Recommendations of companies to book a cruise through.

[FlightDeckBuckarooo]

Hi
i want to book a Caribbean cruise for me and my family in either October or February half term. I’ve never been in a cruise before and I have to admit I’m finding it all a bit confusing!

Are there any travel agents who are particularly worth using (or avoiding!)?

How about the cruise lines themselves?

And anything else I should be bearing in mind?

Thank you.

I tend to book directly e.g. P&O but I hear very good things about Bolsover Cruise Club who have been in business a long time and can advise you.

We book directly through P and O or use Iglu cruises. Never had a problem.

I never book direct With the cruise line, always get a better deal with a good agent.
Bolsover are ok, if it is P&O. Different agents specialise in different lines though. Have read lots of negative things surrounding Imagine cruising.

Thank you! I will look at bolsover.

I found looking at the companies own websites a bit confusing- although probably because I’m not yet sold on a particular one yet. Was looking at Royal Caribbean, Princess and Celebrity. Also ideally I’d like to have a complete package with flights and any hotels included - although maybe I’m just looking in the wrong places!

Start watching cruise You Tubes e.g. Emma Cruises as it'll tell you what you do and don't want from a cruise. That'll narrow down companies e.g. river Vs ocean, formal Vs less formal, tender ports Vs non tender ports, young age group Vs older etc

Nope, the agents will be able to sort packages, so don’t worry.

Ok. Thanks. I’ll be wary of imagine then.
who have you used@WowIlikereallyhateyou?
I was looking at Iglu but I’ve seen mixed reviews online.

I use Sovereign cruises, used to use Bolsover but Sovereign are now better for us. They are very good on Celebrity/Cunard.

Thank you @WowIlikereallyhateyou I will look at them then.
I assume that you’ve had good experiences with celebrity cruises for the holiday itself then?

We cruise a couple of times a year and tend to use Trail finders - their customer service is excellent and they tend to get good flight deals when you book the cruise through them.

Bolsover are fantastic.

Don't use iglu. Great when booking a nightmare if there is an issue. They screwed a lot of passengers over covid refunds.

Thank you everyone. I will take a look at trailfinders too.
And I’ll watch the YouTube channel @Tripadvisor101 recommends.

Thats good to know about Iglu @LuckysDadsHat

Yes, i think Celebrity and Cunard are the best quality of the large lines.

Defo Emma on YouTube.

I've not been on a cruise but did a lot of research when I thought I might and Passion for Cruises have a good FB group and a very loyal customer following.