Cruise

[nickimiz]

Thinking of doing a cruise, really not sure where to start ! Norwegian fjords are a favourite at the moment, but who do I book with, what am I looking for etc - help !

[Lisa123wm]

We did the fjords a few years ago with Royal Caribbean - loved it! We’re doing a P&O cruise next year.
There’s a cruise section on here, and also other dedicated forums for cruises. I got lots of info from those before our cruise as we had no idea what to expect.

[grant_w]

DW has been on 2 now, with Royal Caribbean. One in the Med and one in the Baltic.
Things to look out for - offers on drinks. The first time she went all of her drinks were thrown in as a package, the second time they weren't. But she managed adequately enough, there's free tea and coffee and also American lemonade!

[mumx3]

We done a Caribbean cruise last year and family are off next week to the Fjords, we went with Marella, TUI cruises, very good and all inclusive which we liked, eat and drink as much as you want and not have to worry about the bill at the end, Tips also included.

And all English which we also liked, would defiantly recommend, we are hoping to do another next year.

[jas72]

We did the med from Southampton the last two years mainly because we were 5 people and could bring as much as we wanted and the port is only a 5 hour drive.

Otherwise it would be flights for 5 to somewhere else in Europe $$$

Going next May and this time drinks are included last cruise I definitely spent more than I would have if I had bought the package. Prices on board range from 8.85$ for a beer to 12-14$ for a cocktail and 9$ for a spirit, soon adds up with 3-4$ for a cappuccino.

We had a great time both times.

Disney do cruises but they are double the price of most other companies

[llamala]

We have booked a cruise from Tampa whilst in Florida in january. Would have loved a Disney one but a bit out of our price range.
Never done one before but am looking foward to it.
My question is what do we do about excursions on the different islands, any suggestions?

[SimonB]

We did a Fjords with Cunard this summer as our first cruise. They aren’t everyone’s cup of tea with the dress code but we didn’t mind it. Got 2 booked with them for next year.

Cunard give onboard spending money that can take sting out of drinks. If you book while onboard you get a load more. We were lucky as my parents booked while onboard for the Fjords so we got $220 each (normally $70). Next year for the Canaries we’ve got $400 each (normally $100).

It’s worth booking a short one that doesn’t give onboard spends to get onboard and either make a booking or give Ł50 each deposit for a cruise to book in the next year with the enhanced spending.

My sister didn’t drink and walked off the ship with a free Radley handbag and purse bought with her onboard spends.

[mskitty]

Take a look at the new P&O Iona ship. She's only sailing the fjords next year and there are some really great prices.

[Loopylooloo]

I would choose May, June or July for the best (chance) of weather, try to choose a cabin mid ship, with quiet decks above and below, (i.e. other cabins preferably, not restaurants or pool deck etc)
Try to get a good deal - drinks or tips inclusive.
The smaller the ship the further into the fjords they can go and you will see more.
Its a fabulous way to see Norway, and cost effective compared to a land holiday there, we saw so many waterfalls, it was wonderful.
My blog has some photos if you are interested-
mybigfatcruise/post/14666...abulous-fjords

[SimonB]

Originally Posted by Loopylooloo

I would choose May, June or July for the best (chance) of weather, try to choose a cabin mid ship, with quiet decks above and below, (i.e. other cabins preferably, not restaurants or pool deck etc)
Try to get a good deal - drinks or tips inclusive.
The smaller the ship the further into the fjords they can go and you will see more.
Its a fabulous way to see Norway, and cost effective compared to a land holiday there, we saw so many waterfalls, it was wonderful.
My blog has some photos if you are interested-
mybigfatcruise/post/14666...abulous-fjords

See more...

Good shout about midship cabin. In the North Sea we could feel a bit of motion when sat in the theatre at the front but it was very calm in our cabin.