, (didn't see the luggage again until it was in our cabin!) were driven to the docks, then via a swift and hassle-free "check in" and boarding, we arrived to a wonderful cabin with balcony, and a terrific time! Everything is included (and is excellent quality, IMO) and there's so much to do on the ship. Different activities if you want them, but simply lots of ways to relax and/or to be quiet, if you just want to chill. Older passengers are well looked-after: we loved the friendly (but not intrusive) atmosphere and great staff. (There were a couple of medical crises: other passengers told us that the people involved were very well cared-for, right through to "repatriation", in one case.) All the passengers whom we met, told us we'd come to the best cruise line first! (We had nothing to compare this to.) We have no links to Saga - we were just very happy (first time) passengers.

I am late seventies and cruising as I type! Mauritius today and thence to South Africa. Absolutely wonderful. Thoroughly recommend.

We love cruises and have been on over 30 with different companies. Don't be put off by other people. Find a smaller ship, a balcony or suite and if you think you might suffer motion sickness, choose a cabin midship and not too high (midway from front and back and midway from top to bottom is usually best)

We’ve been a many cruises both sea and river. They are very relaxing and most are very good but you get what you pay for. I have also been in a couple of cyclones ( not that uncommon where we are) . If you are prone to seasickness choose a cabin in the middle of the ship rather than at the front or back. I found that out the hard way . We always get a balcony because we like to sit and watch the sea go by sometimes, or have snacks in private from time to time.

Be careful I experienced the cruise from hell. We were caught in a force 9 gale and couldn't visit Lisbon. The boat jerked when my mother got up to go to the loo one night and she fell. And we stopped in the middle of the North Sea while a passenger who had had a heart attack was air lifted off. Apart from being searched every time we returned to the ship, queues to get off and photographers trying to sell you your picture. It isn't something I want to repeat

I've seen people in their 90's cruising, so you would be fine.

You might need to take a taxi and/or fly to a cruise start destination. Some cruise ships have a luggage forwarding option so you don't have the hassles.

We went on Norwegian Fjords cruise with P&O - it was quite easy for as we lived just outside of Southampton at the time. Firstly, I was amazed at how quick things were compared to flying. We dropped our bags and were aboard and in our room within 15 minutes; bags followed shortly after.
I would recommend a room with a balcony - our thinking at the time (just after lockdown) was that if we were hit with Covid, at least we would have some outside space. As it happens, the balcony room meant you saw so much more as the boat rolled by spectacular sights in the early morning.
Although we lived close to the terminal in Southampton, there are loads of busses bringing people in from all over the country.
Its fabulous. I didnt think I would like it to be honest but it was brilliant. Everything is there on your doorstep, so to speak. I would do one again, definitely.

If you want warmer "clims" then you will probably have to fly to pick up the cruise. However I think a cruise provides a great break.

I should add that you can choose to be sociable or not, join activities or not. You are not dragooned into anything!

My husband is paraplegic and we have been on cruises with Saga. The price you pay includes pretty well everything including some excursions and a door-to-ship-to-home pick up service. The staff are wonderful and there are plenty of things to do on board.