who do you book with?

by **dex** on Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:43 am

Hi i am in charge of our honeymoon next year and have decided on a cruise to the med..

anyway do you book directly,use websites i should know off telephone brokers etc etc
should i book now or wait for last minute?

any advice on getting a really good deal appreciated

ps i like the look of the destiny

many many thanks in advance
lee

by **HW tenpin** on Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:17 am

Hi Lee,
Welcome to HW and in particular the cruise forum.

I come in most days and hopefully will be able to answer any questions you have about cruising.

Ok as it is your honeymoon do not leave it late in booking, the cruise brochures are out for next year and you will get a reasonable deal by booking soon.

First thing decided where you want to go and when, start with any on line agent like Gills or 1st4cruising start getting prices, to stop getting constant phone calls say it is a surprise trip and e-mail price only please.
Once you have a few prices, (do look at Princes, Royal Caribbean as well as Thomson) then choose a good bonded travel agent, that way should anything go wrong in the build up prior to your cruise you will have help sorting it out.

Take a look at the Thomson reviews, particularly one by CalamityJane who honeymooned on Thomson last year.

One week mid-term should be about £900, with two weeks £1200 for a outside cabin.

If all else fails try my travel agent carol.frost@travelcounsellors.com she books many cruise for us and has book cruises for HW members.

by **Rachel_1978** on Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:57 am

Hi Lee,

I normally have a look at Thomson's website price, then I call Thomson direct (which is normally cheaper) and book over the phone.

I have been on Thomson Destiny 3 times now and I'm going again in 50 days time (not that I'm counting!!) and to the Caribbean in January 2009, so if there is anything I can help you with - just ask.

Rachel.

by **dex** on Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:19 pm

Fantastic many thanks for the reply's i was on this forum late last night whilst she was sleeping yawn.
i have read lots of posts and am really getting the idea
we be leaving the kids at home for this one something a little romantic (i saw on thompsons they do a honeymoon package on the boat)think i want a little some of that

we are getting married on sat aug22nd 2009 and it will be our first cruise.

do you guys book your own flights? i noticed i could save a fair bit on getting there myself

by **rosebaskrts** on Wed Aug 20, 2008 6:48 pm

Congratulations, once you've been on a cruise you won't want to go on a beach holiday again, I have found the best strategy is to play the phone boys off against the travel agents. If the phone boys phone you back tell them that you've found a cheaper price elsewhere and you'll be booking it unless they can beat that price, or throw in extras like meals / VIP lounges etc. Go to Thomson's high street travel agent armed with the details of your very best price and ask them to match or beat it. Don't take no for an answer as it's their own company they'll do it. My local Thomson travel agent was so keen for my business she called the manager to cut every penny she could.

Good luck and best wishes.

by **ParamoreRock-** on Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:18 pm

hi. when i booked my cruise, i went to the travel agent to find out all the information and prices. Then i came back onto the internet, and did some research about that cruise. I went in the next day, booked it. I wouldn't leave it till last minute, just in case of a sell out, or being left with the worst cabins. just go for it.

by **HW tenpin** on Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:46 am

Hi Lee,

If you want a bit of class for your honeymoon next year take a look at these that have just dropped on my desk.

Voyager of the Sea August 09 7 nights Med cruise starting at £649.

Independence of the Sea Aug 09 14 nights from Southampton from £1029

Navigator of the Sea Eastern Med 7 nights from £789

Includes flights where required.

Your new wife would be very impressed with the luxury Royal Caribbean offers.

Still looking for good Thomson deals will post if I find some.

by **dex** on Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:07 pm

thanks for all the input
i have got a price for a med cruise with flights on the destiny 27 Aug 2009 7 days all inclusive with drinks at £1670 all in on Thompson's website

went into their shop shop today and they would said they would price match their website plus a little sweetener whatever that is
so if no other company's beat this i'll book it Tuesday

by **nanabo** on Fri Aug 22, 2008 3:00 pm

Voyager of the Seas looks a good deal if thats with the flights, @£649 it would work oput cheaper than the Desteny plus you get a better ship.

by **dex** on Fri Aug 22, 2008 3:14 pm

"Voyager of the Seas looks a good deal if thats with the flights, @£649 it would work oput cheaper than the Desteny plus you get a better ship."

yeah it's lovely but no flights in that prce
plus i would need drinks
but thanks for the heads up i'm looking on there now