I have eventually settled on the cruise I want for my honeymoon - it has to be a princess cruise because I have read everyones comments, researched the ships and feel that they are all positive and sounds so fun and luxurious.
However, what is the best way to purchase the cruise, is it from the princess website or from such websites as cruise directs etc?
I want to get the best value for money as its gonna cost a bomb anyway so dont want to get taken advantage of.
How does other cruisers do it? I'd like to get some opinions and if there are any good websites please could you let me know :)
Many thanks in advance for your time
Kris
Going About Purchasing A Cruise
6 posts • Page 1 of 1
by Krissyboi on Sun Aug 16, 2009 10:54 am
I really am set for the Hawaii and Tahiti cruise they look so beautiful and just a little different from the average caribbean cruise for the honeymoon.
Thank you for your time, I will appreciate your feedback.
Kris
Thank you for your time, I will appreciate your feedback.
Kris
- Krissyboi
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2009 14:16 pm
by HW tenpin on Mon Aug 17, 2009 16:01 pm
Hi Kris,
In answer to your question.
The Princess site is by far the best way to investigate all your options; you may find that some cruises for 2010/11 prices are not available. This is normal, however you can still find the cruise you want.
Now your options.
Book the whole thing by phone at Princess Future Sales (Best)
Booking a cabin, selecting your cabin needs to be done at time of booking if you require one in a certain location. The term ‘Guaranteed’ just means a cabin of that grade or better, this could be anywhere on the ship, usually right at the front or stern.
Although this is the most expensive option the extra cost is covered by the certainty that if anything goes wrong, Princess will normally cover it.
Once you have decided on your cruise, most TA ‘s or Web Sites can offer you some discount, this will only range from about £100 to £200 for the same package, other’s may offer OBC. 1st4cruising or Gills are perhaps the best two.
Also do look at ‘Cruise Only’ you can put this option in Princess Site, then price up separate flights but do allow at least one extra day before cruise sails, for any delays, this of course will involve a hotel stay.
Things to consider, as it’s your honeymoon, go for the safest option even if this is an extra two hundred or so, do ask a good travel agent, once you have decide who to book with, they might just match or be close to the price. Do take out delayed or cancelled flight insurance, this is usually in holiday insurance but check, that should there be any delay, they will get you to the ship wherever it is.
Your choice of cruise line (Princess) is a great choice, I have seen two weddings on board one on the Grand the other on the Coral, both were spectacular, and extremely well organized.
Congratulations.
If I can help in any way please ask.
Have PM you with my Travel Counsellors name
In answer to your question.
The Princess site is by far the best way to investigate all your options; you may find that some cruises for 2010/11 prices are not available. This is normal, however you can still find the cruise you want.
Now your options.
Book the whole thing by phone at Princess Future Sales (Best)
Booking a cabin, selecting your cabin needs to be done at time of booking if you require one in a certain location. The term ‘Guaranteed’ just means a cabin of that grade or better, this could be anywhere on the ship, usually right at the front or stern.
Although this is the most expensive option the extra cost is covered by the certainty that if anything goes wrong, Princess will normally cover it.
Once you have decided on your cruise, most TA ‘s or Web Sites can offer you some discount, this will only range from about £100 to £200 for the same package, other’s may offer OBC. 1st4cruising or Gills are perhaps the best two.
Also do look at ‘Cruise Only’ you can put this option in Princess Site, then price up separate flights but do allow at least one extra day before cruise sails, for any delays, this of course will involve a hotel stay.
Things to consider, as it’s your honeymoon, go for the safest option even if this is an extra two hundred or so, do ask a good travel agent, once you have decide who to book with, they might just match or be close to the price. Do take out delayed or cancelled flight insurance, this is usually in holiday insurance but check, that should there be any delay, they will get you to the ship wherever it is.
Your choice of cruise line (Princess) is a great choice, I have seen two weddings on board one on the Grand the other on the Coral, both were spectacular, and extremely well organized.
Congratulations.
If I can help in any way please ask.
Have PM you with my Travel Counsellors name
-
HW tenpin - Posts: 403
- Joined: Fri Nov 19, 2004 12:00 pm
- Location: Hampshire UK
by Krissyboi on Tue Aug 18, 2009 08:31 am
Since posting on the website i looked through a few cruise reviews for Hawaii/Tahian cruises and they said that they weren't the best? Do u have any personal experience on these cruises, I am slightly worried now but I really enjoyed the idea because its not your typical caribbean honeymoon.
Secondly, how are you able to find on the princing on the princess website, as there are no prices available, do you have to telephone them in order to get a price?
I would like to compare the whole package and cruise only to see if it would be cheaper.
Many thanks
Kris
Secondly, how are you able to find on the princing on the princess website, as there are no prices available, do you have to telephone them in order to get a price?
I would like to compare the whole package and cruise only to see if it would be cheaper.
Many thanks
Kris
- Krissyboi
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2009 14:16 pm
by HW tenpin on Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:30 am
Hi Kris
Yes over the years we have completed three, while the first was the best the last was just ok. The reason being I think is that we were a lot younger on the first one.
Each cruise can be different for other couples, as we get older then the beach does not appeal to us, also many things can spoil a cruise for some, marking a review down for things like flights, weather or sea conditions, unable to get into port due to swell or even another couple on their table.
The first and foremost your choice should be Itinerary, ship, flights and then cost.
I have sailed on many ships since the fifties 95% have been outstanding, either due to the people we have met, the places we have seen, or the actual ships.
The other 5% I certainly moaned about or wrote nasty letters, but that did not stop me enjoying most of the cruise.
You have to bear in mind that ships are used 52 weeks of the year and a major refurbishment only every 4 or 5, if it happens that you sail just before it’s due then maybe, just maybe you won’t like it.
If in any doubt don’t book it, my recommendation is the Panama Canal from LA to Fort Lauderdale on the Coral Princess (take a look at my photos) on here.
Yes over the years we have completed three, while the first was the best the last was just ok. The reason being I think is that we were a lot younger on the first one.
Each cruise can be different for other couples, as we get older then the beach does not appeal to us, also many things can spoil a cruise for some, marking a review down for things like flights, weather or sea conditions, unable to get into port due to swell or even another couple on their table.
The first and foremost your choice should be Itinerary, ship, flights and then cost.
I have sailed on many ships since the fifties 95% have been outstanding, either due to the people we have met, the places we have seen, or the actual ships.
The other 5% I certainly moaned about or wrote nasty letters, but that did not stop me enjoying most of the cruise.
You have to bear in mind that ships are used 52 weeks of the year and a major refurbishment only every 4 or 5, if it happens that you sail just before it’s due then maybe, just maybe you won’t like it.
If in any doubt don’t book it, my recommendation is the Panama Canal from LA to Fort Lauderdale on the Coral Princess (take a look at my photos) on here.
-
HW tenpin - Posts: 403
- Joined: Fri Nov 19, 2004 12:00 pm
- Location: Hampshire UK
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