Are You Aware of This Carnival Rule?

[cschultz]

That has been the rule for a long time. Not really a big deal since a TA cannot give you a benefit worth more than $25.

 

That's what you think. I got 10 times that much for a cruise that I booked in May.

The only people that think that TA's are not worth "the hassle" are those who have not found the right TA. Combine that with Shareholder credit and a future cruise certificate,

you can't beat the price.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

That's what you think. I got 10 times that much for a cruise that I booked in May.

The only people that think that TA's are not worth "the hassle" are those who have not found the right TA. Combine that with Shareholder credit and a future cruise certificate,

you can't beat the price.

 

It's not the bottom dollar or some OBC which motivates me. I avoid TA's, and book direct with the cruise line, so that I can manage my own booking directly with the company and reach them 24/7.

 

THAT is why I don't use a TA.

 

Tom

[iTouch]

I dont deal with TA's. I like having control over my vacation, not in the hands of someone I really dont know or knows me. I would much rather call Carnival, talk to my PVP and book my cruise. At least with her, I know she works for Carnival and in that effect for me....

 

TA's also work for the cruiselines how do you think they get paid lol! Use a local TA and get to know them......you will be surprised. I can contact my TA 24/7....amazing how the internet works.....

[iTouch]

That's what you think. I got 10 times that much for a cruise that I booked in May.

The only people that think that TA's are not worth "the hassle" are those who have not found the right TA. Combine that with Shareholder credit and a future cruise certificate,

you can't beat the price.

 

Bingo!

[kroozers]

Just remember if you deal with a TA you lose control of the booking. Any changes, price drops, etc all have to go through the TA and Carnival will no longer deal with you. Not sure how much the OBC is but I'd rather control my own booking.

 

Good luck

 

+1!! I have no use for a TA no matter what the OBC. I check the rates several times a day. No TA is going to do that for me and missing a price drop because a TA isn't paying attemtion will make the OBC moot.

[oncruisecontrol]

As long as we are straightening out ridiculous practices, why am I paying the same rate when I book on line at Carnival.com as when I book through a PVP, or through a TA that also gives me OBC?

 

hmmmm....

 

It has always been my understanding that if a travel agent is giving an OBC, the price paid to Carnival is still the same. The travel agent is giving up part of his commission, and that is what goes to you in the form of an OBC. So in effect, the travel agent is willing to forego some of his commission in order to get you to book with him.

[katiel53]

As long as we are straightening out ridiculous practices, why am I paying the same rate when I book on line at Carnival.com as when I book through a PVP, or through a TA that also gives me OBC?

 

hmmmm....

 

For the same reason as when you book Royal Caribbean, NCL and any other line.

 

OP,

This rule has been in effect for over a year at least. Sorry you didn't decide to change before the 30 days. I do see how Carnival feels about it though.

[swimmom32]

I agree with most...I dont use a TA because I like to be in control of my booking....:)

[BenjiRodney]

I prefer to have complete control of the booking, that's why I use a PVP. We are only using a TA next year for Alaska because a group of 60 are going and they were offing reduced deposits, OBC, etc. As a former TA I know what Carnival paid us and I'm sure that they appreciate every direct booking that they get. Just my opinion and preference.

[bythehex]

You know - the OBC could be part of a group booking the TA has.... just sayin. It doesn't have to be something "dirty" the agent is doing.

 

Exactly. The incentives that TA's offer as part of group bookings are sanctioned by Carnival. So there's no sneaky dealings going on. Plus, the cruise prices are the same as if you book directly with Carnival. Except, the TA gets to offer things that Carnival doesn't offer through their PVP's. And, it doesn't mean the TA isn't getting their full commission either. Although if folks realized what a small commission their TA makes off of their cruise, they'd be awfully surprised.

[Jdfireman]

Yes Yes Yes

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Exactly. The incentives that TA's offer as part of group bookings are sanctioned by Carnival. So there's no sneaky dealings going on. Plus, the cruise prices are the same as if you book directly with Carnival. Except, the TA gets to offer things that Carnival doesn't offer through their PVP's. And, it doesn't mean the TA isn't getting their full commission either. Although if folks realized what a small commission their TA makes off of their cruise, they'd be awfully surprised.

 

No I wouldnt be surprised but you are right most would.

 

I have read its about 10-18% of the fare after taxes and fees are removed which doesnt keave a lit of profit.

 

Bill

[LKYGSR]

I just re-booked from Carnival to a T.A.

 

I was able to save $350 due to hotel award point certificate exchange and rebate the T.A. offered.

 

I wonder, based on the responses I have read so far, how many would be willing to use the T.A, over the P.V.P based on $350 savings? What if it were $500?

 

I suspect everyone has their price.

 

Personally, I'm in this for me and my vacation $$, not lining the pockets of corporations. If I can get the same trip elsewhere for less, I'm in. Even if it means I have to call my T.A. to tell Carnival what I want, it's still only one phone call for me.

[treasure4two]

Ccl doesnt want to do all the work to have people transferring to ta's who do little work and collect commisions.

 

Bill

I had a TA that I was not happy with-I wanted to transfer to Carnival agent-after 30 days, the TA also would not let transfer plus they were going to charge me a fee if I cancelled my reservation with the TA.

Worse than Carnival.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I just re-booked from Carnival to a T.A.

 

I was able to save $350 due to hotel award point certificate exchange and rebate the T.A. offered.

 

I wonder, based on the responses I have read so far, how many would be willing to use the T.A, over the P.V.P based on $350 savings? What if it were $500?

 

I suspect everyone has their price.

 

Personally, I'm in this for me and my vacation $$, not lining the pockets of corporations. If I can get the same trip elsewhere for less, I'm in. Even if it means I have to call my T.A. to tell Carnival what I want, it's still only one phone call for me.

 

Thats the first time ive heard of ta's offering hotel award certificates.

 

Bill

[LKYGSR]

[quote name='S.S.Oceanlover']Thats the first time ive heard of ta's offering hotel award certificates.

Bill[/QUOTE]

The hotel program (Hilton Honors) offers certificates you can use with a specific T.A in exchange for the points, it's like cash toward the cruise. In return the same T.A offers hotel points for every dollar you spend.

Carnival does not directly accept the reward certificates.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

[quote name='LKYGSR']The hotel program (Hilton Honors) offers certificates you can use with a specific T.A in exchange for the points, it's like cash toward the cruise. In return the same T.A offers hotel points for every dollar you spend.

Carnival does not directly accept the reward certificates.[/QUOTE]

Ty for the clarification. :-)

Bill

Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

[quote name='LKYGSR']...

I wonder, based on the responses I have read so far, how many would be willing to use the T.A, over the P.V.P based on $350 savings? What if it were $500?


I suspect everyone has their price.

...[/QUOTE]

Well... I suppose I do. When I booked our Epic cruise (coming up the Saturday after Thanksgiving) I did opt to book though NCL's CAS (Casinos at Sea) department. Booking though them is pretty much like going through a TA. If I call the cruise line direct, they can only help me in limited ways, and I have to take care of the reservation with "CAS". The advantage in this case was that they were able to book the same suite for $2,000 less. Thanks to previous play in the casino at NCL, they are SMART enough to extend a solid reason to re-book!!

Tom

[bingo3]

[quote name='GottaLuvCruising']And the rule makes perfect sense. Carnival got the booking, everything is in place, and someone wants to collect a commission (with a kickback to passenger). I'm glad the cruise line has gotten a clue about this ridiculous practice.[/QUOTE]

I have to agree with this one. If someone wants a TA to handle something, should book with them in the first place. Would the TA transfer the booking to someone else?? I don't think so.....

[I love my cat Licky]

I didn't realize there was so much work involved in booking a cruise! I mean I made a phone call, she asked me a few questions, she entered this information into a computer (I could hear her keyboarding), then took my payment information. Then she sent me an email. Wow! That was a lot of work! NOT!

But it's no big deal. I just left things as they were and in the future, I know that there is a 30 day limit if I choose to transfer.

[Umbarger]

I had no idea there was a 30 day limit. I booked my cruise thru Carnival just to hold the certain cabin I wanted. I thought I had until FP to transfer it to a TA. That means I just lost a $150 on board credit. drats!

[Snorkel2Much]

The point I (poorly) tried to make earlier is:
"If it is so much work for a PVP to handle my booking that they don't want to release it to a TA, why do I pay the same price when I book at carnival.com vs. a PVP (or a TA)?"

[S.S.Oceanlover]

[quote name='Snorkel2Much']The point I (poorly) tried to make earlier is:
"If it is so much work for a PVP to handle my booking that they don't want to release it to a TA, why do I pay the same price when I book at carnival.com vs. a PVP (or a TA)?"[/QUOTE]

I'm still not getting what point you are trying to make.

How much do you think you should be paying by booking PVP vs a TA vs Carnival .com?

Bill

[beckntom]

[quote name='Umbarger']I had no idea there was a 30 day limit. I booked my cruise thru Carnival just to hold the certain cabin I wanted. I thought I had until FP to transfer it to a TA. That means I just lost a $150 on board credit. drats![/quote]


Same here for our January cruise with final payment due November 1st. There's a lot to learn when cruising on a different line, and this was an expensive ($100) lesson for me. :o