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

never done a cruise but would try.. I think a river cruise first.

My husband and I went on our very first cruise last year and were quite concerned that cruising would not be for us as we love to do our own thing at our own pace ans were worried we would find ourselves in situations we wouldn't enjoy. How wrong we were! The crew were great, the food fantastic and the views from our floating bedroom were amazing as we cruised through Scandinavia & Russia. Give it a go, we did and have never regreted a moment.

I am very interested in cruises...... would love to go on one!

I have been on a couple and found the pressure to spend on board, especially in the casinos and for the photographs quite annoying but otherwise very enjoyable. Don't feel as though you have to go off at every destination, sometimes it's nice just to have a quieter day on the ship when all the others have trundled off........and you don't need all those clothes with you.

I'd love to try a cruise - around the Med first perhaps. I have seen a few programmes and some look rather starchy. I wouldn't want to sit at the Captain's table or with a load of other people who I don't know. I'd prefer a low key cruise where I can eat whenever I want away from the crowds at no set times. Not everyone likes dressing up or showing off their best clothes costing thousands.

I really like the thought of a cruise but lost my husband 2 years ago and am worried about being the only single person on the boat! Do many single people cruise?

I've never been on a cruise - I think I'd be too worried about feeling "stir crazy". I know there's often lots to do but a ferry crossing to France is enough time on board a ship for me!

I've always like the idea of cruising (i've never been before) but as a solo traveller I'm unsure. Cruise holidays never seem to be marketed towards solos but then very few holidays are...

I've just been on one cruise and really enjoyed it. But don't do what I did and forget to leave out your trousers on the final night - only to discover your mistake in the morning after the staff had taken your "carefully" packed suitcases away ready for disembarkation!

I’ve cruised several times and also been lucky enough to travel with NCL, cruising in my opinion is a great holiday option across the generations. My tips- always research your cabin location prior to booking (only agree to upgrade if you are happy to have your room changed, some upgrades just closer to the middle of the ship but this may not be considered an upgrade to some). NCL’s additional cost restaurants are well worth the money as an exceptional dining experience but equally the main restaurants are all good too! At port wait an hour and then you can breeze off the ship with no crowds or queuing.

I have always avoided cruises because I just don't understand the whole tipping thing. I imagine the constant tipping of everybody would add a hefty whack to your holiday bill.

I, recently, enjoyed a river cruise with Viking from Lyon to Provence; it was wonderful in many respects. The food, the day trips to UNESCO world heritage sites and the company were superb. But, be aware, if your companion wants to buy the Silver Drinks package, in excess of £100 each, you are both obliged to buy it even if you don't drink! Also 'gratuities' are per person per day. In total an extra cost of £450 plus onto an eight day trip. Luckily for me I won the trip in a competition so well worth the extra cost!

I'd love to see the many places a cruise can take you to, but I'm terrified of being seasick and my holiday being spent leaning over a toilet!! Can anybody reassure me?

a Dream of mine is to cruise the World.

I love the ability to visit lots of destinations without having to pack and unpack/travel in between.

I wouldn't be happy on a cruise where you still have to share tables at dinner though and I definitely prefer having my own balcony.

only been on one cruise many years ago and that was an ocean village cruise around the med. it was brilliant - food on offer 24/7 and so many activities to choose from when in port. Nightly entertainment and if you wanted to dress up you could or you could just stay casual. the staff were helpful. it was likened to butlins but at sea. we had a great time

Never been on a cruise so would like to know:

Why prices vary so much between different types of cabins (rooms)?

What is included in the price, and what do you have to pay extra for ( for example, swimming pool, sauna, entertainment)?

Are meals at set times, or can you eat when you like?

In the restaurant, do you have to share a table with other travellers you don't know, or do you have your own separate table?

I have never cruised before and although I hear many people saying how much they love it, I have a few reservations which I would LOVE to have dispelled!
The itinerary and the time allowed in each place would be the most important aspect, but I don’t like being herded around in big groups wearing the same colour baseball cap as everyone else in the huge group. I would like small guided tours and time for individualised exploration. I’ve also heard that shore excursions are very expensive.
I do enjoy fine dining – and have done a fair bit of it, but on holiday I like to relax, let my hair down and dress ‘smart casual’ for dinner – I’d rather use my weight allowance for my scuba gear than my ball gown!
I worry that I would get bored on board, looking at the ‘same old same old’. Also is there space for some quiet / privacy other than the cabin.
How small are the cabins and are the nice ones – ie with a proper window extortionate?
Are cruises full of ‘golden oldies’, ‘silver surfers’ and ‘snow geese’?
I’ve heard that the food and drink packages on top of the basic price seem very expensive.
As I say, I’d love to have my concerns dispelled! Cheers, ?

eaglestone we have always cruised with P&O, so here are our answers to your questions
Balcony cabins are more expensive than those without. Suites, which often have a butler, the most expensive of all.
The pools, entertainment, cinema, lectures etc are free. There is usually a spa and you pay for any treatment
You can chose a set dining time where you will have a designated table. There are usually two sittings , 6.30 and 8.30
Or you can chose free dining when you can eat when and where you like. There is also the option of the buffet usually at the top of the ship.
We have never shared a table. If just DH and I we ask for a table for 2. When we went to Norway last time myDD and SiL came so a table for 4. And when the whole family came a table for 8.
You can do what you want. Give it a try. It is truly wonderful

Well done fellow comper

I have never been on a cruise, but would love to go on a Disney one sometime.

I have been on many different cruises family ones , adult only, fly cruise and UK cruises I find that different cruises can be full on stopping in different places every day which is tiring but means you get to pack in a lot of countries that you can tick off your bucket list then there are cruises that stop for a night or two to let you explore that country at your own leisure I personally prefer this type as I don’t like to be rushed and I like to experience the place longer than half a day but that saying I have always enjoyed all the cruises I have been on as there is so much to see and do I always advise my friends and family that a cruise should suit all of your needs to enjoy fully and I would fully recommend the balcony rooms to enjoy sunsets and sunrises in each place you visit it’s well worth it

I always make sure there are plenty of activities for the kids, and always book balcony rooms to enhance the experience

I absolutely love going on cruises. Always wonderful service, tons of things to do and you get to meet a lot of very nice people. I have never flown and never will so cruising is a way to see the world but keep my feet firmly on the ground. Would recommend it to anyone

I love the idea of cruising, but with every holiday it is designed for couples. I struggle to find anywhere that doesn't base the price on per person - two people sharing. If I do, the prices are sky high. Only way Id get a holiday these days is to win one!