New to Cruising

[TessaP]

We are thinking of booking a World Cruise on Oriana but have never cruised before. (except that I went on a Uganda cruise in 1972) but not much of a comparison I am sure.

 

What is the normal age range of cruisers, we dont want to be on a trip that is full of people over 65 as we are early retirees?

 

Also what is the tipping situation on a P & O world cruise?

 

Many thanks in anticipation.

 

What about choice of cabin is Midships better than Foreward or Aft do you go for the largest cabin you can afford etc? What about Deck height is it best to be as higher deck as possible?

[BrianI]

We are thinking of booking a World Cruise on Oriana but have never cruised before. (except that I went on a Uganda cruise in 1972) but not much of a comparison I am sure.

 

What is the normal age range of cruisers, we dont want to be on a trip that is full of people over 65 as we are early retirees?

 

Also what is the tipping situation on a P & O world cruise?

 

Many thanks in anticipation.

 

What about choice of cabin is Midships better than Foreward or Aft do you go for the largest cabin you can afford etc? What about Deck height is it best to be as higher deck as possible?

I would suggest that you go on a shorter cruise before embarking on a world cruise. This would give you some idea on what to book and what kind of cabin you want. If you are prone to seasickness cabins in the centre of the ship and low down are the best. Strangely cabins higher up are more expensive. However, we have been high up and low down and quite honestly it does not seem to make much difference. You can also do sectors of a world cruise rather than the full one. However this would involve flying at some stage. One of the benefits of cruising is not flying.

Tips are paid in cash directly to your cabin steward and your waiter. I believe on a world cruise, this is done at the end of each sector as staff may change -every two or three weeks.. Envelopes are left in your cabin at the appropriate time. For details see

http://www.pocruises.com/before-you-sail/faq-Life-On-Board/Tipping.aspx

Brian

[Host Sharon]

As BrianI has said, I would certainly do a shorter cruise first. It is a long time be on a ship if you find you don't enjoy it - unlikely...but possible. It is aslso easier to pack etc, having done at least one cruise first, so you know what to expect and what you might miss. Naturally the age range of world cruisers is going to be older, since those of us still working can't take that much time off.

[Kindlychap]

We are thinking of booking a World Cruise on Oriana but have never cruised before. (except that I went on a Uganda cruise in 1972) but not much of a comparison I am sure.

 

What is the normal age range of cruisers, we dont want to be on a trip that is full of people over 65 as we are early retirees?

 

Also what is the tipping situation on a P & O world cruise?

 

Many thanks in anticipation.

 

What about choice of cabin is Midships better than Foreward or Aft do you go for the largest cabin you can afford etc? What about Deck height is it best to be as higher deck as possible?

 

I can't comment on the P&O specific questions, but I'd add a couple of general points.

 

The first thing you need is a good travel agent. You need someone who knows the ship well, and who can give unbiased advice. Were it not for the fact that you're sailing on P&O, I'd recommend my agent but as she can't sell P&O for reasons too complicated for me to understand that would be pointless. Some very large agents are lousy and inflexible. Forget the high street, and their "cruise specialists". Doesn't mean a thing.

 

Your travel agent should quiz you mercilessly about what you are looking for. How else can he or she make a sensible recommendation for you? As for cabins, it is very hard. How much time will you spend in it? Will you want to entertain? How important is a view? A balcony? A butler? How much can you afford? How do you want to spend that - small cabin/large bar bill or the other way around? Where do you want to see?

 

And those are just the ones I can think of quickly. Bear in mind that smaller ships can get into smaller ports more easily. How much time is spent at sea?

 

It's not an easy question. Certainly your first port of call (excuse the pun) is to take a shorter cruise - at least 14 days though - to see what you find.

 

Ask yourself why P&O? Why not Cunard? Saga? [Yes - I noted the comment about age, and yes Saga passengers are predominantly of some age, by definition, but their two ships are lovely and both are real ships, rather than the modern barge like thing that P&O use, and that Cunard are starting to use post Queen Mary 2]

 

How much formality do you want? You have now missed QE2 and her formal every sea day approach, at least for a world cruise, but there is a huge span between this and the situation that pertains on NCL or Ocean Village.

 

It is common for full world cruise passengers to feel the blues about half way, and I've a friend on QE2 at the moment who is going through just that. But he loves the ship and cruising so much - so expect moments like that.

 

I haven't really said much, save asked you questions. What I would suggest is that you get a selection of brochures from all those lines doing world cruises, look at where they are stopping, the formality (or otherwise) and so on. Then ask lots of specific questions on the appropriate boards. It is a huge investment in time and money, so you want to spend both wisely.

 

I'd add one thing only. Don't write off the over 65s. Some have an amazing energy and capacity for fun. By the way, I'm 41.

 

Matthew

[Pemcorgimum]

That's an excellent reply Matthew. Lots of good advice and questions.

 

As for the average age of the cruisers, I am probably in the same age group as op, early 50s? and I love to meet and travel with the over 65s- they are so much fun, young at heart and full of life. I wouldn't mind at all being on a trip of over 65s. It would be a wonderful experience meeting such people with so many stories.

[TessaP]

Thanks for all the responses so far, we are thinking maybe we should try a shorter cruise first, its just that because we live in SW France in a very rural area we did not want to fork out on lots of expensive clothes for a formal short cruise because if we don't go again it would be a waste of money because there is no call for formal dress here, ever. But it may be the best option. Also the world cruise thing is because we want to see all these fantastic far off places without the hassle of having to fly and book into hotels.

 

We have chosen P&O because we like the itinery of the 2009 cruise, they are all places we want to see and apart from San Francisco and Sharm we have not visited any of them.

 

Don't get me wrong we would be happy to spend time with people a lot older than us but we also would like to know that there will be some on board of similar age to us or younger as well.

 

Do people join the world cruises for shorter durations during the voyage?

 

With regards to seating at Dinner do you sit with the same people for the whole cruise or will they change as people come and go from the ship?

[The REAL Sir Martin]

Here's a link to Malcolm's live reports from the current QE2 world cruise. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=677543. Please bear in mind that his partner broke his foot, and had to have surgery in Chile which has obviously given him a few additional problems.

 

Apologies for the little exchanges between Malcolm's posts; we try to have a little light amusement on the Cunard boards.

 

My beloved would love to do a world cruise. I have many reservations.

 

Mary

[happyscot]

My beloved would love to do a world cruise. I have many reservations.

 

Mary

 

 

 

Wow. Won't you have to pay lots of cancellation fees?

[The REAL Sir Martin]

My beloved would love to do a world cruise. I have many reservations.

 

Mary

Wow. Won't you have to pay lots of cancellation fees?

 

Happyscot, the P&O board is a nice quiet sophisticated oasis of calm in an otherwise troubled world. I'm not sure it is ready for you.

 

Sir Martin

[Pemcorgimum]

I would love to do a World cruise too- can afford the cruise, just cannot afford the kennel fees for the dogs.

And of course I would miss them and hopefully they would miss me?

[dak]

I would love to do a World cruise too- can afford the cruise, just cannot afford the kennel fees for the dogs.

And of course I would miss them and hopefully they would miss me?

 

No problem - take the dogs with you. You need to sail on Queen Mary 2; she has kennels.

 

David

[daiB]

I can't comment on the P&O specific questions, but I'd add a couple of general points.

 

 

Ask yourself why P&O? Why not Cunard? Saga? [Yes - I noted the comment about age, and yes Saga passengers are predominantly of some age, by definition, but their two ships are lovely and both are real ships, rather than the modern barge like thing that P&O use, and that Cunard are starting to use post Queen Mary 2]

 

 

 

 

Matthew

 

 

I do find it strange that when someone asks about a P&O World cruise the main reply is from someone who has something against P&O and admits to knowing little about P&O cruises.

 

So Oriana and Aurora are not real ships, they are barge things. Your qualification for giving any reply goes down the drain at that point.

 

It is widely agreed that those two ships are amongst the best looking ships afloat today, and not just in P&O circles.

 

There are a small number of people on these boards who do like to have a go at P&O on a regular basis and unfortunately Matthew is one of them. So one must take what he says with a pinch of salt.

 

However he does have some good points to make, especially regarding taking a shorter cruise first, and doing research with a good TA.

 

With regard to your specific questions.

 

What is the normal age range of cruisers, we don't want to be on a trip that is full of people over 65 as we are early retirees?

 

When looking at a world cruise you must ask yourself, who can afford the time 80 to 101 nights and the cost of a world cruise and inevitably you will come up with retired couples. It is not the type of cruise for teenagers or families. Now that is the case with P&O, Cunard and the few other lines which do the world.

 

 

Also what is the tipping situation on a P & O world cruise?

 

You tip at the end of each sector as apparently there can be crew changes mid cruise. There are 3/4/5 sectors depending on the cruise. The tips are at a recommended rate of about £3 to £4 per day. You get envelopes left in the cabin and you hand the tips to the staff.

 

 

What about choice of cabin is Midships better than Forward or Aft do you go for the largest cabin you can afford etc? What about Deck height is it best to be as higher deck as possible?

 

For least movement you should be midships and as low as possible. Personally we pay little attention to that as we have not been effected by bad weather. I prefer midships as I am disabled and find it easier to get around.

 

 

I hope that helps Tessa if you have any more questions then please ask and specific ones help.

 

 

BTW Matthew is not all bad.

 

 

 

 

:):)Happy Cruising:):)

 

 

 

:cool:

 

 

Dai

[Elaine0138]

 

Do people join the world cruises for shorter durations during the voyage?

 

 

Yes P&O offer several shorter segments within the world cruise.

[Pontius Navigator]

I have skim read the replies and as far as I can see no one has mentioned one small but highly significant fact and for a world cruise vital, that is the Portunus Club.

 

You absolutely must be a member of the Portunus Club before a world cruise.

 

Why?

 

As a member of the Portunus Club you get a 5% discount on all your onboard spend including shore excursions.

 

How?

 

Sail any time for the first time with P&O.

 

Convinced?

 

Now you are in SW France and may think it too expensive to come to UK just for a short taster cruise. You might be able to arrange a part cruise boarding in a Biscay port or Nice and disembarking somewhere else. The logistics might be difficult though and it would require that there was space available. That said, we often see people, usually entertainers, boarding or departing.

[LibraLass41]

Yes, I would say do a 7n or 14n cruise first for many reasons, inc becoming a Portunis member before a world cruise. Buy a tux anyway, even a 2n cruise has a formal night...

 

101 nights and the mighty cost has to be seriously thought about, thats 101 x 5 course meals:D , you have to apply for Visas , get vaccinations, arrange specail long term travel insurance, and sort home arrangements for that long period away - ie. home ins is sometimes a problem if house unoccupied for more than a month or so.

Sea sickness, etc you don't know if this cruising lark will suit you (although we all love it on here obviously) agree a 14nighter would be the best option

 

Sue

[Host Sharon]

Thanks for all the responses so far, we are thinking maybe we should try a shorter cruise first, its just that because we live in SW France in a very rural area we did not want to fork out on lots of expensive clothes for a formal short cruise because if we don't go again it would be a waste of money because there is no call for formal dress here, ever. But it may be the best option. Also the world cruise thing is because we want to see all these fantastic far off places without the hassle of having to fly and book into hotels.

 

We have chosen P&O because we like the itinery of the 2009 cruise, they are all places we want to see and apart from San Francisco and Sharm we have not visited any of them.

 

Don't get me wrong we would be happy to spend time with people a lot older than us but we also would like to know that there will be some on board of similar age to us or younger as well.

 

Do people join the world cruises for shorter durations during the voyage?

 

Yes you can choose shorter segments

 

With regards to seating at Dinner do you sit with the same people for the whole cruise or will they change as people come and go from the ship?

 

Depends if you choose club dining (when you sit with the same people, which may or may not change depending on if they are doing shorter segments)...or freedom dining when you can book you table each evening and so sit with different people each time.

[timetravellers]

How do you become a member of the Portunus Club?

[daiB]

How do you become a member of the Portunus Club?

 

Hi timetravellers,

 

You simply go on a P&O cruise.

 

On your next cruise you are a member.

 

 

 

:):)Happy Cruising:):)

 

 

:cool:

 

 

Dai

[daiB]

Depends if you choose club dining (when you sit with the same people, which may or may not change depending on if they are doing shorter segments)...or freedom dining when you can book you table each evening and so sit with different people each time.

 

 

Now then ships cat,

 

No freedom dining on world cruise ships. Only Oceana & Ventura.

 

 

 

:):)Happy Cruising:):)

 

 

 

:cool:

 

Dai

[Pontius Navigator]

Our first booked cruise was a 14 day cruise with £660 obc. By chance we booked a 3-day taster and another £100 obc.

 

The taster qualified us as Portunus. As Portunus our obc became about £695. I do not think we had any bill at the end and we had booked tours, bought clothed on board etc. Brilliant.

[supered]

The first thing you need is a good travel agent. You need someone who knows the ship well, and who can give unbiased advice.

I know of such an agent that I can recommend. However, forum rules say I can't post the details here. Please email me on eddiemarshall (at) blueyonder (dot) co (dot) uk and I'll give you her contact details. She is a P&O expert and knows the ships inside out (having cruised on them for years!).

 

I'm so jealous you can conside going on a world cruise!

 

Good luck.

 

Eddie

[Slow Foxtrot]

For what it's worth my wife and I have cruised very extensively on many different ships including QM 2, QE2 and Oriana. Of those particular three, Oriana is our favourite. The ship has character, is beautifully appointed, and the Theatre and Crow's Nest are far better than those on the QM2 and QE2. So, if you enjoy mainly British company, your initial choice of this vessel (and its itinerary) is very sound.

World Cruises, by virtue of the substantial cost and time required, are generally the preserve of retired people so most of the passengers will be sixty-plus. However, there is always a minority of younger people who elect to do one of the sectors. As you have not cruised before I would echo the advice of previous posters who suggest you try, say, a ten day Canaries or Med cruise on the Oriana. This will be better than any amount of advice from biased posters, some of whom have never travelled on P.& O. yet lose no time in disparaging it!

[Pontius Navigator]

better than any amount of advice from biased posters, some of whom have never travelled on P.& O. yet lose no time in disparaging it!

 

We have cruised more not on P&O than on P&O and our favourite is naturally the QE2 for all its old style and historic conotations. We are just so sad she is going East.

 

You may note that we have 3 cruises lined up on P&O and draw your own conclusions. One driver is avoiding air travel and another is US Homeland Security so we have selected UK cruises. Sadly I fear from 2009 we shall have to brave air travel to reach new seas.

 

Our last cruise was on an upmarket, 5-star cruise and we have to say the cabin was wonderful and the ship was good but it is not just a ship that makes it an enjoyable experience.

 

On P&O the Captain has a welcoming cocktail party for all passengers and we had the chance to meet many of the officers. On the last cruise the passengers had the opportunity to see the Captain and the heads of departments while they drank champagne, the officers that is not the passengers.

 

On the British ship the officers were British. On the American ship they were Greek.

 

Enjoy the P&O experience :)

[Cambridgecruiser]

For what it's worth my wife and I have cruised very extensively on many different ships including QM 2, QE2 and Oriana. Of those particular three, Oriana is our favourite. The ship has character, is beautifully appointed, and the Theatre and Crow's Nest are far better than those on the QM2 and QE2. So, if you enjoy mainly British company, your initial choice of this vessel (and its itinerary) is very sound.

World Cruises, by virtue of the substantial cost and time required, are generally the preserve of retired people so most of the passengers will be sixty-plus. However, there is always a minority of younger people who elect to do one of the sectors. As you have not cruised before I would echo the advice of previous posters who suggest you try, say, a ten day Canaries or Med cruise on the Oriana. This will be better than any amount of advice from biased posters, some of whom have never travelled on P.& O. yet lose no time in disparaging it!

 

 

Slow Foxtrot

 

I totally agree with all you say except not having cruised on the QE2 I can only go along with the info gathered from the more considered posters and assume that it has the same ambience found on QM2 but not quite as good as the Oriana.

 

Pontius makes a fair point as well. With the exception of an ill considered cruise on a Costa ship out of Savona:(:( several years back all ours have been out of UK ports to avoid flying as self loading freight and the US immigration services but we are now running out of places to go without flying.

 

But if you want a taster cruise do not repeat do not take one of the 2 or 3 day trips, even the crews hate them as they tend in the main be stag and hen parties:(

 

Cambridgecruiser

[The Monocled Mutineer]

(Re party cruises):

 

Two out of Four we have been on were as you described plus large swarms of corporates taking over bars and lounges brown-nosing and allowing their "executive" wives to get drunk out of their heads.