Hi everyone
We are planning on going on a Mediterranean cruise in early October. There are so many different cruise lines can anyone recommend a good mid price one please.
We have been on three cruises - so not exactly experienced. We have used NCL (Norwegian) every time.
Variety of ships, all with lots of dining options and most with no need to book. They tend not to do the 'dress-up' thing unless you want to but they do have a dress to impress night once a week. They usually have several offers at different times and on different ships.
Prices vary enormously depending on the cabin. Excursions can add up and end costing as much as the cruise if you pick the expensive ones. Tips can add up too though you can 'opt out' of these when you are on board.
We're on the lookout for a Med cruise in the next 12 months and have already paid an 'open' deposit with NCL.
We dont like Thomsons rubbish ships it was like 18 _30s holiday.. we went with them last year. Been with Fred Olson, P AND O and Cunard all good ships. P and o was the most dressey the other two about the same same no hoodies, shorts, flip flops in the dinning room.
We have only been on one cruise but have booked a second in July both with P&O. I suspect what cruise line you go on will depend on the level of formality and your age group!!!
We went on Britannia P & O last year. We loved it but it is a big ship. We did the med and had a great trip.
I would look for a cruise that goes to the places you want to go to and not mind too much which cruise line it is.
Not forgetting some bill you in dollars but P & O is £' s so was cheaper.
Enjoy what ever you book.
Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 10/6/2016
Chris
We have only been on one cruise but have booked a second in July both with P&O. I suspect what cruise line you go on will depend on the level of formality and your age group!!!
David
Yes David I agree with you, everyone is different we did not like Thomson but then again we are not drinkers, most people were on a drinks package so lots of drinking.
Been twice with P & O very good cruises looked after us well, my husband is a Coeliac and they dealt with his meals well. Going on Queen Mary2 in September as I have always wanted to go on a ocean liner since I was small. We also do bums on seats cruises with Cunard done 2 now low price balcony room to Hamburg and back its cheaper than a normal hotel.
Sign yourself up on www.cruisecritic.co.uk And check reviews, like you would campsites here on UKCS. There are many cruise lines, they each have their own character, all of them suit someone (or they'd be out of business). Like camp sites. But we've been on cruises with P&O, Cunard, Celebrity, Cruise & Maritime, and some we've loved but others we haven't. However, other people would disagree with us. Cruise lines vary so much and we don't know what you're looking for by way of cabin standars, entertainment, dressing up - or not, service, ambience, bar prices, stuff for children.... Ultimately you get what you pay for, but there's no point paying for something you don't want.
For what it's worth, we have twice booked a cruise in good time (wanted that destination) only to find just before departure that we could have got the same trip in the same cabin type for a half or a third of what we'd paid, which is frustrating (to say the least) especially when folk gloat about how little they'd paid.
Thomson are ok you get what you pay for!
We enjoyed Royal Caribbean,as we have done 7 with them, get some good offers. Now having seen Harmony of the Seas at Southampton, would not want to go on that monster.
We enjoyed our cruises on Princess and Holland America ships.
Our neighbours aleays use Cunard and get frequent cruiser deals.
We quite like dressing for the formal nights, usually one or 2 per cruise.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Having done P&O, Princess and Celebrity they are all very similar.
If you prefer a British experience. both passengers, food and drinks go P&O.
If you want a US version of P&O go Princess, same style of ships, but more US passengers and food drinks US focussed.
Celebrity are part of Royal Caribbean and similar to P&O. RCI are more family focussed.
In terms of ship layout, on board facilities and passenger mix we preferred Celebrity. Their soltice class ships, such as Soltice, Eclipse are stunning.
You may get some good deals with the likes of MSC, but they are aimed at Italian passengers and on board experience reflects this.
I'd find a cruise visiting ports you want to visit then simply book the one you prefer! If you are a couple and aren't fussy there are always last minute deals on cruises,
We have done 9 cruises in total over a number of years, and splashed out on a 23night transatlantic voyage onboard P&O Arcadia the year my husband retired. We have also been onboard Holland America ships, and a few of the Thomson ships, but after the last cruise we had with them we vowed never to go with them ever again, the onboard standards of food, entertainment and service had deteriorated greatly in comparison with previous cruises, and the onboard food was more like works canteen food than fine dining, ok if you dont mind 'smart price' quality cooked meats and burgers ect on the buffet, but steaks and smoked salmon as offered by P&O it certainly was not.
Sadly due to health restrictions our cruising days are over, it was getting far too expensive to get insurance for me and my husband to travel on the cruise ships, so we enjoy ourselves in the Uk with our caravan instead, and are still discovering some amazing places and lovely little pubs to dine in, and all without the agro of flight delays and bagage battles that overseas holidays bring with them.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Many thanks to everyone for your replies. We did a cruise 9 years ago with Carnival, going to Western Caribbean and loved it. This time we want the Med and are taking a look at all your suggestions.
We did a Baltic cruise from Dover on Ocean Princess, which is a smaller ship. Sadly now she has been retired.
It was great as you could get to know the crew and fellow cruisers, unlike the very large ships which are more impersonal.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Kev,
We also have cruised with Carnival a few times, love them. Spoiled cruising with Thomson, was no comparision.. We use a site called "vacations to go" for booking Cruises, all kinds and price ranges (not including flights - but we buy them in the sales). Have a Fab time which ever you choose
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Which cruise line?
