Going on a cruise, what is it really like?

Viking River. Lovely.

No herding, no sunbeds, no dress code, not sardines.

You are definitely getting the wrong impression. With cruising you get what you pay for. Cheap cruise lines are packed and all sorts of extras added on board. Pay more for smaller ships, no crowding, meals at times you prefer, interesting entertainment/lectures etc etc

woodenspoon

We have been thinking about going on a cruise. We have never been before.

Last night, we watched Susan Calman followed by the Good Ship Murder. Are these realistic portrayals of what it is like on a cruise ship? Being herded together, sunbeds all lined up and packed like sardines, entertainment nights etc. Or are we getting a wrong impression? As it is, we don’t think it’s for us if it’s like those we saw last night.

Who has been on one, which company, and what would you recommend?

We watched that as we did a Norwegian cruise last year.

It was dreadful TV!

A cruise is what you make it.

We didn’t do any guided tours, we planned our own itinerary.

The other tip is to avoid the buffet!

Cunard, not as posh as you would imagine. Two formal nights on our cruise, but they aren't compulsory, you can eat dinner in the buffet. You don't have to take part in any of the activities or excursions if you prefer not to. We were on Queen Mary 2.
We went on a 7 night Norwegian fjords cruise with a company that no longer exists. Very relaxed, we loved every minute.
Do give cruising a try, it spoilt us for any other type of holiday.

Thank you all. More opinions very welcome please and which companies to use or avoid. Any thoughts on Saga cruises or P&O for example.

We did P&O it was fine.

Viking River-just as Norah described.

My first ocean cruise was with MSC.
There was only one night dress code for “Meet the captain” and that wasn’t obligatory.
We didn’t feel herded, either for meals (buffet or dining room) and apart from the we must sit at the front group who exist everywhere, no one rushed for the theatre entertainment.
Best bit? The spa.
Worst bit, getting off the boat to visit places. It wasn’t difficult, but I don’t like heights.

We have cruised Holland America and Celebrity mainly. These are my two favourite cruise lines. However we’ve cruised with some other companies, but only one cruise on the other companies.

We’ve gone from one cruise on MSC to the Norwegian fiords to one cruise with SilverSea to the Galápagos Islands. From one extreme to the other! MSC massive but beautiful ship, chosen because I was looking for a quick but cheap getaway, to SilverSea which was a gorgeous ship, super luxury and only 100 passengers. Then in between, other cruise lines, but every cruise was enjoyed. We met lovely people and ate lovely food, although MSC food was the least enjoyable, and we’ve visited fabulous places including the Norwegian fiords, the Far East, Japan, New Zealand and Alaska, along with other places.

However we don’t only cruise, we enjoy self drive holidays too, and relaxing breaks in little rentals in Greece.

We went on a 9 day cruise to the Norwegian Fjords with Royal Caribbean in 2022.

Didn’t use the buffet once, stayed with the smaller restaurants, entertainment was good, we saw We Will Rock You which was as good as when I saw it in the West End, we also went to a Variety Show which was entertaining.

It is possible to avoid the crowds, we enjoyed the quizzes and I enjoyed sitting on our balcony looking out to sea and the scenery wherever we were.

The service was top notch, food delicious and our suite was roomy with everything we needed.

We usually go with Princess but Viking is very good. More upmarket than Princess but we still like Princess because it is fun and the food is very good plus very few kids on board. We have been on many cruises, river and sea.Budapest to Amsterdam is a good river cruise and Viking Mediterranean is a good sea cruise. Usually we go into the Pacific because it is close for us.

Been on a few -mainly Royal Carribbean - I love the fun and excitement on a large cruise liner . So many activities, shows, etc to choose from. Mostly chose the Buffets, because they were casual and convenient. We hated having to dress up for Dinner, except on the Captain’s Night. If I wanted peace and quiet I would go to a monastery . And the fact that you can see so many places in one go, be it just for a day, was a Bonus. I highly recommend.

You need to do your homework and pick the cruise that is right for you.
My first mini cruise was a rehearsal for me because I realised I didn't want a party ship or one that catered for young families. You can pick and choose whether you want to be exercising, watching onboard entertainment and getting involved with what's going on.

I’ve been on quite a few cruises. I’ve no experience of Saga as we prefer holidays which are not “adults only.” Friends went on Saga last year and couldn’t praise it highly enough. P and O cruises are very good. Always a pleasant unhurried atmosphere with nice food and good entertainment. It has a very British ambiance whereas lines like Princess and Celebrity are more international. When we went on our first cruise we weren’t sure so booked a short one to Belgium and Holland. We absolutely loved it! It’s something you need to try once.
The first day on a ship can be rather chaotic on any cruise line. People are all arriving at similar times and milling around. By the following morning the ship seems like a different place and the trip really begins. On sea days the pool areas can get busy and sun beds are close together although there are always quieter areas. It’s a good idea to have a balcony cabin for a quiet read or rest outdoors.

Saga cruises all the time for me, wouldn't cruise with anyone else. All inclusive, apart from the optional excursions and spa treatments if that's your thing.
Not crowded or herded together, plenty of room on the ships; the crew are amazing, nothing is too much trouble.
All cabins have a balcony, are spacious and luxurious.
Food is first class.
I go as a solo, and we singles are really taken care of.

Mind you, Susan Calman last night did have a suite!

Thanks all. Somewhat reassured from reading all your posts. We may try a starter cruise as suggested, or a river cruise.

woodenspoon

Thanks all. Somewhat reassured from reading all your posts. We may try a starter cruise as suggested, or a river cruise.

Viking do really wonderful river cruises. There is no formal night, really no dress code apart from clan and tidy. We wear jeans and jumpers. Add scarves, nice jackets, smart walking shoes.

All inclusive, including a daily excursion, we also tour walk alone apart from the daily. Wine and beer with lunch and dinner.

No children under 18 (may perhaps be 16, I've not ever seen anyone who look to be under 40). Most people appear 55-80.

Limited "entertainment" in a specific area. Quiet and pleasant.

Food is very good, nice selection. Cater to all dietary needs or wants - Gluten free, vegan, vegetarian. Buffet or served at breakfast and lunch. Served dinner. There are a few tables for two, suits us well.

Many European, no flying, we drive to the port and use Chunnel.

Another vote here for Viking both river and ocean cruises.

I've looked at cruises - try going as a person alone! - massive single supplements and squitty little rooms in the back of beyond of the ship.

I've never fancied cruising, being far too keen on independent travel. Family members enjoy it, though.

I see it from the other side - huge vessels towering over ports, bemused passengers trying to work out why they're there and what they're doing (of course, if they'd done their research they'd know!), coachloads of them clogging up all the places of interest so that there's no room for anyone else. Contrary to expectations, they don't necessarily spend money in the destinations as they get everything on board.

On the other hand, it can be a useful way of seeing several places in one trip. I'd just ask that passenegrs are considerate of the locals and other visitors.

Septumia not all cruise ships are like that. This why the OP was asking for other experiences.

I agree with Luckygirl3.
I watched the Colman program last night and last week. I really liked the trip, on a small boat, she took up on the Ganges, fantastic and so interesting. Then I looked up the prices, Ms Colman as a single person as I am £20,000.
This week’s trip was for Norway very nice but the size of her room would again as a single person is way over my price.

Sorry Calman auto corrected

Septimia
Contrary to expectations, they don't necessarily spend money in the destinations as they get everything on board.

I wonder what things they didn’t buy from local shops. Even on the MSC cruise where there was an arcade they didn’t sell souvenirs, or local delicacies and they certainly couldn’t compete with the Grand Bazaar with everything including arts and crafts.

We agree with Blue Sapphire. Saga are wonderful - and for the ocean cruises you don't fly. A taxi service is included to take your to Southampton, Portsmouth, or wherever.