Cruises

Went on QE2 cruise many years ago and vowed never again, disliked it intensely. It was the age of dressing up and it was over Christmas/new Year with many formal nights.
Roll on 20 or so years and was persuaded to try a Regent Seven Seas cruise because it went to a destination I very much wanted to visit. It was very relaxed while still being luxurious, all gratuities included and very well organised. Can book day trips beforehand so no hassle. Still don't really enjoy time aboard, find it quite boring but maybe worth it for hassle free travel if that suits you. Since then have been on 3 other cruises with same company but not my first choice of a holiday, prefer to have a week or so in one place to get more of a feel for a destination and have more time to myself for just mooching around.

We've found most cruises enjoyable especially on smaller, adults only ships. Recently we have avoided fly-cruise deals and boarded at Southampton.

My parents did several cruises in their late seventies and eighties. I never thought they would like them. My mother enjoyed them more than my father but he appreciated being picked up at the door or just driving to Southampton rather than long haul flights and airports.
They picked their activities carefully and enjoyed all sorts from art talks to make up demonstrations! They even enjoyed the shows at night much to my surprise.
My DH can't think of anything worse but the 'everything organised' aspect is beginning to appeal to me. He likes driving but I end up having to navigate everywhere which means I can't relax on a driving tour - following sat nav, checking speed limits, looking for speed cameras & police cars etc. I never get to appreciate some of the stunning scenery & towns we have driven through.

Saga would be ideal for you by the sounds of it, a little more expensive but they do door to door. Also Ambassador cruises which go from London Tilbury and now future up country.
Cabin wise balcony or at the very least outside view and mid ship and as high up the ship as possible, ask to be only 3/4 cabins away from the lifts too. Personally I’d say if it’s your first cruise Mediterranean or canaries. (Personally we like Canaries).
I wouldn’t advise a river cruise as you do have to be fit and mobile for them and I like yourself are not as fit as I would like and don’t wish to go on tours every day. You will either love it or hate it, personally we absolutely love cruising and waking up in a different port every day.

Would anyone take any notice if I said "Please think twice about cruises, they're even more polluting than flying?"
Yes, I've got my hard hat on and yes, I'm channelling Greta.

I really like the idea of a cruise but am a little worried and the "social" aspect....I'd hate to be forced into activities!
A quieter ship sounds perfect!

Cruise? Prison,with the added danger of drowning.

I’ve never been on a cruise, and thought I’d never want to, but in the last few years it seems more and more appealing, so long as I had a balcony and was on one of the smaller quieter ships. Enjoy

We thoroughly enjoyed cruises. Would also advise a balcony if you can, We’ve learned to choose the position of a cabin carefully to avoid long walks in the ship, also to take far fewer clothes than the initial thoughts. It’s wonderful to unpack once and see a different place almost every day. If you’re concerned about movement the centre of any ship is the most stable. Cruise ships come in all sizes, have a think what’s important to you on board. Look at the itinerary carefully, some cruises have more sea days than others, again it depends on your preference. I love sea days, other people don’t.

For our first cruise we consulted a travel agent, most have someone who is a cruise expert. Ask to see them: tell them what you’d enjoy and see what they come up with. A final thought is make sure travel insurance covers a cruise, not all do.

Yes, there will be naysayers, no holiday is for everyone. Good luck deciding.

We have cruised with saga a few times they pick you up from home and drop you back as standard when you cruise with them. No stress and all balcony cabins with ocean cruises.
They are a bit expensive but food is first class and they go all out to make sure you are looked after. They do a few 5 night cruises to give you a chance to see how you like cruising.

dogsmother

They are a great way to go, get to your local travel agent or online if that’s how you’d prefer but beware the naysayers! Generally people who have never experienced one and just want to pour on scorn.

beware the naysayers! Generally people who have never experienced one and just want to pour on scorn.

Absolutely right!

I also agree about a balcony, if you can

They are a great way to go, get to your local travel agent or online if that’s how you’d prefer but beware the naysayers! Generally people who have never experienced one and just want to pour on scorn.

Cruises are wonderful holidays!
The luxury floating hotel magically transports you from one place to another overnight so you wake up to a different view each day.

I would definitely recommend a balcony or suite cabin.
We prefer smaller ships but ultimately it depends on the itinerary.
I’m sure you will love it!

Be very careful with river cruises if mobility is an issue. Yes, they are lovely, not busy, few passengers, etc., but they often dock beside other river cruisers if you know what I mean, this can mean walking across the deck of other boats to get ashore. Not ideal for anyone with mobility issues.

It depends upon where you live of course, but, for example, Fred Olsen do some nice cruises to the Norwegian Fjords from Newcastle. Small ships, great service, rather like being on a floating country house hotel. Hope this helps!

Titan

Poppyred

We went on a German river cruise last year. The company picked us up at the door and took us home. It was glorious and the food (too much!) was lovely with plenty of choice. Walking tours (optional) nearly every day. The ship had a 100 people on board plus the crew. You could choose where to sit for food and there was entertainment in the bar every night.

Which cruise company was it PoppyRed?
Thank you

We went on a German river cruise last year. The company picked us up at the door and took us home. It was glorious and the food (too much!) was lovely with plenty of choice. Walking tours (optional) nearly every day. The ship had a 100 people on board plus the crew. You could choose where to sit for food and there was entertainment in the bar every night.