Going on a cruise, what is it really like?

Be careful with mini cruises. They often have lots of hen parties, and stag dos.

Thanks to all who’ve replied, I’m grateful.

We have found a starter cruise with Saga which I will be phoning them up about on Monday. If we like it, and I feel sure we will, then we will venture further afield later in the year.

We did our first cruise in 23 with MSC we had a fabulous time. I’ve always said no way to a cruise in case it was Butlins at sea but we had such a great time. We are doing the same cruise line but a different itinary this year and can’t wait. I would recommend it to anyone. MSC is a bit more budget and my DH and I could afford a more expensive cruise but with our friends it was brilliant. It was the best holiday.

I would say beware of new companies. A friend of mine went on a horrendous cruise to the Galapagos. The further they got from England the worse things became. It turned out that the Galapagos was a new venture for them and a lot of their plans hadn't worked out. Her legal action is still ongoing.

We've been with P&O, Cunard QM2 (from NY to the UK), Saga and Swan Hellenic (now too expensive). We enjoyed them all.

We have had several cruises with Fred Olsen, sailing out of Southampton, which is convenient for us. Small ships, which we prefer and is very civilised!
We choose by itinerary
and have also cruised with Holland America, which was lovely, especially the food, but rather American! (clue in the name!!)
We also cruised with Marella, which we thought was very good value and visited many interesting ports in the Med.

I agree re P&O. Once was enough for us.
We have a friend, a widow in her 80s who absolutely loves Fred Olsen cruises. Apparently they cater really well for ladies on their own. Nice cabins, good food, civilised activities. I've no personal experience of them but my friend currently has three more cruises booked with them. She doesn't care where the ship goes. She just enjoys shipboard life.

Which ship was it so I can avoid it.

I went with P &O November 23, so just over a year ago.

The initial price seemed reasonable but once on board everything was geared to making you pay more.

The provided food was poor but you could pay more to eat in one of the special restaurants.

The provided coffee was undrinkable but you could pay for Costa coffee.

There were not enough sun-beds or chairs but you could pay more for a sunbed in an exclusive area where the best pool was.

There was very little entertainment but you could pay to enter other quizzes or games. Or pay to go to a select party/disco type thing.

The Casino was vast and so indoor seating in lounge areas was inadequate and you could only sit in some areas if you bought drinks from the bar.

The Games room, ( which I foolishly thought would have Scrabble or something) was all electronic machines that you had to pay to play.

Excursions have to be paid for but I was surprised when there was no transport from quite remote docking into town unless you paid.

We chose not to pay for much and were a bit bored. I reckon we could easily have spent £2000 - 3000 more accessing anything more than the quite poor basics.

(Just as an example my included dinner one evening was 2 slices of processed turkey, like you would put in a sandwich, 2 small re-heated roast potatoes and some green beans. Followed by a sort of Angel Delight for dessert. After that we went to the buffet. It was pretty much processed, freezer type food but at least you could see what you were getting.)

I wouldn’t go with P&O again.

About the Fred Olsen cruise.

Ooh, I’ll be very interested to know more as you journey along. Thank you.

I wouldn't risk it, in case Jane Macdonald was on there.

Just joking.

Just sailing out of Southampton on a Fred Olsen cruise to Norway. Very civilised, small ship, entertainment there if you want it, apparently good solo deals.

Hurtigruten in Norway are wonderful and do support local areas, not only because they carry cargo for small places, but because they buy local food and use local guides and transport for excursions. Small ships too, so no towering over the port buildings.

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.

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.

Sorry Calman auto corrected

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.

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

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.

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.

Another vote here for Viking both river and ocean cruises.

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.

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

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!