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Let’s talk about cruise travel with NCL - £300 voucher to be won

(450 Posts)
YanaGransnet (GNHQ) Tue 20-Aug-19 10:05:48

Cruise holidays can be an ideal option for those who love a care-free holiday, visiting new cities or having different scenery every day without the hassle of unpacking more than once. Whether you’ve been on a cruise or not, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) would like to hear your thoughts. If you’re an experienced cruise-goer they’d love to hear your top tips, and what you wish you'd known before your first cruise. And, if you’ve never been on a cruise, they would also like to find out what you would find helpful before going on a holiday at sea.

Here’s what NCL has to say: “New to cruising? Not sure what to expect? Look no further – this handy guide tells you everything you need to know about holidays at sea. From accommodation choices to entertainment, what to pack and what to do on board, we’ve demystified cruising and you’ll discover why it really is the perfect holiday choice for everyone.”

So what are your tips and tricks when selecting a cruise holiday and how do you make sure it is an enjoyable experience? What are your expectations of a cruise holiday and what are the must-haves on board you can’t go without? How do you prepare and what do you pack for a cruise? How can cruise companies make it your perfect holiday at sea?

If you haven’t travelled on a cruise, what would tempt you to do so? What have you heard about cruises that you would like to understand more about? Now is the time to indulge in your curiosity of cruise holidays.

Please share your views on cruise holidays and you will be entered into a prize draw where one GNer will win a £300 voucher for a store of your choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
GNHQ
Terms and conditions apply

ahop Sun 25-Aug-19 20:32:39

I would love to go on a cruise and have been trying to persuade my husband to try one for as many years as I can remember!! I have lots of friends who have told me how much they have enjoyed cruises so Im not giving up! Eventually Im hoping to win him round. Id love to wake up in a new place to explore each day and enjoy the fine restaurants and entertainment on board each night

bikerbill Sun 25-Aug-19 20:29:46

I have been on one cruise and I really enjoyed it. We went off the ship at each port and as we were tethered near the town each time we just wondered around, having a drink or a meal. I would go on another cruise but we really like exploring on holiday so a cruise wouldn't be our firth choice.

clairewoods137 Sun 25-Aug-19 19:48:08

I have never been. I get motion sickness so would be worried about the amount of time on the seas. It looks as though they have a lot of things to do on the ship though and it could be a good way of seeing other places.

tinatwo1961b Sun 25-Aug-19 19:38:03

I would love to go on a cruise, unfortunately I have to look after my 3 grandchildren until they are 18, so I am unable to afford a cruise until then, but I can always dream of a cruise up the fjords of norway

cuppatea Sun 25-Aug-19 19:22:11

Never been on a cruise before, but now tempted to start with a river cruise

Grannymoz Sun 25-Aug-19 19:19:05

My daughter took me on a Norwegian cruise for my 60th and I loved it, from Venice to Rome and stopped off in Croatia and Slovenia on the way. I enjoyed the whole experience which was informal, seeing the different places each day (which would have cost me too much to visit individually), the choice of food and availability was great. Would love to do it again, perhaps to the fjords

cheekychicken24 Sun 25-Aug-19 18:57:26

We love cruise holidays! I have limited mobility, & I know there are plenty of lifts on board, & a large choice of places to sit.

We like to cruise without flights where possible, which is another plus - no luggage restrictions, & no long cramped plane journey.

It's nice to be able to choose whether to go ashore or not at ports, depending on how well I am on the day - especially when there's a shuttle bus offered meaning we can avoid the rush and go later than the early crowds.

jimlauchlan Sun 25-Aug-19 18:49:16

I can't make up my mind abour cruising. I like the idea of seeing lots of different places but don't fancy being in close proximity to so many people. The sunbeds are all regimented and you are like sardines.

harrigran Sun 25-Aug-19 18:25:19

Wild horses could not drag me on to a cruise ship, I have never takena package holiday so why would I put myself on a vessel with two or three thousand people. [ shudders in horror]

flowerpot2000 Sun 25-Aug-19 18:16:48

i love cruise holidays cos of the amazing scenery and beautiful views u see plus waking up somewhere new each day and seeing new and exciting

Pittcity Sun 25-Aug-19 18:14:56

Cazcoc21 the entertainment is very varied, from Mozart to today.There are even dedicated Punk and Rock cruises.
There is not a compulsion to dress for dinner as there is usually an informal buffet restaurant or room service as an alternative. We have had a burger by the pool one evening and a six course gala dinner in the main restaurant the next.

SheenaBatey123 Sun 25-Aug-19 18:12:55

I have never been cruising but river cruises appeal to me more than huge liners. I would like a fairly intimate cruise with a purpose ie Northen Lights spotting or whale watching.

BBbevan Sun 25-Aug-19 18:12:47

craftygran there are usually 2or 3 formal nights on a 2 week cruise. On the other nights it is 'smart casual' in the dining room. However you can choose from other eateries and wear whatever you like. I love dressing up and have bought some lovely long dresses on e bay, so it need not be expensive. DH has a dress suit so that covers each evening. Go for it,a cruise is wonderful. To stand on deck in a long floaty dress, after a delicious meal, and watch the sunset. Need I say more

Pjran Sun 25-Aug-19 17:44:09

Cruising is THE BEST holiday whatever age you are. We started cruising decades ago, I know that makes me sound old but we’re all of a certain age to be on this site. We took our children when they were only toddlers and have continued enjoying cruising. Love the fact with having a selection of eateries you’ll always find something to snack on or have a full meal. I’m afraid I’m old school and love the formal nights seeing the majority dress up but you’re not frowned upon if you would rather not.
Pick an area of the world you would like to visit or stay nearer the uk. The choice is yours.
Just imagine having your own balcony area whilst sailing in the fjords or catch a movie on the outdoor screen. Warm up with the blankets provided when or if it becomes a little chilly.
There’s a ship out there for all tastes and budgets.

craftygran Sun 25-Aug-19 17:31:46

I've never been on a cruise but would love to try one.

I am afraid of water so the thought of stormy seas really scares me. I would like to know more about the routes and weather conditions.

I would also like to know about dress requirements as I've heard about cruises where you dress formally for dinner.

SandraDJ Sun 25-Aug-19 16:57:04

I have cruised over 20 times, from 2 to 15 night cruises. My cruises have been on a variety of different lines, including NCL. I enjoy different aspects of each cruise line. With Cunard I love the formality. With NCL I enjoy the solo studio experience, and have made friends on board.

My main interest is in the itinerary. On my last cruise, on NCL Getaway, we visited Norway, Iceland and Scotland.

As a solo traveller, I feel safe on a cruise ship.

I love being on the sea - maybe because I was born in a coastal city. I can see the sea several times a week.

Bring on the next cruise!

chrissie13 Sun 25-Aug-19 16:52:42

I would love to go on a cruise and so would my husband but as he has a low immume system we think the risk of him catching something would be too great.

KEMullen Sun 25-Aug-19 16:40:38

What puts me off is that you need to take dressy clothes with you where I would prefer a relaxed meal in comfortable clothes like shorts and t-shirt

Lolamia91 Sun 25-Aug-19 16:15:33

it is something I would love to experience

mollymockford Sun 25-Aug-19 16:12:25

I went on a Norwegian coastal cruise in 2001, with Hurtigruten - it was, I think, called Norwegian Coastal Voyages, and I don't think it is the same as Norwegian Cruise Lines. The brilliant thing about it was that it was a working boat, with only a handful of passengers. It was not unusual to be woken at 3am by the anchor running out - I really appreciated being on a working boat, not a floating hotel. And the food was superb!

kaydeed Sun 25-Aug-19 15:46:34

One of my top tips is if you suffer from motion sicknesses get a room that is in the centre of the ship as the sea saw action of the boat can be felt more towards the front and the rear. Another option I like to choose is freedom dining as it means you always sit on different tables so you can enjoy talking to many more guests. Look to see if there is a bottle allowance before boarding the boat as sometimes you may want to relax and just enjoy a quiet drink in your cabin.

candyfloss79 Sun 25-Aug-19 15:03:38

I haven't been on a cruise, it's something I'm considering. What would tempt me would be unique locations, rather than docking at the same place as hundreds of other tourists.

soozwales Sun 25-Aug-19 14:45:09

We have been on about 40 cruises starting when cruise ships sailed empty in the 1980s and looking at a cruise with a new line.

Tarnie13 Sun 25-Aug-19 14:41:26

I’ve never been on a cruise and would love to if I can persuade my hubby to brave it as he gets seasick just looking at a wave. I’d love to see more countries and a cruise would be the perfect way.

Magsd Sun 25-Aug-19 14:28:34

I love cruising having done cruises from Southampton and fly- cruises. It’s a wonderful way to relax until your in port. There are great excursions you can book onboard ship. I enjoy black tie evenings best you are made to feel so special, and it’s great looking at the other passengers dressed up as well. I would say bring clothing that have some breathing room as the meals are so tempting and it’s difficult to resist. The staff are so attentive everywhere on board they work so hard to ensure you have a wonderful experience.