Things I learnt on my first cruise

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

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.

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

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 !

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.

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.........?

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

There is a seasick patch or tablets, I think.

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?

We are going on our first cruise next year. We are going with CMV to the Norwegian fjords. I do hope we've chosen well! I'm looking forward to it immensely. It's only for seven nights, just to see if we like cruising.

We have been to Norway twice. hildajenniJ absolutely love it. Hope you have a really great time and enjoy the cruise.

overthehill, we've only experience of p&o at Southampton. Most people take a hand luggage item on board with them with medication, valuables etc as you would on a plane. Some also take a soft suit carrier. Some take nothing . I usually take on a small wheelie case, Mr C takes a laptop bag. If you aren't going with p&o suggest you look at a forum for your cruise line or post that information here as I've no idea if all lines operate in the same way. Where are you off to? Wherever it is I'm envious.

hilda. We also love the Fjords, have been on two cruises there from the UK, wonderful scenery. Have a wonderful time.

Well, I must admit that I have been converted!

When DH was alive we did two cruises and I was not in a hurry to do any more, although he absolutely loved it.

Since he died I have been on two cruises thanks to Galen who, very kindly, invited me to join her and I can now say I'm hooked!
We did a Med cruise in Sept on Cunard and are off again at Christmas to the Canaries. Can't wait!

I'm going on a cruise next spring, it sounds just what I'd like but how do you cope with the dressing up bit. I can't think why people like to dress up just to eat. The food will taste the same, I feel uncomfortable in any heels, I don't mind a dress or skirt but hate shirts that fit and despise glittery tops (so common), what on earth can i wear. I would rather wear jeans and a baggy shirt, any advice got this first time cruiser.

P.s. I must add that I won't go scruffy, just prefer very casual wear.

Just a pair of smart trousers and a top will do well. Anyway You can always eat at the buffet if you don’t want to dress up.

etheltbags1, We never 'dress for dinner' on a cruise. It is not required on VRC. I would not go if we had to dress up.

Oh dear!! Never realised I looked common in my " glittery tops" ??

Thank you Teetime for this. Confirming that we are just not ready for cruising. We have great friends who cruise at least twice a year, and are trying so hard to get us to join them - but really it is not for us. My main concern would be to get off the ship at a tourist spot with 100s of others- and have to return for a certain time- just as we were embarking on sightseeing beyond the obvious attractions. That would frustrate us no end.

We would like to do the River Cruise on the Douro in Portugal though- as anyone done that one? Any advice would be very welcome. Thanks.

If you do your own thing and go on day trips there is the danger that you may not get back to the ship in time before it sails.
They wouldn't wait for you unless you had booked one of their own excursions.

ethel I tend to wear either narrow, straight or wider, pleated trousers with a top - sometimes with and sometimes without sparkles. It depends which cruise line how ‘dressy’ people are. It’s more important to be yourself and comfortable than to worry too much about the ‘right’ clothes, I am sure you will see a real mix of styles.

Well that is more or less exactly what I expected
It would not be be my taste in the first place.
For starters its on a boat. One of those things that go up and down on water. #nosealegsatall.

jura2, The Viking River Cruise on the Douro in Portugal is lovely. We added a side trip in Spain on each end. Brilliant.

Thank you Norah never ever been on a Cruise- any tips?
We thought we would stay on in Porto and fly back from Lisbon.