Select or Saver?

The cruise line I book the most is P&O Cruises and a question I always ask my customers is ‘Would you like a price for the Saver Fare or Select Price or on both?’

Here is an explanation of the different fare types offered by P&O Cruises and their differences:

P&O Cruises Select Price

The P&O Cruises Select Price fare is available on all cruises and comes with a range of benefits:

• they are available on all cruises, at all times
• choice of cabin number (subject to availability)
• first priority for dining time and table size in the main restaurants
• first priority for cabin upgrades (where and if available)
• choice of on-board spending money, car parking in Southampton or return coach travel to Southampton.  Available on cruises of seven nights or more
• 15% deposit
• flexibility to change your booking (subject to the booking conditions)
• shuttle buses free of charge (where available)
• Pre-cruise booklet

On Select Price Fares, you can pick from one of the following great offers included within the price:

1. On Board Spending Money

This is by far the most popular Select Price option I book for guests, the amount of on board spending money varies by cruise duration and is based on the number of nights spent on board, cabin grade and applies to the first two guests sharing a cabin.  If you have any on-board spending money this can be used during your cruise in most of the ships’ outlets, including on-board shops, bars, photo gallery, and towards restaurant, spas and shore excursions booked on-board. All on-board spending money is non-refundable so make sure you use it all!

2. Car parking 
Car parking is available on all Southampton round-trip cruises of seven nights or more. Leave your car in a secure car park (one space per booking).

3. Return coach transfers

Coach transfers available on all Southampton round trip cruises of seven nights or more. Coach transfers are available to all guests on the booking.

P&O Cruises also offer Saver Fares which may be cheaper but you do not receive on board spending money, coach transfers or car parking.   These are designed for those who want great prices, without all the benefits of the Select Price. Features of Early Savers include:

• available on selected cruises, at selected times
• available on selected grades of cabin (we’ll assign your cabin number)
• possible upgrades (where and if available, after non-Saver bookings)
• flexibility on your dining time, style and table size may be required
• 15 % deposit
• flexibility to change your booking (subject to our booking conditions)

Personally, I think that the Select Price option represents better value for money and gives you a better cruise experience. P&O 2021/2021 has just launched and don’t forget that from May 2019 gratuities are included in the price too so it’s never been a better time to book a P&O Cruise!