ethelmaepotter

Hoping to cruise in summer/fall 2017. Have gotten kind answers from some in replies to their posts. I'd like to throw it wide open, and as the title says, please tell me everything about the Hebridean Princess experience. Doing this for me will be a once-in-a-lifetime, and then back to more mundane travel. Some specific questions include:

Are there any shore excursions that are particularly physically taxing? I'm a cancer survivor, left with neuropathy in hands and feet, so I might not do well with very rough terrain.

How dressy or elegant does one need to be for dinner?

How rough are the waters at different times in the year?

Is it worth it to scrimp and save a bit more for a balcony?

On the other end of the spectrum, how would it be in a windowless cabin?

As you can tell, I'm excited and just want to learn whatever you can share.

Thanks!

A friend and I are considering taking a Hebridean cruise in 2017. It would be a financial stretch, but the all-inclusive nature of the trip is a help in that area. We are thinking that we would enjoy a small ship where (we hope) fellow-cruisers would be friendly and you would feel more "at home" than on the big resort ships. For anyone who is familiar with Hebridean, would two American women in their 60s be likely to "fit in" and have the trip of a lifetime?

You obviously have extensive cruise experience. I envy your travel history! A friend and I are considering a Hebridean cruise in 2017. It would be a stretch to do it, but as others have said, the all-inclusive aspect does make a difference. Do you, or anyone else, have thoughts on how "worth it" it might be to do this as a once-in-a-lifetime dream cruise?

Sounds like good advise. A little too cold for me, even though it could get a little cold here in Fl. for a few days in the winter. Like it a bit warmer when I go on vacation.

I've lived in Florida since 1974, so I'm definitely not great with the cold! Layers, layers, layers--got it! Thanks!

I'm booked on November 2 also. Glad to know that I won't have to bring a tiara! I know a couple who will be on the cruise who, like you, are very experienced travelers. They also book their own excursions. I may join them for some, but beyond that I'll probably take the easier (but maybe less interesting) route of booking the ship's excursions. Anything that you particularly recommend, whether private tour or through the ship?

I'm booked on the Riviera for the Adriatic Gems cruise in November 2016. Have very limited cruise experience--one Atlantic crossing, and one Alaska, both on HAL. Have never visited Europe except in summer. What is the weather likely to be? I'm a Floridian and will need to get new stuff if much warm clothing is needed. Also, for dining, do I need "fancy" clothes? Would never do shorts, etc., but what type of clothing would "fit in"?

I'm nervous (can you tell?) and hoping all you good folks can get me from nervous to super-excited about the cruise.

Thanks!