Disappointed as a Carnival First-Time Booker

[pintessential]

Having sailed RCI and NCL a bunch of times, my wife and I decided that we should also give Carnival a try. In July, my TA sent out a notice saying that Carnival would not allow travel agents to give ANY cash equivalent value-adds and would be limiting booking incentives to a $ 25 pp non-cash equivalent item.

 

In light of that news, I decided to book directly through Carnival (we booked in mid-August). I talked to a Carnival agent over the phone and they suggested the early saver rate since I was committed to my sailing, the rates were supposedly 20% off, and I would be credited for any price drops. Boy, do I regret doing that.

 

First of all, I did not realize that Carnival would nullify this policy a couple weeks later (my TA said it was due to major push-backs). The prime reason I choose to book through Carnival directly was because they published this new policy, and the Carnival agent reiterated it over the phone. When I saw my TA advertising OBC's again 2 weeks later, I called Carnival called back, and they said there was "nothing they could do if their TA's were breaking rules, that's not their department". That's bs because my TA is one of the most reputable and I know they would not violate cruise line policy. If Carnival decided to go back on a policy, they should at least take ownership.

 

For other first-timers on Carnival, I would recommend against early saver in general due to the following reasons:

 

- I thought I was saving 20%, but the day early saver expired, the early saver rates became the standard rates, and those are refundable until 74 days before sailing. Don't know if that's typical of just my luck.

 

- While prices have dropped lower than my rate in other categories that I would be fine with (I'm not picky), Carnival only allows you to upgrade with early-saver, not downgrade. If you go with early saver, you should choose a low category to maximize the odds of a price drop.

 

That being said, I hope that the Breeze on-board experience outweighs these annoyances. I know I got myself into this, but I'm disappointed that I could've paid the same rate through my TA, got an OBC equivalent to 10% of what I paid, and had full cancellation abilities for another month or so.

[k2excursion]

That policy about limiting incentives offered by TAs has been around for awhile now, and if Carnival has gotten rid of that, I haven't heard about it. That would surprise me if they did.

 

ES (Early Saver) really is the best way to go, if you know for sure that you're going, and are not worried about needing to cancel. Yes, the ES rate goes away at a certain time before sailing, but you can continue to match to any other rate that you qualify for, up to 2 days before sailing. In other words, if you see a lower rate (that's not Early Saver) that you could book today for your category, you can match prices to that rate, even after final payment. Other rates do not allow you to match prices after final payment. So don't give up on getting a lower rate even though ES has gone away. If you see a lower rate for your category on Carnival's website, submit this form: http://www.carnival.com/BonVoyage/requestforms/cclearlysaverform.aspx

 

 

I won't pick on you about not knowing that there are no downgrades allowed with ES. Somebody probably will, but I won't. I have known of that restriction. As long as you know about, you can work with it, and still find ES to be the best way to go. We use it every time, and even if we find no price breaks at all, that simply means that everyone on board who booked after us paid more than we did for what we got. So we absolutely made the best possible move.

[chasinraynbowz]

Having sailed RCI and NCL a bunch of times, my wife and I decided that we should also give Carnival a try. In July, my TA sent out a notice saying that Carnival would not allow travel agents to give ANY cash equivalent value-adds and would be limiting booking incentives to a $ 25 pp non-cash equivalent item.

 

In light of that news, I decided to book directly through Carnival (we booked in mid-August). I talked to a Carnival agent over the phone and they suggested the early saver rate since I was committed to my sailing, the rates were supposedly 20% off, and I would be credited for any price drops. Boy, do I regret doing that.

 

First of all, I did not realize that Carnival would nullify this policy a couple weeks later (my TA said it was due to major push-backs). The prime reason I choose to book through Carnival directly was because they published this new policy, and the Carnival agent reiterated it over the phone. When I saw my TA advertising OBC's again 2 weeks later, I called Carnival called back, and they said there was "nothing they could do if their TA's were breaking rules, that's not their department". That's bs because my TA is one of the most reputable and I know they would not violate cruise line policy. If Carnival decided to go back on a policy, they should at least take ownership.

 

For other first-timers on Carnival, I would recommend against early saver in general due to the following reasons:

 

- I thought I was saving 20%, but the day early saver expired, the early saver rates became the standard rates, and those are refundable until 74 days before sailing. Don't know if that's typical of just my luck.

 

- While prices have dropped lower than my rate in other categories that I would be fine with (I'm not picky), Carnival only allows you to upgrade with early-saver, not downgrade. If you go with early saver, you should choose a low category to maximize the odds of a price drop.

 

That being said, I hope that the Breeze on-board experience outweighs these annoyances. I know I got myself into this, but I'm disappointed that I could've paid the same rate through my TA, got an OBC equivalent to 10% of what I paid, and had full cancellation abilities for another month or so.

 

 

Have prices dropped in your cabin category? If so, have you gotten the OBC for that price drop? DH and I always book ES. On our upcoming December cruise, prices have dropped $135 per person which I have gotten.

[LHP]

The benefit of Early Saver will become more evident after the final payment.

 

With standard bookings, after the final payment if the rate goes down you get nothing.

 

With Early Saver, if your cabin goes down .... you get the difference in OBC until 2 days before sailing.

 

My in laws got $504 on their Hawaiian cruise, which was much more than 10%...

 

now it does not always work this way and there are restrictions...but most of the people who book ES are happy with it.

 

As for Carnival allowing TAs to compensate again (if indeed they are).... there is no way your the Carnival on line person would have known that when you booked....so Carnival did not trick you in any way.... it was just a timing thing.

[pintessential]

Thanks for the input! Helps to know that my decision to book ES wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I have more experience with booking the other cruise lines, so I'll take this as a learning experience.

 

The lowest-price I currently qualify for is about what I paid ($10 more). I'm hoping that it dips in the coming weeks so I can at least claim some OBC.

 

- Chris

[emelvee]

I hope you enjoy Carnival!

 

We're looking forward to being on Carnival again next summer. We've enjoyed RCI, but the overall feel on Carnival has been "livelier" on Carnival than RCI, in our opinion. So Carnival seems to fit our cruise style best among the mass market lines. And we don't even own a banjo!

[Wildgrits]

I had been hunting down those incentives we have gotten in the past this year also. Last cruise we got three nights of hotel rooms free before our cruise. After nothing being posted we went thru Carnival and got the ES and picked the exact room we wanted.

 

Since then, the room has gone down and we were able to get a credit of $80. Not OBC cause we aren't paid in full yet.

 

As the PP said, keep an eye on your cruise and use that link when you see a cheaper price for your cat. I do a mock reservation a few times a week but there's no need to be as obsessive as me.:p

 

I think your cruise is in December? Maybe that is such a popular cruise that they don't need to discount the room?

[Sunburns]

The benefit of Early Saver will become more evident after the final payment.

 

With standard bookings, after the final payment if the rate goes down you get nothing.

 

With Early Saver, if your cabin goes down .... you get the difference in OBC until 2 days before sailing.

 

My in laws got $504 on their Hawaiian cruise, which was much more than 10%...

 

now it does not always work this way and there are restrictions...but most of the people who book ES are happy with it.

 

As for Carnival allowing TAs to compensate again (if indeed they are).... there is no way your the Carnival on line person would have known that when you booked....so Carnival did not trick you in any way.... it was just a timing thing.

 

Thanks for the info :) I have had a lot of confusion on this subject. I booked ES and paid in full at the time. If there are price drops, do they apply auto, or do I have to do something about it?

[emelvee]

Thanks for the info :) I have had a lot of confusion on this subject. I booked ES and paid in full at the time. If there are price drops, do they apply auto, or do I have to do something about it?

You have to submit a request for OBC if there are price drops.

[IAMCRZIN]

Thanks for the info :) I have had a lot of confusion on this subject. I booked ES and paid in full at the time. If there are price drops, do they apply auto, or do I have to do something about it?

 

This is where you check for price drops

 

http://www.carnival.com/BookingEngine/FareViewer/

 

And here is the form to fill out when there is a price drop

 

http://www.carnival.com/BonVoyage/requestforms/cclearlysaverform.aspx

[NHNEV2003]

We're going on our third cruise with Carnival in November-- have booked all three on-line at carnival.com, and have booked all three using the Early Saver rate.

 

Did alot of research prior to the 1st cruise as to the different rates, categories, etc. Weighed the pros and cons for each and went from there.

 

ES is not for everyone-- we get that--but for us, the pros outweigh the cons. And if there comes a time when it doesn't make sense for us, we'll do something different.

 

The first two cruises had numerous price drops and we ended up paying less for the cruise, and the getting on board credits after final payments.

 

For the upcoming cruise, the price has never gone below what we originally booked it at this past January-- guess we got a pretty good rate.

[Sunburns]

This is where you check for price drops

 

http://www.carnival.com/BookingEngine/FareViewer/

 

And here is the form to fill out when there is a price drop

 

http://www.carnival.com/BonVoyage/requestforms/cclearlysaverform.aspx

 

Ya, the FV confuses me a bit, too, as far as type of booking. I am guessing DH has us on as past guest. There is a sale now that is still $100 over what we paid. I doubt it will drop much. Thanks :)

[pulledporky]

The lowest-price I currently qualify for is about what I paid ($10 more). I'm hoping that it dips in the coming weeks so I can at least claim some OBC.

 

Getting an OBC from ES rate means you paid more than you could have. If you do not get an OBC, pat yourself on the back, you got the lowest direct booking rate available to you!!

[luvmy2redheads]

You have to be very diligent in checking for prices also! I have $840 in OBC for my cruise on the Magic in Nov granted I have 2 cabins booked for my family but thats still a big chunk! I check prices EVERY couple of days to every day! I have found that when they run a sale my cabin prices don't always drop but after the sale I will check back and have a price drop! I checked the other day with sale and nada for me! But i checked again today and even tho they extended the sale my cabin dropped by $60 each! So be diligent about checking every day or two and it will eventually pay off! ;)

[IAMCRZIN]

Ya, the FV confuses me a bit, too, as far as type of booking. I am guessing DH has us on as past guest. There is a sale now that is still $100 over what we paid. I doubt it will drop much. Thanks :)

 

You said you booked ES? Are you talking about the Category because i know that confused me too but when i figured out what category i was booked in now i know what to look at on the FV.:)

[Sunburns]

You said you booked ES? Are you talking about the Category because i know that confused me too but when i figured out what category i was booked in now i know what to look at on the FV.:)

 

Yes, that is where my confusion lies. I have never seen ES listed on the FV and my DH booked as a surprise and has no idea(naturally). I know he booked 6 months early, but we are also past guests and last cruise I think he got a small discount (or upgrade, can't remember)for being a volunteer fire/medic. I have no idea how to figure it out. It isn't on my invoice. All I know is we paid $1,018 for a 8B balcony room (not incl tx and ins) :confused: I hate being 'new' lol

[IAMCRZIN]

Yes, that is where my confusion lies. I have never seen ES listed on the FV and my DH booked as a surprise and has no idea(naturally). I know he booked 6 months early, but we are also past guests and last cruise I think he got a small discount (or upgrade, can't remember)for being a volunteer fire/medic. I have no idea how to figure it out. It isn't on my invoice. All I know is we paid $1,018 for a 8B balcony room (not incl tx and ins) :confused: I hate being 'new' lol

 

Ohhh....The Early Saver disappears thereabouts of 3 months out for cruises 5 days or less and 5 months out for cruises 6 days or more. But you can continue to get price drops for any of the other rates (FunSelect, Past Guest, 55+, your state Resident, Military....) you're eligible for. For example... If you are a Past Guest and have a Past Guest number, and the Past Guest Rate drops below your ES rate, you can get that lower rate - you remain ES.

[BigDfromTN]

Yes, that is where my confusion lies. I have never seen ES listed on the FV and my DH booked as a surprise and has no idea(naturally). I know he booked 6 months early, but we are also past guests and last cruise I think he got a small discount (or upgrade, can't remember)for being a volunteer fire/medic. I have no idea how to figure it out. It isn't on my invoice. All I know is we paid $1,018 for a 8B balcony room (not incl tx and ins) :confused: I hate being 'new' lol

 

Look at the Fine Print of your booking. If it has this paragraph below. You are booked on an Early Saver rate.

 

GUEST NOTES

1) Terms & Conditions: Deposit is non-refundable & non-transferable. No name changes are allowed, there is a $50 service fee per guest for ship and/or sail date changes made prior to final payment due date. Price Protection: In the event you find a lower,valid rate, based on the total cabin occupancy, contact your Travel Agent or go to http://www.Carnival.com to receive the difference in rate as a non-refundable on board credit to be used on your vacation. Lower rate must be: for the same ship, sail date, stateroom category and number of guests, a Carnival advertised rate, available for booking at the time the request is submitted, and a rate you are eligible to receive, if special restrictions apply.

[Sunburns]

Ohhh....The Early Saver disappears thereabouts of 3 months out for cruises 5 days or less and 5 months out for cruises 6 days or more. But you can continue to get price drops for any of the other rates (FunSelect, Past Guest, 55+, your state Resident, Military....) you're eligible for. For example... If you are a Past Guest and have a Past Guest number, and the Past Guest Rate drops below your ES rate, you can get that lower rate - you remain ES.

 

Thank you so much! I have a much better understanding now. I wish DH would have just let me book. He got us a nice room right above the casino ;) I am guessing that is why it is category 8B instead of better(?) Luckily if I can hear the slots it will be more like a lullaby to me ;)

[cruzinlisa]

Good luck OP. There is still a pretty good chance you will see some price drops. Early saver is actually fun, if you do not mind checking prices. Its a rush when the price drops, even if its only $20. The form you have to fill out is easy to do and does not take long at all. Plus if the price drops in a higher category room, you can upgrade. We ended up upgrading from an Ocean View to a balcony for less than what we originally paid. :D

 

The no downgrading thing can be disappointing, but atleast you picked the room you wanted.

 

As far as the TA thing, Early saver is a nice rate that can net you some nice on board credit (we ended up with like $400 last cruise between our early saver adjustments and future cruise certificate). You can book ES with a TA, but I myself would not. Specifically because with early saver you have to fill out a form and be proactive to save money. I don't like relying on someone to do it for me.

 

Anyway, hopefully you will feel better about your decisions.

 

I have not been on the Breeze, but it is a brand new ship and is supposed to be amazing. Have fun.

[dad son team]

You mentioned that you booked directly with Carnival but now your TA is offering perks and had you known you would have gone with them. Give the TA your booking number and have the reservation transferred to them. A coworker had the same scenario and thats what she did so now she has the OBC that the TA is offering on a booking she started with Carnival.

[Sunburns]

Having sailed RCI and NCL a bunch of times, my wife and I decided that we should also give Carnival a try. In July, my TA sent out a notice saying that Carnival would not allow travel agents to give ANY cash equivalent value-adds and would be limiting booking incentives to a $ 25 pp non-cash equivalent item.

 

In light of that news, I decided to book directly through Carnival (we booked in mid-August). I talked to a Carnival agent over the phone and they suggested the early saver rate since I was committed to my sailing, the rates were supposedly 20% off, and I would be credited for any price drops. Boy, do I regret doing that.

 

First of all, I did not realize that Carnival would nullify this policy a couple weeks later (my TA said it was due to major push-backs). The prime reason I choose to book through Carnival directly was because they published this new policy, and the Carnival agent reiterated it over the phone. When I saw my TA advertising OBC's again 2 weeks later, I called Carnival called back, and they said there was "nothing they could do if their TA's were breaking rules, that's not their department". That's bs because my TA is one of the most reputable and I know they would not violate cruise line policy. If Carnival decided to go back on a policy, they should at least take ownership.

 

For other first-timers on Carnival, I would recommend against early saver in general due to the following reasons:

 

- I thought I was saving 20%, but the day early saver expired, the early saver rates became the standard rates, and those are refundable until 74 days before sailing. Don't know if that's typical of just my luck.

 

- While prices have dropped lower than my rate in other categories that I would be fine with (I'm not picky), Carnival only allows you to upgrade with early-saver, not downgrade. If you go with early saver, you should choose a low category to maximize the odds of a price drop.

 

That being said, I hope that the Breeze on-board experience outweighs these annoyances. I know I got myself into this, but I'm disappointed that I could've paid the same rate through my TA, got an OBC equivalent to 10% of what I paid, and had full cancellation abilities for another month or so.

 

What is done is done, chalk it up to a learning experience. Go on your cruise and have a wonderful time!! Next time you will know better how you want to book.

[katiel53]

You mentioned that you booked directly with Carnival but now your TA is offering perks and had you known you would have gone with them. Give the TA your booking number and have the reservation transferred to them. A coworker had the same scenario and thats what she did so now she has the OBC that the TA is offering on a booking she started with Carnival.

 

 

I was going to post that if it is within 30 days of booking, you can transfer the booking to a TA, but if you are paid in full, you can't do it.

 

To me, ESA is the way to go. We book ESA and then look for rates that are lower that we are qualified for. We look at past guest, senior rates, military rates and state resident rates. We have also seen casino rates that are lower for us.

 

One other thing I wanted to mention is that the fare viewer doesn't show military rates so if DH is qualified for that, you need to do a fake booking using advanced search to check off all qualifying boxes. I check daily on both sites because someone a qualifier is on one but not on the other.

 

We have gotten great OBC when using the ESA and the poster saying we paid too much to start with if getting the OBC, that may be true, however, we got the cabin we wanted. If we had waited, perhaps it wouldn't be available. To each his own.

 

On our Dream cruise in November, we are booked ESA, but have the military discount and out category is sold out and rates for the next one have gone up over $100 from what they were. If the price goes down to what we have paid, I am thinking about moving up a deck even though I don't like the location as it will be right below the Grill on the lido deck, but the rate may be worth it. There are several cabins left on that deck so there is a possibility of a rate decrease to less than what we have paid.

 

 

Lots to learn about ESA, but if your plans are definite, it's a good way to go.

[IAMCRZIN]

Thank you so much! I have a much better understanding now. I wish DH would have just let me book. He got us a nice room right above the casino ;) I am guessing that is why it is category 8B instead of better(?) Luckily if I can hear the slots it will be more like a lullaby to me ;)

 

Yay!! So glad to help!! Hope you get some OBC and have a great cruise!!