Topic: National Cruise Week - Offers

Hi I have read this on Cruise Critic.co.uk Do you agree with their assessment:

Each year around this time, the U.K.’s Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), the cruise industry’s chief cheerleader, dedicates a week to extolling the virtues of ocean-bound (and river-going) holidays. You may see, throughout the week, a lot of attention focused on “special” deals created by the cruise lines just for National Cruise Week (we’ve checked them out and they’re not really any more special – and sometimes aren’t even quite as good – as cruise specials we’re already featuring in our bargains section).

Has anybody found any good deals?

They are out there, I've just turned one down because it was impracticable and I have a cruise booked and the price has dropped quite considerably if you book now. Yes, there are deals out there but.....

National Cruise Week
Read between the lines, it's a marketing project, they happen all the time from "Buy One get One Free" to "Eat all you Can" “50%off”.

We are suckers in this country for supposed bargains and love been advertised to and at and what's more it works with us.

To be honest bargains are there all the time but the commercial groups know just when they need a boost and when and who to hit.

Sceptical Neil

As Neil says there are some deals out there. Some of them are excellent especially if you can go at any time. What I would say is look around the various agents that have cruises on offer. Two weeks ago I saw a Trans Atlantic on the Queen Victoria from Venice to Fort Lauderdale for £849. Other agents wanted up to £150 more. Now it's £1069. Be selective, see it and book it, its your money, make good use of it.

I can't see anything in that bargain list that makes me go wow, but I do agree with Fossil1, when you see a real deal book it there and then. Even an hour later can be too late, as I have found to my cost quite a few times..........Wilba

My TA tells me Princess and P&O are definately not going to discount cruises next year. We usually manage to get one of their Carribean fly cruises (12 or 14 days) for about £1100. I wonder what will happen if they have a half empty ship, as the TA says bookings are down due to higher prices. Just back from a great cruise on Ruby Princess, great ports and fab weather. Mary

I suspect that late cuising deals will be even more prolific next year: there have been so many this year that we shall not be booking ahead in future. Even the, usually sold out on the first day on sale ones, that are usually booked up immediately have still had availablility this year, right up until a few weeks before sailing.

QUOTE:

My TA tells me Princess and P&O are definately not going to discount cruises next year. We usually manage to get one of their Carribean fly cruises (12 or 14 days) for about £1100. I wonder what will happen if they have a half empty ship, as the TA says bookings are down due to higher prices. Just back from a great cruise on Ruby Princess, great ports and fab weather. Mary

Hi Mary
I'm glad you enjoyed cruise. To quote Christine Keeler "They would say that, wouldn't they", I can't see cruise companies sailing with half empty ships and totally agree with Diva18's assessment, bargains to be had for late bookers next year.

QUOTE:

Hi Mary
I'm glad you enjoyed cruise. To quote Christine Keeler "They would say that, wouldn't they", I can't see cruise companies sailing with half empty ships and totally agree with Diva18's assessment, bargains to be had for late bookers next year.

Strange Alan, I was going to say more of less the same thing.
Princess, P & O and Cunard are being ver naughty at the moment with their pricing policy and with the way they are treating cruise agents. They have started a new marketing system which at this particular time when the World economy is staggering seems so foolhardy that you wonder if Fred the Shred has had a hand in it.

The truth is that the market will sort its own winners and losers and the above cruise lines really ought to rethink....in my humble estimation.

If they aren't going to play ball then there are loads of cruise lines who are going to eat them alive. .....Neil