ELTIPS AV R T
They had done little to dispel my wariness as to whether a cruise could really be as great as everyone says.
But in the wake of surgery to remove a lump at the base of my neck that had turned out to be thyroid cancer, I vowed to toast goodbye to my troubles with a glass of bubbly sitting on a ship’s balcony.
And with my twin sons Joseph and Finlay reaching their milestone 18th birthday, I wanted a family holiday that would be something special.
As we boarded P&O’s mammoth Ventura for a two- week cruise around the western Mediterranean, I had nerves on several fronts.
Would I cope with life at sea? Would we feel hemmed in?
A cruise is a totally different holiday and it can take a couple of days to acclimatise.
Firstly it’s a cash- free culture. You eat on board for free, but excursions, drinks, beauty treatments, certain restaurants and activities cost extra – all added to your bank card, with a tally viewable on the TV in your room.
I found it liberating not having to carry cash or fret about currency.
Our trip left from Southampton,
The warm air, lapping waves, stunning sunsets and occasional leaping dolphins and whales made it a route worth experiencing.
The ship’s excursions proved great value. My highlight was Barcelona’s majestic Sagrada Familia church, designed by Antoni Gaudí in the 188 1880s and still under construction.
S Seeing light stream through the sta stained glass, casting breathtaking rai rainbows amid the inner sanctum, bro brought tears to my eyes and I vowed to r return for a weekend – the stopoff offs can serve as a taster menu. My least favourite was Gibraltar, but the boys had wanted to see the monkeys
and the rock. PRE-book your most favoured excursions to avoid disappointment. TRAVEL bands are a must for nervous or first-time cruisers. Take clothing for sunny andd windy climes. SOME cruise companiesnies allow you to take your own drink on board. Do check before you travel.vel. You can pick up greateat advice by joining social media groups for cruise companies.anies. Use your sterling, though, as our £26 breakfast would have set me back 44 euros.
On board, more than 150 chefs dish up 16,000 meals a day. My two were impressed that after a night clubbing they could go to a buffet until 2am for fresh food, instead of their usual toast or rice pudding.
Entertainment was top class. We loved singer Josh Adams and quartet The Jack Pack. Bernie Flint – Opportunity Knocks’ longest-running winner, at 12 weeks – amused with his gentle but wry humour.
And when it was announced we could not dock in Sardinia due to 65mph winds, we found our sea legs and carried on enjoying ourselves.
We all agreed it was one of our best holidays, and something we would happily do again. Each day brought a new horizon – even as my sons prepar prepare to face their own. FACTFILE: P& P&O Cruises has 13 nights on Ventura (N824) from £1,329 per person for a an inside cabin. Departing Sept 2, 2018,2018 the price includes kids’ clubs, full bo board meals and entertainment on board. Starts and ends in Sou Southampton, calling at Barcelo Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Naple Naples, Cagliari and Gibraltar. See po pocruises.com, or call them on 084 0843 373 0111.