Now that sounds interesting!
If we ever go back to UK, we may well give that a bash!
I hope someone has been on one - I want to know more too...

The one we're thinking of going on is the first Fred Olsen has organised so it should be good only trouble is you wouldn't know what clothes to take also the travel insurance would be difficult to get as you wouldn't know where you were going. We're going to a cruise exhibition at the NEC on 21st November so will ask the Fred Olsen staff some questions about it and hopefully we'll get a discount on the day. Hopefully it will go to different places where Fred Olsen haven't been before as we've already been on the Black Watch twice also the Balmoral once. Will let you know if I get any more information

We went to a Cruise Exhibition at the NEC Birmingham yesterday and booked the Mystery Cruise in November 2014. All we know is they are calling at six ports in four countries one of which is a capital city but we won't know until each morning where we are. We did enquire about the excursions in each port as we usually book and pay for them before we go on holiday don't know how they'll organise those. We had a good discount as we booked at the Exhibition and got 5% off as we have an Ocean card also had a £100 on board credit. Didn't take the £10 a day all inclusive deal as neither of us drink and there's always tea and coffee on offer.

Well it all sounds very interesting but yes, I can see how excursions may be a bit of a problem...
If you will have access to WiFi and a tablet or mobile phone, this may well come in handy: http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/ and there are mobile Apps available

Many thanks for that information hopefully my daughter will be able to find out more the previous night it should be interesting. You wouldn't believe it but we couldn't book the cabin we wanted as a lot were full already even though the books aren't in the travel agents yet so people must have booked from the internet or at the Cruise Exhibition the beginning of September. I'm so annoyed as the cruise we booked last January for November this year has gone down £500 each it makes you wonder if it's best to wait till the last minute and hope there are still cabins free.

It all depends I think - if you're tied to travelling at certain times of the year or if you want to go to a particular place or hotel I feel it's better to book in advance.
But, if you can travel at the drop of a hat then there are still some good deals to be had.
Just keep a couple of suitcases packed and on standby - one for summer and one with winter stuff in...

Jean, I'm sure I mentioned to you last year that there are good bargains to be had waiting until 8-12 weeks before departure before booking, especially at the time of year you tend to go on cruises.

Start taking notes now of prices on various ships for November and December. Sign up to receive newsletters of offers from various cruise specialists. I am constantly getting some unbelievable prices of £500 and £600 including flights and sometimes hotel stays. Not much use to me as they are usually from London airports, but it gives you an idea of what is possible.

Thanks Luci it's difficult to leave it till the last few weeks as my daughter has to book her holidays well in advance to ensure she gets what she wants. She looked at our booking yesterday for this year and we've been upgraded to a junior suite we only booked a superior outside cabin so it's a good upgrade that's three times we've had an upgrade so I shouldn't really complain. I don't think we'll get an upgrade next year though as some of the cabins are limited already must be a popular cruise.