Should I Upgrade To P&O Ferries' Club Class?

Every time I have book a mini cruise, I instinctively book a budget Standard or Premier cabin (partly out of habit, and partly due to cost). When I'm on board, I usually find myself wondering what's behind the locked doors with the 'Club Class' logo emblazoned on them.

This time, I took the plunge and booked the cheapest Club Class cabin I could lay my hands on.

There are four grades of Club Class cabin, each with a different configuration and a different price tag. I've detailed them below, along with the price of each upgrade for my journey (prices will vary depending on the demand, availability, and your party size).

Club Double Bed & 2 Bunk

This is the grade I booked, as I was travelling as a party of three. At an extra £90 for the round-trip, it was quite a reasonable addition (especially as I booked a cheap mini cruise rate of £135.50 for the three of us including the overnight stay premium). But the way I saw it, (a) I only splurged the money I saved on the fare on extra comfort; and (b) this was important research for you guys!

I wasn't sure what to expect, and deliberately didn't read up much about it before I boarded so as to not to colour my judgement.

The Club Double Bed & 2 Bunk cabins (also referred to by P&O Ferries as Small Club Cabins) on both Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam were nearly identical on both ships, with the only real difference being location (a different deck and to one side rather than in the middle of the ship. Both cabins were situated right at the front of the ship on decks 8, 9, and 10, beneath the captain.

Both cabins were equally compact, and remarkably similar in size to the the Standard and Premier cabins I've stayed in on these ships before. Admittedly, that was a little disappointing as I expected to find a much greater floor space. The floor was largely dominated by a double bed, which is one of the main perks of this cabin grade. At the foot of the bed sat a small wall-mounted flat-screen television, with around a dozen channels available in several languages.

Two pull-down single beds flanked either end of the double bed, meaning four people can sleep in this cabin at a push. A small desk space sat adjacent, with a slender wardrobe next to this. Ladders for the bunks stowed away in the tiny gap remaining between the wardrobe and cabin door. Opposite sat the en-suite shower room, equipped with a toilet, sink, shower and small 30ml bottles of Clarins toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, and a 30g bar of soap). A hairdryer was mounted next to the desk.

Inside the wardrobe were a pair of complimentary bathrobes for use onboard, hanging above the mini bar fridge, which radiated an awful lot of heat. The complimentary mini bar drinks included two bottles each of Stella Artois, Harrogate Spring Water, Britvic Orange Juice, Casa Silva Chardonnay Semillon, and Casa Silva Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. Two cans of Pepsi plus two cans of Diet Pepsi completed the drinks line-up, complimented by a couple of bags of Sea Salted Kent Crisps, and two packets of assorted biscuits. The cabin also included a kettle, so the standard assortment of teas and coffees you'd find in a hotel was on offer here too.

A porthole window, framed by deep steelwork, overlooked the sea at front of the ship - a prized view on these ferries afforded only to those with cabins at the front and the captain.

The cabins sported the new refurbished décor, which was a mix of blue and white hues set against light wood. It looked and felt clean and fresh. I also liked the additional lighting mounted by the desk mirror and behind the bed. It was handy having a desk chair in the cabin too.

I liked the modern addition of USB charging points on the plug sockets by the desk and by the lower bed, and I also appreciated the addition of a British plug socket next to the continental plug socket - a relief if you forget to pack your travel adapter.

In terms of downsides, I wished there was more floor space. Three in the cabin was just as much as squeeze as it was in the Standard and Premier cabins. Also, the wardrobe and mini bar chomped up valuable storage space, so finding somewhere to stow away our luggage and jackets wasn't easy. More wall hooks would be a great help, particularly in winter.

The other downside I felt is only noticeable when comparing Club Class to the Commodore De Luxe class on DFDS. The Danish line include a complimentary buffet breakfast for its top-cabin guests while P&O Ferries opted not to include this. Given the price difference, vouchers for a complimentary buffet breakfast in The Kitchen seems like a small gesture that would add the icing on top of the cake in this more luxurious offering.

Overall, I'm glad I tried the experience and made use of the extra creature comforts, but I'm not sure I'd do it again (unless it was on offer). Having had a brief tour of other Club class cabins (see below), there are two in particular that I'd prefer over this.

Facts

• My upgrade price from a Standard Four Bunk Inside cabin: £45 each way per cabin.
• Maximum occupancy: Four people.
• Bed configuration: Double bed plus two fold down single bunk beds.
• Key features: Comfortable cabin, TV, toiletries, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and bathrobes.

Club Large 5 Bunk

Travelling as a group of up to five? The Club Large 5 Bunk cabin has room for three to sleep on a single and double bed, with an option to pull down two further single beds from the ceiling.

The key benefit here, besides accommodating up to five in a single cabin, is a little extra floor space. If you've ever tried squeezing four people into a Standard or Premier cabin, you'll instantly appreciate the extra room here.

The configuration is best suited to families with parents sharing the double bed and kids on the single beds, but it's also ideal for friends sharing on a trip to Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

The bathroom felt more or less the same size as that in my Club Double Bed & 2 Bunk cabin, with the only real noticeable difference being that the hairdryer was mounted inside the bathroom in the Club Large 5 Bunk cabin.

For families of three or four, I'd recommend the Club Large 5 Bunk over the Club Double Bed & 2 Bunk for the extra room. There is an extra cost to jump up to this tier so it depends on how much you value extra space for an overnight crossing.

Facts

• My upgrade price from a Standard Four Bunk Inside cabin: £113 each way per cabin.
• Maximum occupancy: Five people.
• Bed configuration: Double bed, one lower level single bed, plus two fold down single bunk beds.
• Key features: Spacious cabin, TV, toiletries, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and bathrobes.

Club State Room Double Bed

Travelling as a couple? This is my favourite cabin on-board Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam. The Club State Room toes the line between ferry and cruise ship, with a light and airy space that is very generous in size. It's a million miles from the cosy bunk bed configuration in a Standard cabin.

The first thing I noticed was how sparse the cabin felt. A double bed tucked to one side, and a desk and sofa chairs over the other side. If swinging cats is your thing, there's enough space to do that here, and then some!

A large television was wall mounted in between the two windows in the cabin, next to a large mirror which helped to bounce the light around.

A wardrobe area by the entrance door easily absorbs luggage and jackets. The surprising aspect to this cabin was the tiled shower inside the roomy en-suite shower room. It was yet another aspect that made me question if I stepped onboard a cruise ship or a ferry when I boarded in Hull.

The downside to this cabin is that it can only accommodate two. I wished a pull down bed or two was installed here, but alas not. This spacious cabin is exclusively for singletons and couples only.

If I was heading off on a romantic mini break with my better half, this is the cabin I would book. Apparently, it's a popular choice with retirees and businesspeople who want more space and creature comforts on their journey, but it'd be a perfect way to celebrate a romantic trip or milestone occasion for two.

Facts

• My upgrade price from a Standard Four Bunk Inside cabin: £123 each way per cabin.
• Maximum occupancy: Two people.
• Bed configuration: Double bed.
• Key features: Roomier cabin with two windows, TV, toiletries, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and bathrobes.

Club Suite Double Bed

Similar to the Club State Room Double Bed, the Club Suite Double Bed can only accommodate two people and boasts a generous footprint. The bedroom is divided off from the living area, so feels a little more like an apartment at sea.

Like the Club State Room Double Bed, these cabins are corner cabins that sit at the front of the ship. The inclusions are the same as all Club Class cabins (TV, toiletries, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and bathrobes).

Personally, I'd opt for the Club State Room Double Bed cabin instead as the divider that forms the separate dining room/lounge area eats a little into the floor space and that perception of more room. But I'd be happy with either on a romantic getaway for two.

Facts

• My upgrade price from a Standard Four Bunk Inside cabin: £138 each way per cabin.
• Maximum occupancy: Two people.
• Bed configuration: Double bed.
• Key features: Roomier cabin with two windows, TV, toiletries, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and bathrobes.

Should I Upgrade To P&O Ferries' Club Class?

So, back to the original question - should you pay extra to upgrade to Club Class on Pride of Hull or Pride of Rotterdam?

That really depends on your budget, tastes, and preferences.

If the thought of a compact cabin equipped with bunk beds scares you, book a Club Class cabin. You'll appreciate the double bed.

If you need a late night cuppa, or an early morning coffee to kick start your day, you'll make good use of the tea and coffee making facilities.

If you want a selection of drinks and snacks on hand in case you get thirsty or peckish in your cabin, the minibar has you covered.

If you need three lower berths (a double bed and a single bed) without climbing ladders, book the Club Large 5 Bunk cabin.

If you want to push the boat out (so to speak) and get the best for a romantic mini break for two, book the luxurious Club State Room Double Bed or Club Suite Double Bed cabin. It's perfect for couples celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or if you're planning to pop the question. Imagine proposing in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Bruges, and sailing back to Blighty in a snazzy suite.

On my trip, the minibar was used throughout the journey but I didn't need the tea and coffee making facilities. I expected the TV to occupy my son but the lack of children's programming meant there wasn't much on suitable for him to watch. The double bed was a nice touch but we can easily manage with bunk beds for a night. The Clarins toiletries meant I could pack a little lighter, but I didn't use the bathrobes. Overall, I don't think I personally got enough value out of it to justify booking the Club Double Bed & 2 Bunk cabin again.

HOWEVER (and it's a big however), I loved the look of the Club Large 5 Bunk cabin and the Club State Room Double Bed cabin. I'd seriously consider booking the five bunk cabin as a roomier alternative to the four-berth cabin I booked.

As for the Club State Room Double Bed cabin, if I was travelling as a couple, this is the way I'd want to sail. Bordering on a cruise ship cabin, it's a light and airy cabin with bags of space to boot. For an anniversary, birthday, or romantic last-minute getaway, this is the way I'd do it.

Can I Upgrade To Club Class On-Board?

Yes, but there's a caveat. So long as you do it as soon as you get on-board and there are cabins available, you can grab a fantastic bargain.

But there aren't many Club Class cabins on-board so it's very much a risk leaving it until the very last minute. No spare Club class cabins were available on my outbound sailing but a handful were available on the return leg.

My advice is simply to consider how important a Club Class cabin is to you. If you desperately want that five-bed cabin or you are popping the big question on your trip and want the best available, don't chance it. Book the Club Class cabin at the time you book your sailing and relax with that peace of mind it affords.

If a Club Class upgrade isn't so important, and you'd rather chance taking a gamble on getting one for a cut-price rate, wait until you get on-board and head straight to reception to enquire. Depending on how busy the ferry is, you might be in luck.

My rule of thumb is to book the cabin grade I'd be happy travelling in, and if the opportunity for an upgrade comes knocking, consider that a plus. For some, that will be a Standard or Premier cabin and for others it will be a Club Class cabin.

Which cabin grade (Standard, Premier, or Club) do you normally book? Let me know your reasons in the comments below.

Read more in this series

1. Should I Upgrade To P&O Ferries' Club Class? (you are here)