Thomson does something cheaper

[Stevio]

Whilst advance paying tips on my next NCL cruise, noting what a good price I paid overall & good dollar exchange rate I was getting, free cabin number, safe, room service etc. etc. I turned my attention to the excursions... Noting that most cruise excursions at the same ports were identical between the companies I made a quick price comparison between NCL & Thomsons.

Blow me down, Thomson were consistently around £10 - £20 cheaper per person for each of the same excursion itineraries.... I have often heard of expensive ship's excursions on this board & just assumed that to be the case but I have found them to be a lot cheaper than at least one other cruiseline. So credit where its due, well done Thomson's.

Though may be best to not tell them in case they get ideas of tricks missed :eek:

[CRUISIN LINDA]

Paying tips upfront Stevio :eek::eek:(sorry, I think I called you Stevie the other day:o, wrong Steve!) We never do that :rolleyes:

 

Regarding the trips, I often think, when I read people saying trips are expensive on Thomson and Fred, that they should look at the American lines' prices :eek::D

[Stevio]

Yes, definitely pay NCL tips in advance & think of it as a cost of the cruise... At $12 per person per day over 14 days it saves having such a huge bill at end of cruise & worrying what the exchange rate will be... (Plus a few dollars off for advance payment)... Annoyingly in addition to the daily tips there is auto gratuity of 15% added to each bar bill.

We have also paid in advance for the excursions. (10% discount for advance payment) I was just thinking how reasonable the cost of them were when I took a peek at the Thomson prices & found them to be considerably cheaper. :eek:

Not to worry, I shall deduct the difference from the casino budget.

[Sparkles87]

Can I add...

 

I have noted that the majority of NCL's excursions do include a meal in the price whereas Thomsons as a rule don't. That may account for a slight difference in price.

 

I have found them to be more of an expensive line for extras but cheaper on the cruise price overall. So I guess that kinda makes up for it. :rolleyes:

[Stevio]

Can I add...

 

I have noted that the majority of NCL's excursions do include a meal in the price whereas Thomsons as a rule don't. That may account for a slight difference in price.

 

I have found them to be more of an expensive line for extras but cheaper on the cruise price overall. So I guess that kinda makes up for it. :rolleyes:

 

Yes I originally priced up my next NCL cruise compared to an Island Escape one that goes just a day later & the NCL one came in a tad cheaper overall. Mind you it changes regularly as the NCL cruise has gone up by £300 since I booked & the IE down by £50 or so.

See that you are off on the Epic shortly. Too big a ship for me, & do not like the look of their sinks inside the cabin or their glass sided loos. But they certainly seem to cater for the solo cruiser with their custom built Studio cabins. Have a good time Sparkles. :)