First time cruise

[jeanyb]

Hi! Can anyone recommend a book which would be helpful to someone going on their first cruise next year?
Many thanks.

[VillageVicar]

Today, there are many different interpretations to the concept of cruising. For example; in North America, virtually all cruises of a week or longer, follow the standard of: First night out dress informal. Second night out is formal. When in port informal, last night out informal. There are, of course, variations. Also, with almost all cruises, there are typically five meals a day included in your fare.

Come back to the Mediterranean and you�ll find there are some ship lines that follow what I�d describe as a �ferry� mentality, offering for sale, almost every element of meal services and even some entertainment.

I encourage anyone to consider cruising as an option to other forms of holiday. Personally, I quite enjoy having my scenery change from day-to-day, whilst I never have to change rooms. For me, it�s truly relaxing.

As a child, I used to skirt back and forth across the Atlantic with my father. As an adult, I held on to that tradition, choosing occasionally to fly to a destination and sail home.

I would be honoured to answer any questions you may have about cruising and am pleased to offer any links that may be particular to your question.

Of my favourite lines are: (not in any particular order)

Seabourne
Cunard
P&O
Silversea
Windstar

For first timers, I would recommend either the Berlitz guide to cruising or Fodor�s Cruise Guide

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Berlitz-Complete-Cruis ing-Cruise-Guides/dp/9812469842/ref=pd_sim_b_s hvl_title_1/202-4307127-4387841

I wish you a Bon Voyage!

Fr Bill

[VillageVicar]

Jeany: I forgot to add the weblink that I use most for buying my 'sailings' from. I tend to use their US site when I'm booking Cunard because the pricing is different (lower) than it is here. But the others are generally about the same.

Here you can select many upgrade offers as well as look at the myriad of sailing and cruising options available!

And...the site will answer many questions you may have..

http://www.vacationstogo.com/

Bon Voyage

Fr Bill

[missmoore]

I'm sure someone will have already directed you here, but in case they haven't...

http://www.cruisecritic.com/ftc/

[Dassie]

Don't use a UK travel agent to book a cruise....they're a rip-off. I have used Vacations to go once but have subsequently found http://www.cruises-n-more.com to be even better. Speak to Alex who moved from the UK to join them. Princess have now blocked UK residents from booking via a US agent ( as they want to rip you off in the UK ! ) so for this line I found Iglu.com was pretty good.
Have you booked yet and if so what ship and area?

[heathfield]

I suppose 'Great Shipwrecks of the World' would be a non-starter?

[Snowy Owl]

If you happen to be over 50, then try Saga. They are truly wonderful in every respect.

[Dassie]

But their ships are OLD as well !

[jeanyb]

Thank you to everyone for their comments and suggestions. My father, who is in his eighties , has always wanted to go on a cruise, and has at last booked. He's going early next year, and I thought, as an extra little Christmas present, I may be able to buy a book which would help. Thanks once again to you all.

[auntiebertie]

Not a book but a website: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/index.php Info there about the cruise lines and all you want to know about the ports of call.