cruise OMG

I didn't find them snobby. Most were very friendly and willing to chat. Some did feel they had a right to reserve the best loungers by the pool with a towel, but if they weren't at the pool, we just moved the towels and never got a complaint.
Dressing up was optional and as someone has already mentioned, a white shirt and black trousers/skirt with some nice (not expensive) jewellery or accessories worked fine, even for meeting the captain. Some people really went to town, but most didn't. Themed evenings e.g. Italian evening could just be the addition of a scarf if you didn't want to buy a whole outfit (some folk did).
The ship we cruised on did have set mealtimes. If you chose to dine in the restaurant you were allocated a sitting and a table, but if you chose to use the buffet, there was a fairly broad mealtime spread so you just turned up and you could get pizza type things anytime. Free coffee, tea and water were available outside restaurant hours, but buying drinks was not cheap. We took out a drinks package for water in the restaurant and bought bottles if wine if we wanted them.
BEWARE of the seemingly free bottles of water in your cabin. It said complimentary, but the small print said it would be charged to your card. There was no currency on board, you just charged things to your cruise card (which was linked to your credit card). I kept a spreadsheet of expenses on my iPad. Internet was chargeable, but many of the ports had cafes with free wifi so unless I was desperate I'd just wait. Re tipping, there was a daily service charge which you could opt out of by visiting the information desk. We tipped our Room service person at the end of the cruise.
Frequent cruisers were a good source of information about whether the excursion packages were good value. Some multi destination places were better visited on an organised coach, others were simply a matter of getting on a bus or walking. Multi excursion packages provided by the cruise ship were always cheaper than booking each excursion separately.
Hope you enjoy your cruise if you decide to go.

Sounds like my worse nightmare I'm to active I would go stir crazy. Most of my work colleagues have been on cruises some keep going back others say never again.They have all purchased new dresses to wear on board so I'm assuming the ones they've been on are the posh ones. What about going on a saga holiday or solo that way you get to pick things you like and want to do.

Stir crazy never, we've done four upgrading each time, and always made our own plans for days ashore. Really just using the ship as a traveling hotel each one has been different and I can't wait to go again in the summer to the Baltic where we can take in a lot of travel in the utmost comfort the ship and dressing up is a bit of a biproduct for us. I think you need to be a bit savvy about how you go about it. The ship excursions are where they make a lot of money.

Why do so many of you consider it snobbish to dress for dinner when on a cruise?
I've never been on a cruise because I'm sure I'd get cabin fever, but I never object to wearing something smarter to go out in the evening and enjoy seeing others doing the same. I've been to plenty of places too where other diners turn up in surfer shorts and tee shirts, the women in bikini tops and sarongs or jeans and it just smacks of 'can't be bothered' plus that attitude is often reflected in their general behaviour.

I await the tellings off!

No telling off from me hannahloisluke. I don't see what snobbery has to do with it either.
To me wearing clothes that you like, and enjoy wearing, whether it's a cocktail dress, a smart suit, a cosy sweater or even, dare I say it, leggings with holes and scruffy Doc martens, is about self respect not social class.
Too much inverted snobbery on Gransnet sometimes.

It sounds like some of you have had terrible cruising experiences. I absolutely love it. It obviously depends on the cruise line, so if you have the opportunity to "shop around" with your friend you will definitely find one you like. Some are all inclusive without booze etc so it's down to what you prefer. If you do go on one where tipping is extra then ask for guidance (they will probably give it to you anyway) on what is appropriate beforehand. All cruise lines want their passengers to be comfortable and I have never found anyone snobby. Don't worry about the dress code - as long as you are smart and comfortable on a formal evening no one will care and there is always a casual dining option. If you can afford it, I'd recommend not going with the cheapest cruise option. A slightly more expensive one will not be trying to charge extra for everything I would hope. If you want more advice respond to me directly and I'll be happy to help.

Why not find one of the smaller companies offering more quirky cruises. We went up the Norwegian coast from Bergen to Kirkness on a Hurtigruten cruise ferry. A regular ferry service calling at 17 ports in each direction, which also offers cruises for various lengths of times.

There was no onboard entertainment, but the view of the scenery from the windows was so spectacular, you didn't need any. The evening meal was served at a fixed time, essential with only a small number on board, but I didn't change for dinner, nor did the majority of passengers. Breakfast and lunch just had time windows.

This year we plan to go from Porstmouth to Santander on a Brittany ferry. It takes about 2 days there and 2 days back. My BiL does it regularly and that again is very relaxed as most passengers are going off to Spain on holiday. Not as luxurious as a cruise liner, but much more interesting.

What puts me off cruises is the way they harp on about all the alcoholic drinks available on board and 'free' wine etc. I am not teetotal but I do not drink much and I cannot see myself having anything in common with anyone, regardless of background, for whom the choice of '50 different vodka martinis' or having a bottle of prosecco in your cabin when you arrive, could be an attraction (both quoted in advertisements I have read/heard today).

I wonder whether rather like the way people can divide into "cat" and "dog" people, we also divide into those who do or do not cruise?
I could see myself drifting down the Rhine, with vineyards on either side and daily excursions to those stunningly beautiful castles and little towns, not to mention the wine tasting! I could see myself cruising the Norwegian fjords to see the Northern Lights, suitably fortified against the cold.
I could even enjoy lectures from historians, art historians, classicists as we drift around the Peleponnese.
However, the thought of gazing at the Atalantic/Pacific from a deckchair leaves me cold and I would run a mile from any evening "cabaret style" entertainment. Dressing for dinner carries no appeal and the fear of landing up with the same bunch of people day after day at mealtimes horrifies me even if we were to get on like a house on fire!
If I could go back in time to,the heady days of the truly luxury liner I imagine that must have been wonderful, but a floating hotel at best and a floating Butlins at worst? Speaking for DH and myself, we can pass, but for those who truly enjoy cruises, good luck to you, who am I to judge?

Trisher, I fancy a Gulet cruise too and I'm ancient. If you're reasonably fit, go for it girl. The current iffy political situation is putting me off a bit. I'd like some tips on euro hopping on a budget from anyone, please. I mostly do solo.

It does indeed seem as if there are two sorts of folk - those who love cruises and those who hate them.

It does not appeal to me for many reasons: neither of us drink, we both have very small appetites (and I hate to see food wasted!), I find long trips on ferries ultimately dull, I do not like to be herded about and prefer to do my own thing, and I spend my whole life in jeans (one of the many perks of being retired!). So not for me I guess.

But bon voyage to all of you who love cruising!

I agree with Kathcan1, it is up to you what you make of your cruise. I have been lucky enough to travel a lot in the last few years making the most of last minute bargains usually and love it, even though I am a 'doing' person.we use the ship as a convenient way to travel, the scenery and new places come to you and there is no need to pack and unpack, I don't like too many days at sea so chose cruises which avoid them and tend to fly cruise, wouldn't want to sail across the Atlantic for example but if you just want to relax, have good food and entertainment en that may suit you. Having twice started from the UK we wouldn't do that again as we like to be with people from a range of countries which tends to happen more if you start from elsewhere. We also do our research before hand a rarely go on organised trips but leave the ship ASAP at the port and hire a driver or get the bus to places of interest, usually getting to the before the hoards or going to less well know places, much cheaper. If you are worried about safety or getting back to the ship in mind take the tours, they are often good. River cruises are also great, don't know where the info about having to cross other boats to get ashore came from, this hasn't been common in my experience, only in Egypt. We have met a huge range of people on our travel, some of whom have become good friends, of course there have been other we haven't hit it off with but you can avoid them. As for dress smart casual or casual is usually fine, dress up if you enjoy it but don't worry otherwise, women have it easier than men, on some ships they have to wear a tie, my husband didn't one night and when the waiter mentioned it just said to the rest of the table was anyone offended all said no and it was no problem. Have rarely met snobs, just people. We prefer smaller ships and trips which are more 'expeditions' on the whole but have been on a couple of big ships - who wouldn't if they needed a winter break and could get 14days for £699 full board in the Caribbean, and the islands are easy to get round on your own, just ask the taxi driver for what you want and they'll take you and collect you eg a locals beach or a quiet beach with wildlife. Don't judge until you've tried it, you might get hooked!

Kim19, try www.busabout, a hop on hop off service around Europe.

Thanks Kim19 If you are going to Italy do look at Monastery Stays (not as terrible as it sounds) I stayed in a convent in Venice- right in the centre for around 50 euros B&B. Accommodation varies but can be in very historic buildings. Nice safe atmosphere, basic breakfast, bed OK and a bit dated en-suite. They were incredibly helpful sending instructions on how to get there from the airport. There was a curfew of 11pm but I was usually worn out sightseeing anyway! Men are allowed to stay there as well, place was run by nuns and had people from all over the world staying.
www.monasterystays.com

We've done 3 cruises and we are a long way from posh!
The first two had no formal nights at all so going to dinner was just casual wear.the last one had 3 formal nights, that is, dress up,but a lot of people didn't bother and that wasn't a problem.I got two posh frocks from charity shops!
We didn't tip anyone while we were on board,but they sent us a sort of bill at the end for what they expected in tips.I think it was about £10 each per day.
A lot depends on the cruise line you're going with.NCL are casual and so are Thompson. I think Holland America are quite posh, but if you look up your cruise line they'll tell you on their website.

I have been on 7 cruises and the different cruise lines are very different. Yes on Cunard (QM2) etc most people do dress up. We did, even though we usually live in jeans, casual clothes etc and loved that luxury feel. On other cruises which have free dining then meals are casual, wear anything at any time. Most cruises however do expect smart clothes for dinner. We never felt that anyone was snobbish on any cruise we have been on. The cruisers are from all walks of life and backgrounds. Go and enjoy.

Choose your holiday for the sort of things that appeal to you. I love cruising with Saga (small ships, wonderful staff and we have always found other passengers to be a friendly bunch).

Even though we really enjoy cruising I don't fancy the idea of a Mediterranean or Caribbean cruise because I don't like hot weather or sunbathing. For this reason I would avoid those type of cruises.

DH and I cannot stand being told where to go or what to do. A holiday for us is doing what we want and have picked only one or two excursions to go on whilst on a cruise and the rest of the time we do our own thing at our own pace.

Last February we flew to Norway and ended up going on a dog sledding ride. DH really didn't want to go but we did ...and it was fantastic. He loved it. We ended going through the woods, seeing herds of reindeer, beautiful views. If we hadn't tried it we would have missed such a lovely day.

We went on our first cruise last June Fred Olsen ship Black Watch from Dover to Norway. It is fair to say it was the best holiday we have ever had in 45 years and we look forward to our next one. We never found any snobs we went all inclusive the staff / crew / food / accomadation were all excellent. A most memorable time.

I don't think you should jump to any conclusions without reading the brochure and googling the chosen cruise first. They all have differences in costs, dress codes, meal times etc.
I have been on a fantastic Mediterranean cruise with P&O and loved dressing up, met some lovely people (no snobs) and had no time to be bored. There was choice in everything so if you didn't want to do something you didn't have to.
We have booked a river cruise this summer and I am looking forward to exploring new places and then relaxing after a hard day sightseeing - a city break in a different city each day.

Like anything in life, from washing up liquid to cruises there is a range for everyone.

If your cruise is reasonably priced but you have not cruised before you will probably be delighted with it and the passengers on it. If you have only cruised with Silversea (expensive) and then cruised on an 'ordinary ' cruise, I would think you would have a different point of view!

Our cruises have been mid-upper level and we have sat with people who cruise full-time (incidentally, much younger than us), people who owned half of Texas and a peer who used cruises to reach his Caribbean island! We cruise every year-ish, don't own a part of Texas and don't have a Caribbean island! These people could have looked at us disparagingly but... they were not snobs and we all had a great cruise. We have also met and are still friends with people we sat at dinner with years ago.

I am trying to say that your cruise will be what you make it. You will probably be sitting with like-minded people and if you don't judge others, they won't judge you! It is said that the only person able to make you feel inferior is yourself !

Cruise.co.uk (or the American site which is even better) is a mine of information and you can join a forum, similar to this, by putting in the date and ship name. You will then be able to 'meet' with people who will be cruising with you before you sail.

On every ship we have sailed on there has been an informal restaurant where you can eat similar food to that in the main dining room without the need to dress up.

To those who hate cruises...... but have never tried one, please don't comment until you can justify your statement. Not everything is for everyone. I hate the idea of a coach trip with early-morning starts and being told when and where I can go, etc., but.... I would not presume to tell anyone else how awful they were until I had tried it!

We enjoy cruises, unpacking only once, whilst seeing cities in a range of countries, which would be impossble any other way. Yes, they are just taster days but give us an idea of if we'd like to return.

Oh, if you do book, ask for a table for 8 -10 people (if you would like to sit in the dining room). That way, you will have a variety of people to chat to.

Tipping is usually mandatory often being pre-paid so you know what you have to pay when you book. Some cruises have tipping included in the price.

Go on your cruise, Ethel. Perhaps buy another top or two, which may make you feel a bit less worried but don't forget that others will be in the same boat (tee hee!) as you.

If you enjoy company you can join quizes, dance lessons and much more, so cruises are very good value. That type of thing is not for us so we find a quiet corner on deck, put our feet up and read in the sun, watching the sea rush by. Magic.

It is a wonderful holiday and once paid, you need spend very little money on your trip. Tea, coffee, soft drinks (from machines but there is a range) and water are always available. There is food (on Celebrity Cruises, anyway) available all day long, so you can eat whenever you want to.
I hope you ban any worries - book and try it. I bet you won't be disappointed! Let us know if you do go......

I'm saving for the next 70,000 tons of metal cruise. No worries about clothing, lots of black T shirts and shorts, no chance of boredom with the variety of bands there. ???

Ocean Cruises etc are not for me I dont think, but I am sure as people call others "posh" whatever that means, they are friendly, but on the other hand "snobby" people are to be avoided, probably the kind who have not always had money but have forgotten that, and look down on others.I may be wrong of course.

Trisher! I too have always fancied a gulet cruise in Turkey. Hubby and I have been there often and always go on gulet trips. I too feel I've left it a bit late in life but people we have spoken too have said there's usually a good mix of ages onboard as it is when you go on a day cruise. We didn't visit Turkey last year because of the political situation and have decided not to go this year either and I miss it so much. Might do that gulet cruise yet.

Absolutely no need to panic about getting 'dressed up'. You can always eat in the buffet restaurant which will be open for many hours (not 24 though). We were very wary on our first cruise over the 'Formal Night' so my husband wore his suit (goes to weddings, funerals and any thing vaguely formal) and I sported a pair of 'velvet' trousers from Damart and a sparkly top from a charity shop. We have since upgraded to a dinner suit + bow tie!! for him and 2 long dresses (not ballgowns I assure you) for me. These are put on just before the meal and removed pretty promptly after we've dined.
The rest of the time you wear what you would on any other holiday.
As for being bored/shipbound, that's up to you. There are many activities/presentations available for you to take part in or not as you choose.
Weather is weather the world over
. I get seasick but take the tablet and sleep a bit. You will probably be more fortunate and never notice the ups and downs.
GO! Take the opportunity when it's offered.

DH & I discussed cruising but discounted it as we felt we would feel too constrained, friends of ours took a Caribbean Cruise in October (many years ago), they hadn't realised it was "hurricane season" so many onshore excursions were missed & islands not visited. When they did get ashore any alcohol they bought was confiscated & returned at the end of the cruise. Dressing up was no problem for them as they socialised a lot, but they never went on a cruise again.

I'm no good on coaches, not enough leg room or accessible toilet for me although I do agree you see the countryside etc.

Train travel is the way for me, comfortable seats usually with ample leg room, lots of toilets. I did one about 18 months ago (no single supplement), mix of singles & couples, all inclusive excursions. We did "dress up" for dinner, nothing fancy but women all wore dresses or skirts & nice tops, men casual in shirt & trousers. No set table places but we made friends & tended to stick together, if I do another holiday on my own that is what I shall do

I think that the answer is to choose both the size of ship that suits you and the type of cruise that appeals. We took our first cruise last summer and researched thoroughly before booking. We like active holidays so wanted less time at sea and love city breaks. We went on the Baltic cruise on the Azamara Quest which is a smaller ship - under 700 passengers. We didn't need formal dress at all and we loved every minute, so much so that we're going to the Norwegian Fjords this summer again on Azamara.

I'm sure you'll find some lovely people on board etheltbags1 - we met some delightful, diverse people.