Cruising

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I have been on a P&O Med cruise and the dress code is set out on the itinerary they send you. They have smart nights and formal nights but this only applies in certain parts of the ship. On formal nights men need a jacket and tie (not necessarily bow) and it gives ladies an excuse to bring out the family jewellery . DH wore his suit to dinner and then changed to go to the shows as he was uncomfortable!! If you use the buffet restaurant on these nights then you need not dress up.
I would recommend a cardigan and waterproof even in the Med as it is sometimes blustery on deck and it does rain!!
The crew are extremely friendly and helpful so you should have no problem with your parents' needs.

We are booked onto a Saga cruise to see the Northern solar eclipse next year, and later on a P & O cruise with my elderly parents, essentially acting as their careers on the Arcadia around the central Med region. Any advice on dress code or any other aspect for that matter.

We have cruised with Hurtigruten on their round trip of Norway. Both times we went on an Astronomy voyage on Trollfjord ship with Dr John Mason as on board expert, to see the Northern Lights. They did not disappoint. This is basically a ferry because it calls at all the ports from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Having said that, the suites are comfortable, the mini suites are of good size, the Grand, even better, especially if you have a balcony. The owners suite is the best with a large balcony. Ordinary cabins are available but we did not have one of these. Food is excellent. There is very little in the way of entertainment. Shore trips are arranged. Lots of lovely scenery. This company is well worth a look if you want to see Norway. Highly recommended, but it is NOT a cruise ship as such.

It used to be Ramblers' holidays for me - anywhere off the beaten track and preferably neither too hot nor too wet. Nowadays, since I've crumbled a bit, I am happy to go to Provence with my family. Scotland in early summer or September is still my perfect destination.

rose I used those years ago before the channel tunnel opened and I am sure they helped. If we do go on a cruise I will definitely try them again. I was thinking of going full pelt on a long distance one but after reading all this think I might just try a short one first.

I like this thread because everyone has given their own opinions and not tried to say they are right and others are wrong. Lovely.

A bit off thread but I often wonder why people insist they like one type of holiday, e.g. only cruising, only sightseeing or only lying on a beach. I just love holiday, any kind!

If you get really seasick the ship's doctor can help. I had an injection which knocked me out for a couple of hours and then I was fine. It cost about £50 but was worth every penny!!

River cruises are good value (don't know about ocean cruises) because, at least with the company we use) the only extra is drink. All excursions and meals are included.

Someone mentioned the Holiday Channel on Sky but, it was no cheaper for the people we use than by doing it on line.

We fancy trying a river cruise as well, they look great but they are quite expensive, maybe one day!

The small ships are why we have enjoyed River cruises Brenda. That and the relative lack of formality! We've just booked another one!

I am not saying I have superior knowledge just saying what I like. Others would loath the small ships and are much better suited to the larger ones. With lots of entertainment, shops, restaurants, spars and multiple swimming pools and activity etc You have to try differing types and find the best fit.
OH and I have tried several companies and large ships, but return to Fred.

I have only been on one cruise, Nonnie, and I wore seabands, a towelling band with a bead worn around the wrist (bought them from Boots). I know a lot of people would say it is all in the mind (supposed to work on an acupunture point in the wrist) but I did not feel seasick at all whilst I was wearing them.

I took them off to go in the on-board swimming pool. Later in the afternoon I said to my friend that I felt really queasy and sea-sick (it was fairly calm in the Caribbean) and realised that I had not put my seabands back on.

The only time I felt strange was when we docked in Puerto Rico and I was rolling, as if the ground was moving beneath me! Didn't last long though.

Enjoy your cruise.

So agree with you Brenda.

OH and I have travelled with Fred several times and enjoyed every cruise.
As you say the ships are smaller - so not daunting (I don't get lost !) yet still comfortable for travel.

Staff are friendly and efficient and entertainment / music / themed talks for all tastes.

Plenty of wee quiet areas to settle with a book and we love the twice daily general knowledge quizzes.

Of course another consideration is that we have both given up on the flying option. --long journey to airports --often have to book overnight accommodation both ways--2 hour check-in etc.

However perhaps I should mention that our preferred port of departure is only 25 minutes drive from our house.

I can't believe how long it took for me to be persuaded to try cruising!

I' m sure there are other cruise lines just as enjoyable. It's really just a matter of choosing which suits you best.

Yes Brenda we all like different things, and what suits one would not suit another which is why there is such a variety of ships and itineraries. We didnt feel as if we were treated as a 'cash cow' and there were very few Americans so cant comment on that. You have been on more cruises than I ever will, so bow to your obviously superior knowledge.

I have never cruised, and dont really intend to, BUT its interesting to read others comments, as I have here.

I thought Soton was one of these exotic places , perhaps, Baltic?

Google did the trick, I've never heard the word before.

Gillt57 suggests not Saga or Fred Olsen and suggests "one of the big ones" well I love Fred. Olsen. Everyone wants something different from cruising and you need to find what suits you. I have tried the big ships and felt I was treated like a 'cash cow' everything you buy has gratuities added, all to busy and often arranged to suit the American market. With Fred. there are no gratuities, nearly everyone is of similar age and interest and the only gratuities are for the cabin and restaurant staff. I feel at home on the smaller ships as there is more chance of getting friendly and knowing people in my experience. I have done more that a year of cruising nights so do know.
The smaller ships get into smaller ports and are just as stable, as long as not a flat bottomed one,
Big ships you can keep them.

Thank you all so much. Perhaps the best thing to do would be a short one and find out if I am sick or not. Norway sounds nice. I really appreciate all the advice.

My friend always tries for the Q.V. she has just (last weekend) come back from Russia, Norway etc and loved it.

Hell ! just realised I could do the back to back!
can't afford it!

16 days. Realised after I'd meant to book the one after which went to the E med. But like all of it.
Done it many times

SNAP!! We've booked on Celebrity next year funnily enough Soton to Soton 14 days to the Med. August 3oth

I did the maiden QE cruise to the Baltic. It was fantastic. My next door neighbour and I had free upgrade to Princess Grill. The last twice I've booked Princess and been upgraded to Queens.
Booked for the QE 30august next year Soton to Soton

Hello Galen we did the Baltic a couple of years ago. It was a great way to see places we would never of travelled too. Perhaps we were unlucky with Queen Elizabeth. She was just back from a world cruise and had just had a change of crew. They had none of the friendliness or pride in the ship that we found on Queen Vic. Looking forward to going on her again in November.

Nelson was seasick.

nonnie we wouldn't go on a cruise because of possible sea-sickness either. DD scoffed at us, went on a Med. cruise and she was horribly sea-sick. Some people are and some are not, but you won't know until you do it. So we won't ! However, we want to do a river cruise next year which is a safe option. Lots of our friends have done this and enjoyed them very much.