Let’s talk about cruise travel with NCL - £300 voucher to be won

Love Cruising! Been to the Norweigan Fjords and a cruise to the Caribbean and had a fab time. I always leave my clown costume at home though ;-)

I've never been on a cruise but a couple of my friends have and I was full of questions that from this thread seem to be common thoughts.
What part of the boat is it best to get a cabin on for less movement.
Can you head off on your own when the boat docks or is it all planned excursions?
How much is booking lunch with the captain?
What if someone falls ill?
What if the weather turns for the worst?
Is there enough life rafts for everyone aboard?

I am hesitant about booking a cruise holiday. I always like the freedom of walking out and enjoy exploring new places whenever I want to. This freedom is rather restricted with a cruise holiday.

I'd be up for giving a cruise a go. I think if I did it, I'd want to go all out and go for the best available. And it would need lots of things on offer to keep me entertained

I have never been on a cruise, but would love to.

I went on an NCL cruise after my son won it in a competition and have always said it would be my idea of hell, stuck on water on a ship would feel claustrophobic, or so I thought! I LOVED it, the food was fantastic, the rooms were ample and the balconies were a great size, there was plenty going on including shows, numerous bars to visit, kids activities, and it was great to get to visit numerous locations for just long enough to see a few sights. I would happily go again, I think the think I liked most was that it was a very casual cruise ship, my idea of hell is having to dress up in fancy clothes to eat every night, whereas this trip involved lots of people, of all nationalities and age groups, just enjoying themselves and looking forward to the next destination.

I’ve never been on a cruise because I don’t like the idea of being trapped on a ship, I think watching the Titanic at a young age made me weary of boats! I don’t know enough stats about how safe a ship is to travel on. What about all these pirates I keep hearing about trying to come on board vessels? I’m afraid I just don’t know enough about how safe cruises are..

I get sea sick and claustrophobic so don't think cruising would be for me!

I've never been on a cruise, at least not yet, can't wait to go on one though. But unfortunately the cost is not easily absorbed from my wages.

Bit expensive, but I'd love to go on one. Sitting still and getting scenery pushed past you… Sounds fab.

I’d never get my OH on a cruise - he hates the idea of being trapped with thousands of people. Also I’m wondering about their environmental credentials and the negative impact of huge ships on certain historic ports. What are cruise companies doing about that?

LaaMooi, I am no cruiser but I should think that a cruise is about one of the safest holidays you can go on, short of staying in bed at home. When did you last hear of a cruise ship being attacked by pirates? oil tankers, container vessels, very occasionally. You have more chance of being killed crossing a road than coming to harm on a cruise ship.

Many cruise ships have 1000s of passengers and a large crew. Pirates go for ships with only a few people on board - think about it

We went on one cruise for our 40th wedding anniversary, to The Arctic.
It was wonderful, and I think the best we have done.

I think the four days, add on, through the Rockies was the icing on the cake.
It was a new idea then, and so affordable, and it made for an unforgettable experience.

I love cruise holidays and wish we could afford to go more often.
I suffered from seasickness on my first cruise, but the ship had a fabulous medical centre where I was checked over and given an injection to stop the sickness. While talking to the nurse I found out I was more prone to motion sickness as my period had started that day. Since menopause I have not had motion sickness!!
We stick to a budget by booking the cheapest cabin well in advance and have been upgraded every time.
All cruise lines have different ways of doing things, so you can find ones who don't insist on dressing up. But who doesn't smarten up to visit a restaurant?
There's plenty of room for everyone. Comfy chairs and loungers are found everywhere not just by the pool.
No need to go with the herd. At most ports you can get off and do your own thing.
For an (almost) all inclusive holiday a cruise is good value and we've been to places we would never have visited otherwise.

We took the children on a Disney cruise many years ago and absolutely loved it. There were lots of obviously Disney related activities and themes but there were also adult only areas which the only Disney element would be something like shape of Mickey ears which you had to look carefully to see. Would definitely go on another cruise at some point in the future.

i would love to experience a cruise holiday it looks like the most relaxing experience

I like cruises because everything is laid on for you, it is very relaxing and comfortable.

I love them but they are never long enough

We have cruised a few times - loved the all inclusive element with NCL we had opted for ( even though we don't drink much alcohol) great to visit different places - made easier when you're on a cruise.

I love cruise holidays and find them so relaxing. I enjoy the theatre shows in the evenings and the superb dining choices. However, I do not like cruises that are over-run by rowdy and boisterous children. I have nothing against children on cruises but there should be a limit on the number of children on each cruise.

I have only ever done one mini cruise on an RCI ship and it was amazing. They're like moving resorts with EVERYTHING you could want on board

Cruising is probably my ideal type of holiday. I love the fact that you only have to unpack once and can just relax and go with the "flow"! The choice of destinations these days are wide and varied. The type of cruise can also vary from casual and relaxed style to the more formal type. Down to personal choice really which sort suits your personal style. The ship becomes one's safe haven to return to at the end of a day in port. You know exactly what is on offer and that you will be "fed and watered" well! Entertainment included also in the price of your ticket! What more can one wish for! For those who haven't tried cruising …..dive in and take a chance!

my ideal cruise would be on a norweigan cruiseline to see the fjords in norway

I'm concerned about the terms and conditions of staff working on the cruise liners.The last cruise we went on with Royal Caribbean the staff told us they received no wages and relied totally on customer tips.I now refuse to entertain any cruise company unless they prove they are not in reality slave ships of largely migrant workers.

Not been on one yet always considered it to be for older travellers. It looks very romantic though.