Things I learnt on my first cruise

I'm off next Sunday on a cruise from Southampton.
Couple of questions there's no restrictions on luggage providing each case doesn't exceed 23kgs. We plan on taking a normal suitcase each and our flight cases would these both go through as 'hold' luggage ' or would we carry the small ones on ourselves?
Forgotten the other question I'll be back with that?

There is a seasick patch or tablets, I think.

I agree mazza245 it all sounds so wonderful, but oh those waves.I am one who was seasick on the Med in July.?

GillT57 Well it had the Viking logo on all sides.

I will stay with P&O for the wonderful friendly efficient service. The 5 star cabins and food and the great destinations.

I think I'd love cruising, the food, the dressing up, the social aspect but I'm a terrible sailor, can't even go across the Channel. I'm frightened to spend all that money and then be laid low in the cabin, unable to enjoy it!

I'm told you can have an injection etc but what if.........?

BBevan. Magellan is not a Viking ship, it is C & M (Cruise & Maritime) I think, They have the older ships, but are much liked by their faithful clients! Viking are a very different category of ship with veranda/balcony cabins.

Thank you cornergran. I will investigate the ones you mention. It is something I have always wanted to do but the cost has been somewhat offputting. I will try and be brave and take the plunge !

I have not felt but very gentle movement on a river cruise.

I was told , to lessen the possibility of seasickness, to have a cabin as near the middle of the ship as possible. Mid level and mid ship. I haven't had to test this theory yet but am told there is less movement there.

BBbevan, Viking have balconies and verandas. We always get a nice balcony.

wildswan I know p&o have single cabins, Britannia was built with them, including balcony cabins, I think other ships have mainly been adapted. There seems to be quite a lot of single travellers on p&o cruises. They also have singles coffee sessions and specific meetings for single travellers, I'm told unless the passenger asks otherwise single travellers are seated on a table for eight for meals if on fixed sittings. I hope that helps a bit, others will advise about other cruise lines I'm sure.

BBbevan yes I know but not in those days. Anyway I did not think it would happen to me because as a child I travelled annually Stranraer to Larne on much smaller ships and the gales on occasions were horrendous and I was fine.

I went on the hovercraft to France once and was sick both ways so I have stayed well clear of the ocean since then.

May I ask which cruise lines are best for "single" travellers? I think one or two now actually have a few single cabins.

You can have an injection for severe sickness these days.

I was on one cruise but this was in the late 1960's and it was my first and last because I was sick 13 out of the 14 days on board. When on shore I was still dizzy and disorientated- never again.

It was Magellan * Jane10*

Not also - All!

They also have verandahs. Don't know what ship you can have seen.

Norah Just back from our cruise. There was a Viking ship in port with us. It had no cabins with balconies that we could see. Is this usual? .I really love having a balcony.

BBbevan, We find Viking the best. I think you will be pleased if you try their sea cruises. Zero cost after you pay your voyage entirely.

PS Smoking was allowed on board!! that is both scary and dangerous I would say.

Who did you cruise with teatime

Thank you Teatime for sharing that was a brilliant insight. Very useful

I love cruising.
First of all I spend 24 hours being sick then after that it's fab. Actually travel sickness pills are great these days!
Cruising is what you want it to be. You can be in with all the action or find quiet spots.
We rarely do the tours but you do have a bit a bit more adventurous and make sure you don't miss the boat.
I look on it as an opportunity to see places we would never get to. If you feel you would like to see more of a particular area you can always go back.
We do tend to try and go to destinations that aren't too touristy- Papua New Guinea a couple of years ago.
Now I'm feeling guilty about ruining that little bit of paradise but the islanders do welcome the ships (the numbers are very controlled) and it's a very good source of revenue.
I bought a drinks package and drank very cheaply from coconuts when on shore.
Our daughter lives in Australia where we got on the ship so we were over there anyway. Next stop New Zealand.
Anyone on here remember the gully gully men as you sailed through the Suez Canal in the 'olden days'?

Well I never knew that. Never given Viking a thought really but I will have a look at them now. Thank you

We're doing the Viking Homelands sea cruise next year. Really looking forward to it.