Help with first time cruise!

[lpop80]

Hi,

 

I've been on a cruise years ago when I was around 17.  Now I'm looking to take my two kids (11 and 4) and my parents in the school summer holidays.

 

I've seen a couple of cruises and there was one with P&O around the Med for 14 days for £1,400 or so per person.  I just don't know what is a good deal and what is not or where to book the deal.  I saw someone post online that they had a 14 day cruise in the summer holidays for £2,300 for 3 people with a free child place but I can't see any free child places.

 

Can anyone offer advice as to where to find the best deals and if there are any free child places left in the school holidays for this year?  Is it worth phoning P&O perhaps and trying to haggle given my parents will be coming also?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[champagne123]

I think a good TA would be advisable. 

[leaveitallbehind]

Agree with champagne123 in starting your discussion with a cruise specialist travel agent who can assist with recommendations that will suit your requirements.

 

I will add that if by calling to haggle you mean that in regards to negotiating a better price, forget it - the price is the price and is not negotiable.  

Edited January 15, 2019 by leaveitallbehind

[jlp20]

Used a random TA for our first cruise. A few days later I found these boards and spent a few weeks reading. When we went to pick up the tickets (yes Dorthy, once upon a time you got a fancy portfolio/folder with not only your tickets and luggage tags, a collection of information on the ship and ports. you now get a PDF you have to print out) I found my self education had surpassed the knowledge of the TA. Bottom line let someone else figure this out for you.

[simplelife]

I am very fortunate to have a good, service oriented travel agent. For short cruises with familiar homeports and itineraries, I usually book on my own, but for more involved trips (airfare needed, large group, unfamiliar  itinerary, etc) I go through her. I know she will get me a good deal and will know when we can economize and when we should splurge.

A good TA is invaluable when you need guidance on cruise particulars. Ask for recommendations from friends and acquaintances. 

Edited January 22, 2019 by simplelife

[mjkacmom]

Don’t expect low prices or kids sail free on summer cruises.