British cruising

number, that would be so lovely for you both! I know what you mean, though - the cost is astronomical to cruise our own waters. Could it be because the staff on British ships are more highly paid than on those going abroad? (I don't know if they are, or not though)

I think it is one of the "Rip Off Britain" moments, I'm afraid. We would love to do a cruise around the Scottish islands, but we can't justify the expense. The Queen can though!

number we had a smashing mini cruise with Fingals of Caledonia albeit "inland" - we went across Scotland via the Caledonian Canal. Nights are spent far from civilisation on the wild sides of the lochs. Lots of lovely walks and other activities between stops, canoeing, biking etc (all optional). It was one of the best holidays we've ever had, what a great bunch of people and the food was of a very high standard, will post the link in a moment. I know they also do cruises in the Moray Firth (I think so anyway).

Here you go, I see they do "sea lochs" cruises:

www.caledonian-discovery.co.uk/cruises/

Thanks for that link Grannyknot, I rather fancy the wildlife and sea lochs one, or maybe the music one. Will have to see if we can make it, but probably not this year.

I think the ships the GB cruises use might be smaller. Some of the ships used for foreign cruises are absolutely enormous so I would imagine that helps to keep costs down.

I want to do the wildlife and sea lochs now I love dolphins.

I do have one major concern though, and that is do they cater for people who are less able bodied?

Also, think of those choppy waters! Going to the Med may be a better idea, and a heck of a lot warmer.

What about European river cruises? They seem to have a wide variety of prices and lengths of time and definitely suit the not so able bodied. I know several happy reports from people of varying needs.

There is a channel on sky called Cruise, no 278 or something, look on there. It is run by Liverpool Cruise Club and the prices are dramatically cheaper than the brochures. Personally, I would avoid a British Cruise as the weather could be grim and you would spend a lot of time inside. Our first cruise was with Celebrity to Norway, so you get the fantastic scenery, wonderful clean air and good weather. Nobody pays brochure price for cruises, there are lots of cruise clubs ( you dont join, they just have buying power). we booked through Bolsover Cruises. The food was exceptionally good, and sailing along Hardanger Fjord was breathtaking.

number I'm not sure about less ablebodied people as far as going below deck, the cabins are all shower and toilet en suite, and fitted with double bunks and the lower one is wide and easily accessible. I was in the top bunk and husband in the lower one when we went.

Gill that's a good tip, I'm going to check out the website.

I`m beginning to think that these cruises aren`t for us, neither of us is very agile, and definitely couldn`t climb into a top bunk! The reason I was thinking of a Scottish islands cruise is that we both really love Scotland, whatever the weather, although sun would be a bonus. Oh well, we`ll have to try and save a bit more, and maybe get to the Caribbean after all!

numberplease this is only a suggestion What about a few ferry trips a round the Hebrides? I know its not cruising but a lot of people, some fit, some not so fit do this, The ferries cater for all abilities. Oban is a good place to start, then a ferry to Barra. Then onwards and upwards to Stornoway in Lewis. You could perhaps eventually get to Inverness, they have trains which take you back down south. I don't know about your transport situation, as I say its just a suggestion. Another way is to fly to Benbecula from Glasgow and do trips round the Islands You would see some amazing scenery.

Further to Newist's suggestion try this link:

www.hebrideanhopscotch.com/pages/outer-hebrides.html

Newist, I`ve already been thinking of island hopping with CalMac, but it all depends on whether hubby ever drives again, he`s convinced he will, but at the moment nothing would persuade me to get into a car he was driving! Granny23, thanks for the link.
Newist, if we make it up there, maybe a mini meet up?

Very few cabins have bunks, we had a lovely double bed and there was also a sofa which became a bed settee every night for our daughter who came with us. You can specify cabins with disabled access and there are lifts to all decks. The crew always really helpful and the food is plentiful

If driving is a problem, have a look at this -

www.shearings.com/scotland/scottish-islands-and-touring/holidays/lord-of-the-isles

I can't find the Cruising Channel - can anyone help?

kitty it's on sky channel 284 holiday+cruise.

numberplease If I can be of any help any time, please get in touch, I know you would love it up here

Cunard do British cruises sometimes and they have disabled equipped cabins.
All their facilities are disabled accessible. I think I put a photo of my cabin on my Norwegian blog site.

I didn't, but it's on the silver travel adviser site.
There is also very good firm for disabled travellers called enable

Granny23, that Shearings trip looks great, definitely something to consider for next year, they seem to be booked up for this year anyway. One of our problems is also finance, for the sort of money some of these companies are asking, we`d want more than the usual week, at least 10 days. Newist, thanks for the offer of help, may take you up on it!

You are so welcome. You could always consider a taster, Fly up, book in somewhere, then just "potter" at your leisure