Cruise Talk: airtours

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Topic: airtours

tommi
First Class Passenger
Member # 812

posted 01-26-1999 01:40 PM

Any one been there, fly and cruise so it would be easy and cheaper here in europe. BUT the ratings are so poor, is it then a good holiday to be in those cans?

Posts: 11 | From: finland | Registered: Jan 99

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 01-26-1999 02:59 PM

I've not cruised with Airtours, but their prices are amazingly cheap - maybe 65% cheaper than some other cruise lines. However, you probably get exactly what you pay for! I'd reccomend that you look out for a discount on one of the market leaders.

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Mark Cleary
Just Boarded
Member # 309

posted 02-28-1999 03:55 PM

I'm interested in this discussion on Airtours as myself, my wife and two young children are thinking of booking our first cruise, on the MS Sunbird (nee Song of America)April 2000 for a cruise around the Carribean starting in Barbados (flying there from England).

Airtours offer 7 nights on either an eastern or a southern itinary, and I'm wondering what the general consensus is about a) the Sunbird (I hear the cabins are small so which type should we book) and b) are Airtours prices realistic or are they so cheap that they are attracting the wrong clientele?

Would we be better to save up a bit more and go for a similar P&O cruise that would be 1-2 thousand pounds more? Would I really feel I'd got my money's worth with P&O compared to Airtours or that in fact Airtours are realistic and P&O are ripping everybody off?

Posts: 1 | From: Knutsford, Cheshire, England | Registered: Feb 99

Eileen
First Class Passenger
Member # 141

posted 03-06-1999 10:58 AM

I can't speak to Airtours managment-although I have seen some posts that seem to imply their food, entertainment, etc. is adequate-not great. Regarding the Sunbird (former Song of America) this is a beautiful ship, with a lovely teak promenade deck, brass and wood, newly refurbished public areas(I was on her last summer and the public lounges looked brand new). I also read someplace that RCCL is not requiring the dismantaling of the Viking Crown Lounge, another plus. The cabin was small but since the second bed folded up into the wall there was adequate floor space during the day(we were in #3046, an outside on deck 3). I would go and try to have an open mind. Enjoy!

Posts: 45 | From: Peekskill, NY USA | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

mike
Just Boarded
Member # 704

posted 03-13-1999 08:51 AM

My wife and I and our daughter have cruised with Airtours before in (1998) abourd the MS Carousel. The Ship is a smaller one ( 23,000 tons) the Cabins are small , but your not in the cabin that much anyway. The food was good the service was excellent ( although I cannot compare to any other line ie Carnaval or RCCL as we have only cruised with Airtours) We are booking again with airtours for April 2000 aboard Sunbird. We felt we got very good value for our money with Airtours

Posts: 1 | From: Peterborough Ontario canada | Registered: Mar 99

Paddy
First Class Passenger
Member # 357

posted 08-07-1999 10:04 AM

I agree with mike. I have cruised on the Carousel and Seawing and as far as I can see, they are superb, as I am sure site regulars know by now.

Posts: 763 | From: Belfast, Ireland | Registered: Aug 99

Sherry
First Class Passenger
Member # 421

posted 08-08-1999 02:18 PM

I've never heard of Airtours. Can you tell me where to find more info on their itineraries? Anyone have an 800 number, so I can get a brochure? Thanks.

Posts: 66 | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Steve Read (sread)
First Class Passenger
Member # 788

posted 08-08-1999 02:32 PM

I had a week round the Med (Islands and Africa itinerary) on Airtours' MS Sunbird three weeks ago ... and it was brilliant. Okay it's not the QE2 but neither are the prices. Cabins are small but comfortable, the ship was spotlessly clean, food and entertainment good ... the average age was probably in the 40s and we never struggled to get a sun bed. I think Airtours have done a brilliant job making cruising more affordable for people who can't spend a couple of grand on their holiday. See the ship at http://www.sunquest.ca/Cruise/sunbirdintro.html
Steve (from London).

Posts: 926 | From: Locksbottom, Kent, England | Registered: Jul 99

Paddy
First Class Passenger
Member # 357

posted 08-09-1999 04:47 PM

Sherry, I have cruised with Airtours twice and they are fab. I think that the reason you may not have heard of them is that in the US they are sold through Sunquest Vacations, a subsidiary of Airtours plc. I believe this is true for the winter anyway. If you want more info on their cruises try their website (www.airtours.co.uk). There may be a website for Sunquest, I don't know. They are immensely popular in the UK, as they don't cost much more than a week in Spain, yet you get soooo much for the same price. On their website they sell last minute vacations, but only from UK airports. However, you may be able to get a cheap charter flight to the UK and then catch the Airtours flight to Palma or Cyprus. In the winter however I believe that the flight is included with the Sunquest fare, as they operate in the Carribean on the Sunbird, Carousel, and Sundream, while the Seawing stays in the med. E-mail me if you need more information or if you find something interesting.

P.s. Just found the Sunquest website mentioned above. It is very interesting and provides prices in dollars. It is very informative, but the prices look more expensive than the UK prices. Have a peek anyway.
P.P.S. If you decide to book ith Sunquest, take a category 3 cabin on main deck. They are comfortable with big windows.(Airtours don't allow you to reserve a particular deck, only a category)

[This message has been edited by Paddy (edited 08-09-99).]

Posts: 763 | From: Belfast, Ireland | Registered: Aug 99

Natalie
First Class Passenger
Member # 347

posted 08-29-1999 09:54 AM

If you have any reviews etc. on the MS Carousel as we have booked our Year 2000 cruise leaving Mexico and stopping at various places around the Caribbean.

My concern is that there will no sunbeds available and that you cannot choose where to sit for dinner!

Other than that - I CANNOT WAIT!

Posts: 61 | From: Yateley, Hampshire, England | Registered: Apr 99

Darrell
First Class Passenger
Member # 113

posted 08-30-1999 10:16 AM

SHERRY- You can book these ships from the US. There is a tour operator out of Atlanta call VACATION EXPRESS. They are a very reputable company who offers great air&land packages to Cancun and the Caribbean. They have chartered a number of cabins on the Sunbird and Carousel with departures from Cancun and Aruba. The offer a good value because they include chartered air from most major cities in the Southeast. I hear the ships are a little more crowded than the majors. But it would be a very nice international mix if you were interested in sailing with other than a big group of Americans.

Posts: 78 | From: Washington, DC, USA | Registered: Aug 99

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 08-30-1999 03:01 PM

For Sherry - You give no indication of where you live - any travel agent in Canada, and I would think the States, can supply you with brochures and all kinds of information.

For Natalie - if you get up bright and early you can usually find a 'sunbed'. Use plenty of sunscreen - the sun is strong.
Your travel agent will have information on dining room seating. There are usually 2 sittings - one around 6pm, the other about 8pm - you can request either one.
If you've already booked you probably have the pertinent brochure. ENJOY

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99

Sherry
First Class Passenger
Member # 421

posted 09-03-1999 01:24 AM

Would like to hear comments from any US cruisers that have sailed on Airtours. Darrell? We are in Texas. Do these ships sail from US ports? I haven't been able to answer my questions on the web site. Thanks.

Posts: 66 | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Darrell
First Class Passenger
Member # 113

posted 09-03-1999 10:51 AM

Sherry- Airtours has a charter agreement with Vacation Express for the following Airtours Itineraries: The CAROUSEL departs from Calica, Mexico(very near Cancun) 27Nov99 - 09Apr00 - The SUNBIRD departs from Aruba 20Nov99 - 15Apr00. They have their own charter flights from Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington DC, Nashville, Memphis, Cincinnati, Louisville, and Indianapolis. However you could fly there on regular scheduled airlines like AA for a higher cost. This is the first year this US company has done a charter with Airtours and seems very enthusiastic about it. They do offer good rates, however, I hear as said many times on this site, the service standards are not up to the major cruise lines. I would also like to hear from any American who takes one of the Nov. or Dec. sailings.

[This message has been edited by Darrell (edited 09-03-99).]

Posts: 78 | From: Washington, DC, USA | Registered: Aug 99

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