Group Cruise: Carnival PVP or Travel Agent

[prettybrowneyes]

We are planning to cruise next year to celebrate our twins graduation. From what I can tell now, we may have 25+ sailing with us. I contacted the travel agent we normally use, but her group rate was higher than what's currently posted on Carnival's website ($98 to be exact). For those who have booked as a group, is it easier to use a travel agent or book as a group with a PVP?

[arush5268d]

Why have an extra middle man?

[firefly333]

A TA can do all the collecting of monies that the PVP doesnt usually do. At least thats what Im told why people would rather have a TA for groups.

 

The downside of groups though is that people can often book cheaper, and may not want to pay the group price, or buy up to the perks using ES etc. Depending on how far out there may or may not be amenity points.

 

With 25 people, Id be inclined to let people book on their own if the prices were more than ES rates, let them decide and take the risk of booking ES or military etc. Military rates I dont believe can be part of the 8 cabins you need for a group if you are booking thru Carnival. Even if they book on their own, the bookings can still be linked so you eat together.

[Fraucruiser]

I have no experience with a group booking, however.... I did just get off the Splendor on Sunday and while I was at guest services the first day there was a family that had their booking switched to a group booking late and their WHOLE reservation was really messed up :( I felt so bad for them. Their rooms were originally all booked next to each other and they had kids in interiors across the hall. When the booking transfered and they got on board they were scattered all around Deck 8 and kids not even close. I did not hear the final outcome, but initally they were told there was nothing that could be done. soooooo.....I would suggest booking with a PVP AND making sure that all details stay the way they are booked!

 

Good Luck!

[SadieN]

A TA can do all the collecting of monies that the PVP doesnt usually do. At least thats what Im told why people would rather have a TA for groups.

 

The downside of groups though is that people can often book cheaper, and may not want to pay the group price, or buy up to the perks using ES etc. Depending on how far out there may or may not be amenity points.

 

With 25 people, Id be inclined to let people book on their own if the prices were more than ES rates, let them decide and take the risk of booking ES or military etc. Military rates I dont believe can be part of the 8 cabins you need for a group if you are booking thru Carnival. Even if they book on their own, the bookings can still be linked so you eat together.

 

Adding onto Firefly--

 

Our experience with group pricing has been not as cheap as ES but better than any other rate (Past Guest, Guarantee, Resident) for our particular cruise.

 

Each sailing has a limited number of Amenity Points available at no cost. Depending on how many groups and when your group bookd these 'free' points are no longer available. But additional points can be purchased. Depending what you want sometimes it can be a good deal.

 

A problem we just encountered with our group. When we booked this we booked a certain number of double, triple and quad cabins. Turns out we aren't needing the triples and quads and are having issues getting double cabins. We just had to change our cabin assignment and are now on another deck from everyone else. Our cruise isn't until Februry.

 

If you decide not to do a group booking then just make sure all the bookings are linked to each other. This is important for your dining assignment.

[ham_n_pea_cruisin]

We are planning to cruise next year to celebrate our twins graduation. From what I can tell now, we may have 25+ sailing with us. I contacted the travel agent we normally use, but her group rate was higher than what's currently posted on Carnival's website ($98 to be exact). For those who have booked as a group, is it easier to use a travel agent or book as a group with a PVP?

 

I looked into this and found out that you can use the PVP to book your rooms and each cabin can be booked by the person or persons staying in there. Most of the time it's cheaper to book (ES, Past Guest, Military) than Group rate. If you are planning the trip call a PVP and let them know what you are planning. You can be the "group leader" and they can use your name when they book and the reservation can be linked together. If you want to be more involved you can put a pay timeline together(monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, etc) and they can call and make payment or just do the deposit and final payment. Whatever works best for your situation.:)

[bravestar]

The type of group you are doing, as well as the needs of the group as a whole, should dictate whether you use a group specialist or go direct with the cruiseline.

 

I personally advocate using a professional, because (full disclosure here) I am one. There are many benefits to using a professional to handle your group needs, but if you're a Type A personality, or just highly organized, you may not need one.

 

Group rates are often quite competitive, especially the earlier they are locked in. Groups do get amenities that can be used to enhance the onboard experience, such as on board credit, or Carnival-branded merchandise like tote bags.

 

I would strongly recommend using a group specialist for large groups (defined as more than 10-12 staterooms) or for special event style groups (like themed groups based around a hobby, club, or whatnot) as there are many other considerations at play.

 

One thing to bear in mind: the "going" rate on Carnival's website may differ from group rates, and there are many reasons for this. Price alone should not be the sole determining factor as to who handles your group needs.

[sigkap317]

I (am also a group cruise expert) and ALSO agree with steve.... Keep in mind that when it is time for your family and friends to be getting in their deposits and payments, travel agents will send them emails, call them, text them reminders..... and try anything to get in touch with them before their cabin cancels due to lack of payment.... ALL they will get from the cruise line is maybe an email.

 

Also, even more important than the "funpoints" is the free berth you could earn (most agencies will give them to the tour leader, at least my agency does :-) is usually one free for every 15 passengers booked... so all in all the savings you get by going directly (and lots of times agencies can call the cruise line and get the rate adjusted to what you are being quoted online or directly with carnival) usually doesn't out way the extra effort and tips you will gain by using a travel planner!

Sailing on the Triumph with nearly 100 people who are loving the fact that I am with them every step of the way through their vacation, booking, payments, funpass completion, shore excursions etc......

[bafinegan]

we had a group of 13 on our may 28 cruise on the fascination. |IF you have a good PVP, I would use him/her. We all booked independently using the same PVP, but all reservations were linked with my booking, so when a table(tables) were assigned to us, they were all together. He was also able to use the "linked " booking to ensure we all had the same dining time. Being teh "leader" I would check prices and let my group memebers know if they needed to apply for any price reduction( which we got 2:) )

As to "freebies" for a group rate, we had booled a total of 5 cabins. There is a min of 10 ( I think) before the group leader gets freebies. Your PVP wil be able to let you know which rate is better.

If you dont have a PVP, emial me and I will hook you up with the one I use. I have used the same guy for our last 6 cruises and he has always done right by me:)

Being a group leader is a lot of work, but its a blast to see the looks on first time cruisers faces with each new experience!

Hope you have as much fun as we did!

baf

[sigkap317]

The travel agent would check for reductions, do all the reminders to your people and all you would do is promote the group by talking it up to family, friends and coworkers.

You would earn the free space and the agent can also promote the group to other agents in the office who in turn book into the group and you would earn more free berth credits.

 

I guess there is good and bad on either side. The important thing is finding someone to work with that you are comfortable with that you can return to year after year :-)

 

happy cruising!

[yogimax]

We did a church cruise on Glory and used an internet travel agent. She failed miserably in the area of customer service and communication.

 

If we did it again, I would definitely go with my Carnival PVP who is responsive and helpful!

[bravestar]

One other note: if you're going to to use a TA for your group, find someone local, or at least someone who is willing to meet with you in person about your group. I really dislike folks finding a TA on the internet, only working with them via the internet, and having a bad experience. Meeting in person helps you with the initial "is this person right for me" type of questions.

[prettybrowneyes]

Thanks everyone. I think I will go with the travel agent. With 2 kids graduating, I don't think I would have the time to do all of the things a travel agent would be able to do.

[firefly333]

Thanks everyone. I think I will go with the travel agent. With 2 kids graduating, I don't think I would have the time to do all of the things a travel agent would be able to do.

 

Assuming the TA does half the things mentioned. I know very few that watch for price drops for instance... or any of the other stuff. Dont take it for granted they will watch the prices.. its coming out of their pocket, in less commissions if they do find a price drop and process it... No one will watch your money like you will.

[JJ2sail]

Your TA's group price is probably higher due to the amenity points, you can ask for no amenities and get the lower rate. Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Don't compare early saver rates with group rates etc....

 

Also get in writing everything your TA is offering and what they will or will not do, so there are no misunderstandings later.