ANYBODY CLUED UP ON SHIP CRUISES?

7-10 days usually means a flight maybe to Venice or Barcelona, from say Harwich or Soton if you want the fjords or a longer cruise say two weeks in the med.
Everyone will tell you something different but would recommend celebrity cruises unless you want to go on the cheap.

Don't use the White Star line.

pumphul, not looking to pay a fortune, but it is a one off, so will splash the cash a bit.

Thanks for the replies so far, keep the coming, off to work soon, but look forward to comments and advice.

I'll be interested to see how this thread goes. We've been talking about trying a cruise, it's something I've never really fancied in past but I'm beginning to have a change of heart.

Find somewhere you fancy going first, if your looking for hot weather for a week then a flight & a week in the med is probably the way to go.

If your not too worried about the weather I can recommend a Baltic cruise which takes in Scandinavia & St Petersburg

For most people once they start cruising they never take any other sort of holiday, though obviously its not for everyone.

Went on one in 2007 in the Carribbean,best holiday ever,though 7days was enough at sea,try get a outside cabin around the 8th deck with a balcony to really enjoy the views .The food was fantastic as was the onboard entertainment,fully recommend.

Forgot to add waking up in a different Country everyday was another big plus.

I'd like a cruise in a hot climate but I wouldn't want to fly anywhere first.

Med from Soton then Kenbo, min 10 days really

Used to work winters on them around 20 odd years ago..also done a couple(Rome, Naples, Corfu and Istambul, Santorini, Athens plus a river one(Rhine) in the last couple of years.. depends what you want...you can go to some great historical places

Unless you have kids id avoid the July August rush..what exactly do you want to know about them??

There are cruises from Marsellies as well that encorporate trin travel... depends on budget, where you want to visit...

most are cashless ships where you register your debit card on arrival..plenty of mealtimes as well

Id reccpmmend a Rhine cruise if you dont want to fly..get Eurostar/Connecting train to Cologne and then board your vessel down the Rhine for a week or so

Id reccpmmend a Rhine cruise if you dont want to fly..get Eurostar/Connecting train to Cologne and then board your vessel down the Rhine for a week or so

The Med from Soton was something we thought possible, ten days sounds about perfect too.

I wouldn't fancy getting a train to Germany, we're trying to cut down on the travel side of things as much as we can.

Great replies. For me, not sure about s.Kenbo, looking at warm weather. However, this may sound daft, I have no interest
in this type of holiday. It is the wifes' 50th, she has always been good to me, so I feel I should make the effort.
Is it best to book direct or thorugh an agent?

Thanks for all the replies so far.

I've never been on a cruise but know someone who goes every year, and apparently standards have improved immeasurably over the past decade or so. Don't look at it just as a boat taking you between interesting sights, but as a floating resort. Check to see which entertainers are booked: is there anything your other half particularly likes?

I had to go on a 2 week cruise around the med(from southampton) as my brother was getting married on the ship, i didnt think i would like it at all but i enjoyed it. I went on a P&O cruise, the food was outstanding and the staff all over the ship cant do enough for you, Lots of entertainment each evening as well.

My parents go on 3 cruises a year and my brother goes once a year with his wife and kids.

As you are 50ish i would recommend going on a cruise where kids are not allowed.

Try iglu website -celebrity are very good.
Try iglu 90 days before you want to go because all the early bookers have to pay by then and companys will drop prices to make sure ship is full.

Depends when you are thinking of going and your budget..for around £700 you can get a decent cabin on Thomson Majesty's italian trips which do Rome, Naples, Sicily and corfu for seven days, so even if Cruisings not for you then you'll be in a port every day bar one at some great sites..you wont get many kids in around June anyway....the ship i found good and the food wasnt bad..just saying that if its your 1st time and you dont want to do a fortune..

as ever a great place to get info, I will crack on with this info....thank you all so much.

If you end up looking on the net for any deals try Cruise Nation I know of several people who have got a great deal off this firm.

Apparently it may cost more than you think -- because there will be lots of chances to spend money on board -- posh restaurants, entertainers, spas and so on.

Entertainment is included, It is expensive but you get value for money, a five star hotel at about £80 a night, top food included, yes you can pay a surcharge(£10-£20) on some to restaurants that would set you back a £100 to sit at in the uk so it works out to be still value.

Cooked breakfast every morning delivered to your room.

If i was MM, i would leave it late til i booked, you could probably get a balcony room for the same price as a normal room.