Cruises: Beats any package holiday...

IvanOpinion

hansi wrote:

I always tip the room steward before the cruise. You wouldn't believe the difference it makes.

I do that myself and agree it can make a difference

ivan

IvanOpinion

saveapenny wrote:

Tipping....My only problem with automatic tipping is some companies, RCCL for one have come under criticism for using the tips as wages so they get nothing extra. Much the same as some restraunts have come under criticism for using the tips you add on to the CC bill for wages or not passing them on.

I suppose it is all a matter of perspective .. I accept that the tips are effectively the wages (after all on some American cruise lines many of the staff are 'paid' as little as £1 per day). When I price a cruise I immediately add on £40-50 per week (in my mind) to cover tips.

Its better to use cash that way if they get pooled they get it and not at teh discretion of the cruiseline

My understanding is that ALL tips are pooled irrespective of how they are given. The cabin stewards, waiters etc. are expected to hand them in ... it is more than their job is worth not to.

Ah, the mysteries of cruising ... the one I want to know is how the upgrade fairy works .. the little cow never seems to splash her dust on our booking

Ivan

saveapenny

IvanOpinion wrote:

Ah, the mysteries of cruising ... the one I want to know is how the upgrade fairy works .. the little cow never seems to splash her dust on our booking

Ivan

lol...I was told to booh the Guarentee grade where possible or know the nephew of the captain on the Aurora

Betty_Boop

Went on a cruise once - never again.
Hated every minute if it.

missk_ensington

Oh my god is this thread still going!!! lol

Can anyone help me then, I'm looking to go on holiday with my 2 year old son and me (maybe my Mum, but at the mo just me and him). On this occassion money is a serious issue, but I need a holiday I'm soooooo stressed and starting to resent my little boy for making me tired and cranky all the time.

Thing is, he's two and a bit and I need somewhere with a kids club from 2years not 3yrs (I don't want one where I have to sit there supervising him- it defeats the object. I want a couple of hours a day where I can have a little swim and have a little look round the shops by myself, or just get chance to eat my lunch alone with no baby!) There's NCL but the cheapest I can get is £570 in the Med.

I'm flexible with dates, and for the sake of cost alone I was considering a normal All Inclusive beach holiday in Spain or somewhere cos it was only £230 with a free child place, but again, the kids clubs are 3 years+.

Can anyone suggest anything, be it a cruise or otherwise???

saveapenny

Fancy trying one of the package crusie companies Island Star or OV
4th July OV from Gatwick I have seen for 439 would have to look into to see if there were any cabins for 3 left
or Vacationstogo.co.uk have late deals that are good

I know this is too short notice but spotted this
The Rivieras Sat 17/06/06 7 £419 Price per child:
£249.00
----
or
Depart Birmingham
23/06/06, 15:10
Arrive Palma
23/06/06, 18:35


Return
Depart Palma
30/06/06, 12:05
Arrive Birmingham
30/06/06, 13:40

Cruise
Itinerary Idyllic Iberia


Ship Thomson Spirit
Duration 7 nights
Board Basis Full Board

£1,261.00 Total use Bluebird in promo box and brings it down to £1161 for 3 people

hansi

Betty_Boop wrote:

Went on a cruise once - never again.
Hated every minute if it.

Why, what was the problem?

Neoshoegal

I love cruises!!! Bare in mind these vacations can be addictive and you might end up like me with a computer background that says "I work to cruise"

Anyway, somebody else has already mentioned this, but I thought I'd back him up. Check oit https://www.cruisecritic.com It has a wealth of information and a great forum. I saved loads of money with tips I got on their for shore excursions, how to blag your way to a better cabin and better onboard service, ... Plus on several cruise lines they organise get together for people from cruise critic where you get free drinks and nibbles and a gift.

My personal favourite cruise line Royal Caribbean. Our next big cruise is to Hawaii in October next year leaving from San Diego. We're paying £930 per person for a 15 night cruise (no flights included) for balcony cabin (and it's not the lowest grade of balcony).

We seem to get to best prices (and service) from https://www.bolsovercruiseclub.co.uk but it's always worth to shop around and play the different agents out against each other...

dvdrobs

Must say, having read this thread through calm and storm, I`m still not convinced about cruises. Having done most types of package holidays, cruises seem to offer the same but with the supposed bonus of a mobile hotel. I had hoped there would be more insight into the practicalities of shipboard life. I`ve seen quite a few liners up close and they seem too big for my liking. The thought of wandering around the endless corridors of such monsters is not something I would enjoy. Having an outside cabin with balcony while being the ideal would be prohibitivly expensive. Being housed in an inner cabin, with no outside view, affordable maybe, desirable I don`t think so. As for tipping what a sting in the tail having to budget £100 or so to hand round at the end of your holiday....no thanks. I suppose another shock is the bar bill as it will be so easy to get carried away when just signing for the drinks.

hansi

I think you're being very negative. Firstly, yes, most ships are very big but it is very easy to find your way around the ship, and there are a few smaller ships whch are very easily navigated. Secondly, we have cruised for years and have only booked an outside cabin once because t wasn't that much dearer, and anyway, what's wrong with an inside cabin . You only sleep and change clothes there! And as far as tipping is concerned, my bet is that, if you were on a land based holiday, the amount you mentioned would soon go in taxi fares, entertainment and drinks. I agree that it's horses for courses, but you have to agree that cruising is now the biggest growth sector in travel.