On the subject of cruises. We have travelled with three companies. First was Costa (even after the sinking) to the Far East and it was a disaster in every way. Trips all fully booked up, food terrible, no entertainment to speak of, staff surly and rude. We did sue them because we went on the main understanding we were going to see orang-u-tangs in Borneo and they took us to a zoo where the animals were having bigger nervous breakdowns than we were. They tried to palm us off with a compensation note which we refused and took them to the ombudsman and they had to pay us real money into our account. No more to be said. Never again.

We then a couple of years later we went to Norway as a taster as we thought they can’t all be bad after our last experience. Sailed with P&O 7 nights through the ffjords and it was wonderful. It was a really big ship with about 4500 passengers. I loved the massive choices of entertainment, restaurants including Michelin star, cinemas, live shows, casino (although I don’t play). All day food until about 2am. The trips on shore were great, went to see a glacier but also did a lot on our own.

Next trip was 15 days in the Med with Cunard which have a reputation for excellence. For me the boat was too small and people were knocking each other over in their disability scooters and walking frames to get from one end of the ship to the other for the shows starting. I know I am old but at the age of about 68 and 76 I think we were the youngest on board. Everything else was fine but for me, being from Yorkshire, having to add 15% onto everything from coffee and tea and all drinks. I don’t agree with paying £10 for a cocktail and finding it cost £11.50 or £20 for a bottle of wine that was really £23. Im funny like that, plus everything was in dollars with a very bad exchange rate.

Next cruise was with P&O again but a smaller boat (3000 passengers) with a cruise around the Baltics. Again with P&O I couldn’t fault it. It was a smaller boat but we find if we go at the right time of year when it is cold and to the right areas older people don’t want to go so there was a better mix of old and middle aged. Norway, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia and Russia then back to Denmark and Germany but different areas.

I have nothing against old people as we are 70 and 78 but there is old and should be in a nursing home – that sounds terrible and we did meet some lovely older people like the lady who had stayed on the same ship for 10 years since her husband died and she sold her house and just travelled in luxury. Good for her.

We booked to go to Norway and Iceland in June this year but then I had to have surgery so we cancelled. So we have re-booked but felt 15 days was too long and expensive so we are doing Norway for 7 nights again – but different stop offs.

We are not interested in the Carribbean so cannot comment of those cruises. I am sure you will find something that suits you and if you go on a not so great one then try again. It is wonderful to get dressed up every evening if you want or casual to one of the less formal eating places. Waited on hand and foot with your room kept clean and tidy without having to raise a finger.

S-g it’s the ‘waited on hand and foot’ that does it for me!

OK sometimes the meal isn’t the best but I neither had to cook it or clean up after it!

We have been to the Caribbean a few times but there’s a totally different demographic. I don’t think we will do that again.

I guess at the end of the day it’s ’horses for courses’.

If you want to ‘party’ choose a big ship adult ship like Virgin. There are so many lines to choose from that everybody’s needs are catered for.

Thanks V, for sharing these, gosh I didn’t realise they can be so expensive! Might have to review my budget lol

S G I like the sound of yours too, we didnt go anywhere near the Carribean on our only cruise, but to Oslo, Norway, Sweden and Copenhagen. Absolutely memorable time , and yes it was with the Royal Caribbean liner… so much food and choices of entertainment.

Hope you have all had a better day, the weekend looms and lots to do ( for me )

Hi 1960 the ‘up front ‘ cost might seem high but you need to assess what you want.
Seabourn is all inclusive, drinks, any at any time and all gratuities, and one inclusive speciality restaurant.
Silversea is the same but includes an excursion in each port.
Oceania includes an allowance for trips plus wine, champagne and beer at lunch and dinner and soft drinks and coffees everywhere and 2 or 4 included speciality restaurants.
Most mainstream lines charge for tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, speciality restaurants etc etc and also have lots of up-sell photos etc. So the upfront cost may seem much lower, but depending on your add ons the smaller ships may not be that more expensive!

Hi 1960 (and Verano) just to add to what V has said. A cruise is always going to be expensive but you can chose lower prices by going on shorter cruises or ones that include a lot of things like the day excursion or outside main seasons. Although we have never found the all inclusive to be any better value because on the paid excursions you can chose not to do them and just research the area and do your own thing. While we are in Norway we are going on a Sky carrier up into the mountains and an easy walking tour around one of the towns we haven’t been to before. That has added around £200 to the total cost. Also, on P&O you pay for coffees etc outside of normal meal times so have a few coffees with breakfast and lunch. The coffees are extra because you are usually going into a Starbucks or something similar. If there is an all day buffet you can usually get a tea or coffee there for free. Then there is the late night buffet which is usually cut sandwiches, pizza and chips style for the youngsters.

When we planned Norway/ Iceland I think the total cost was around £5000 but the Norway only is £2000 for 2, which, as V says, with all inclusive meals so £1000 each for 7 days works out at not much more than staying in a hotel and paying separate for meals.

You don’t have to buy all the photos they take, just give them your camera and they will take one for you along with the professional one which you can buy or not. We usually pay around £100 and you get every photo taken (sometimes around 25/30) as a package instead of £20 each if you buy individually. Then you can choose to keep or throw away when you get home, or give away as gifts.

I would say just do it especially if it is for a special event. It is expensive but worth it and an experience or both luxury boat life and seeing several other countries in one go.

1960 I agree with s-g it may be expensive but if it is for a special occasion, and you can do it, go and enjoy!

Gosh! Thankyou both for such detailed info, I humbly admit I didn’t research intently at the suggestions but will do so after the manic is over! It really won’t matter if we go on or near or further away from the birthday & anniversary times to be fair. I have a small budget but can afford a shorter than a 10 /15 day trip. I really feel I can look into this more and hopefully book for 2025!! Again, thanks a mil

Am feeling the mojo returning quite intently about watching what I consume this next few weeks so hopefully the scales will confirm

I think I didnt see where you’re away to SG but hope you have a wonderful time. May the Doctor visit be helpful too…

Just one more thing (or 2), you could sign up to a cruise company and ask for notifications of last minute deals if you are flexible on when and where you go. Also, when I quoted £2000 for 7 nights in Norway we always get a luxury cabin with a balcony and pay extra and have flexible dining times (rather than set time on set tables). The same cruise without all our trimming could cost around £650 each for an inside cabin.

We haven’t had a proper holiday now since before covid and have already cancelled 2 cruises so we don’t mind splashing out. At our age we might not get another chance so live while you can.

Hello.
Well I’m checking out now for the rest of the month. Maybe start again in January but then again maybe not!
‘Happy Christmas’ to those who celebrate and ‘Happy Long Weekend’ to those who don’t.
I have found a weekly thread useful in the past but it might not be for everyone.
Let’s just see how the mood is next year!

Much obliged SG , love your detailed reply, I will do more research after next week. Hope you are having a great time..

Verano, you too, thanks for your valuable contributions and especially this thread. Hope you have a wonderful time and hopefully see you in 2024!!