2018 Ready…Set…Book!!

So in August P&O and Cunard took the industry by surprise when they announced they would be launching their 2018 programme in September, a whole 7 months earlier than the usual launch period. Why have they done this? Well, the truth is we don’t really know. The speculation amongst some is that they are trying to bag up the business and secure their passengers in the hope they wont be lured to the other side by all the low deposit and free all inclusive deals being thrown around by some of the other key players on the market such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian Cruise Line.

The announcement made just last week by P&O regarding a new ship coming to the fleet in 2020, their biggest yet with a capacity to carry 5200 passengers is also another hint that the British style line is fighting for its place at the top along with the idea to add water slides to some of the fleet which if I’m honest hasn’t gone down too well with many of their loyal, old timer customers but I understand that they are trying to compete with cruise lines who do offer such facilities and I have no doubt that it does play a part in some families decisions as to which line to book with.

With the launch already underway for top tier loyalty members and general release to start from the 19th September I have already spied my bargain deal which I will be booking onboard Britannia when I sail in a few weeks time to bag some extra onboard credit. A canaries sailing on the Ventura, a ship I have yet to try but one I have heard great reports on from other families who have sailed her. So am I making the right decision to book so early? Well frankly, yes I think I am. 10% past passenger discount, a good amount of onboard spend (plus the extra I will receive for booking onboard) or free parking or coach transfers should I prefer those, 5% low deposit and the pick of the cabins but the biggy for me, is that this same sailing for the same time this year is £720 more expensive for a family of 4 and the cabin choice is very limited. The same sailing for 2017 is even more expensive!! Its no secret that getting late deal bargains can be troublesome for families who need a 3 or 4 berth cabin as they have usually sold out by 6 or more months left to go when the saver fares are released. Not so difficult for couples, but I have seen plenty of times this year the situation where customers have waited for their chosen sailings to come down in price, only to be gravely disappointed.

So yes I will be booking a whole 2 years in advance to get myself what I think is a very good deal. Try it for yourself, find a deal for 2018 and then compare it to something for 2017 and see how much you could save by jumping in their early. Perhaps you are an early bird already, but if not…why not? Id love to hear your thoughts.