Which is the best cruise ship with departure from the UK?

Question

I'm looking to take my parents on a cruise next year and looking for THE best ship with a departure from the UK.

They are 'older' and (to ease my pain) i need a 5 star ship with 5 star service, this is just as important as the destinations, i would also prefer a uk departure so no messing with flights, etc.

This will be a summer holiday, 10 - 14 days and price is not an issue because they took me and my family away twice last year.

Answer 1

The Titanic, sorry couldn't resist

Answer 2

Make sure you find out what they would like from a cruise before you book, the ships are all very different and suited to very different market. For beautifl ships in a very british style then you would have to look at P+O , sailing from southampton and with a choice of family friendly or adult only ships. The ships are all new, very modern, well laid out with great staff. A good mix of formal and semi formal dining gives lots of choice and a great experience at a reasonable price.

Answer 3

If you have the money to spend for the very top and best cruise lines try Crystal, Cunard, Windstar, and Silver Sea. These cruise lines are a cut above the others because they run smaller ships (about 500 to 700 passengers) and have a higher staff to passenger ratio so you get top of the line service. They also have more amenities included in the much higher price, like all veranda/balcony cabins, tubs and shower bathroom, larger cabins, daily wine and/or champaign with meals, etc. . Prices for a 7 day cruise on these top of the line ships may start at $4000 to $5000 (vs about $1200 on the next tier of ships.). These ships tend to have a more sophisticated and older crowd and more formal dining.

Silver Sea has some cruises leaving from London during 2008 cruising Northern Europe and the Baltic.  Other great cruise lines that your parents may like include Celebrity, Holland America and Royal Caribbean.  We went last May on a cruise to the Baltic out of Dover, England on the Celebrity ship, the Constellation.  The food, service,  and accommodations on that ship were great and so was the whole cruise.  I know that Royal Caribbean has cruises out of Dover and Harwich going to the Mediterranean.  So you can start by having our travel agent look at cruises by these lines, or go to the web sites and search your options.

Answer 4

OK, let's look at the options.

You can sail around all or part of the British Isles.

Or head for the Med.

Or the Baltic.

Or north into colder waters.

You will not get much change (if any) out of £2,000 per person.  More, if you want a good cabin.  Much more if you want a smaller ship (50-250 passengers).

Top of the range are small ships such as the Hebridean Spirit, which are "all inclusive" (inc. drinks).  Probably about £5,000 pp.

Trips around the British Isles tend to concentrate on gardens or wild life (this will involve getting in and out of small inflatable boats).

Trips to the Med and back have the disadvantage of nothing much happens until you get there, and also the weather gets colder on the way back.

Trips to the "midnight sun" are also liable to the weather.  It's colder at sea in those regions, and it's windier at sea wherever you go.

I would say your best bet is the Baltic.  You can "do" 9 countries in a couple of weeks.  Lots to see.

Contact me if you want to know more.

Answer 5

Lots of cruise ships make occasional voyages from UK ports. "Best" is a matter of opinion and taste, but since your parents are "older", Saga Rose or Saga Ruby might suit (passengers' min. age 50, companions at least 40 - could that be a problem if you want to go too?).

Answer 6

I would recommend the Queen Mary 2. It sails from Southampton. I sailed to New York last year, and it's fab! You can not fault the service or elegance. It is the trip of a lifetime!