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So is any one else into cruising?

(66 Posts)
Ariadne Thu 01-Mar-12 11:52:07

It really does depend on what you like! Like others have said, we really do not want to travel with others etc. and, I do have some formal occasions every couple of months which means I can dress up now and then, but then I go home and dress down!

The big cruise thing fills me with horror, to be honest. But that's just me.

Jacey Thu 01-Mar-12 11:43:33

Me too Stansgran ...small ships only ..don't do the resort/block of flats ships ...probably ok if going with family, but not if travelling solo.

artygran Thu 01-Mar-12 11:39:59

I'm afraid being stuck on a great big boat with a lot of folks who like dressing up every night is not for me - and I don't think the dress down cruises would suit me any better really. I read an article recently where some passengers were suing an upmarket cruise line because the behaviour of certain passengers of - shall we say - a slightly raffish persuasion had spoiled the ambiance of their cruise! No, when I win the lottery, I will charter a schooner to take me round the Greek islands (if they haven't sold them all to pay off their debts!) or the Carribean. Dream on, Arty!

Stansgran Thu 01-Mar-12 11:26:00

I've just been on a two day cruise on the Mekong-wonderful and in previous years the Irrawaddey and a different part of the Mekong. not luxury liners very simple cabins with shower and loo. no casinos,pools or climbing walls both fantastic holidays. I would always pick a small ship.

eGJ Thu 01-Mar-12 08:49:00

Glad to hear you're well enough for work jeni smile looking forward to your posts later!

Greatnan Thu 01-Mar-12 08:46:46

River cruises - now they do interest me, although I could just drive to the cities on the routes.

jeni Thu 01-Mar-12 08:45:03

Sorry. Had gone to bed. Work day. Catch up in pm.

kittylester Thu 01-Mar-12 08:41:46

We don't like being sociable on holiday either nor to we like to be away to long so we opted for River Cruises and I love it!! Up to now we have travelled by Eurostar, going by train from our home town and then changing to local trains, and had a brilliant time. There have been about 160 passengers on each ship and mostly they have been like us in terms of age and background. There are excursions included in the cost but also lots of sitting around as you sail past lots of beautiful scenery. There are no set places at meal times and the food is lovely. We are off to Amsterdam at the end of the month. smile

Carol Thu 01-Mar-12 07:18:54

em I went with family, but had my own cabin, which meant it cost £500 more than if I'd shared. Fortunately, I was given 100 dollars to tempt me into the casino, where I won 180 dollars on roulette - first time I'd played in my life - fantastic! Also, I spent very little on board, so I didn't feel the pinch as much as I could have.

I don't usually like being sociable with other holiday makers when I'm on holiday, and don't like to pal up with people in case I get landed with someone I can't shake off, but as a family we joined in excursion groups and had a great time, and we often ended up joining the sing song in the piano bar late at night with some fantastic people. Very enjoyable.

Ariadne Thu 01-Mar-12 07:03:46

We did a short cruise some years ago, having always thought we wouldn't like it we thought we should at least try. It was on some huge, opulent ship, full of people, and we certainlly knew by the end that it was not for us. It was all a bit too glitzy. I like to fly somewhere, get a car, and go.

However, what I've found is that for some people it is the ideal holiday, and that is fine. I'm also aware that I am fortunate to have a very varied and busy social life, so maybe not being with other people on holiday is a priority!

Annobel Wed 29-Feb-12 23:44:13

Never have, and don't see myself going cruising unless it is to one of the more inaccessible corners of the world - maybe Alaska or Antarctica.

Greatnan Wed 29-Feb-12 23:21:26

No, I would hate to spend a week or more amongst crowds of strangers. I like my holidays to be as remote as possible (just like my ordinary life).

em Wed 29-Feb-12 23:18:00

Carol did you travel with a friend and share a cabin or did you go alone? I've looked at cruising and actually fancy going alone. Single cabins do seem disproportionately expensive I think. Friends I'd holiday with don't fancy cruising!

Carol Wed 29-Feb-12 22:48:21

I went on my first cruise a couple of years ago and was an immediate convert. I don't particularly like dressing up for formal dinners, meeting the captain and suchlike, but there is plenty of choice for everyone, and I could happily spend a couple of months on a cruise liner, hopping off at beautiful locations for an exploration of the area before wandering back for dinner, theatre, roulette in the casino, sing songs in the piano bar with people from lots of different countries and a meander through the book of cocktails, trying out all the different drinks that have always been a mystery till I boarded ship......and the food is amazing!

grannyactivist Wed 29-Feb-12 22:31:16

Come on Jeni, speak up! grin

MaureenM Wed 29-Feb-12 22:26:32

I am taking early retirement from teaching this Summer and so have booked my first holiday outside the expensive School holiday time. It will be in September and will be my third cruise. My OH never fancied cruising but is now a big convert, so we are really looking forward to exploring new areas in future years.
I wondered how many others on here are enthusiasts for this type of holiday.