Cruises

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.

Hi there! It’s so exciting that you’re thinking about your first cruise! I can definitely understand wanting something special after a long time without a holiday. There are some lovely options out there that could be perfect for you both, especially with a short trip to somewhere warm.

For your first cruise, I'd suggest looking at short Mediterranean cruises or even something around the Canary Islands—these are wonderful for warm weather and have a relaxed pace, perfect for first-timers. Many cruise lines also offer excellent support for people with mobility needs, so you’ll have plenty of assistance if you need it getting on and off the ship and moving around.

You’ll also find a nice balance onboard—some time for just the two of you if you want privacy, but also lots of opportunities to socialise if you feel like it.

If you haven’t already, check out Cruise118. They specialise in matching people with the perfect cruises and can help you find a cruise that fits your needs, including pick-up points and accessible options. - I've linked it here for you: www.cruise118.com/ - they have a black friday deal coming up soon I think, so maybe have a look of you want to book for 2025.

I’m sure whatever you choose, it’ll be a fantastic experience! Wishing you both an amazing time planning your first cruise!

We’ve been on several cruises and with different cruise companies. We like Holland America and Celebrity, but have also cruised Costa and NCL once each, and Cunard once. Last September we took our first and only MSC cruise to Norway. It was a large ship and has a ‘party’ every night, but we didn’t go to the parties and after dinner in the main dining room we went back to our cabin. It was a beautiful ship, but very large and on the top deck had lots of stuff for young people to do. We enjoyed our cruise but Celebrity remains my favourite cruise line up to now.

In September this year we’re going to the Galapagos and we’re cruising with SilverSeas which will be a first for us. It’s a small ship, only 100 guests because big ships are not allowed in the area because it’s a conservation area. The ship looks lovely though.

I have been on a couple of cruises with Fred Ohlsen and they are very well run ships with excellent staff , very good food, great talks and a proper library and card room etc. I have just been up to the arctic with them and was able to swim in their smallish pool up in the arctic ocean and there were people who were whale watchers etc . Went to the most northerly garden in the world, near Tromso. Went on a local bus and really enjoyed it .

Our ocean cruise ship was relatively small, but I’m sure it had an impact on the places we visited, especially those where we didn’t drop anchor away from the shore and have to climb down into tenders to get ashore.
Pollution is an important issue and I think Venice has managed the situation well, even though the decision was less popular with those who make their living through tourism.

Cruises are the main contributor to air pollution in the Mediterranean cities they visit. Venice cut its air pollution by 80% when it banned large cruise ships.
If you have to go on one try to choose a less polluting ship, but don't try to pretend they are not harmful.
www.transportenvironment.org/discover/europes-luxury-cruise-ships-emit-as-much-toxic-sulphur-as-1bn-cars-study/

For Kiwi, original poster, your "short trip, warm climate" will be tricky from UK, as the warmer climes are usually in the Med, and that's extra time to get there and back??

Quite a few lines go to the Fjords, or Baltic capitals, they are usually about a week, and in our summer, Scandinavia is a perfectly reasonable temp.

We did a lovely cruise, from Soton, went across the top of Spain, called at La Coruna, Gijon, Santander and the port for Bilbao, then back to Soton. Warmer weather, not too long. I think that was a Fred Olsen cruise (smaller ships, and a line geared to the more mature British customer!) - but their schedule for this year seems to have no such cruises. BUT they DO some very similar ones from Liverpool, and others to the Fjords from Newcastle, so IF you're northern based, could be ideal?

Several comments have suggested Saga, who are enormously expensive, but build in a ride to the port (you may have to share that ride of course!).

If your budget can run to the Azamara line (highly recommended) their ships are all smaller, and they won't always do the massive cabaret shows found on larger ships, less onboard shopping opportunities too (good!). I found a trip from Lisbon (so yes, a dreaded flight, but it had a couple of nights there), called at several Portugal places then some in Spain.

I'd also recommend the IGLU Cruise website, we've used them quite a few times, always good service.

If you actually want larger, busier ships (& some folk do) I'd suggest Celebrity, who run some trips out of the UK. Masses of reviews and advice can be found on the Cruise.co.uk website.

For Emilie and that daft "prison + drowning" jibe, statistically you're more at risk from car accidents at home. Your comment is the typical twaddle from folk who've never been on a cruise, in fact there are lots of activities on board, so sea days are covered, and when in port you'll be out and about. As some have said, it's a tour where your hotel room obligingly travels so you don't have to keep unpacking.

Paperbackwriter Sewage from cruise ships are dealt with these days by means of an on board sewage treatment plant with bugs that digest solids. Amazing stuf. Even grey water gets processed. All sewage and grey water is as clean and good as the water out of your house taps. I got shown around on a private tour from a friend who works on a ship. And for guests, there was a film about the inner workings below decks. Very interesting.

The funnel? Scrubbers and filters clean the air before it leaves the funnel.

Gundy I think aeroplanes are even worse for viruses, sitting in a tube in close proximity to other people with coughs, colds, etc.

At least in a ship you don't have to be on top of anyone else - you can stay in your cabin or go outside for fresh air, or stay inside and interact with people as close or not as you want to. People are encouraged to wash their hands regularly and I've seen hand sanitisers at ships dining rooms or near eating areas. If there is a bug, the person/people are quickly isolated and not allowed to leave their cabins - to prevent spread. Getting off a ship and going on a tour one day - a fellow guest was red flagged, and at the gangway was not allowed off. The guest said he/she felt better and wanted to go on a tour he/she had paid for. The person was told, more or less, that they could still be infectious even if he/she felt better. Quarantine time in the cabin is for a reason.

Life goes on, no matter what, or where we are in the world.

Never been on one myself but my mum and all at different times few friends went on the fjords cruise all found booking restaurants to stressful and 5000 people overwhelming . So suggest like others a smaller cruise

Cruises are brilliant and different things to different people . We like the casual ones but some like to dress up thanks all fine . You can be sociale ot just choose a table for two. You can read on your balcony or a quiet deck or mingle at quizzes and demonstations . I love the shows my DH will watch some but not all but again that's fine he lives the comedians . We've seen lots of lovely places notably Croatia where we've returned for land holidays . And yes cruise ships are banned from Venice now . We like the mid sized ships we're not too bothered about fancy decor and on board shops but I'm sure you'll find one that suits you .

Emilie your comment really made me laugh. I am inclined to agree with you but do admit that I have little experience .

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 😉

Having been on several cruises I can say with confidence that the cleaning and hygiene has been second to none.

Something very few people know is that the cruise industry voluntarily report outbreaks of viruses etc to the authorities. Hotels, restaurants, clubs, venues don't. Cruise companies are unique in the hospitality industry for this. Your land based hotel could be'virus ridden' and you'd probably never know, because they don't report it.

Thank you, Paperback Writer and Humpty Dumpty. I think a lot of Venetians would like to ban them.

Dee1012

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!

You won't be forced into any activities. You'll have a list of what's available on board and can pick and choose. You can stay in your cabin/balcony, visit restaurants or the spa etc with no obligation to please anyone except yourself.

emilie

Cruise? Prison,with the added danger of drowning.

Gosh, what kind of cruises have you been on to consider them like being in prison?

Or have you not ever been on one?

If you are worried about catching bugs river cruises are safer as there are so many fewer passengers on them . I agree you have to cross over other ships when you dock now and again but you can ask for help. Cabins are more accessible on a river cruise and the best of all is the fact that you can sit all day and just look out the window and see the world go by. The Danube and the Rhine are good as is the Seine . Viking River Cruises are the top but Riviera Travel is good too . Food was lovely on all our river cruises.

I hear you, SpringsEternal

We’ve cruised for years, sea and river. We never pay for flash cabins as we spend little time in them. Saga do include a free pick up, but beware as you may be sharing the lift with others and that may mean a long detour on your way to the port. Saga are also expensive compared to other similar ships. Better and probably cheaper to book a taxi to the port. We like fly cruises too but only if you can cope with airports. At the cruise end you will be collected from the airport by coach and taken directly to the ship.
One word of warning…cruising is addictive!

SpringsEternal

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'm listening and I agree. I've often sat on a beach on holiday wondering how a small town like, for example, St. George's in Grenada manages to accommodate 2 or 3 cruise ships a day with several thousand people on each of them. And then there's the thought of all that sewage..

LilyoftheValley

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.!!

It had appeared. Sounds an amazing cruise.

My son only today booked a Cunard cruise on the New Queen Anne for his family for summer 25.
This time taking his small children, it's cheaper than the holiday he's having in Europe this sumer.

Me.. Terrible seasickness I did one once , never again.

The most important thing for you is you must have adequete Insurance cover of 2 million ... especially as you have health concerns ... We have done Cunard and P&O and can recommend both ...

I tried to learn to swim - but failed dismally.

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 😉

Thus small load river cruises. I'll swim to shore.

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 😉

My thoughts exactly Gundy. It doesn’t even remotely appeal to me, but we’re all different. I watched ‘Titanic’ again the other day …