Cruise holidays

[noelm]

A recent thread got me thinking about people's thoughts on going cruising for a holiday. To start, cruising is not for everyone (forget Covid as as yes/no) we have all heard the "floating Petri dish" stories! first you need to consider what you want (like all holidays) do you want a "shorts and thongs" or a "jacket and shoes" type thing, is there a family involved, young kids or old? It makes a huge difference what cruise line you choose, and will influence your holiday considerably. First the pros of a cruise....you only unpack once, your room is done every day (twice if you want) fresh towels, cleaned, the whole lot. Dining options are almost unlimited (included in your fare) sit down, table cloth, waiter service or a buffet style, I call the buffet "eating out of the bins" but it serves a purpose, decent food, ready all the time. Entertainment is laid on, nightly shows (some great, some just OK), all sorts of sporting activities if that's your thing, Bingo (hate Bingo) but it is a jackpot type thing with around 3-6 grand on the last day! (I still don't go) Casino, a dozen bars, multiple swimming pools, adults only areas, it's all there, no one has to drive, park or do anything.

The not so great (for some) you go where the ship goes...end of story, most Ports (not all) are pretty industrial, or the better ones you go ashore in tenders (ships life boats) there is a lot of people in one spot, but, once you get the "hang" of it, there's no problem. If you don't like the ship/destination/people, then bad luck, your stuck for the duration. Sometimes boarding and getting off can be tedious (not always) if you depart White Bay in Sydney, good luck....possibly the worst place in Australia to get to! Circular Quay is a breeze. The bigger ships leaving White Bay need low tide to get safe Harbour Bridge clearance, so, you might be delayed leaving or returning....a real pain, but it's a safety thing, so "suck it up". Some people hate "theme" nights, but you don't have to dress up if you don't want to, it's probably 50/50 theme dressed or not. Drinks are a bit funny, a beer (almost any brand) is about $8 around what you pay in some places in Sydney, but, more expensive than "the local" cocktails vary around $16 but the "nip" is just a tip the bottle, so can be quite strong. You can buy a drinks package for $119 per day, but......it's limited to 15 drinks! Still cheaper than buying one at a time, and 15 drinks in a full day is fine, but, everyday?? 

As I said before, it's not everyone's thing, and I have been on lots of cruises, and seen a lot of Australia, been on hundreds of fishing holidays, family holidays in caravan parks, camping all sorts of things, and they all provide something different, not all appeal to everyone, it's very personal. Sorry to bore you all, but it's just an insight into what a cruise can offer, anyone wants to ask anything, go ahead, more than happy to give an honest answer....good or bad.

[zmk1962]

Never been on a cruise… but just last week M and I booked a 3 day trip out of Sydney to Eden and back. March 2023. A bit of a taste test I guess. Life is about experiences. And a cruise was on our bucket list. 
Will watch this topic for sure. 
cheers Zoran

[frankS]

When I win lotto I am going to take a 8/11 day River cruise, either the Mediterranean Or one of the europe rivers. I am not interested in an ocean cruise .

Frank

[noelm]

44 minutes ago, zmk1962 said:

Never been on a cruise… but just last week M and I booked a 3 day trip out of Sydney to Eden and back. March 2023. A bit of a taste test I guess. Life is about experiences. And a cruise was on our bucket list. 
Will watch this topic for sure. 
cheers Zoran

What cruise line (PM if you like) even the ship can make a difference to the experience! 3-4 days gives you a good "taste"

edit........get a good vantage point going out of the Harbour, doesn't matter how many times you have been there, being in a floating hotel 15 (or more) stories up gives it all a whole different perspective, it's spectacular!

Edited March 8, 2023 by noelm

[noelm]

6 minutes ago, frankS said:

When I win lotto I am going to take a 8/11 day River cruise, either the Mediterranean Or one of the europe rivers. I am not interested in an ocean cruise .

Frank

They are great, but sooooo expensive.

[zmk1962]

13 minutes ago, noelm said:

What cruise line (PM if you like) even the ship can make a difference to the experience! 3-4 days gives you a good "taste"

PM sent.  Can't be too careful. @Yowie might see it otherwise and plant prawn heads in my cabin !

Cheers Zoran

[noelm]

Just a couple of totally useless things about the ships. Most of the newer ones are diesel electric, 6-8 big engines, right down low in the ship, driving generators that power the "Azipods" imagine an outboard motor leg, mounted under the ship, able to turn 360 degrees, and the actual motors are mounted where your outboard gearbox would be.....combined with bow thrusters, the ship can move sideways, rotate in its own length. Most are 300m + long, use around 150 tonnes of fuel.....a day! They make hundreds of tonnes of water a day, all those showers, toilets, cooking and so on uses lots of water. Food stores are immense, it's hard to fathom the amount. Waste is a big issue, everything possible is recycled and returned to shore, food and human waste is treated a dozen times and said to be "drinkable" (I will take their word for that) and released at sea when underway at a minimum distance offshore. They are truly fascinating machines when you get to see "behind the scenes". Most have a crew to passenger ration of about 2-3 to one, so about 3 passengers to one crew member, most bar/wait crew are Balinese or Indonesian and are fantastic, so friendly and they know you name, drink, family after a day, how they do it I don't know! That said, there can be some very rude passengers, all nationalities, the crew are there to serve you, they are not your servant! I have seen some really bad, rude people, most times I do not say things to people, but now and then.......I just have to! A classic example, at the buffet for lunch, there was a guy in front of me "telling" the server to put more on his plate, "more Pork" he was near shouting, "more Potatoes" there is no limit to the amount you have, or the number of times you go back, I just said to him "don't speak like that, there's plenty to go around" he just looked at me, mumbled and walked off, luckily stuff like that is not common.

Edited March 9, 2023 by noelm

[Derny Driver]

I went on a cruise once. Its like being stuck inside a club for a week straight. Crowds everywhere you go. The only place you can get away from people is in your room.

For families I can see the attraction. Mum and Dad can kiss the kids goodbye in the morning and not see them again until 10pm. The young ones can go to the kids club for free babysitting, the teenagers can just run riot. Mum doesnt have to cook or clean and can read a book and drink wine all day. 

Not my scene.

[noelm]

Agree, it's not everyone's "thing"

[mrsswordfisherman]

I am well travelled having started in 1976 as a student nurse on my first trip to Bali and Singapore. I had studied Bahasa Indonesian at school and when I returned I did a further 3 years at USyd for fun. I later backpacked through Asia with friends and first hubby and we took our 4 year old daughter later on. Always loved different cultures. 

Been on a few cruises to Pacific Islands. Enjoyed it when kids were young. They had lots of fun at the Kids Club and doing activities. Food was great and entertainment also quite good.

The 3 or 4 day cruises were ok @zmk1962 enough to give you an idea. I took swordie on one and he kept looking out to sea for fishing opportunities and the seaisckness comes over some people too. 

On the longer cruises I found there were a lot of passengers that just were there to drink 24/7 and play pokies. I found that there was not enough content on shore and more time spent at sea. What is the internet connection like these days? They were pleasant experiences but I would not take another one. I think the most up to date ships would be the go. 

In later years when we retired we took a Budapest to Amsterdam all inclusive trip up the Rhine. It was magnificent and we would gladly do that again if we had the dollars. All travel along the waterways and through the locks was done at night whilst we slept. The days were spent out in the cities exploring and night visits for dinners at castles or checking out palaces. No seasickness of course. Not any disappointments with this trip and we upgraded to business class flights for a steal. Most berths have a balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the surroundings. 

Having said all that I am looking at the Disney Cruises from Sydney. I watched a documentary Nat Geo streaming on Disney+ Check this out is you have kids or grandkids!! We would love to take our grandchild and her parents on this one. I know another friend who is doing this with family (also a raider) and found it was almost booked out for 2023 - 2024. Waiing for a windfall or maybe I should sell two boats .............. 

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/wish/

[mrsswordfisherman]

1 hour ago, frankS said:

When I win lotto I am going to take a 8/11 day River cruise, either the Mediterranean Or one of the europe rivers. I am not interested in an ocean cruise .

Frank

Best choice @frankS

[Rebel]

The best cruise I went on was years ago from Sydney to Manly in the middle of a raging storm. Broken windows, people sea sick, but we stilled rolled on

Top cruise.

Cheers.

[noelm]

Internet is at best OK,  if you get the Premium package it is marginally faster but certainly more reliable. Lots of the South Pacific Islands are closed to tourists until at least the end of this year, supposedly to protect them from Covid, true or not? No idea. If you choose the right company, there is more ports and less sea days, it varies considerably. There will always be the "redneck" stay drunk all cruise types, same as anywhere, but the right ship will limit this carry on! I have on occasions taken a "travel rod" and had success in a few places, everything I catch I just give to the local kids, I went spinning on Mare' Island once and caught a decent Mackeral, the kids thought it was fantastic when I gave to to them! Lots of big Whiting on nearly all the beaches

[zmk1962]

1 hour ago, mrsswordfisherman said:

I am well travelled having started in 1976 as a student nurse on my first trip to Bali and Singapore. I had studied Bahasa Indonesian at school and when I returned I did a further 3 years at USyd for fun. I later backpacked through Asia with friends and first hubby and we took our 4 year old daughter later on. Always loved different cultures. 

Been on a few cruises to Pacific Islands. Enjoyed it when kids were young. They had lots of fun at the Kids Club and doing activities. Food was great and entertainment also quite good.

The 3 or 4 day cruises were ok @zmk1962 enough to give you an idea. I took swordie on one and he kept looking out to sea for fishing opportunities and the seaisckness comes over some people too. 

On the longer cruises I found there were a lot of passengers that just were there to drink 24/7 and play pokies. I found that there was not enough content on shore and more time spent at sea. What is the internet connection like these days? They were pleasant experiences but I would not take another one. I think the most up to date ships would be the go. 

In later years when we retired we took a Budapest to Amsterdam all inclusive trip up the Rhine. It was magnificent and we would gladly do that again if we had the dollars. All travel along the waterways and through the locks was done at night whilst we slept. The days were spent out in the cities exploring and night visits for dinners at castles or checking out palaces. No seasickness of course. Not any disappointments with this trip and we upgraded to business class flights for a steal. Most berths have a balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the surroundings. 

Having said all that I am looking at the Disney Cruises from Sydney. I watched a documentary Nat Geo streaming on Disney+ Check this out is you have kids or grandkids!! We would love to take our grandchild and her parents on this one. I know another friend who is doing this with family (also a raider) and found it was almost booked out for 2023 - 2024. Waiing for a windfall or maybe I should sell two boats .............. 

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/wish/

Thanks Donna, lots of good insights. Noel's PM was also very helpful.  I'm pretty sure I'll be like Swordie - spend all my time looking for diving birds, bait balls etc etc

Maria and I have our sights set on a possible Nordic cruise - leaving Copenhagen, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, up to Alaska, New Foundland,  northern lights etc etc ... 

Something very different to the usual tropics cruises.

Cheers Zoran

[mrsswordfisherman]

Just now, zmk1962 said:

Thanks Donna, lots of good insights. Noel's PM was also very helpful.  I'm pretty sure I'll be like Swordie - spend all my time looking for diving birds, bait balls etc etc

Maria and I have our sights set on a possible Nordic cruise - leaving Copenhagen, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, up to Alaska, New Foundland,  northern lights etc etc ... 

Something very different to the usual tropics cruises.

Cheers Zoran

Yes that is the other fabbo one - Norwegian Dawn ship? 

[zmk1962]

8 minutes ago, mrsswordfisherman said:

Yes that is the other fabbo one - Norwegian Dawn ship? 

Now that's TOO specific planning for novice cruisers yet to embark on their very first 3-day sampler cruise !

[big Neil]

16 minutes ago, zmk1962 said:

Thanks Donna, lots of good insights. Noel's PM was also very helpful.  I'm pretty sure I'll be like Swordie - spend all my time looking for diving birds, bait balls etc etc

Maria and I have our sights set on a possible Nordic cruise - leaving Copenhagen, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, up to Alaska, New Foundland,  northern lights etc etc ... 

Something very different to the usual tropics cruises.

Cheers Zoran

You will love a "Northern lights" cruise Zoran. bn

[noelm]

17 minutes ago, zmk1962 said:

Thanks Donna, lots of good insights. Noel's PM was also very helpful.  I'm pretty sure I'll be like Swordie - spend all my time looking for diving birds, bait balls etc etc

Maria and I have our sights set on a possible Nordic cruise - leaving Copenhagen, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, up to Alaska, New Foundland,  northern lights etc etc ... 

Something very different to the usual tropics cruises.

Cheers Zoran

It's funny, all the thousands of cruise miles I have done and all I have ever seen is Flying Fish (all the time) and a couple of Sea Snakes , even when cruising past little coral atolls, no Tuna, Whales, schools of anything, maybe the ship scares them away?

[jeffb5.8]

We are a travel family, and it was passed on to me from my parents, told to leave home and go see the world and my wife was travelling when i met her, even though she is a aussie.

 

I have cruised 3 times now and the 4th is only weeks away,

We only cruise with Royal Carribean and prefer to pay a little extra to hopefully avoid the old RSL on water type boats, also from others who have cruised with other brands, RC service is better, less kids, better food and dining options and a great selection of Activities and Bars.

We like it for fact you're on holidays 1hr after you leave home, no plan trips, long drives and hassle. We have travelled extensively with and without kids, i think last count my wife and i have visited 28 countries for 3 days or more, we don't count just overnighters.

Cruise 1

Just us as a family, 3 little kids was great enjoyed the Islands, but said no more unless we have a small group of friend or family to share the trip with

Cruise 2

a family joined us, and they had kids the same age, was great as the kids are all respectful and well behaved, no running amuck, but still being kids and having fun

Cruise 3 

Same family plus another family came along and had a great time, kids were now ranging from 5yrs up to 13yrs (9 kids in total)

Next Cruise

there is 5 families going and 14 kids ranging from 7yrs to 17yrs, will report back.

 

 

[noelm]

Yep, that's exactly my feelings, it's a real "holiday" and indeed the cruise company plays a huge part in it all. We have cruised with groups, families and just us, all can be a challenge if personalities collide.....

[Fab1]

As I said to you b4 this is my idea of a cruise ship.No one around to be seen.I do have sexy toes.

[noelm]

I've got news for you about your toes.......and it's all bad!

[Fab1]

2 minutes ago, noelm said:

I've got news for you about your toes.......and it's all bad!

😂😂I might dangle them over the side next time to use as berley.

[big Neil]

An interesting topic for the Fishraider forum. My wife and I were fortunate enough to go on several cruises and we really enjoyed meeting people from different parts of the world, many of whom are still friends today.

There are lots of choices to entertain oneselves each day. We could do some things together or simply catch up for a coffee, lunch or some other activity. The food choices are impressive on all the different cruise lines. There is definitely a hierarchy of preference, which develops after trying several different cruise lines. P&O definitely at the lower end, Princess and Royal Caribbean at the top end of the market. Like any other sightseeing experience, the trips ashore can be great or not... depending on many factors. One thing gained from cruising is an experience which can't be provided on dry land, or up in the air.

One experience which ticked some boxes for me was an opportunity to go fishing at a small island in the Vanuatu group. We headed ashore in one of the tenders, with another couple who we had met. No real expectation of looking forward to doing/seeing anything in particular, apart from a swim and a bit of snorkeling. A billboard caught my eye. FISHING TRIP $40. What the heck! Bill and I were keen so we sought out the provider of this opportunity to fish in Vanuatu. The providers of the experience were a young guy with a spattering of English and his uncle ( a grey-haired guy who spoke French and Bislam). The fishing vessel was a 14ft tinny with a dilapidated 40 HP motor that wouldn't start and kept conking out. Eventually, it was running enough for us to venture toward the outer reef of the atoll we were on. The problem here was that there appeared to be a complete ring of reef with waves breaking on the outer side of it. The old guy motored flat out toward the reef, Bill and I getting more and more anxious that we were going to hit the reef at full bore, when an opening appeared, as if by magic. We zoomed through and skirted along the breaking waves like an experienced surfer. Once beyond the waves we slowed, then stopped. My first thought "where are the fishing rods?". The young guy dragged out an old sack from behind his uncle which contained some handlines, each fitted with a rusty 9 inch bolt and very rusty hook, as well as a couple of small, rigid bait fish. The next hour was fantastic. Every drop produced a reef fish which I had never seen before, the bottom of the tinny was becoming covered in fish flapping about. All too soon the experience was over and we headed back through the gap in the reef to the safety of the inner reef and the atoll. They took all the fish, we couldn't take them back on board anyway, and Bill and I headed off for a beer and the arrival of our respective wives. What's that saying " life's like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get?" Great memories are what you're gonna get from a cruise ship adventure.

A few pics...

bn

bn

 

Edited March 9, 2023 by big Neil
added photos

[BaitDropper]

Interesting topic, for sure.

My wife has been egging me for a few years now to give a cruise a go, but I'm yet to cave in to her.

We've been Aussie bound for 2-3 years now, but prior to all the Crud virus etc, we regularly travelled. The last venture was Spain. Now unlike a lot of people I know, some do those whirl wind, 20 countries in a 2 week package, skimming very briefly over the countries they visit and really only get to see the " very " touristy offerings. We spent near 4 weeks in Spain, had only two 4 day organised tours, which to my delight, were only sharing the experience with 4-6 others, of which, we are still in contact with near all of them. 

For us, we like to do our own thing, sure, it takes some organising prior to going, but in my opinion, well worth the effort. Here in, I believe lies the decision to do so,, I figure while I'm fit and able and still want to explore, I'll continue doing exactly this, until either health or mental capability stops us from doing so.

It's probably the fear of the unknown for me, taking a cruise versus organising a holiday ourselves, and I fully understand the simplicity of taking a cruise, the benifits of not needing to organise a thing. just relax and have everything provided and supplied, simply kick back and participate in what you want, or do not want too.

Who knows whether or not I'll ever decide to take the cruise option, certainly think it's a great option for some, but for me, to be restricted to a ship, would drive me insane..

Great topic, been an interesting read,