Family cruises

6 replies

cakefortea22 · 31/08/2023 21:44

Inspired by This Mornings Disney cruise competition (then realising it would cost our family approx 3k for 4 days) does anyone know of any other affordable, family cruises embarking from UK (Southampton) for next summer? Would love a cruise as really don't like flying especially with a toddler, but the prices seem astronomical.

OP posts:

caringcarer · 31/08/2023 22:15

With a toddler you are not tied to term times. Cruises are cheaper in October where it's still warm in the med.

BethDuttonsTwin · 31/08/2023 22:19

Royal Caribbean and P&O sail from Southampton and are more reasonably priced. Disney cruises are above average cost wise - however for me that is reflected in the immaculate ships and very high service offered, plus all food and soft drinks are free whereas on other cruise lines you often have to pay extra for “packages” that cover drinks and better food. I’d try pricing up on those.

MickeyMouseEars · 31/08/2023 22:27

I've sailed with Disney (pre-covid, when they were departing from Dover), MSC and P&O. Obviously Disney was the 'best' but to be honest, MSC were great (we're going again with them in October) and P&O were also fine, albeit a bit busy. DS (6) actually preferred MSC out of the 3 of them.

planetnuts · 31/08/2023 22:53

Cruise pricing is a minefield!

There are amazing bargains to be had on cruises if you are flexible about dates and not fussy about where your cabin is, however, sometimes you're hampered by needing a 3 or 4 berth cabin and that cruises have quotas for children's age groups (insurance reasons).

For example on P&O if you do a saver fare this means you agree to a category of cabin but the actual cabin is allocated nearer the time.

Best bargains tend to be within 90 days of sailing, this is because people who paid a deposit have to pay the balance by then. Some drop out for whatever reason so the cruise line knows what's left to be sold.

I'd suggest talking uk a cruise specialist agent like Bolsover, they are fab and can advise you.

Another tip... if you had a 4th person you might get a great deal for 2 standard cabins, so 2 adults and 1 adult plus toddler. This could well be cheaper than a 3 berth cabin. Though if you did the saver deal they wouldn't necessarily be next to each other. Not ideal to be separated I realise!

Hope it works out for you because cruising is amazing 🤩

Original poster

cakefortea22 · 01/09/2023 08:54

caringcarer · 31/08/2023 22:15

With a toddler you are not tied to term times. Cruises are cheaper in October where it's still warm in the med.

I have a school aged child too so we would probably be looking at next summer holidays. I really fancy a cruise as we've never done one before (a few ferries but nothing like the amazing cruise liners with water parks and stuff that look like mini towns on a boat!)

Just don't know where to begin.

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neveragainagain · 01/09/2023 09:06

Try giving cruise circle a call. I found them great in terms of explanation and patience for a first timer. I have used them several times now

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