Cruise

Kirkmain

Which is the best value cruise company nowadays. I have been recommended Princess and Costa

JGB1955

Have a look at 12 Best Ships for First Timers (cruisecritic.co.uk).  It's all very subjective - personally I prefer a ship with less than 2000 passengers and no children on board, but we're all different and want different things from a holiday.  Are you going solo, with a partner and family?  Do you want 24 hour fun and organised entertainment on board, or do you want to chill out on a sunbed?  So much choice!

TELLIT01

I've never been on a cruise but friends who have say to look closely at the price of the drinks packages.  They paid about 20% of the on-board cost by booking their package in advance.

Katiehound

Always book through a travel agent. They can give you some discount which you will not get going direct.

With cruises it depends what you want! Huge floating block of flats? English as the last language?

If you want a budget line have a look at Ambassador- generally ex Tilbury. I know they have some cruises for next year when 2nd guest only pays 50%.

most extras are included in Saga & all cabins have balconies but their prices reflect the inclusions such as Wifi, some drinks, some excursions even insurance.

Cheapest cabins generally lowest decks & inside.

One of my favourite places to cruise is the Baltic. Loads of countries & ports but not hot sun (we had lovely weather in late May)

sheilavw

We have always been happy with P and O. My Sister's done TUI, but prefers P and O. Some P and O ships are adults only

Floss

Katiehound said:

If you want a budget line have a look at Ambassador- generally ex Tilbury. 

They also sail from Liverpool, Falmouth, Bristol and other UK ports ...they are no-fly.

Suzycoll

Kirkmain said:

Which is the best value cruise company nowadays. I have been recommended Princess and Costa

hi Kirkmain 

Quite a hard question to answer really . There are loads of cruise lines offering different things. Some include flights, drinks packages, staff tips etc some don't etc

Are you cruising as a solo passenger or as a couple ? This will make a big difference to the price as solos pay a LOT more than couples.

I have done loads of cruises. The best value is probably Marella crises (TUI) but I personally wasn't fussed on them, Norwegian Cruises & P & O can offer good value for money.

I would start with 1- what location you wish to cruise to/from 2- your budget 3-the type of cruise you want

I think there is another board on MSE forum that gives advice on holidays also . Enjoy 

Clowance

As far as I can tell, MSC are the cheapest from the UK. I have been on the MSC Virtuosa 4 times over the last two years, its a lovely ship but the last time was scottish half term in october and it was too full really. Avoid school holidays both English and Scottish and you will be fine. 

Krakkkers

If you want a cheap price then be the last to book, prices fall as the ship fills up.

sheilavw

I have only ever cruised with P and O but would highly recommend them. My sister's cruised with P and O and Tui, but she feels that P and O are better than Tui. I've done 4 cruises with them with no complaints

MetaPhysical

Princess are super as are MSC.   Royal Caribbean have more going on for younger people.  I have used all three of these and can highly recommend.  P and O tend to be much more formal.   To be fair I think they are all good these days.

As mentioned, all the cruise companies are masters at picking your pocket on things like drinks packages, excursions, photo packages and dining upgrades.  Try and negotiate this in with your cruise through a travel agent that specialises in cruises such as Cruise Nation and IGLU Cruise.