Booked our first cruise - advice and tips wanted!

[ChippenhamRed]

Hi all,

We’ve just booked our first ever cruise, on P&O Iona to the Norwegian Fjords in summer 2025. It’ll be me, my wife and our two kids who’ll be 14 (boy) and 11 (girl) at the time.

Excited about it but also slightly nervous - we’ve never considered ourselves to be “cruise people”, but it’s a great value family holiday and clearly a great way to see the Fjords. We’ve booked a balcony cabin. We haven’t booked a drinks package because we’re not big drinkers (generally maybe one with dinner and another at the bar later) so didn’t think it looked good value for us.

Really keen to hear people’s hints and tips to make the most of it - cruising generally but also Iona and the Fjords specifically.

Cheers!

[Slacker]

I will be keeping an eye on this Chip as I am in a fairly similar boat to you as it were.Never done a cruise but do fancy the fjords one.Only thing I can add is friends of mine who gave cruised before always go on some kind of auction where you can bid to upgrade your cabin.Last time they went they bid a tenner and got upgraded to an outside cabin.Hope you have a great time. 

[ChippenhamRed]

1 hour ago, Slacker said:

I will be keeping an eye on this Chip as I am in a fairly similar boat to you as it were.Never done a cruise but do fancy the fjords one.Only thing I can add is friends of mine who gave cruised before always go on some kind of auction where you can bid to upgrade your cabin.Last time they went they bid a tenner and got upgraded to an outside cabin.Hope you have a great time. 

Thanks! When you book with P&O there is the option to tick a box to take a free upgrade if available - however I haven’t ticked it. The problem is you lose control over where on the ship you are located - and that matters a lot. Cabins towards the rear or front are more likely to feel uncomfortable in rough seas, or you could end up on a different deck near something noisy. As it’s our first time and we’re not sure how we’ll do on a boat, we’ve picked a safe option with a balcony on a quiet deck near the middle of the ship.

[BigTone]

3 hours ago, ChippenhamRed said:

Hi all,

We’ve just booked our first ever cruise, on P&O Iona to the Norwegian Fjords in summer 2025. It’ll be me, my wife and our two kids who’ll be 14 (boy) and 11 (girl) at the time.

Excited about it but also slightly nervous - we’ve never considered ourselves to be “cruise people”, but it’s a great value family holiday and clearly a great way to see the Fjords. We’ve booked a balcony cabin. We haven’t booked a drinks package because we’re not big drinkers (generally maybe one with dinner and another at the bar later) so didn’t think it looked good value for us.

Really keen to hear people’s hints and tips to make the most of it - cruising generally but also Iona and the Fjords specifically.

Cheers!

We've done several and just love it.  Generally I think the drinks package is expensive so think you have done the right thing.  My Wife doesn't drink so I normally order a bottle of wine for myself at dinner, drink half and then they save the balance for me until next day.  Never been on Iona so unsure what facilities they have for the kids but would be 100% sure they will have plenty to keep them occupied.  Certainly always plenty for adults.

Some people find the formal dining nights a pain in the bum but we always embrace it, dress up in our bestest clobber and enjoy ourselves.

Ensure that you have a good comprehensive travel insurance as taking sick and ending up in the onboard infirmary can be an expensive experience as my Mother found out some years back.

Just enjoy yourselves, relax and take everything in.  BTW, I'm jealous !!!! 

[Slacker]

28 minutes ago, ChippenhamRed said:

Thanks! When you book with P&O there is the option to tick a box to take a free upgrade if available - however I haven’t ticked it. The problem is you lose control over where on the ship you are located - and that matters a lot. Cabins towards the rear or front are more likely to feel uncomfortable in rough seas, or you could end up on a different deck near something noisy. As it’s our first time and we’re not sure how we’ll do on a boat, we’ve picked a safe option with a balcony on a quiet deck near the middle of the ship.

Probably a very wise decision. You clearly know more about it than me.Hopefully you will give us a report of how you got on.I appreciate it is a fair while away yet though.

 

[frenchred]

3 hours ago, ChippenhamRed said:

Hi all,

We’ve just booked our first ever cruise, on P&O Iona to the Norwegian Fjords in summer 2025. It’ll be me, my wife and our two kids who’ll be 14 (boy) and 11 (girl) at the time.

Excited about it but also slightly nervous - we’ve never considered ourselves to be “cruise people”, but it’s a great value family holiday and clearly a great way to see the Fjords. We’ve booked a balcony cabin. We haven’t booked a drinks package because we’re not big drinkers (generally maybe one with dinner and another at the bar later) so didn’t think it looked good value for us.

Really keen to hear people’s hints and tips to make the most of it - cruising generally but also Iona and the Fjords specifically.

Cheers!

Hi Mate

Did our first ever cruise last year with p and o on Ventura went to Spain, Portugal and Guernsey and after all our apprehensions we loved it and can't wait to go again!

We didn't do drinks package either, drinks were cheaper on board than they are at hall and Woodhouse in portishead!

You are wise to not tick the upgrade, we choose a cabin similar to what you have and it was fantastic, the balcony is a great option

Loads for everyone, including kids to do, I'm sure you will love it.

You going from Southampton?

[redkev]

3 hours ago, ChippenhamRed said:

Hi all,

We’ve just booked our first ever cruise, on P&O Iona to the Norwegian Fjords in summer 2025. It’ll be me, my wife and our two kids who’ll be 14 (boy) and 11 (girl) at the time.

Excited about it but also slightly nervous - we’ve never considered ourselves to be “cruise people”, but it’s a great value family holiday and clearly a great way to see the Fjords. We’ve booked a balcony cabin. We haven’t booked a drinks package because we’re not big drinkers (generally maybe one with dinner and another at the bar later) so didn’t think it looked good value for us.

Really keen to hear people’s hints and tips to make the most of it - cruising generally but also Iona and the Fjords specifically.

Cheers!

Pack some arm bands 

[BigTone]

Wife just reminded me that we always book the early sitting for dinner as it gives more time to take in the shows etc.

[ChippenhamRed]

2 hours ago, frenchred said:

Hi Mate

Did our first ever cruise last year with p and o on Ventura went to Spain, Portugal and Guernsey and after all our apprehensions we loved it and can't wait to go again!

We didn't do drinks package either, drinks were cheaper on board than they are at hall and Woodhouse in portishead!

You are wise to not tick the upgrade, we choose a cabin similar to what you have and it was fantastic, the balcony is a great option

Loads for everyone, including kids to do, I'm sure you will love it.

You going from Southampton?

Great to hear, thanks! Yes we’re going from Southampton, easy drive from us in Chippenham.

Can’t wait!

[ChippenhamRed]

2 hours ago, BigTone said:

We've done several and just love it.  Generally I think the drinks package is expensive so think you have done the right thing.  My Wife doesn't drink so I normally order a bottle of wine for myself at dinner, drink half and then they save the balance for me until next day.  Never been on Iona so unsure what facilities they have for the kids but would be 100% sure they will have plenty to keep them occupied.  Certainly always plenty for adults.

Some people find the formal dining nights a pain in the bum but we always embrace it, dress up in our bestest clobber and enjoy ourselves.

Ensure that you have a good comprehensive travel insurance as taking sick and ending up in the onboard infirmary can be an expensive experience as my Mother found out some years back.

Just enjoy yourselves, relax and take everything in.  BTW, I'm jealous !!!! 

 

2 hours ago, BigTone said:

Wife just reminded me that we always book the early sitting for dinner as it gives more time to take in the shows etc.

Thanks Tone, some great advice here. We think it should be a good fit for the kids at the age they are now. They’re just starting to become a bit more independent and need a little bit more to do than a straightforward beach holiday, and the ship will definitely give them that while also giving us good quality family time.

Will definitely embrace the formal nights, all part of the fun I think!

[BigTone]

12 minutes ago, ChippenhamRed said:

 

Thanks Tone, some great advice here. We think it should be a good fit for the kids at the age they are now. They’re just starting to become a bit more independent and need a little bit more to do than a straightforward beach holiday, and the ship will definitely give them that while also giving us good quality family time.

Will definitely embrace the formal nights, all part of the fun I think!

Have some friends who cruise every year with their 2 kids. Theirs are maybe 2 or 3 years older than yours but they hardly see the kids while on board as so much for them to do. Yours will love it I'm sure.  Will give you Mrs Chip time to chill.

Edited February 13 by BigTone

[southside]

6 hours ago, ChippenhamRed said:

Hi all,

We’ve just booked our first ever cruise, on P&O Iona to the Norwegian Fjords in summer 2025. It’ll be me, my wife and our two kids who’ll be 14 (boy) and 11 (girl) at the time.

Excited about it but also slightly nervous - we’ve never considered ourselves to be “cruise people”, but it’s a great value family holiday and clearly a great way to see the Fjords. We’ve booked a balcony cabin. We haven’t booked a drinks package because we’re not big drinkers (generally maybe one with dinner and another at the bar later) so didn’t think it looked good value for us.

Really keen to hear people’s hints and tips to make the most of it - cruising generally but also Iona and the Fjords specifically.

Cheers!

Watch Carry on Cruising, that pretty much nails the experience

[frenchred]

3 hours ago, BigTone said:

Wife just reminded me that we always book the early sitting for dinner as it gives more time to take in the shows etc.

Great advise we did the same!

[ENOUGH]

Did the QE2 from Southampton - Maderia,Canaries, Spain, Gibralta, Portugal (that was a while back)also Costa Fortuna around the Med from Savona (Italy) ..Rome, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece etc; there were "rough bits on both Bay of Biscay and from Greece back to Italy huge ships but huge waves. Summer time should be ok though The North Sea can still be rough at times.

Also watch out for hidden gratuities/service charges which can mount up, apart from that everything you want will be on the ship and the size will amaze you, Food, meals and service are to die for, you will want to go again.

Was hoping to do that same trip as you but funds and other stuff have got in the way....so far, have a great time, you wont forget it.

[ENOUGH]

Seem to remember also they take your debit/credit card details when you get your cabin and everything inc trips out goes on your room card/key. May have changed since mind.(prob just scan phone or something?)

Remember sail away "parties" on top deck on departure from port, some ports mind are not actually dockings ships just drop anchor and you have to queue for ages for tenders, which are the ships lifeboats. Not trying to be downbeat its just a fact, you may have all docking calls and no tender queues.

Dont like and never had inside cabins but apart from normal day sail out we didnt get many days when you could actually use veranda and see much as sailings were normally overnight but you do get fresh air and we had virtually different port to wake up to most days.

Do remember taking loads clothes etc no limit on case sizes/weight and at Southampton we just drove into terminal they took car and parked it and luggage, next time you see luggage is in your room.

Takes a while before you go aboard you have to go to large waiting room, with all mod cons; same for return no mad exit off ship normally have to pack cases the night before and porters take them from outside door then wait again for all cases to be offloaded then passengers highest paying ones first;

Anyway may have changed since, just my exp...must be 10yrs ago now. Enjoy

[BigTone]

54 minutes ago, mason said:

Seem to remember also they take your debit/credit card details when you get your cabin and everything inc trips out goes on your room card/key. May have changed since mind.(prob just scan phone or something?)

 

Recall a few years back a cruise through the Caribbean that ended in New Orleans. Had I think 2 days in New Orleans before flying home.

Met this guy and his Wife in a bar downtown who asked if we were on the cruise. We replied, Yes.

For some reason known only to himself he then went on a rant to say that he thought the done thing was to wear a jacket at dinner at all times to which I replied, "Why ?, what difference does it make except on formal nights"

Anyway to cut a short story long the next time I saw him was when he was in front of me checking off the ship and paying the final bill the next day.  His first credit card bounced and then so did his second. 

I suggested to him that is was prudent and the done thing that he could afford to pay for his cruise rather than criticise others for their lack of dress sense,

What a feckin pillock !!! 

Edited February 13 by BigTone

[ENOUGH]

34 minutes ago, BigTone said:

Recall a few years back a cruise through the Caribbean that ended in New Orleans. Had I think 2 days in New Orleans before flying home.

Met this guy and his Wife in a bar downtown who asked if we were on the cruise. We replied, Yes.

For some reason known only to himself he then went on a rant to say that he thought the done thing was to wear a jacket at dinner at all times to which I replied, "Why ?, what difference does it make except on formal nights"

Anyway to cut a short story long the next time I saw him was when he was in front of me checking off the ship and paying the final bill the next day.  His first credit card bounced and then so did his second. 

I suggested to him that is was prudent and the done thing that he could afford to pay for his cruise rather than criticise others for their lack of dress sense,

What a feckin pillock !!! 

Think there`s more choices of resturants and dinner dress now, did like the dress up on formal nights on QE2 back in the day though, its when I first noticed a Mr J Saville on the very same cruise saw him quite often after that up on deck with his cigars and in the casino

[Mike Hunt-Hertz]

I had a day boat from Streethay Wharf to Hopwas. It was great!

[t_b]

Aren’t you supposed to stick an upside down pineapple on your cabin door and see who comes knocking…

[frenchred]

18 hours ago, mason said:

Did the QE2 from Southampton - Maderia,Canaries, Spain, Gibralta, Portugal (that was a while back)also Costa Fortuna around the Med from Savona (Italy) ..Rome, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece etc; there were "rough bits on both Bay of Biscay and from Greece back to Italy huge ships but huge waves. Summer time should be ok though The North Sea can still be rough at times.

Also watch out for hidden gratuities/service charges which can mount up, apart from that everything you want will be on the ship and the size will amaze you, Food, meals and service are to die for, you will want to go again.

Was hoping to do that same trip as you but funds and other stuff have got in the way....so far, have a great time, you wont forget it.

No hidden gratuities on P & O all included in the price, it's very transparent what you pay, can also keep up with what you spend on board via their app

[BigTone]

41 minutes ago, frenchred said:

No hidden gratuities on P & O all included in the price, it's very transparent what you pay, can also keep up with what you spend on board via their app

Correct. You can normally access your account via the cabin TV also.

[SecretSam]

Learn to swim

[Barkhamred]

19 hours ago, mason said:

……. same for return no mad exit off ship normally have to pack cases the night before and porters take them from outside door then wait again for all cases to be offloaded then passengers highest paying ones first;

Take a hold-all / small case to keep back for overnight gear for the last night once your main cases have been taken.

[Maesknoll Red]

On 14/02/2024 at 08:39, t_b said:

Aren’t you supposed to stick an upside down pineapple on your cabin door and see who comes knocking…

I thought that was campsites, but maybe it extends to ships as well……