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The first cruise was with my sister to the Canary Islands. I was hooked! Loved experiencing tasters of countries/places never visited. Loved the food, entertainment and meeting all sorts of people from different areas. The entertainment was a bonus, the freedom to join in events or relax on deck a treat. When I returned home I realised my dream of visiting the Caribbean could become a reality. I booked to go alone. Felt completely safe, as a single woman traveller and would recommend that way of travelling. I felt looked after by crew and this was on a large liner, again I met lots of interesting people both solo travellers and couples. Advice? Take casual clothes but a few "dress ups" too, who doesn't like to feel fabulous occasionally? Relax and enjoy. Take excursions you would never have thought of doing and enjoy.

cruises are the best we love Royal Carribbean and NCL Alaska was the best cruise ever

I found meals quite noisy and hectic, but the food was good and the service excellent. The entertainment was first class and there was lots to do and people to meet. There was lots of staff around and it felt very organised. Generally good value for money

I have never been on a cruise but everyone around me are experiencing the wonders of a floating island and I am gaining info every time I speak to them. From what I have gathered the positives are you feel safe with group travel. You get to have the freedom to sight see many destinations the food is fabulous and you can join in with activities or stay well away. The negatives have been diarrhea and sickness bug, feeling overwhelmed with the crowds and not being able to find some quiet alone time and the hidden costs of tips and trips etc

TheOldBirdie I don't think you can have a river cruise to see the Northern Lights, or can you? You have to go as far north as you can. We went inside the Arctic Circle. To Tromso and Alta . I think there are no river cruises up there ?

I haven’t ever travelled on a cruise, I do quite fancy the idea, my sibling is always raving about them, I really am sensitive to motion sickness, I remember my mum went on a Caribbean cruise in the 80s and my dad said it was like a mill pond she was still sick, I think may have the same genes. Maybe would consider a river cruise .

I love the fact that you can travel around without unpacking

I'd love to go on a cruise. My only experience of long boat journeys are sailing from Newcastle upon Tyne to Bergen in the late '70's on a school skiing trip, and as a youth leader sailing from Athens to Lesbos via every Greek island, without a cabin (sleeping bag on deck). Now retired I'm ready for a little luxury!

I always watch cruise programmes and my daughter and I are currently shopping around for a Mediterranean cruise that suits our budget. I don't know anyone who has been on a cruise theirselves. Wish us luck!

I feel a little intimidated not knowing what to expect and concerned I'd feel trapped on board. However, it seems a good way to get a taster of multiple destinations to aid decision making about where to return for a normal holiday!

Never been on a cruise as it's always felt too restrictive but the more I hear from friends the idea is growing on me.

I'd love to go on a cruise! It seems a very civilised way to travel to your destinations of choice. I think I'd also have to lose a lot of weight first as the food is meant to be excellent and constantly available. The things that deter me are having to buy a new wardrobe of very smart clothes to 'dress up for dinner'. Or are the clothing regs a bit more relaxed nowadays? Also I'm a bit scared of any hidden 'extras' you might get charged for and which, as a first-time newbie, you are not aware of before boarding.

Our first cruise was our honeymoon (many years ago) with Royal Caribbean and it was perfect! For dining we were seated on a table of 8 and at first we were a bit miffed about this (from a romantic point of view) but actually our fellow diners were the most excellent company and we positively looked forward to dinner every evening. Our cruise was quite formal and I have to say, we delighted in dressing for dinner each evening - but I know this is not everyone's cup of tea - less formal options are available however.
I loved the fact we woke up somewhere new every day and although we did a couple if (pricey) organised trips from the boat sometimes we just got off and explored by ourselves - taxi, train, walking etc - so you can still enjoy the locations by yourself, even on a budget.
People need to be aware of the tipping protocol - as this can rack up!
Evening entertainment was amazing - the shows were first class! We have also cruised since with MSC but their entertainment was not as high standard and I have to say listening to the commentary in 3 different languages rather detracted from it...

Overall we loved our cruises - cabins rather small & cramped but everything else on board & off certainly makes up for this!

Cruising is my dream holiday but being single I would have to take an inside cabin. People have told me that it makes no different as you only use your cabin for sleeping but I feel like it would take the magic away.

I would love to see the world on a cruise. I have never been on one. I am a bit worried about being seasick.

I like the idea of a cruise especially one where you can "posh it up" a bit for dinner etc. But I'm not sure I could handle having so many people around me.

I've just booked my first cruise and an looking forward to it. I can't believe the trips they offer on shore, wasn't expecting that and is a nice surprise. The entertainment looks fab and I hope it lived up to the hype.

I'd love to go on a cruise, but I don't like the idea of dressing up for for dinner each evening. But the thought of visiting exotic places, would make up for it.

I've never been on a cruise and was sea sick on a ferry to the channel islands when I was a kid so I'm not sure if I would be ok. Maybe a short cruise as a 'taster' would tempt me but it's the thought of being ill and not being able to get off the ship that worries me.

Id love to go on a cruise. I fancy a river cruise first, maybe to see the Northern Lights. After that ill bite the bullet and embark on one of the Med cruises. I just need to start saving!!

I have not been on a cruise, but would love a Mediterranean cruise, with talks about the wonderful places we will visit

I'm very worried about cruising as I suffer very badly from motion sickness. That's the only reason I have never been on one.

I was very lucky on the one cruise that we went on, no rough seas. Its definitely top of my list when thinking of cruising again

So at age 62, fit as a flea and regarding life as a great adventure, cruising seems like the perfect holiday solution to me.
The world literally is your oyster!
Why settle for the run of the mill package holiday when you can consider every type of destination, tailored to suit you and your needs for not all that much more money.
Be treated like a king or queen regardless of your budget, you will be in a top hotel with the best service, food, drinks and entertainment with ever changing views to die for!
Leave everything to the professional staff at every level they will cater to your every need.

There is so much choice, the mind boggles, there really is something for everyone and it is difficult to decide. Probably best to start with deciding do you want to fly or set sail from UK? Which cruise line, ocean or river, what sort of cabin and then think about your chosen destination.
The choices don't stop there with the multitude of on board activities, dining experiences, entertainment, shopping, classes and shore excursions.
My next cruise is booked for January to the far east starting in Singapore. I can't wait! Get booking folks. x

I have been on plenty of cruises over the past 20 years. Tried them all, except the luxury ones. Lovely experience and believe it or not every cruise is different as you have destination, fellow passengers, ship entertainment, crew, food and weather as factors.I personally take the kitchen sink but a tip I can share is to take half used items of toiletries, eg shampoo, deodrant. Then by the end of your cruise they are nearly empty so you can throw them and make room for all your lovely souvenirs or duty free.