P&O Cruises Introduces Pre-Booking Fees for Kids Clubs
P&O Cruises has introduced a new system for reserving spots in their kids club, The Reef. Parents can now pre-book places for their children before the cruise begins. This change ensures a guaranteed spot for young cruisers. However, it comes with a fee. Daytime sessions cost £4.95, while evening slots are priced at £8.95.
Impact on Families
For families with two children, these fees can quickly add up. Attending all sessions could cost up to £38 per day. This is in addition to the regular cruise fare. The new system is currently being tested on the Iona ship. There is no timeline for when it will be implemented across the entire fleet.
Free Onboard Options Still Available
Despite the new charges, some spots in The Reef will remain free. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This means families can still try their luck once onboard. However, there is no guarantee of availability.
Recent Changes to The Reef
This isn’t the first change to The Reef’s booking system. Last year, P&O Cruises introduced cancellation fees. Cancelling less than 24 hours before a session incurs a £5 fee. No-shows are charged £10. These fees apply only to The Reef, which caters to children 12 and under.
Teens Club Remains Unaffected
The teens club, H2O, remains unaffected by these changes. It caters to children aged 13-17 and does not require advance booking. H2O is more of a casual hangout space, unlike The Reef, which offers organised activities.
Comparisons with Other Cruise Lines
Some parents appreciate the option to secure a spot during busy periods, like school holidays. However, other cruise lines offer free kids clubs without the need for reservations. Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line all provide this service. These lines also operate out of the UK, similar to P&O Cruises.
Concerns from Parents
Many parents are unhappy with the new charges. The costs can quickly escalate, especially for families with multiple children. For example, two children attending two sessions a day for four days could cost over £100. This is a significant expense for families who prefer not to risk waiting until they are onboard.
Accusations of Penny-Pinching
Some cruisers have accused P&O Cruises of penny-pinching. They feel the new charges are an unnecessary burden. The additional costs may deter loyal guests who are used to more relaxed policies on other cruise lines. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this change will affect P&O Cruises’ reputation among UK holidaygoers.
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