going on a cruise

[smurfchops]

We are two young fifty somethings thinking of going on a cruise for approx one week in October. Can anyone recommend an all-in cruise (with food etc) that is enjoyable, not dressy in the evening, and not too far to travel before we pick up the ship (not literally). We don't fancy flying to somewhere like New York, bit too far before we actually start cruisin'  Thanks ABers, you always seem to help me! You hear all these horror stories about cruising ....

[sddsddean]

Royal Carribean International ship Legend of the Seas is leaving Southampton on 11th Oct to do a 10 night around the Canaries. Cost about �1100 per person, but no flight. You can park for free at Southampton. You may get this cheaper at Cruise Club UK 0161 798 5333 or Cruise Specialists 0870 5577799. I have been on the Legend and it is a great ship. My wife and I are hooked on cruises and have done the Panama Canal (on the Legend) and an Alaska cruise. You can dress up if you want to and go in the proper dining room or use the Windjammer which is a more relaxed self service reataurant, but the food is still great. Of course you can have room service in your cabin (no extra charge!). On a ten night cruise you will probaly have 2 formal nights (dinner jacket or suit for men[I just wear a suit]), 3 smart casual(no tie, jacket optional),and the rest casual (no shorts). Everything is included except alcohol and brand soft drinks (eg Coke, Tango). You get free tea, coffee, chocolate, orange, lemonade, iced tea and of course, water. Service is excellent. The only sort of cruise I wouldn't go on is a Thompson ship, as these seem to be the ones that have 'problems', although P & O haven't done themselves any favours recently! But if you go RCI, Princess, Holland America or Norwegian Cruise Lines you shouldn't have a problem. Forgot to mention all entertainment (big shows etc) are included. The only extras are shore excursions, but you can always get off and explore on your own. The one golden rule is DO NOT be late! The ship will not wait for you!! Go and have fun; its brilliant!! (Am I sounding enthusiastic enough?!)

[sddsddean]

Sorry, I was looking at the 2006 dates. Its 14 nights leaving on Oct 8th this year.

[smurfchops]

sddsddean - thank you so much. It is my husband's birthday on 8 October so that date is ideal. I will certainly look into this one.  Any other suggestions anyone?

[Cathyhuns]

Princess have a 12 day trip from Barcelona to Venice on 5th Oct.  We did this last summer and it was very enjoyable, not too posh although there are two formal nights you can use the alternative restaurants if you don't want to dress up. see www.princess.co.uk for details.

Alternatively Cunard have QE2 from and returning to Southampton (so very little travelling) for 10 nights from 4th October on QE2.  See www.cunard.co.uk But there will be more formal nights although again you can use the alternative restaurants.  We have also done QE2 and prefer it to Princess - more British but also more formal - but it doesn't suit everyone.

[smurfchops]

Thanks everyone, very helpful. We are now taking a Celebrity cruise (see my thread above with my next question - Monte Carlo etc) and thanks again! I will keep these in mind for the future. Kind regards to all.