cruise offer wanted

supermum4

Hi I hope someone can help me, i want to book a cruise for my mother, but she wont fly so it will have to be a southampton return southampton if you know what i mean, she has never been on a cruise before but she has always wanted to. I found a one going on 30th March with p&o 24 nt for £2669 pp, is this reasonable for a cruise? it seems expensive to me, but then ive never gone on one so if anyone out there can give any advice, or know of any special offers it would be greatly appreciated, she can go anytime just can't fly. thanks again

lisyloo

Hi supermum,

Good companies to look out for are P&O and Fred Olsen.
Both these do frequent cruises from the the UK.

There are many sites you can try for offers.
One I know of that I've used before is

https://www.1st4cruising.com

but there are quite a few.
Bear in mind that the price includes all food and entertainment so cruises actually offer very good value for money.
She will just have to pay for drinks, tips and shore excursions.

saveapenny

24 nights for a first cruise is a long time she might not like it.
I would get her to do a 7 or 14 max for the first time and pay no more than 1000 for a 14 night one
1st for cruising are good also try https://www.gillscruise.com

Here's one that looks good value
£963pp Inside
Best of the Med

Fri, Mar 30th 2007 Southampton, UK
Sail late afternoon

Sat, Mar 31st 2007 At Sea


Sun, Apr 1st 2007 At Sea


Mon, Apr 2nd 2007 At Sea


Tue, Apr 3rd 2007 Barcelona, Spain Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:30

Explore Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, and you’ll discover the ornately wrought works of Antonio Gaudi. A local architect, whose works culminate in the surrealistic spires of the yet to be finished Sagrada Familia. Take a stroll down the colourful Ramblas. Explore the Gothic Quarter. Ride a cable car to the summit of Montjuic. Or sample local wines and authentic tapas as you watch the hustle and bustle of daily life pass you by.
Wed, Apr 4th 2007 Monte Carlo, Monaco Arrive 08:30 - Depart 18:00

The exhilarating town of Monte Carlo is home to glamorous hotels, the famous Casino de Monte Carlo and the lavish Opera House. Admire from afar the magnificent yachts in the marina, watch the changing of the guard at the tiny Royal Palace, or visit the Cousteau Institute. And if all this glitz has given you a taste for the high life, on the opposite side of the harbour you’ll find Monaco. Playground to the rich and famous.
Thu, Apr 5th 2007 Florence/Pisa Arrive 08:00 - Depart 19:00

From the port of Livorno, the glories of Italy’s remarkable region of Tuscany unfold. Whether you opt to visit the renaissance splendours of Florence or the equally stunning city of Pisa, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable day. In Florence, its shop-lined Ponte Vecchio, trademark Piazza del Duomo, and striking Signoria Square, are all in walking distance of one another. And in the famous city of Pisa, gaze in awe at the gravity defying Leaning Tower, which for centuries visitors have flocked to see.
Fri, Apr 6th 2007 Elba, Italy Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00

Elba is chiefly known as the place where Napoleon was sent for his final exile. However, there’s much more to Elba than this. Discover the rugged hills and spectacular beaches and spend a little time in Portiferraio, a delightful town full of pretty pink buildings.
Sat, Apr 7th 2007 Rome Arrive 08:00 - Depart 19:00

Legendary fountains, piazzas, ancient architecture and cathedrals await your discovery in Italy’s capital. At the Trevi Fountain capture the magic of Rome’s grandest fountain. Gaze up at the horizon and you’ll no doubt see St Peters Basilica. Visible from nearly everywhere in the city, it is built on the site where St Peter was martyred and buried. Witness the beautiful paintings of Michelangelo at the magnificent Sistine Chapel. And no visit to Rome would be complete without a visit to its imposing amphitheatre, the Colosseum.
Sun, Apr 8th 2007 Ajaccio, Corsica Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:30

Even on the beautiful island of Corsica, towns don’t come much prettier than Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace, where the warmth of Italian Dolce Vita and the style and cuisine of France combine to create an atmosphere that’s quite unique.
Mon, Apr 9th 2007 At Sea


Tue, Apr 10th 2007 At Sea


Wed, Apr 11th 2007 Gibraltar Arrive 08:00 - Depart 13:30

To the ancient Greeks and Romans, Gibraltar was one of the two pillars of Hercules, set up by the mythical hero to mark the edge of the known world. Today it’s home to the most famous rock in the world. From the summit, on a clear day, you can see across to Africa. From the top of Europa Point to the subterranean depths of St Michael’s Cave, your visit will be filled with interesting sights and sounds.
Thu, Apr 12th 2007 At Sea


Fri, Apr 13th 2007 At Sea


Sat, Apr 14th 2007 Southampton, UK
Arrive early morning


The one you posted for 24 ngihts is that a Caribben Transatlantic?
if it is the same one 1stfor Cruising have it for £1881pp gills might beable to reduce that further but I still say 24 ngihts +transatlantic is a bit much for first time cruisers

moonrakerz

For a good quality cruise you need to start at about £100 pppd. You can pay less but you will get a lot less. But when you consider you are getting much better accommodation, food and entertainment than in a lot of hotels and they are transporting you to where-ever, it is VERY good value for money.
Don't forget Cunard as well !

colmil

Remember that the ships shore excursions can be very expensive, I, too, would suggest a shorter cruise to see if you like the holiday.

If you intend to go March/April, the weather might not be too good in the resorts in the Med.

The QM2 does offer, on occasions, a round trip to New York from Southampton-now there's a real treat!

Also have alook at https://www.cruisecritic.com, they have dozens of pages of forums for each cruise line wich will help you.

colmil

Remember that the ships shore excursions can be very expensive. I, too, would suggest a shorter cruise to see if you like the holiday.

If you intend to go March/April, the weather might not be too good in the resorts in the Med.

The QM2 does offer, on occasions, a round trip to New York from Southampton-now there's a real treat!

Also have alook at https://www.cruisecritic.com, they have dozens of pages of forums for each cruise line wich will help you.

supermum4

Hi thankyou for all your advice and links, i am looking again but this time at something shorter ie: 14nts or so, thanks again guys i new i could rely on your help.

lisyloo

Remember that the ships shore excursions can be very expensive.

Regardig shore excursions.

My husband and I do a mixture of independent travel and excursions.
Our criteria would be

a) Ease and cost of travelling to main sites
b) Ease of getting back to ship on time
c) Ease of independent travel due to language
d) safety
e) Ease of being able to access and understand sites e.g. get a good tourist experience.

We like to travel independently but in some places you will get a much better experience by going on the excursions whether that be because travel is difficult or site is not explained in English etc.

Bear in mind that some cities (like Rome for example) are a LONG way from the port.
Some cities have terrible traffic and therefore risk of missing the boat (we wnent to Athends prior to the Olympics).
Some have sites that arent labelled in English.
Some (like Russia) need expensive VISAs to travel independently.
Some simply don't have enough taxis for 2000 passengers (same greek Islands).

Other sites are of course a short walk from the boat and very safe and accessible and speak perfect English.

My advice is research before you go.
Sometime excursions are very worth while. Other times not as much.

LittleTinker

Hi,
Just my piece for you.

If your Mum is a bit older.....and travelling alone, I would recommend Fred Olsen rather than P&O.

Fred Olsen has a great 'family' feel to it (especially the Black Watch) and your Mum would be fine on her own. The staff are great and your Mum will be able to enjoy what she wants without feeling pressured into anything.

P&O are a little bigger and brasher......not as intimate and a lot more of a 'big business' type feeling. They have a tendency to try and get you to buy their products a bit more.

As for cost........14 nights in a basic cabin shouldn't cost much more than £1000.

(We just did a Royal Caribbean 14 night for £800.)
(Fred Olsen 12 night cost me £850)

There are ways around the single supplement, if you try and can be a bit cheeky.

Your Mum will love it, I'm sure.
Good Luck

Derv_2

Travelscope offer a number of cruises from UK ports. They are on quite small ships with only 700 or 800 passengers. No floating shopping malls here.

saveapenny

this thread is over 4mths old?