Wise to book cruises for 2022?

Jane10 has said she will book another cruise when it is safe to do so. I’m assuming she doesn’t have a crystal ball so is unable to give an exact date as to when that will be. This year, next year? This question is one none of us have the answer to.

I would be thrilled just to have the opportunity to drive to our other home further north, in Scotland. As I don’t have any desire to leave the country, foreign trips will take a back seat until I too feel it’s safe to travel once more

A cruise on any type of huge ship doesn’t appeal but the smaller Scandinavian types could be something I would enjoy, again, whenever it is safe to do so.

Am I the only person who thinks is not at all unpleasant.

I am dying to go on a cruise again and to stay in our favourite hotels! The cruises we go on are small, very select affairs.

One thing I am not looking forward to, and don't intend to do ever again, is go on any sort of self catering holiday.

As Callistemon said, they were fine when we had more children than money and certainly would not have contemplated a package type holiday.

When I go away I want to be waited on and not have to think about anything domestic even having to organise a take away.

But I doubt it is wise to book a cruise this year.

River cruises are indeed lovely relaxing holidays. Something to think about.
I was very struck by MawBe's comment re her kind Dad. I was very happy when we were a struggling young family living under the shadow of redundancy, when my Dad gave us some money for what he called a 'whoopee fund' to be spent on treats and outings only. We really appreciated it.
We've had a nice time over the past few weeks reminiscing about our various holidays and trips. They are high points in otherwise hard working lives. Worth saving for and always something to look forward to.

I’m feeling quite wistful now. It’s been a long time since we were anywhere else but here! At least I know for sure that I’ll appreciate future trips all the more.

Anyone who uses social media/forums knows what signifies. Huge difference between and .

A small, very select affair,(cruise), sounds appealing kitty. My hippy days are well and truly over, sadly. ?

kittylester you ràised an interesting point about self catering holidays. Like millions of others, we did it when DC were small and it was all we could afford but now, the whole reason for me going on holiday is to have someone else cook my meals, wash up and make my bed - the whole idea is to have a break from the norm ! I'd rather go away for a shorter period of time and be catered for, than go for longer and do it myself!

kalu, we have done few river cruises and really love them. We go early in the season May/early June ish as we don't like the heat. The Rhine was fabulous. Dh won't contemplate an ocean cruise!

*a few not few.

Saga are offering cruises to people as long as they have received both Covid vaccinations I believe. However, with all the new variants emerging I am not sure about booking anything just yet.

I'm not old enough to go on a Saga Cruise

I agree with you chewbacca.

yes, we were planning to do the Duro and a tour of Portugal before or after, with sil and bil- but then... Covid. Also fancied a British one, with small boat and Isles of Scilly to Scotland.
Again, Covid and computer said 'NO'.

We did a Viking Douro river cruise. Not our favourite due to the geography of the river. Very high sides and resultant bus trips on landing each day.
One of the nicest but short cruises we ever did was on the 'Lord of the Isles' from Oban to Inverness via the Crinan canal and Loch Ness. A beautiful, teeny, ship. Small but companionable number of passengers and fabulous views everywhere. In October too so lovely foliage. We were lucky with the weather.

Just checked its 'Lord of the Glens' not the Isles.

About ten years ago I was studying in Lyons. I used to pass all all the Viking river cruise boats tied up on the quayside. Ever since, I have had a hankering for a river cruise in either France or Germany.

I'm so envious ?of all of who you have experienced cruising. Thank you for sharing. It won't happen for me now.

Oh Marydoll, I wish it could! The Baltic cruise I talked about earlier picked us up at Newcastle, then went on to Dundee. We enjoyed spotting the landmarks there when we watched Traces this week.

The more I read of river cruises, the more it appeals. Just have to convince DH who abhors the idea of having to socialise aboard a floating prison. I will be calling on those in the know for advice on here. I have now sown the seed and chances are, by the time it takes me to convince him we will hopefully be nearer the end of the covid tunnel.

We have sailed many times, west coast of Scotland mainly, being our stomping ground but other occasions, round the islands. Breathtakingly beautiful but I am warming to the idea of river cruises to visit other countries’ scenery. May/early June sounds perfect kitty.

We loved the river cruises in France and Germany. Just step off the boat into a little village. We just enjoyed wandering about having a coffee and watching the world go by. The Americans seemed to need to rush off sight seeing.
No need for forced socialisation btw. Its as friendly as you want to make it. However, river cruising does seem to attract people with much in common.

kittylester

I'm not old enough to go on a Saga Cruise

I agree with you chewbacca.

Cheeky

Chewbacca I agree - the idea of a holiday is to get away from Real Life and the humdrum of thinking about the catering etc.
Even if you can go out for dinner or have a takeaway.
And I enjoy meeting new people and listening to their stories and experiences.

I have, however, enjoyed large family get togethers when the young people did the organising and cooking!

Callistemon Gosh.

It isn't a regular occurrence, Jane10 but there is one pencilled in for this summer.

?

Actually, I should clarify. They're not that young - 40s?
But younger than us.
And very good at organising

40s? Och they're bairns. Keep an eye. Can they be trusted round hot cookers?

Better than I can!!
I have a few scars to prove it.

Prior to COVId I was asked to provide proof of Vaccines taken when I accepted a post in the NHS. My GP provided a print out. I suspect going forward this will be the case for many services and also made available via the NHS app.