Help required to book a cruise for my Grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary

[jpowell79]

Hi guys,

 

I would be eternally grateful if anyone could assist me :)

 

I am looking to book a cruise for my Grandparents as a gift to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

 

The cruise should be able to tick all of the boxes I mention, and still (hopefully) be within my budget.

 

 

1. Shows/Entertainment - this will be a big seller! My grandparents would love watching evening shows of dancing/singing performances. The cruise would have to have great shows to entertain them.

 

2. ALL INCLUSIVE - I don't want my grandparents to have to pay anything whilst they are on their trip....I just want them to relax and not have to worry about anything!

 

3. Activites - As far as activities go, they'd like to do stuff like watch a movie at the onboard cinema, or play bingo!

 

4. Food - I should say that my grandparents are VERY working class. They are born and bred "cockneys" from London and definately DO NOT have expensive tastes. If they were offered caviar, they wouldn't eat it!! Their idea of "culinary heaven" is a nice mixed grill....or fish and chips...or a nice lasagne.....so basic, working class food would be ideal for them!

 

5. People on board - My grandparents love children, so having kids on board isn't too much of an issue, although I wouldn't want to book them a cruise where children are running riot! Either the cruise should be predominantly adults, or entirely adults.

 

6. Departure/Arrival Ports - My grandparents are from london and they don't like long-haul flights....I remember once my nan telling me she didn't enjoy the "long" flight time over to Spain! :) ... so a departing port over in Australia would be out of the question! Basically the departure/arrival ports should be either from the UK (ideal) or Europe.

 

7. Destinations - Whilst this is often the most important aspect for many people taking cruises, I guess this would be one of the least important for my Grandparents....in an ideal world they'd get to see some of the beautful ports around the world (if the budget can stretch!) but its not the end of the world if it doesn't

 

8. Budget - My absolute maximum budget for the trip will be £4000 (and it will hurt if I have to stretch that far!!) although I'd prefer not to pay that much if I don't have to.......but if the "ideal" cruise for them will cost £4000 then so be it.

 

 

If anyone can help I'd be forever grateful.... I want them to have a fantastic trip to celebrate their anniversary, so really want to get this right.

 

 

thanks guys :)

[Keith1010]

Let me start off by welcoming you to Cruise Critic.

 

You will likely get a lot of different thoughts on all of this.

 

If I may make a suggestion it would be for you to talk with a Travel Specialist so that you can talk this all out with him/her. There may not be a cruise line that meets all of what you have mentioned which is why I think talking it back in forth with someone would be a good way to figure this out.

 

A word about all inclusive. There are not many cruise lines that are all inclusive. By that I mean that some will include tips, and alchohol while most don't. Just about all do charge for shore excursions. The ones that do include tips and alchohol tend to be very pricy and their food is more on the gourmet side.

 

So, I am thinking that you can find a cruise line that is not all inclusive (and again by all inclusive I mean pre paid tips and alchohol) but you could arranged to give them an on board credit that you pay for that would be priced to pay for tips, drinks, maybe even some shore excursions.

 

I think what you have planned is outstanding for them to celebrate this major milestone.

 

Again, my advice is to talk with a Travel Specialist who specializes in cruise travel.

 

Keith

[greatam]

RT on one of the Cunard ships out of Southampton, middle cabin price level (not Princess or Queens Grill level)

 

No air travel, would see some interesting places, decent shows (I generally don't go to shows, but what I have seen on Cunard was good), lots of "quiet" places for a movie, book reading or bridge playing. Don't know about bingo-I don't play. Great food. And cruises from 4 days around France and Belgium to 10-20 days around Norway, Iceland, Spain, etc. Just too many different itineraries to even think about.

 

Should be within you budget easily, you can pre pay onboard credit so they are not paying for anything.

 

If it was my Grandparents, it would be Cunard, especially as your grandparents are British.

 

As Keith1010 posted, welcome to Cruise Critic. And find a REALLY good travel specialist.

[jpowell79]

Hi Keith,

 

Thanks for the reply... to be honest i'm a little weary of speaking with a travel specialist.....mainly due to the fact that they haven't personally been on the cruises themselves, which is why a forum like this should prove invaluable....Im looking for people who have experienced these trips first-hand.....I'm slowly working my way through the postings, but there are a hell of a lot on here! :)

 

Please (anyone) feel free to make comments/suggestions....I appreciate there may not be a cruise that ticks every box....but the closer I can get to it the better.

 

thanks

[dot73]

I would recommend a European/Med cruise from Southampton/Rome/Barcelona or Venice in May/June or September/October. These are good times to travel in Europe as there won't be a lot of children on board and Europe won't be crowded with too many tourists.

 

I would highly recommend Holland America - my parents' favourite cruise line and one which I also enjoyed. My parents loved their 50th anniversary on this line. The reason I would recommend this line for your parents:

 

People on board will be in their age bracket.

Food is good but not fancy.

Wonderful service by Filipino/Indonesian who are particularly kind to older people and have the patience to deal with them.

The entertainment is also aimed at 60+ age group with lots of music and dancing. If your parents like to dance, many opportunities on the ship for this and the music would be age appropriate.

Movie theatre with fairly new movies.

Smaller ships and easy to get around.

Wonderful promenade deck with deck chairs.

Lots of shaded areas along with large pool sunny areas.

Pools and jacuzzis are easy to get in and out of.

The less expensive rooms are bigger than other ships' similar rooms and the beds and linen are divine.

 

As for price, I believe Holland America is reasonably priced for the product they provide. Instead of decorative gifts and other things that your parents don't really need, why not get the rest of family or friends who were planning to get gifts, throw money into a cruise pot towards the price of the cruise and an onboard credit. My brother and I bought my parents an onboard credit and told them that it was non-refundable and they had to spend it on board (not true but they didn't know that). They splurged on alternate restaurants, excursions, and my mother had her hair done for a formal night.

 

My parents are a lot like yours - down to earth immigrants to Canada, who don't have a taste for gourmet food, and who did enjoy being pampered by the great service. They also had a formal picture taken on board and provided my brother and I with extra copies. That picture is hung in our homes.

 

Unfortunately, since that cruise, my father has fallen ill and can no longer travel. they often reminisce about the cruise. I think your parents will love a cruise and will always remember it.

 

Let us know what you choose to do and how it turns out.

[greatam]

I just looked for every cruise out of Southampton.

 

PO has a cruise to France/Spain, a cruise to Scandanavia, a cruise around the Med.

 

Royal Caribbean sails through the Med on May 13 (probably not a lot of kids) on a 11 day cruise on May 13. Even a balcony cabin is in your budget. $1399 US pp.

 

Grand Princess sails to Spain in May for a very decent price.

 

All in all, I still pick Cunard.

[cb at sea]

If you want them NOT to have to pay for drinks and stuff onboard, you can always put an amount of money onto their account (giving them an onboard credit, so to speak) which they will charge any purchases against. Say you put $500 into their account--they will charge any excursions, drinks, etc... against that account, and assuming those charges don't go past the $500, they will own nothing from their own pocket.

 

Since they want more "middle of the road" food, and great entertainment, one of the mainstream lines (Carnival, RCI, NCL) would suit them just fine!

[greatam]

 

Since they want more "middle of the road" food, and great entertainment, one of the mainstream lines (Carnival, RCI, NCL) would suit them just fine!

 

Certainly NOT for special 50th anniversary cruise (other than maybe RCI early May cruise). Too many kids and they would probably have to fly to board the cruise. Celebrity has a couple of cruises out of Harwich and Princess and Fred Olsen sail out of Dover.

 

I don't think "middle of the road" food should mean banquet type food. I think it means as good as the best steakhouse you can go to. Just not "fancy" fusion/nouveau cooking. I like middle of the road food. I don't tolerate much "fusion/nouveau French cooking". I order steaks/prime rib almost every night on a cruise (and almost anyplace I eat out). But the quality shouldn't be banquet.

 

I still say-Cunard. For the price, the quality, the ship, the demographic.

[kitty9]

No cruise line is totally all inclusive as none include things like shore excursions and other on board purchases. The closest you come to all inclusives would be lines like Seabourn, Silversea or Regent, but those are very expensive and quite formal. To help with trying to approximate all inclusive, you can deposit money into their on board account so that when they do purchase something, the money in their account would cover those purchases. I would recommend either Holland America, Princess or Celebrity. Those lines tend to not attract nearly as many young kids as the other lines and provide a bit of a special experience on board.

[Azafran]

We have just booked a Fjords 7 nights cruise on p&o Arcadia from Southampton beg Aug for my parents, who are also celebrating their 50th next year aswell as them both turning 70. We chose this ship as she is adult only. We went on Ventura earlier this year, and know that my parents would get lost very easily on a larger ship.

 

We are hoping for calm seas this time of the year also as my dad does not really like being on the water!

 

We will be travelling with them also, so managed to get cabins next to each other.

 

Good luck in your search.

[spongerob]

. Too many kids and they would probably have to fly to board the cruise. Celebrity has a couple of cruises out of Harwich and Princess and Fred Olsen sail out of Dover.

Princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, and P&O sail out of Southampton. P&O might not be a bad choice if Cunard or one of the other choices doesn't work out. I like the idea of using some of the budget to purchase on-board credits. There will always be additional charges on all but the most expensive cruise lines. If you do land on a single cruise line, or have it narrowed down, ask on the pages for the individual cruise lines on this site about things like tipping practices and other added fees.

[greatam]

Princess, Royal Caribbean

 

Previously posted, but limited ships and itineraries that fit the budget. Some of the Princess/RCCL cruises out of Southampton are 14 days and exceed the budget (close to $2000pp for an oceanview)

[jpowell79]

what a great forum! :)

 

Thanks for your comments and postings guys..... I think what people have suggested about arranging "pre-pay credit" for them would be just fine....I just don't want them to have to pay anything out of their pensions! :)

 

you've already given me plenty of "food for thought"...... I should probably mention that their 50th anniversary is not till December 24th 2009 (yes, they got married on Christmas Eve!) so they won't be taking the cruise until early 2010, so it gives me plenty of time to get this all arranged properly.

 

thanks again and please keep the suggestions coming.... :)

[jpowell79]

Previously posted, but limited ships and itineraries that fit the budget. Some of the Princess/RCCL cruises out of Southampton are 14 days and exceed the budget (close to $2000pp for an oceanview)

 

 

For those who are kindly responding from other parts of the world, my overall budget (for both people in total) is £4000, or roughly $6000USD, so basically £2000pp or $3000pp

 

thanks :)

[greatam]

For those who are kindly responding from other parts of the world, my overall budget (for both people in total) is £4000, or roughly $6000USD, so basically £2000pp or $3000pp

 

thanks :)

 

But that $2000 US pp is without taxes and fees. PLUS you need on board credit money AND you said 4000GBP was stretching the budget. I was trying to be gentle with your budget. You also need transport to the ship, tip money for the porters, possibly a hotel the day before the cruise. Lots of extras to add in.

 

About $1600-1700pp BEFORE taxes and fees on Cunard for a 7 day cruise, mid level oceanview cabin.

 

Fred Olsen is slightly cheaper per day (per diem). Fred Olsen has a great cruise leaving Southampton on December 11, 2009. Through Amsterdam, Denmark and Germany, so they could visit the Xmas markets. Home just before Xmas and their actual anniversary. About $1800 US pp before taxes and fees. Plus on board credit and a few dollars for the Xmas markets. May be something they would really enjoy.

[EGG]

I would start by looking at one of the many internet cruise sites that lets you search by port of departure. Then I would put in London (all ports) for preferred months in 2009 (since many itineraries are not out yet) and see what comes up. While a balcony is wonderful, unless one of your grandparents is claustrophobic they will probably be fine with an inside or oceanview cabin. Those early spring cruises can be too chilly to sit on the balcony anyway.

 

We are 60ish and we've sailed Celebrity and RCL out of England but also Holland America and Princess in the U.S. I think that as long as you stay away from summer and school holidays your grandparents will love any of these cruise lines. We are not gourmets and have found food we enjoy on all of these cruise lines.

 

If this is not a surprise gift, I would try to find out if there is a city that they've always wanted to see. This at least will point you to either a Baltic cruise or a Med repositioning.

 

We did a 10 day cruise on Brilliance of the Seas out of Southhampton in May 2008. Our inside cabin started at $1600 but the price came down to $1100. The cruise lines have been discounting like crazy lately, but who knows what will happen in 2010. The ports were Le Harve, Vigo, Lisbon, Tangiers, Corsica, Nice and Barcelona. Except for a pricey excursion in Le Harve, we kept the tour costs to a minimum.

 

You did not say how mobile your grandparents are. This may make a difference. The Baltic ports have less driving for excursions. They are therefore shorter and usually less expensive (with the exception of St. Petersberg which can blow your budget). Some of the cities like Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen are ports and you can do a half day excursion and get a good look at the city. On the other hand Rome and Florence require long drives. Ther 10 hour tours are not only tiring but can run over $200 a person.

 

I've never done one, but are river cruises an option?

[alcpa1]

I've never sailed the North Sea in December but I have investigated land travel there and determined that the weather would not be comfortable for travel in Holland and the northern shores of Germany.

There is a good reason why cruising changes focus in late November and early December to warmer climates.

I would never schedule a first cruise for my elders in an area where weather could be so iffy.

One of the reasons why several have recommended a cruise agent, or specialist, is to assist you in finding the very best cruise for your grandparents. Not only does that include itinerary, but also most suitable ship, onboard amenities and cabin. The agent will help you figure the amount you will need to cover tips, bingo, excursions etc. Rates you will see here in the US are not the same rates you will pay in England, and it is not just a matter of converting the pound. The rates are different according to the Brits we have sailed with.

A river cruise might be a wonderful alternative to a sea voyage. A train through the Chunnel to a embarking port will not be difficult to manage and they will still have a grand experience. Many have excursions included, the food is more than suitable, and the boats sail gently down the rivers.

Good luck

[cruisemom42]

My parents just celebrated their 50th anniversary on a Princess cruise. They are frequent cruisers, and I'd have to say their favorite lines are Holland America and Cunard, with Princess a close third. Based on the criteria you listed initially, I would look seriously at Holland America for them.

[EGG]

I think it is great what you are doing and I know how time consuming the planning can be. I've gone to travel agents several times and they are not really that helpful if you come in and start with -"I'd like to take a cruise". You will have to give them more information than that. Like you said, there are many people on these boards who are as knowledgable or more knowledgable as TAs since they have been there and done that. Some of us are also very opinionated. I've also heard that booking and pricing a cruise in the UK is different than in the U.S. and a majority of us are from the U.S. I am sure in the next few weeks, someone from the UK will get back with more information on that.

 

Maybe we can start narrowing options down.

 

1 -How mobile are your grandparents? Will they be able to walk around on their own or will they need excursions in every port.

 

2 -Will an inside cabin suffice or is your minimum an outside. If you have your heart set on a balcony, you are probably going to have to settle for a shorter cruise. I personally would rather have a longer cruise in an inside cabin. If your grandparents are very mobile, they will be okay in an inside since they can get around the ship. Book early and get a cabin that is centrally located. If you are afraid of seasickness, a central lower deck cabin (which limits you to inside or oceanview) is a better choice.

 

3 - What months are you looking at. I suggest the late spring which gives you better weather and more choices of cruises. This will also let your grandparents have the fun of planning their excursions with you. By then, you will be able to go onto the roll call boards and hopefully make the aquaintance of other cruisers who they can share independent tours with. (Cheaper and more personalized, the best way to go in Europe). Just make sure that any independent tour starts and returns to the ship very early. You can discuss this later, but it helps with the excursion budget a lot.

 

4 - What type of experience are you looking to give them. Are you looking for them to have 7 days where they feel like royalty or do you want to try for a 14 day cruise where the food may be plainer and the cabin smaller. Where I am going with that is I see Norwegian has some very reasonably priced inside cabins for 14 day cruises in 2009 cruises. You might want to read some reviews of peoples cruises and see if that might work for your grandparents. I've had friends who have taken NCL for the itinerary or the convenience and they have been pleasantly surprised. Our first cruise was in the most aft cabin on a now defunct cruise line. The cabin was so small we could barely turn around, in fact you could only get into the bathroom by turning sideways. We had a blast - we didn't know any better. I didn't have to cook, I didn't have to make the beds, and I thought the shows were fine. I felt like royalty.

 

Here is an example on NCL. Like I said I've never taken this cruise line:

12-Day Baltic Capitals Round-trip London

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

Embarkation Port: London (Dover)

Ports of call: London (Dover); Copenhagen; Berlin (Warnemuende); Tallinn; St. Petersburg; Helsinki; Stockholm (Nynashamn)

2010: Apr 29, May 11, May 23

Cruise Fares From:

Inside - $1,199 Oceanview - $1,499 Balcony - $1,899 Suite - $2,299

 

Bye for today and good luck.

[CC Help Michell]

What a great thing you are doing for your grandparents! I wish my mom's health permitted me to do something similar for her and my dad -- I'd thought about it and even done some preliminary planning, but this holiday I realized that Mom really wouldn't enjoy it.

 

I wanted to give you a link to the Cruise Critic UK website in case you hadn't found it -- http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/ There are some articles and links there which might be additional help in your research and planning. For example, this article on the "Best Cruises for UK Seniors" -- http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/articles.cfm?ID=639http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/articles.cfm?ID=639

[jpowell79]

Thanks you so much guys... you've all been a great help....

 

My grandparents are relatively mobile.....can both walk around freely and un-aided.......but probably wouldn't have the energy to go on long walking excursions.

 

I'll keep looking around and see what I come up with....please continue to make comments /suggestions :-)

[jpowell79]

Wow I can't believe how quickly the year has gone by, as my last post was in January!

 

Well the countdown has started now......My grandparent's 50th is looming now (December 24th) and I only have tow pay-days left to pay for the thing, so I really have to get a move on now.

 

Does anyone have any up-to-date suggestions (please see list of requirements in opening post).....the only difference now is that a could probably inscrease the budget to maybe £5000 for the pair if I have to. Also, it doesn't have to be all-inclusive as I now realise I can just pay for on-board credits, etc.

 

I'm guessing due to the weather they'll probably have to wait until maybe March before they actually go on the cruise, but really want to have the tickets to hand them on Christmas day :)

 

Please, please feel free to make suggestions.

 

p.s. have ruled out the Cunard ships.....way too posh for my working-class Grandparents! I don't think my grandad has ever worn a "dinner-jacket" in his life!

[boulders]

You might get more responses if you start a new thread. Just a suggestion.

 

Does your grandfather have a sports jacket? Most cruise lines have a formal night and he might feel out of place if he doesn't wear one during formal nights. Do he and your grandmother have any "dressy" clothes? Doesn't have to be fancy - just like stuff one would wear to church.

 

Edited to add - not all cruise lines have formal nights, so my question is just aimed at helping you narrow down your choices.

[boulders]

Someone earlier in the thread mentioned a Baltics cruise departing out of an English port. Holland America has a May 29 Baltics cruise on the Eurodam which departs out of Dover and would be a good choice. Norwegian cruise lines has a more casual atmosphere and has a May 23 cruise out of Dover as well, but the prices are higher on that one.

[jpowell79]

all booked :-)

 

Ocean Village "caribbean to crete" itinerary..... March 24th.

 

Fly out to Barbados.....few nights around the caribbean, then sail back to the med, and visit a few more islands, before flying back from Heraklion.

 

Can't wait to surprise them! :-)