Any Cruise experts out there?

[lisag1]

My mum & Aunt want to go on a cruise and they've seen one with Airtours departing April 11th 2004 on the Sundream on the Mexican Magic Tour. The price is from £760 per person for the week but I just wanted to get opinions before she goes ahead and books it.

If anyone has any recommendations good or bad please let me know.

Thanks

Lisa

 

[uksaint]

Lisa,

We have done three cruises with Princess Cruises (owned by P&O) and have researched extensively the options available.

Personally, I wouldn't set foot on an Airtours/Thomson type cruise ships - These are the ones you always see featured on Holidays from Hell etc. BUT, that is just my opinion.

I think you will get much better value for money and a more enjoyable cruise experience from one of the big players like Royal Caribbean or Princess Cruises. The ships are massive and beautiful and good discounts are available - for example I have just done a quick search and found a 7 night caribbean cruise with Princess Cruises on the Golden Princess (a huge and beautiful ship) for £759 departing 16 April and including flights.

That deal took me 30 seconds to find so I'm sure there is probably something suitable out there for your mum/aunt. There are loads of cruise brokers out there on the web e.g. www.pickncruiseint.com and even the high street travel agent can come up with some good deals if you know what you want.

Good luck with the decision.

 

[rjh39]

but you have the choice to start with the budget lines, then work up to P&O or Princess etc.

The budget ships are nearly always someones else cast offs, repainted, renamed.

If you can find a bargain with the mid range or top range go for it, you'll be so glad you did.
Always pay the extra for a window, and if you can, spring for a balcony. Nothing like rooms ervice [free] on your balcony late eve or early am. take a cabin in centre of ship, less movement, at rear you get 'side thruster' noise in early am, while the ship docks at port.
For good deals take a 'guarantee' cabin, this means they wont tell you where you are [so you risk above], but your ARE guaranteed at least the MINIMUM grade you requested, mostly though you get better, unless ship is sold out.

Go to www.cruisereviews.com, or www.cruisecritic.com, loads of posts. Find your ship and read on....

 

[jjcollins]

The budget ships are nearly always someones else cast offs, repainted, renamed.

That is fact -- stick to the big guys Royal Caribbean - P&O or Princess

We've of on our 2nd cruise with Royal Crib in November its a 11nts cruise in the carribean

jj......

 

[lisag1]

JJ,

I couldn't budge her and she's decided to go with Airtours although she managed to get an even cheaper price than before @ £520. My mother sure likes a bargain I'll let you know what she thought in April. Thanks again for all your help and advice.

Lisa

 

[jjcollins]

Lisa i think £520 is a great price - i hope she has great trip - let us know



jj........

 

[gilld]

We always cruise with P&O. The standard is reasonably high and with the discounts always available the price is competative. If cost isn't a problem I'd try Celebrity which is slightly more or Seven Seas Radisson which is more again. Or what about Disney??? Cruising is addictive so be prepared to keep at it. We like to cruise and go to DVC.
Gill