European cruises

[Belinda A M]

Hello, I am new and have booked a cruise to leave Southampton next year that goes to spain and france. Is this the correct forum or is it just for Caribbean cruises ?

 

[KLA]

You are in the right place! This is everything Royal Caribbean - Welcome! :) What ship did you book?!

[Belinda A M]

You are in the right place! This is everything Royal Caribbean - Welcome! :) What ship did you book?!

Thank you. We are booked on the Independence for next August. We have been on this ship before but I didn't know about this website then. I will check it regularly.  

[KLA]

Thank you. We are booked on the Independence for next August. We have been on this ship before but I didn't know about this website then. I will check it regularly.  

 

Awesome! Indy is a great ship... I sailed her in the Caribbean last February, but would love to sail again over in Europe. :) 

[Matt]

Welcome! Independence of the Seas is a great ship. Here's a recent post about 5 things to love about Independence of the Seas.

[Jerel]

Also make sure to check out the podcasts, link at top of screen. Great for the drive to work, or if your too lazy to research online it's nice to have the option of just listening.
I'm sure there is one about the Independence, if not there is many on the different aspects of cruising.

[monorailmedic]

Welcome Belinda!

 

I'm actually sailing on Indy in 56 days (not that I'm counting).  I'll be sure to sare my experiences here, as well as on Facebook and Perscope.  If there are any specifics that you want to know, there are plenty of pros on this board, and I'll be glad to investigate while on board if we can't find the answer here.

[WAAAYTOOO]

Welcome, Belinda.  Glad you found us !!!

[DocLC]

Welcome, Belinda.

 

I've done a couple of the Northern European cruises on Royal.  One out of England and another out of Sweden, so feel free to ask questions.  I had a back-to-back on the Independence booked for next summer, but opted for a British Isles cruise on the Vision instead.

[bobroo]

I like to think European cruises are where you take your training from going on Caribbean cruises and put it to good use.

 

All your European cruising questions are welcome here. It would not be unusual to have many of them.

[Sailor_to_Cruiser]

One thing I have noticed, having taken both Caribbean cruises and European cruises:  A Caribbean cruise is a "Do Things" type of cruise, and an European cruise is a "See Things" type of cruise.  If you are interested in seeing castles, palaces and history you will be in your glory.  If you want to Scuba, Snorkel or just lounge on a beach, it is not for you.

[jticarruthers]

Bob, we just did our first European cruise over the summer and I definitely agree. We spent a ton of time walking and looking and walking and looking, options for snorkeling, scuba, etc. were definitely few and far between. That was our expectation though so by no means disappointed or complaining but I was in dire need of a few days of rest when we got back !!

[Belinda A M]

Thank you everyone for all your good ideas. does anyone know if the UK cruises do the drinks cards ? we don't drink a lot but sometimes like the odd cocktail.

 

[Sailor_to_Cruiser]

Thank you everyone for all your good ideas. does anyone know if the UK cruises do the drinks cards ? we don't drink a lot but sometimes like the odd cocktail.

UK cruises, at least booked in the UK are giving free deluxe drink package included.  No need for the cards.

[Sarah]

I was on Indy last week!  I love that ship.

 

Check your booking re drinks package as it depends when you book/what offer if you get drinks included.  I got a quote on the ship for next year and it didn't include a drinks package

[Shocked]

Hello, I am new and have booked a cruise to leave Southampton next year that goes to spain and france. Is this the correct forum or is it just for Caribbean cruises ?

Hi.I'm on Indy next August for 8 nights.Will be my 3rd time on Indy.Love the ship.

[Sailor_to_Cruiser]

I was on Indy last week!  I love that ship.

 

Check your booking re drinks package as it depends when you book/what offer if you get drinks included.  I got a quote on the ship for next year and it didn't include a drinks package

European cruises booked in the UK are all including the Deluxe drink package as a norm.  I guess its because the Brits would rather go to an all-inclusive resort in the Canary Islands or Spanish Costas than on a cruise.  They want their alcohol included in the price.  If booked from the US, I do not think they include the drink package.

[Sarah]

I'm from the UK and never have a drinks package included in my booking!

[Sailor_to_Cruiser]

I'm from the UK and never have a drinks package included in my booking!

I'd check with my TA about that.  Every cruise from UK to Europe of 7 days or more are listing free Deluxe drink package.  This is something that seems to have just started this summer.  The TransAtlantic cruises are not listing it, nor the 3/4 day quick trips from Southampton.  

[Belinda A M]

i agree with Sarah, We haven't got free drinks on our cruise for next year. they have been offering discounts on the drinks packages, but this is only if you book now. If I cancel and rebook the cruise it would cost a lot more.