Cruise Help

[puzzled54]

Looking at my first ever cruise and I know there are some seasoned cruisers on here. I have had a look at cruisecritic, but what I would like to know is info about excursions. If, for example, you dock in Gibraltar, would you be close enough to the rock to walk to it? Do you have to pre-book excursions or can you wait till you are on board? They seem to make the excursion info difficult to find until you have booked.
Thanks for any input.

[Connemmara]

I done the Mediterranean cruise some years ago and we docked places can't remember now - one was Madeira and know we went to Gibraltar - no we didn't pre book anything. Mind you when you go to Gibraltar mind the mad monkeys - they are truly wild. Food on the cruise was unbelievable so lose some weight before you go - there's a bit of advice for you. have a great trip.

[teacher1]

Gibraltar is very small and you can walk to the rock easily. ;o)

[Connemmara]

If you are fit - you can walk anywhere you are docked!!!

[teacher1]

Before you go on a cruise always Google where the cruise actually docks ..... quite often the local town is only a short walk away, or there are shuttle buses to take you to the town. There are also open top buses at the dock entrances and although they cost a few euros they are much cheaper than the trips you can book on the ship. Where are you going on your cruise ? Perhaps you can get some good advice on here.

[puzzled54]

Thank you all for your helpful advice.
Space-cadet - what do you do instead of the excursions?

[mahcaeh]

Cruise excursions are very expensive. Sometimes the ship will dock and you are able to get off and explore, other times a shuttle bus will be provided to take you into the place and you can do your own tour with the help of a town map. There is one drawback to this - if you go on an organised trip the ship will wait for all to get back on board - if you are held up on your own for some reason, it is a different matter. Our last cruise we experienced this problem - people were involved in some sort of accident in the town and could not contact the ship in time- it cost them the price of a taxi to the next port to catch up with the ship. On P and o they provide a daily newsletter and on this is a telephone number to contact the ship when you are ashore - always remember to jot this down and take with you.

[puzzled54]

Thanks. When a cruise is all inclusive, does that include drinks with meals, or are all drinks extra?

[teacher1]

All inclusive on cruise ships means drinks are free all time, except on some cruise lines when you have to pay for the more well known brands.

[teacher1]

Which cruise line are you going with ?

[puzzled54]

Looking at Thomson, I realise its all inclusive apart from drinks!

[teacher1]

All Thomson are full board ...... all meals ! All inclusive means all drinks as well, as I said, except for some of the well known brands. If you are medium drinkers do not go all inclusive as it is cheaper to pay as you go. If you are really heavy drinkers then the drinks package might be ok for you

[RATTER15]

I went on a 3 day cruise, it really wasn't for me and never ever would I do it again, I couldn't wait to get off, was like being imprisoned.

[Spotty Dog]

Have you picked your cruise yet? When you have decided where and when, log on to "cruisecompete.com". Fill in the details of the cruise and you will receive several quotes from different companies. We saved about £800 on our last one. Highly recommended!

[puzzled54]

Well Ratter, I know a lot of people that love cruising, thought it was time to try it myself. I'm looking forward to some rest and sunshine!

[teacher1]

Thomson Cruises are really good ..... I have been on 6/7 of them and have really enjoyed them ... You are docked every morning and have about 8 hours ashore at the various ports of call ...... they sail in the evening and throughout the night. Food and entertainment are excellent and as the ship's passengers are 90% british you soon make new friends. I recommend Thomson Cruises any time.

[RATTER15]

puzzled, I'm sure you will love it, just not my cup of tea.

[teacher1]

RATTER15 ..... where was your cruise ?

[Meg]

If you want to take your own booze on board Gibraltar has a Morrisons which is great for "stocking up", assuming that will be your first port.