Carnival stops TAs from giving comps

[pepsicruiser]

NEWSFLASH: New Carnival Policy goes in effect August 1st, 2012

New Bookings Only

 

 

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NEWSFLASH: New Carnival Policy goes in effect August 1st, 2012

Carnival has just announced that effective 8/1/12, they will not allow travel agents to give ANY cash equivalent value-adds (i.e shipboard credit, pre-paid gratuities, gas cards, airline miles, reduced airfare; free or discounted travel insurance, hotel nights, or shore excursions) and will be limiting any booking incentives to a $ 25 pp non-cash equivalent item (like a tote bag, hat, beach towel, memory book, sunglasses and Carnival gifts delivered onboard (Bon Voyage items)). This new policy applies not only to advertising, but all forms of communication, including in-person, phone or any other means. If any travel agent is caught violating the policy, (whether big, small or even a home based agent belonging to a host agency) their commission can be eliminated and they can be put on a "no book" status.

 

What does this mean for you??

 

If you are a consumer and have been thinking of booking a Carnival cruise sailing in 2012, 2013 or 2014...make sure you book it before July 31, 2012 with a CLIA certified travel agency so that you can maximize your booking bonus before this new policy becomes effective. If you have a Travel Agency you already book with, use them. If you don't, give us a try. Either way, support the Travel Agent community and make sure you book with a cruise specialist before August 1, 2012.

 

NOTE: This new policy also includes Cruise Critic groups. Please make sure you deposit in full with Cruise Critic's designated cruise specialist at CruCon before 8/1/12. Call 800-493-6609 to book.

 

For more details on this new policy, go to: https://www.goccl.com/content/form-policy/documents/ValueAddPolicy_FAQ.pdf</B>

 

[epixx]

CCL used to be my favorite cruise line, but this new policy just about ends it for me. I feel like I can get much better value on other cruise lines which allow TA's to provide greater amenities. I don't have a strong allegiance to any cruise line. Instead, I look for the itinerary and value, but the new policy likely makes CCL much less competitive in the value department. Oh well, I'll miss you, CCL.

[firefly333]

Im not sure what is new in this news flash that wasnt posting in some of the other threads on the same issue??

 

the part about CC perhaps?

 

We went thru this same exact thing last fall when Carnival stopped discounting, and the same TA that handles CC cruises said they could not discount the group cruise I was interested in .. I moved on and booked elsewhere.

[melsmom303]

me too i was booking carnival next cruise but hello:D:D:D rccl and norwegion here we come:D