Only cruises - cruise deals for all

getmore4less

It has been a while, but not looking for cheap deals since we are booked on the NCL breakaway Transatlantic and then will spend some time in the US.

I did notice that HAL has some ok prices for a few cruises some Ex uk, they seem competative. Some good TA prices or Norway

Anyone looking for something over the next month or two should have a look

here is a staring search for Europe trips.
http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/FindCruises.action?cfVer=2&destCode=E&dateCode=&durationCode=

zenmaster

An absolute cracker via TravelZoo today.

7 night Med, flight & cruise, ALL INCLUSIVE for £399. The all inc package looks very good as well.

Dates no use to us but, hopefully, will suit someone.

Caz3121

pjran wrote: »

Have you been with Costa? I'd love to know what they're like. I'm assuming because they're so cheap they wouldn't be as nice as Celebrity and Cunard.

My parents went on one, they swore never again, there were about a dozen English speakers on board and all the announcements were done in multiple languages
Probably cruisecritic forums and reviews will give a good indication and obviously there will be a % that have a great time

Neil49

pjran wrote: »

Have you been with Costa? I'd love to know what they're like. I'm assuming because they're so cheap they wouldn't be as nice as Celebrity and Cunard.

You would find them to be a very different experience from Celebrity and Cunard but at the price quoted it's still a very good deal.

The ships are new and very modern (glitzy?) and for Italian tastes. It would help if you like pasta but they do offer a range of foods. I found the buffets very good. The added bonus of inclusive drinks in the deal is very attractive.

I agree about the multitude of langauges in announcments which got quite annoying at times. I was also suprised at dress codes for the evening as it would seem formal for Italians is (for men) an Armani (or similar designer) suit but possibly with an open necked shirt or gaudy tie while the British (and others) wore black evening suit and bow tie.

For me, the biggest drawback was the amount of people who smoked and the areas where it was permitted. Smoking policy may have changed but when I was on board it was in many lounges and even though limited to one side of the ship the smoke drifted around. The plus side to this policy was that it was always easy to get a seat in the non smoking section.

If you want an inexpensive cruise and are prepared for a different experience then go for it. I think prices are low due to the Concordia issue and the fact that the Italian economy is having a few problems.

bcl999

I've done anumber of MSC cruises so have an idea what to expect on the Italian cruise lines.

I was on Costa for the first time last year and I think their smoking policy remains the same. I ws for ever finding myself in the midst of a smoking section indoors. Very off-putting. MSC generally has one indoors smoking area and various places out on deck.

I can't agree about the buffet being "very good" on my Costa cruise. It's the only cruise I have ever done where some days at lunchtime I couldn't find ANYTHING at all to make up a lunch platter and ended back in the cabin for a room service sandwich. Any other cruise, i have always found something at the lunchtime buffets.

The ship's decor was absolutley OTT. It was as if they couldn't leave a wall unadorned. The central atrium reminded me of a Vegas hotel - and not in a good way. The Reception desk had a neon "Reception" sign over it!

Suffice to say I was so unimpressed by the whole experience I didn't even join up for the Costa Club for future discounts, points, etc.

getmore4less

We enjoyed out Costa magica trip northern europe from dover, it is very different to the run of the mill American or British experience.

The atmosphere is very european, so expect family groups right through to late night(including push chairs).

Activities were packed with people enjoying themselves.

Smoking was an issue.

Food was very different but never went hungry or had to resort to room service.
Our waiters got us curry a couple of nights(table of brits).

getmore4less

Only 2 weeks a go I was saying not much around but this week it all changed the deal are coming and prices are dropping to sensible levels with the odd bargain cropping up.

this one stood out for me

http://www.princess.com/find/cruiseDetails.page?voyageCode=B319

Now the princess price says £999 but I have had a few emails saying £499
as always shop around but here are a few links(seems to be £515 now).

http://search.cruiseclubuk.com/fusion/gotocruise3.pl?sid=10675&cid=496789

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise/princess-cruises/caribbean-princess/12-may-13/57157/

These are great trips(we have done 3) and a good way to see a lot of the UK, Just hopw you get a break in the weather .

we can't do this one but can do the next 2 so will be watching prices of those.

getmore4less

Princess round britain above was the 12 May now the 24 May is also £499

Bargain for 12 nights

Watch for the 5 June getting reduced next

FloFlo

I am looking for an August cruise around 11th August for up to 2 weeks.

P & O are way over priced for August as are Royal Caribbean.

My ideal would be Ventura or Independence of the Seas but as above they are so expensive for August.

We are 2 adults and 1 child of 12, which also means that even if P&O do have any getaway fares for August we can't book them.

We enjoy cruising but necessarily dressing up to the 9s every night so Ventura the only P&O option that suits.

I have been looking at the Carnival Legend to Russia 8th Aug and seems to be priced reasonably but am worried about condition of ship. We have sailed with Carnival about 14 years ago and enjoyed it.

Any ideas for cheapish deals for August? Thanks

getmore4less

Princess seem to be discounting but I suspect they are following the 2pax deals.

lookat the round britains they are starting at £899 or 12night
http://www.princess.com/find/cruiseDetails.do?voyageCode=B326

£2,472.00 for 3 in an inside as abovet he may dates have come down to £499


Aug will still be school hols so not going to be easy to ind 3berth deals.

MSC,Costa might offer something and HAL might be an option but check the kids facilities.

Carnival are getting a lot of bad press so may hit pricing.

What's the budget target cabin type No of days etc.
Do you want to gambel on a late deal and miss out?
what about Xmas and easter hols or a 1/2 term as an alternative.