Advice on cruise package from NI?

Contemplates · 3 January 2011 at 12:09AM

Hi folks, not very moneysaving, but I really need a bit of a boost. Last summer I missed my booked hol as I had ended up in hospital after being knocked down whilst using a zebra crossing. Long story short, I've eventually received claim money from hol insurance, and am just about fit enough and in serious need for a holiday and was considering a cruise, as it would be pretty well adapted for mobility needs etc.:j:j

Down to my question....I'm considering a cruise from Fort Laud. In Florida about feb/march time and was looking for suggestions on...
- Who to fly with
- where to fly into
- any good websites/ agents that specialize in ni departures
- is it better to buy package or flights and cruise separately?

Thanks!

Pretani · 3 January 2011 at 12:27AM

not a big load of info, but it's always something to think about:

I know a lady who went for a cruise around the Caribbean. She flew to Florida, boarded there and cruised down. She said going through America was a nightmare, there was check after check and she says she'll never do it again, she'll fly direct to the Caribbean next time......

check out this link, flights included with Virgin and you don't have to go near the US

http://www.virginholidayscruises.co.uk/destinations/caribbean/

Contemplates · 3 January 2011 at 4:27PM

Thanks Pretani, I've checked that website, and there are a few possibilities, but most flights depart from Gatwick? Any other websites/ recommended agents?

fireman-phil · 3 January 2011 at 5:20PM

Try Cruise Connections - think they're based in Holywood. Ask for Avril, she helped my mate out a year ago to organise his honeymoon and he said she did a brilliant job. Should add that the website is cruiseoffers.com even though the name was cruise connections

Jock221 · 3 January 2011 at 7:48PM

You could try virgin Atlantic they organise the flights and the cruise my friend just back from cruise flew from Belfast to heathrow then to Miami boarded the liner and head to Bahamas etc for 5 days if you don't want to organise your own then perhaps Downe Travel in downpatrick they been at the cruises for 25 years And they have a great relationship with those American firms.

Contemplates · 3 January 2011 at 10:13PM

More great ideas.... Ta very muchly! I've really been struggling with the idea of sorting my own flights out, but with this being my first cruise, I'm looking some advice as to how easy if is to do, and any tps as to flights websites, whether to find flights at the right price, and get the cruise to suit, or vice versa? Also which airport would you suggest to fly into for fort laud. other than the ports own one?

jawjawsdad · 4 January 2011 at 9:02AM

My wife and myself had our first cruise Jan 2010 to the Caribbean. I booked a Royal Caribbean cruise through Thomas Cook. Flights were Belfast - New York (Newark) with Continental, Then Newark - Fort Lauderdale also with Continental. Four hours between flights so no great problems with queues at immigration and security. Newark is a busy airport so you just accept it can be slow. On return your baggage is checked right through from FL to Belfast. Hope this helps.

Contemplates · 4 January 2011 at 3:05PM

JJDad, thanks for the info....just curious, but did you sort out your own flights, or did you have this included with Thomas Cook?:cool:

NAR · 4 January 2011 at 3:15PM

Pity you hadn't posted this a month ago. On 22nd Jan we fly direct from Belfast to Barbados (£49 extra) for 15 days around Caribbean, outside cabin (£49 extra) on P & O's new cruise liner the Azura. Total cost £1098 each - unfortunately all booked out now.