Cruise discounts / Do all agents offer the same?

davethetaller

Looking at booking P&O Arcadia. on a Baltic cruise, in 7 weeks time, on 16th.August, and have had quite a few prices offered, all "much of a muchness".

We have used "Iglu" before, and they have been fine.

Does anyone have any tips to get an even better deal ?

Thanks in anticipation.

stephb34

Last year CCS which is the group that P+O are in slashed their commision rates to 5% so all cruise sellers sell their cruises at the same price to avoid all this haggling, bartering and timewasting. The only exception to the rule is if someone has an exclusive on a certain ship.
You may get a discount on parking at southampton, better rates on currency at certain travel agents.

loobs40

Try haggling with each agent. Do your research in terms of cabin grade you want and then phone each agent in turn asking for a quote, using the exact same details. You will be asked if you have already had any quotes and use these to try and drive the price down. It's worked for me in the past

daveyjp

Earlier this year we tried 6 agents, all gave the same price. One said the price will be the same, but agents have offers of free parking, on board credit at different times so book with whoever is offering these at the time.

We had a late deals flyer last week, but the generous 'free' stuff was added to the price!

coupleuk

Dave

What date/price/category are you referring to? It might help to direct you to a site for a better deal.

Ideally, put your details in the "travel agent beat my quote" section.

IF you can, book with a US travel agent (though P&O bans many from accepting UK bookings - which tells you something about how we get ripped off in the UK).

Paul

davethetaller

coupleuk wrote: »

Dave

What date/price/category are you referring to? It might help to direct you to a site for a better deal.

Ideally, put your details in the "travel agent beat my quote" section.

IF you can, book with a US travel agent (though P&O bans many from accepting UK bookings - which tells you something about how we get ripped off in the UK).

Paul

Regards to all who have put forward their money saving thoughts. It was my pleasure to click your "Thanks" buttons!

Good one Paul, for reminding me of the beat my quote, where I have enterred my details, and await with baited breath.

My requirements are:

P&O Cruise / Southampton / Baltic / 16th.August / 2 adults /
Cruise number J211 / Outside cabin with restricted view / been quoted £1099 per person.

To avoid advertising, I would welcome a PM, if anyone can put me on to an American site, that would take a UK booking.

Many thanks.....David.

coupleuk

Your quoted price is very low for that cruise.

Visit http://vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm?sort=v&r=84&sm=20128&tm=20128

Does it have to be P&O and on those specific dates?

There are some lower prices on diff dates, inc balconies.

travellerboy

davethetaller wrote: »

P&O Cruise / Southampton / Baltic / 16th.August / 2 adults /
Cruise number J211 / Outside cabin with restricted view / been quoted £1099 per person.
.

If that is a quote don't mess about, buy it quick. Nobody will beat that - are you sure you're got the real price.

getmore4less

travellerboy wrote: »

If that is a quote don't mess about, buy it quick. Nobody will beat that - are you sure you're got the real price.

Thats the P&O direct price.

http://www.pocruises.com/find-and-book/cruise-search-results/?departureMonths=201208&shipIds=1


http://www.pocruises.com/Cruises/2012-13-cruises/Southampton-Cruises1/Baltic-J211/?mode=overview&Search=true

getmore4less

coupleuk wrote: »

Your quoted price is very low for that cruise.

Visit http://vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm?sort=v&r=84&sm=20128&tm=20128

Does it have to be P&O and on those specific dates?

There are some lower prices on diff dates, inc balconies.

You can't use V2G to check UK prices

travellerboy

getmore4less wrote: »

Thats the P&O direct price.

Have never noticed the P&O Getaway Price before. It must be a new marketing phrase in an attempt to drum-up ailing sales.