Compare Cruise prices

1trainer1

Is there any website where you can compare cruise prices like skyscanner / kayak for flights

[Deleted User]

Sure there are.. but it's pointless. You'll get the best deals by phoning around and haggling.

1trainer1

Thanks, but there are so many companies out there I thought there would be a simpler way of finding a few companies that I could ring

[Deleted User]

1trainer1 wrote: »

Thanks, but there are so many companies out there I thought there would be a simpler way of finding a few companies that I could ring

In my experience the only firms that give you the 'best' deals are Thomas Cook and Cruise.co.uk.

Thomas cook can often give you a great price, then when pushed (i.e. you find a competitor that matches it) they'll knock another 5-10% off).

Cruise.co.uk can often manipulate the price, based on the extras the cruise provider throws in - e.g. parking, cabin credit. They can be a bit pants to get hold of on the phone, but you do get a 'personal' assistant, who can be very good and knowledgeable.

I've tried comparison sites (e.g. http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/compare/) and they just don't really find you the best deal, as the 'best' firms aren't on them. We've cruised with P&O, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Carnival. The only other booking agent we've used is Coop Travel, and that's because they had a decent Quidco deal at the time.

I've never paid the 'online' price; always less. Honestly I quite enjoy phoning around; the only annoyance is that they all start chasing you afterwards to see if you want to use them.