Any first timers out there? Thought about cruising (dont know where to yet) but never seem to get round to it. Any suggestions where would be a good first time destination? Not interested in those lardy-dah type where you have to get dressed up all the time
take a 3 or 4 day cruise, either out of LA if you are near the west coast, or out of Miami on the east coast…
Royal Caribbean is a great cruiseline, and Norwegian is cool too.
Just check out their websites, and no, you don’t have to dress up at every meal…
I did a cruise or two. Had a good time but hated the days that we were just at sea. Loved the ports-of-call and activities.
If you love to party – carnival is the cruise line for you. Norwegian is also good, but more upscale, so I’ve heard.
Most cruises require you to dress for dinner, if only the captain’s dinner.
If you want really casual – go on a barefoot cruise
If you are under 50, you will be the youngest passenger aboard, unless you go with Ocean, or Easy Cruise.
Look for cruises that don’t have too many days “at sea”, but stop at a port nearly every day.
Check whether shore excursions and gratuities are included in the price, as these can be expensive, as can your bar bill.
Ocean Village is (and I quote), “The cruise ship for people who don’t do cruises.” I did 7 nights round the Med last year with the missus and would recommend it. You wake up in a new country every day which is pretty cool.
I would agree with the Ocean Village answer, great holiday. Fly from the UK to Majorca and cruise from there. Ocean Village 2 is starting next year so will give more itinerary choices. Ocean Village 1 is going to cruise from Crete from next year. Really laid back, great food, great ports of call. Cruising is fab!
Carnival is a pretty fun cruise line. I went on a cruise in May to Nassau (new providence), Half Moon cay, and Grand Turk in the Bahamas, it was a 5 day which is pretty nice but I would recommend paying a little more and going for 7 days, this allows more days to relax at sea. Also, try to avoid going to islands that are owned by the cruise line, I found Half Moon Cay actually a little boring. You can research all of the islands on their website.
As first timers, and poor sailors, we are trying a 2 week cruise fro Moscow to Leningrad this September (avoids the sunburn!). Noble Caledonia (and others ) have them listed.
You need a visa and there is a fair amount of paperwork to fill in. Best of luck in your choice.