P&O Cruise

CountryGirl7676

We are hoping to go on a cruise for our honeymoon next year and plan to book the cruise before 31st May to save 10% and avail of the free car parking at Southampton. We like the sound of the western mediterranean and i was wondering if anyone had any tips when it comes to booking and getting further discounts, type of insurance needed, which side of the ship is best to get a cabin etc.

Thanking you in anticipation of your responses

glitter123

First off I would suggest you try one of the specialist cruise websites where there are plenty of people who can answer any questions you have. Try cruisecritic or cruise.co.uk

As a general rule you will probably get the best discounts from a cruise specialist agent rather than a high street TA.

I don't think there is a better side to pick a cabin, but there is lots of discussion about which deck is better.

moonrakerz

My local TA always has lots of P & O bargains in their window:

http://www.travelangels.net/

stephb34

P + O cruises for next year onwards have restricted travel agents on discounts as they've cut their commission to 5% so all travel agents should be quoting the same prices, but thats a very big "SHOULD" as some always deviate from the rules. Certain travel agents have better offers on certain ships, i think Thomsons is the Ventura, Thomas Cook i think is Oceana as these are what they call thier adopted ships, i don't know who the others are adopted with. The offers will be things like free parking, free upgrades etc.
I think there is a better side to be on someone else will be able to confirm which it is, and i think people pick midship cause its more stable. I wouldn't pick too near a lift as quite often when the doors open it talks to you and some are quite loud you wouldnt want to keep hearing him in the night.
Hope this helps a bit.

getmore4less

Why P&O?

Also look at price this year there have been some stonking reductions taking prices well below the early booking rates even with the freebees.

daveyjp

You don;t say when you want to go, but if you aren't too fussy I'd wait until a few weeks before departure. Western med is well served by a number of cruise lines and there are plenty of offers about.

Offers today

Central Med - 17 nights leaving 27th May 2011 - £899 on Ventura - est original cost about £1700
Western Med 5th June - Cunard Queen Victoria - 14 nights £899 - est original cost about £1500

These savings more than pay for parking

Others:
http://www.cruisekings.co.uk/dealsoftheweek.htm

CountryGirl7676

daveyjp wrote: »

You don;t say when you want to go, but if you aren't too fussy I'd wait until a few weeks before departure. Western med is well served by a number of cruise lines and there are plenty of offers about.

Offers today

Central Med - 17 nights leaving 27th May 2011 - £899 on Ventura - est original cost about £1700
Western Med 5th June - Cunard Queen Victoria - 14 nights £899 - est original cost about £1500

These savings more than pay for parking

Others:
http://www.cruisekings.co.uk/dealsoftheweek.htm

I'm a teacher - so am restricted to only one date in July 2012 have you been on Oceana before? If so would you recommend B or C Deck? Sorry for being a pain - first timer at all this - but i'm very excited :)

Two_Hoots_3

B and C decks look about the same, don't go for A as I have read lots of reviews of A deck cabins hearing noise from the pool area above when it is being cleaned or when sun loungers are pulled across the deck. Family members have cruised on Grand Princess, P & O Oceana and P & O Azura and liked Azura best. If you are restricted by what date you can travel then book be 31st May and guaranteed the cabin you want. I would also recommend cruise websites you will learn lots from reading reviews and looking at the questions asked by other 1st time cruisers.