Raych_C

Thank you!!

Following as we are on ventura in June with our eight month old

It wouldn't surprise me if it was a widely used psychological marketing ruse.

My travel agent said he used to work for p&o and it is standard practice that they block off bulk quantities of certain grades to drive early bookers to higher grades or to feel pressured to book as there are few cabins remaining. They then release them when it suits their own agenda, keeping for example a lot of the cheapest grade back to sell at reduced late saver prices where many who have already booked have paid more because of their manipulation of the appearance of availability.

In theory yes it should be quieter as school age children will struggle to get time off with the new term time holiday regulations, however head teachers can still use discretion in some circumstances so there may be some children. My 8 year old will be on ventura in June.

Younger than school age children are unaffected unless they have older siblings and more likely to be on board as it is cheaper for their parents out of term time.

Thank you! I'll have a look at that! :)

We will be on ventura N516 in June with an 8 year old and 8 month old.

Any recommendations of things to do in these ports? Anything to be aware of with a baby? We aren't going on any p&o excursions as we won't have a suitable car seat for the coach. Activities need to be pushchair friendly. Thanks! :)

We've gone with premier Inn in Basingstoke. Thanks all!

Good plan. Any in particular you would recommend?

From Norfolk, about 4-5 hours away plus stops. We're happy to stay within half an hour to an hour or so of the terminal, just want to get the bulk of it done the night before without crying/whinging kids.

😂

I read somewhere the premier Inn had construction work across the road starting very early in the morning?

We are thinking of travelling down after work the day before we sail as we will have an 8 year old and 8month old and decided it would be less hassle if they went to sleep in the car at their normal bedtime to travel.

Does anyone know of an easy hotel with parking that we can check into at around midnight? Not necessarily in Southampton itself, just somewhere nearish so we have a shorter drive on cruise day.

Thank you!

Following, we are considering this too

We have free parking and £480 obc on ventura in June as we booked in January during a double obc promotion.

Our travel agent said that they block off large quantities of the cheap cabins until a couple of months before sailing so that everyone who particularly wanted to go pays for a higher grade and they can then sell the cheap cabins off for sale prices making a minimum loss.