Baltic cruises

[AlRaven]

I'm looking at the above for July/August via P&O, Cunard, Royal Caribbean etc but a company called Celebrity Cruises seems very reasonable - anyone had any experience of this lot?

[Gilmore]

Celebrity Cruises are very well regarded generally but whether they'd be suitable for you will depend on a few factors.

Are you looking at sailing from Southampton or taking a fly cruise?

Are you intending to take any children with you?

Have you cruise before previously? If so which cruise lines?

If you can let me know the above I'll be able to give you a view on to whether or not they'd be suitable for you.

P.S. First time poster, long time lurker, thought I'd sign up and get involved, especially as this is my area of expertise.

[RosscoPCole]

AlRaven said:

I'm looking at the above for July/August via P&O, Cunard, Royal Caribbean etc but a company called Celebrity Cruises seems very reasonable - anyone had any experience of this lot?

Have you been on a cruise before?

Read the small print in the brochures and websites. A lot of cruise companies automatically add on quite a large daily tip for the staff. Also see how much gratuity is added onto drinks, etc.

We are going P&O in August because everything is in pounds so do not need to worry about the exchange rate. Also the extras are very clear and not as much as some of the other companies.

But obviously the facilities, destinations, food, etc on other cruise lines might be more suitable to your requirements.

My advice is do you research.

[AlRaven]

Thanks for reply, I'd be going from Southampton (even though I'm in Newcastle), no kids as both at Uni now, no previous cruises at all, so complete novice at it.

Gilmore, glad to hear it's brought you out of lurking!

[Gilmore]

AlRaven said:

Thanks for reply, I'd be going from Southampton (even though I'm in Newcastle), no kids as both at Uni now, no previous cruises at all, so complete novice at it.

Gilmore, glad to hear it's brought you out of lurking!

Ok, thanks for that.

I'll try and give you a brief overview of what to expect with Celebrity.

Sailing from Southampton, you'll likely be on one of the Solstice class ships, these are the newest and the largest of Celebrity's fleet. They're genuine 5* Ships and their entertainment, food, accommodation is of a very high standard.

The ships are very large though and more than likely to be full come the summer season.

RCI are a sister cruise line to Celebrity, however, they're not of the same standard and families are more likely to prefer RCI because of their great programmes for younger children and teens.

P&O are normally a good start for first time cruisers, a thoroughly British cruise line in every sense and normally a safe bet. Avoid P&O Azura/Oceana/Ventura if you want to swerve all the families.

If I was you I'd hold of booking anything just yet, this year there's plenty of ships that are sailing from Southampton and supply will outstrip demand in my opinion. Demand is always strong from families as they need 3/4 berth cabins, which are limited on the ships. However, as a couple, you'll get plenty of late deals and you'll save a small fortune.

There's plenty of choice when it comes to itineraries so don't worry about missing out on those.

Don't discount Princess from your cruise lines to consider either.

8 weeks prior to departure is when the cruise lines start to panic, they'll have a good idea of capacity by then as the full balance needs to be paid, if it isn't looking good, the prices come tumbling down...

Hope that helps, if you need anything else just let me know.