Cruise info required - quickly!

[shivvy]

I want to buy tickets for a cruise for my in-laws. It is very last minute and I want to buy them either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week.
I have never been on a cruise (and neither have they) so I need quite a bit of advice, although I have had a bit of a look online.
I know they fancy a cruise but don't really know where to start so are there cruises which act as a bit of a taster ie nothing too long-haul, quite well priced (maybe under �750 per head for a cabin with a balcony), and have few hidden costs ie tipping or transfer to land costs?
They would be travelling from Northern Ireland too so the initial destination would need to be a direct flight from NI.

Can anyone suggest where I should look to book something? Or what pitfalls I should look for?

Thanks.

[Lucky2007]

Morning Shivvy!,

Well I have been cruising for the last three years, my in laws take the whole family (inc kids) because then everyone's happy.

We always go with P&O who set sail from Southampton. The trip consists of the Med .... we go for two weeks but they do a week's cruise too, (just to give you a taster) I'm 39, very outgoing and chatty and I love them!

The best ship I have been on was the Ventura, massive and lots to do. The staff are great, very, very helpful, and the ships are beautiful. Here is the website for P&O http://www.pocruises.com/ most of their fleet are new ships, with up to date technology, i.e fully fitted gyms, spas, nice cabins with en suite, a number of pools.

The hidden costs are: alchohol drinks, tipping (usually done to your cabin steward at the end of your holiday) casino money and any excursions you may want to do. when you embark you get a ship's account card and at the end of your holiday you pay up, it's all very simple and easy.

Finally would sooooo recommend a cruise because you can do as little or as much as you want to do. the staff work really hard for your entertainment, nightly shows, parties on desk, films to watch, quiz's, talks on various subjects and the food is yummy, you don't have to lift a finger! plus you get to dock in a new place practically every day! upon departure they usually have a sail-away party on top desk which is always a hoot.

Really hope you go for it and I'm sure there are plenty of deals out there so haggle!!! maybe you can get your flights thrown in.

P.S. Don't go for the Thompson cruise cos their ships are tiddlers and you can't help but laugh when the P&O ships dock beside them! It's all about the status! and quality of passengers cos they really help to make your holiday better.

Hope this helps, will su

[Lucky2007]

Hi Shivvy,me again! forgot to say that they also do adult only cruises should you & your in laws just want some peace and quiet!

[lesblue]

Hi shivvy. Just to say I totally disagree with Lucky2007 with regard Thomson. Their boats are smaller, but I find them so much friendlier. Perhaps its because they are filled with "my kind of people", not snobs like Lucky. Unless you can get the all-inclusive option, you must pay for drinks. Tea, coffee, water is free, and tipping is also not necessary. Excursions are extra. The crew and entertainment staff are A1.

Hope you find what you are looking for.

[shivvy]

Thanks Lucky and lesblue - and sorry that you disagree!
Your info has been useful. There just seem to be so many options that it is a bit bewildering.

[Lucky2007]

I resent that comment lesblue! I'm not posh .... don't be so touchy Lesblue, if the lady wants to treat her In laws to a cruise then it's gotta be the Lion RARRRRRRRRR not the mouse squeak, squeak.

Is that the time, right, off to take my two chincillas, Tarquin and Tatiana for their 4.30 walk round the grounds ..... ;-))

[shivvy]

lol !!!

[sddsddean]

There is loads of info at http://www.cruisecritic.com/index.cfm
You choices of departure port from NI are basically Southampton, Dover or Harwich. Via the CC website above, there are links to all the big cruise lines...just plug in dates and search. We always reckon if we can do it for �100/person/day we are doing well. You can pay tips up front and this usually works out cheaper. If you want to try and get the cruises a bit cheaper than advertised, try The Bolsover Cruise Club 01246 819819 or Airmiles Travel 0870 55 77777. Airmiles is handy if you have Tesco vouchers, as you can cash them in for miles to use against your holiday. Both places are very knowledgable and will help with any queries you have.

[lesblue]

Forgot to mention, shivvy. You will often find that the P&O Cruises spend more time at sea than some of the more "common" cruises, like Thomson, Ocean Village etc. The one my wife and I took from Southampton was at sea for seven of the fourteen days. While being on board a huge floating hotel is part of the experience, it is not the most important part. Waking up in a new destination is a wonderful experience. I'm sure you will have a great time whatever you choose.

[blackietwo]

try thomson cruise. very good food ect. cruised with them a few times. they do a canaries, med, red sea. tey are not great big ships so you dont get overpowered. tipping not expected, have a look at the thomson cruise site. by the way if your in laws smoke, no smoking in cabins or inside the ship. entertainment is of a good standard. you dont have to do all that dressing up stuff, but they have a captains dinner once a week i you want to dress up. its optional and thee are plenty other places to eat. be lucky to get balcony for that price though. request a double bed, the twins are small. thomson spirit and the celebration are their best ships. the destiny is past it now

[blackietwo]

If your into the big ships you cant beat royal carribean. their my favourites. but lot of americans on board. usually pick them u in southampton or fly to miami.

[blackietwo]

I think the navigator of the seas and the voyger go from southampton. these ships are mega. and can recommend these. they know how to cruise, and tower over all english ships. but you can get lost on them, tried to find my cabin one night for an hour, wore the bloody carpets out.