I Tried a Traditional British Cruise - It Was Eye Opening

I’ve just disembarked a traditional British cruise, despite very much not being a traditional person. We had formal nights and dress codes, and I had to share my dinner table with strangers at a set time and I came across a few strange rules which I was not expecting. This cruise was very different from any cruise I’ve ever taken before and we had highs and lows that I could never have predicted. Those highs and lows were literal as well, the ship was so rocky and the seas were seriously rough.

For the next 24 hours you can get a discount on the t-shirt shown in this video using the code ILOVEHUDSON. 🥳🥳
I made the store and all the designs myself so I hope that you like them! I tested a lot of t-shirts and factories to find the best and am happy to be able to offer free postage in the USA! (The factory is in Miami) ❤️👌 ***

I usually cruise with the casual cruise lines, I love big new exciting cruise ships like the ones that have ropes courses and waterslides, I’ve been skydiving on cruise ships and even tried surfing which was so cool. Taking a traditional cruise on a small ship wasn’t on my radar but when I saw an amazing itinerary sailing with the traditional cruise line Fred Olsen I thought maybe this would be my chance.

Reading their website I saw that it said ‘If after a couple of days on board you find that it is not right for you, we will fly you home and your cruise fare will be refunded.’ I’ve never seen a cruise line promise anything like that before so I figured I had nothing to lose really, and I booked the cruise.

I was nervous, I didn’t know if I’d fit in, I wasn’t sure if there were lots of rules I’d have to follow, I thought I might find it a bit boring to be honest and had no idea how a small ship would handle the notoriously rocky seas on the route I was taking.

We embarked the ship in Newcastle and embarkation was made very easy by the fact that I’d already been sent my luggage tags and tickets pre-cruise so there wasn’t anything for me to organise myself. With most of the big cruise lines you have to remember to print everything you need so this was the first real difference I noticed. This was a really good sign for me that traditional cruising might have some benefits that I hadn’t thought about. I was still nervous but only time would tell if I’d be converted to the more classic style of cruising.

***

[EmmaCruises]

Hey all!!! Thanks so much for watching this video, it was such a fun adventure. *** The T-shirt shown in the video is from my new shop: EmmaCruisesShop.com. 😎💕

For the next 24 hours you can get a discount on the t-shirt shown in this video using the code ILOVEHUDSON. 🥳🥳
I made the store and all the designs myself so I hope that you like them! I tested a lot of t-shirts and factories to find the best and am happy to be able to offer free postage in the USA! (The factory is in Miami) ❤👌 ***

[NotThatWilliamWallace]

Your videos are like a TED Talk on how to be a pleasant human being. I always feel better about the world after watching.

[JessieBanana]

This actually feels like a cruise that might tempt me. I like the more upscale vibe, socialness, and frankly feeling like I am on a boat is nice. I don’t want to be a giant crowded city on the water.

[lindajacquot]

You've sold me. I would definitely love to travel on this ship. Cold weather, no kids roaring around, beautiful decor, good food. Checks all the boxes for me.

[jaimealtman]

The two duvets are actually common in Scandinavia - each person gets their own! I think it's brilliant, and my husband and I adopted this at home in Chicago.

[montyf]

Forget watching any other cruise reviewers. Emma's attention to detail and clear and balanced accounts are really excellent and will give you all you need to know.

[TuulaMaaria]

About 2 separate duvets - in Finland and partly in other Nordic countries it is rare for a couple to share a duvet, everyone wants to wrap up into a duvet 😄When I was married to a British man for over 20 years, that was one thing we often argued about! After we moved to Finland there was no longer a question about it, always separate blankets!

[Genevieveblaise]

Lol the “my way” comment surprised me! I’ve never been to a funeral that this song is played in the US. As a nj/nyc person, it’s known more as a lounge or piano bar song. Or karaoke! Def no death association.

[theloverlyladylo]

That ship looks lovely! I’ve never had any interest in the big cruise ships (too many people for my introvert self) but this is something I could enjoy. I’d say it definitely looks vintage rather than dated.

[jilldavies]

With two friends, I went on my first ever cruise (with Fred Olsen) earlier this year and we booked the earlier dining time without problem or charge. We didn't have to table-share. The food was excellent and the service exemplary. I believe there were a few children on the cruise, but I never saw them. Everything was so relaxed yet totally efficient. The friends I travelled with were experienced cruisers, but much prefer the smaller ships such as Fred Olsen. I'd thoroughly recommend them.

[madisonhawes]

I found your channel not to long ago and I have never been on a cruise and I don’t really plan on going on one either but I love your content none the less I just can’t stop watching it’s all so interesting!!

[lilOspiCB]

I love everything about it. Haven’t been on a cruise yet, but this British “style” is what I’d like.

[SignalHillHiker]

You are exceptionally good at making multiple videos from the same cruise without it being repetitive. I have to keep reminding myself this is the same cruise as the northern lights video I watched haha.

[darnelltabor]

Your unapologetic frugality is refreshing.

[chrisonYTtour]

That looks absolutely charming… I love a ship with personality and as much as I love the new contemporary styled interiors, there’s a real romance about these more traditional ships that’s super appealing

[jennifer]

I’d imagine if you are British this would be a perfect cruise. They really catered to the English culture. As an American 🇺🇸 I’d love a cruise like this. It’s unique and not typical.

[jerrylondon]

Top tip! Book your room on a low deck, near the center of the ship if you get seasick! The higher the deck, the more to the outside your room the more it accentuates the motion of the ship. The more "premium" the room, the worse the ride. A window, porthole, sliding glass doors will make your seasickness worse. So at least spend the time in your room in comfort, not feeling ill. Retiring when you feel ill to a high outside cabin will not improve how you feel. Most ships have a virtual window on the TV if you need a "view". Good project for your kids science fair, relative motion on board a ship.

[amyw]

If I were to cruise, I’d much prefer a smaller ship. Those big ones look hellish to me - like a city without any nature. The small ones look like a nice hotel.

Recently saw a review on Royal Caribbean’s new menus that was NOT good. Apparently the food is almost cold too. The food on this ship looked delicious.

Btw you kissed a trick. If you have a late table, go to the buffet first and then have a second dinner in the restaurant!

[robertusa]

I love table sharing. It’s a great way to meet new people. Wish it was more common place.

[TheRocco]

On a cruise I prefer the late dining shift. When the ship is moored until evening, you can spend more time outside the ship without having to hurry for your dinner. And on days where you have a full day excursion, it's nice to have time to take a shower and put on clean clothes before going to dinner.