we've decided to try our first Cruise.

fancy a P&O 7 day Mediterranean cruise on the Oceania.

any tips/comments from any of you guys appreciated.

Iain

A two-week med cruise on the Oceana was our first cruise too. Still our favourite ship. Just the right size too - we don't like those floating cities. Im assuming it's a fly-cruise as it'll take 4 days getting to and from the Med. Where are you sailing from/to and where are you visiting? Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
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I have also been on Oceana, on a four night cruise to the channel islands
My favourite ship is Azura, but for a first cruise, Oceana will be perfect.
She's still quite modern and classed as a 'mid sized' ship

Don't know how much research you have done on cruising but I would expect on a 7 night cruise you would have 2 formal nights so you would need to take appropriate clobber for that ( or just go in the buffet restaurant on those occasions)
No real baggage restrictions on cruising but as it would be a fly/cruise you are obviously limited by the airline.

Also look into drinks packages when you get onboard, can make some good savings there

I'm sure you will love it! Martyn

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Hi Steve, flies to Malta to pick up ship, then tour of Greek islands and Turkey, then back to Malta to fly home.

we went to Malta about 40 years ago, and would like to see it again.

would like an outside cabin with balcony if possible.

Iain

thanks Martyn, will look into the options re drinks packages, etc

need to think about the formal dining scenario, not really my cup of tea, but I suppose it's part of cruising.

Iain

Agree re the formal evenings being a bind but a suit and tie covers it if DJ and bow tie too much hassle and the meals are always a bit special and worth it in my experience.

Drinks package worth it as said. Balcony worth it if you are going at a time of year when you can sit out and use it otherwise save your money and go for an inside, we are only ever in the cabin when unconscious so don't even bother with portholes most of the time.

Never sailed with P&O though have friends who do and love it. We always go with small ships - Swan Hellenic, Voyages of Discovery, Fred Olsen. Can't imagine what it must be like on the large boats but P&O somewhere in between I believe.

Watch out for expensive shore trips especially around the Med. You can explore these places yourself and won't need guides, can be a bit different in Asia and Central America or other destinations that are very different culturally and wealth-wise, have little spoken English and where you might be more tempting as a target for the more unscrupulous!

Enjoy your trip.

If you want a more interesting and different cruise on smaller ships try Norway's Hurtigruten Line. There is a fleet of ships travelling up and down the coast dropping in at all of the small ports and Fjords like a bus service. The food and scenery is excellent. They stress that there is NO entertainment of any kind, no dressing up and there is a sign saying that you are not allowed to sit at the captain's table. I know some people who have been 6 times. I will be going again. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
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I agree! A brilliant experience. Iglu cruise do some good Hurtigruten prices. Northern Lights stunning if you get lucky during winter months. Not really a cruise though more a fab trip on a working boat. Points to note, buy the packages (coffee, drinks) as Norwegian prices are painful especially alcohol, and make sure you book onto one of the new large boats, the older ones (that I think are still in service) can be a tad lively in rough seas. Phenergan is a handy sea sickness med to take for first 48 hrs if prone to Mal de mer, good enough for astronauts and good enough for me!

Yes drinks are a problem in Norway, due to the long dark nights and an obvious national drinking problem all alcohol has to be purchased at crazy prices from government shops. Cheapest bottle of wine on the boat was about £40 and it was about the same on shore. Best smuggle your own booze from UK on board. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
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iain cooper wrote:

Hi Steve, flies to Malta to pick up ship, then tour of Greek islands and Turkey, then back to Malta to fly home.

we went to Malta about 40 years ago, and would like to see it again.

would like an outside cabin with balcony if possible.

Iain

thanks guys, a lot of good tips.

Iain

We are looking to book a cruise out of Southhampton next May , Cunard "Queen Elizabeth"/P&O "Britannia"/Royal Caribbean "Independence of The Seas" have sailings with date we have in mind .

Any feedback on these ships ?

Thanks FL2 gone now in 2016 Discovery 4 Loire Blue .

Cruise ships technically are not my scene, they are opposite to ice bergs, most of the volume and weight are above water, even in mildish inclement weather the itinerary is likely to be disrupted as it seeks shelter or needs to head in the wrong direction as it can't cope with winds or seas abeam. There may be a broadcast indicating it is for your comfort, yeah right, they don't want it to fall over  my PC is slightly to the right of Genghis
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Lurcher wrote:

We are looking to book a cruise out of Southhampton next May , Cunard "Queen Elizabeth"/P&O "Britannia"/Royal Caribbean "Independence of The Seas" have sailings with date we have in mind .

Any feedback on these ships ?

Thanks

Thanks for the feedback Steve , will bear your points in mind , we are going to see some good friends (went on hols with them in August) to discuss the options we have been quoted . FL2 gone now in 2016 Discovery 4 Loire Blue .