First time cruise - who do you book with?

[Lily8]

As the title suggests, thinking of booking a cruise for July (Norwegian Fjords with RCI) but am not sure who's best to book with - direct? any UK agents? Obviously looking to get a decent offer, but also good customer service in case anything goes wrong e.g. covid cancellation.

[Smilesonfaces]

We have booked direct and with Cruise118. Cruise forums always seem to recommend Bolsover Cruises so I will take a look at them next time. If you are eligible for blue light discounts you usually need to book direct.

[Hudson]

We've used cruise118 the last 6 or so times.
They have always been great. We have booked our flights with them a few times too, they have been able to price match flight prices we have found.

[Lily8]

Originally Posted by Smilesonfaces

We have booked direct and with Cruise118. Cruise forums always seem to recommend Bolsover Cruises so I will take a look at them next time. If you are eligible for blue light discounts you usually need to book direct.

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Thanks. Cruise118 have a decent price and mainly good reviews but I was wondering whether there was an advantage in booking direct? (especially in the event of a covid-related cancellation).

Originally Posted by Hudson

We've used cruise118 the last 6 or so times.
They have always been great. We have booked our flights with them a few times too, they have been able to price match flight prices we have found.

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Thanks. Looking at cruise only on this occasion but good to know they are able to price match flights too.

[Smilesonfaces]

At least booking through an agent you have a better chance of actually getting to speak to someone if a problem arises. We found P & O impossible to get through to on the phone, customer service pre cruise was shocking. With an agent you do have someone to help if a problem arises. Maybe also try Hays Travel. They are on the high street and you can ask them to price match.

[mitch84]

I like Tom at Cruise.co.uk

Always beats the direct price

[Lily8]

Originally Posted by Smilesonfaces

At least booking through an agent you have a better chance of actually getting to speak to someone if a problem arises. We found P & O impossible to get through to on the phone, customer service pre cruise was shocking. With an agent you do have someone to help if a problem arises. Maybe also try Hays Travel. They are on the high street and you can ask them to price match.

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Thanks. I hadn't thought of Hays Travel - I think I'll pop in to out local one and see what they can offer.

Originally Posted by mitch84

I like Tom at Cruise.co.uk

Always beats the direct price

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Thanks, I'll give him a try.

[dizzymum23]

We've used planet cruise a few times now, often a little cheaper than going direct.

[katiec68]

We usually book with our local TA - my friend works there too.

Try Poppy at Bolsover cruises as they get great reviews - very active on Facebook too which I like.

[Lily8]

Originally Posted by dizzymum23

We've used planet cruise a few times now, often a little cheaper than going direct.

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I'll take a look, thank you!

Originally Posted by katiec68

We usually book with our local TA - my friend works there too.

Try Poppy at Bolsover cruises as they get great reviews - very active on Facebook too which I like.

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I'll take a look at this as well, thank you!