Considering a cruise - any advice?

Loughton_Lass

Hi. I'm considering a cruise this summer, but have no idea on which are the best companies to use (ie those with the least hidden extras), nor which is the best way to book, to get the best price. Do I just book on the company web site, should I use a travel agent, or is there a better way?

It is a special occasion and we wouldn't normally spend so much money on a holiday, so I don't want to end up disappointed. I've always wanted to try one, but I've heard such horror stories about people being charged to leave the boat at each port and having to use the expensive excursions from the company. However I'm sure it can't be that bad, otherwise no-one would go again, right?

I'm thinking of one to Norway or the Baltics sometime during August (OH teaches, so not much option on times). Any advice?

nw_man

That is a BIG topic.

Take a look at tripadvisor and cruise critic :

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g1-i10703-Cruises.html

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/index.php

daveyjp

"but I've heard such horror stories about people being charged to leave the boat at each port and having to use the expensive excursions from the company. "

Both untrue. Some companies charge for a bus transfer to the closest city and there is no requirement to do excursions.

You are at least part way there by knowing destinations you are interested in. There are only a few cruises to Norway and Baltics during the school summer holidays (assuming you want a UK departure).

This link gives all UK cruise departures for August.

http://www.choosingcruising.co.uk/cruiseweb/UKcruisedisplay.asp?client=choosing&mDate=8&yDate=2012&CurrentPage=0&nLine=All&nRegion=All&nType=Any

Loughton_Lass

Many thanks for those links, all very useful.

Also for putting my mind at rest. I like the look of some of those to the fijords, as some of those to the Baltics are 12 or more days. I think that might be a bit much for a first time. I'm now getting very excited!

daveyjp

Fjords are excellent. Best way of seeing them is by ship, but factor in costs of some trips as destinations are remote and there's not much to do in the small places the ship visits.

P2TKL

Once you start cruising you will get the bug I'm sure ! My DH suggested we try one 9 years ago.....I have just booked my next one (10th) for this summer. There are lots of forums you can join to get info eg cruise.co.uk or cruisecritic.co.uk with a wealth of information. Go for it.....its brilliant !

getmore4less

Um School holidays, Baltics, Fjords

probably some of the most expensive cruises to start with that don't need long haul.

Whats the budget?

Do you drink.

Baltics, expect to spend a fair amount to do St petersburg justice over 2 days.

There are plenty of options, look out for a taster in the other school hols, there have been some easter deals.

daveyjp

Princess have a 7 day Fjord trip from Dover leaving 10 August for 7 nights - £609 for an inside cabin. Same date with P&O from Southampton on a similar trip is £849.

Loughton_Lass

I guessed late July / August would probably be the most expensive time to go, but it's our silver wedding anniversary then. We also both have significant birthdays just before August, hence the choice. As an added complication we need to be back as close to 16th as poss, as DD has her A level results and university to sort out.

I think I've scratched the Baltics, as I was looking at the cost of excursions to St Petersburg, and they were half the cost of the cruise! Although it's a significant occasion, we can't stretch to almost £3k each.

I was hoping to keep the total cost to around £2.5k for both of us, looking for about a weeks cruise to the fjords. This is to include excursions, drinks and meals during the stop-overs. Is this possible? Getmore4less, we both like a glass of wine, but aren't spirit drinkers. Is this really expensive on board?

The trip from Dover looks really nice, and actually either there or Harwich is more convenient for us, rather than Southampton. I did see one with Thomson from Harwich, although it is a bit more expensive than the Princess one and both are very similar. Great tip!

Once we decide, is it best to book via the website? Also, with the excursions, is it better to book when we book the cruise, or wait and book on board?

Sorry for all the questions, but it will also be our first holiday without DD (ever!).

daveyjp

Half day trip is about £40, full day around £100, but that will include lunch, which in Norway could be £50 each. No need for trips in Bergen or Stavanger, easy to DIY and plenty to do.

P&O drinks prices are similar to UK pubs, Princess slightly more and they add 15% to each bill.

At £1200 for the Princes cruise, £1300 for spends and tips will be ample. For the fjords consider an outside or balcony cabin and cut spending on board.

Thomas Cook are offering extras on many cruises at the mo. Excursions can be booked at any time, for Fjords I suggest you book early as places are limited. You don't pay until you take them and they can be cancelled up to 24/48 hours before the excursion is due to leave so no need to wait until you are on board.

We are cruising in June and all our trips are already booked.

getmore4less

Excursions, best/cheapest is usualy DIY ,

most trips have experienced cruisers that do this and get people to join them.
once you pick a cruise we can show you places to find out if anyone is doing this.

£1250pp would be a stretch for the baltics.

Not done a full search for whats available school hols

Can you go 20 July Princess 12n Norway Iceland £799. in current sale $100 OBC
(I think thats good value for a trip that is school hols).

We try not to eat/drink ashore (norway is V. expensive) big breakfast and snack on return to see us through till dinner.

I think you need to keep the cruise down to around £800-£900pp to keep on budget if you want to try and do lots of excursions. Drinks are pub(ish) prices so if the odd wine beer it won't be too bad.


A travel agent should better the cruise line prices. Shoparound using the cruiseline on-line price as a guide.