Advice on Ocean Cruises?

Question

Do you have to dress smart for evening meals?

Are trips organised from coaches at port of call?

Answer 1

If you are in the UK, Berlitz publish a great guide book called "Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships" by Douglas Ward who is reckoned to be the world's foremost authority on cruising.  Some 650 pages of very detailed descriptions of each and every ship afloat, facilities on board, what to expect.  See if your local library has a copy - it makes good bedtime reading.

One contributor has mentioned no tie is acceptable on "formal nights" in the dining rooms; this is not the case on Cunard or P & O where  men usually wear dinner jackets and bow ties.

The formal nights are usually when the ship is at sea; most other nights are informal (but not scruffy - jeans, shorts, trainers are not allowed) or casual (again not scruffy ).  Casual nights are usually the first and last dinners.

Other restaurants are available (sometimes with a small extra charge of £3-£5 for a superior Bistro venue)

Different ships are also suitable for different people - Ocean Village as mentioned is probably better for families and 30 somethings; P & O have "child free" ships.  Costa is geared very much to boistrous Italian families especially during school holiday times.  "Easy Cruise" is about as basic as it gets with cafeteria style dining - pay as you go, and very basic cabins.

Trips can be organised prior to departure or on board and coaches will take you to your land-based destinations.

It really does pay to do your homework to make sure that you pick the cruise line and ship which is the best for your tastes.

Answer 2

Depends on the cruise line you go with to whether you have to dress up.  My friend and me went with Island cruises around the med and it was just right. There were posh restaurants if you felt like dressing up or there were other ones where you could just go in your civvies.

You book your excursions on the ship at the start of your cruise. Easy

Answer 3

look up ocean village on the net, this is a very relaxing ship line .

you book trips at start of your booking or when you get on board, if you change your mind you can change or cancel your trips, no pressure .

you can also make your own arrangements at ports of call, ask on board and you will be given advice on travel

i have used them fore 7 years sometime twice a year

Answer 4

In the dining room, most cruise lines require "dressy casual" for dinner, meaning no shorts, collared shirts, no jeans.  A Polo shirt and khakis for guys; slacks/capris and nice top for women.  Of course, formal night is formal - dressy dress (or pantsuit) for women, jacket (no tie) for men.  There are other alternatives for dining that don't require dressing up - bathing suit and shorts will do, and there is always the alternative of room service.

Enjoy!