What to do? What to do?

[NightOne]

So after losing my $300 deposit when I changed my Carnival Breeze cruise a few months back I swore I would not do another ES. Of course, the had a 50% reduced deposit and a $280 cheaper price on the ES fare when I went to re-book the Breeze cruise so I bit the bullet and did it again.

 

"Worst case is I will only lose $250 this time" is what I thought at the time.

 

The dilemma then was cancelling would cost me $250 but going on the cruise would cost me $280 more with Fun Saver.

 

So today I get an alert about a $30 per person price drop and without doing any other research I submitted the price drop form on the Carnival web site and it was approved in short order. So now my cruise is $60 cheaper.

 

But guess what? (the experts here already know what is coming)

 

I login and look at my balance and see that another $250 is due (with a due date of 3/15/2015 -- yes, date is in the past) for deposit. I immediately come here and search and learn that since I repriced to get the price drop that I lost the reduced deposit and if I don't pony it up very soon they will cancel the cruise without warning. :(

 

So what to do?

 

1. Pony up the additional $250 and now have $500 at risk? :(

 

2. Call and scream bloody murder and try to get on Fun Select which will cost me $280 more overall but protects my $500 until final payment

 

3. Call and ask for ???

 

4. Call and ask them to revert my price drop request?

 

Right now the plan is to go on the cruise, but a lot can happen between now and 2017 and I already had to reschedule it once.

 

On another note, it sucks having to put your money at risk to get the best fare. Other cruise lines give you their best fare without non-refundable deposits.

 

Thoughts/Ideas?

Edited July 1, 2015 by NightOne

[loxley]

It seems to me when you are bitten once, you would have been more careful the second time.

 

You can scream all you want, but the rules are clearly spelled out and I doubt they are going to change them for you.

[RuthlessBoss]

I'm guessing the price drop was in a different sale, so the deposit was different.

[NightOne]

It seems to me when you are bitten once, you would have been more careful the second time.

 

You can scream all you want, but the rules are clearly spelled out and I doubt they are going to change them for you.

 

I thought I did good job of explaining why I booked how I did.

 

Of course, maybe my real mistake was asking for advice on Cruise Critic and expecting to get back non-snarky helpful replies. :(

[NightOne]

I'm guessing the price drop was in a different sale, so the deposit was different.

 

Yes, originally booked under 50% deposit sale and re-priced under normal deposit when I asked for and received the price drop.

 

Honestly, it never crossed my mind when I put in for the price drop.

 

I've never stepped foot on a Carnival ship and I am already minus $300, have $750 at risk currently, and soon to be $1000 at risk if I raise this deposit. Am I booking cruises or playing blackjack in Vegas? LOL

[StolidCruiser]

Option 1 is the only one that will Carnival will really agree to. You may wish you were entitled to any of the other 3 but you're really not.

 

Once bitten, twice shy is an expression that comes to mind. It apparently didn't come to yours.

 

Sorry if it's snarky, but you were perfectly happy when the scales tipped in your favor with the lower ES fare but now you're upset because the scales tipped back in Carnival's favor by getting more of your deposit up front.

 

Why do people continually complain about the restrictions of Early Saver fares after they book when they clearly know the terms before they book? If you don't like it, don't book it.

 

Once again, another story of the repercussions of submitting for that tantalizing (yet insignificant) price drop... it could cost you more in the long run.

Edited July 1, 2015 by StolidCruiser

[NightOne]

Option 1 is the only one that will Carnival will really agree to. You may wish you were entitled to any of the other 3 but you're really not.

 

Once bitten, twice shy is an expression that comes to mind. It apparently didn't come to yours.

 

Why do people continually complain about the restrictions of Early Saver fares after they book when they clearly know the terms before they book? If you don't like it, don't book it.

 

Once again, another story of the repercussions of submitting for that tantalizing (yet insignificant) price drop... it could cost you more in the long run.

 

 

Yes, I was aware of the non-refundable deposit when I booked ES a 2nd time for the Breeze. I am not trying to blame it anyone but myself. I take full responsibility for doing that. However, that does not mean that it does not suck having a non-refundable deposit.

 

I complain about the restrictions of ES only because in order to get the lowest rate you have to take it. Other cruise lines give you their best rates without non-refundable deposits. Also, it is not a small difference. For this cruise it is $140 difference per person from ES to FS.

[mariemorgan]

Thank you for posting this. I wouldn't have caught mine. Booked yesterday at reduced early saver. Early saver cheaper today got price drop but got more deposit due. They didn't inform me at all.

 

 

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[BigB0882]

Carnival doesn't give back deposits even if cancelled well before final payment?

 

I booked a cruise with RCL and I can get 100% of my deposit back if I cancel before final payment date. I love that they do this, takes a ton of the worry out as I know if anything happens between now and April I can always cancel the cruise.

[NightOne]

Thank you for posting this. I wouldn't have caught mine. Booked yesterday at reduced early saver. Early saver cheaper today got price drop but got more deposit due. They didn't inform me at all.

 

 

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It is almost as if the reduced deposit is a bit of a "scam" in the fact that they say "Hey, book today and you'll get 50% deposit and don't worry if the price goes down later because we will match that" but in the fine print they will take away the reduced deposit if they have to do a fare drop price match for you. The reason I say it is a bit of a "scam" is because there appears to be no way to get BOTH the reduced deposit and price match in the future (unless it happens on a reduced deposit sale) and that is what they sell you on originally.

 

The truth is the marketing is not as sexy with:

 

"Book today and pay 50% deposit and don't worry if the price goes down in the future because if it does we will match that price and take away your reduced deposit and require you to pay full deposit".

 

Yup, doesn't sound too sexy. LOL

[lizardhowson]

It is not always that much of a penalty to avoid Early Saver. I can not ever see any chance of me booking Early Saver, EVER.

 

I booked past guest rate and only paid $20 per cabin more than the Early Saver rate. It should also be noted that because I booked Past Guest rate, I got a 2 level upgrade which put me on the Lido deck for a cheaper price than Early Saver would have put me on Lido Deck.

 

Not a penny of my money is at risk (until final payment is due), no name change penalties, I can cancel or change cruises at will.

 

Just wanted to point out to you that with due diligence, research and patience one can avoid Early Saver but still get the better rate.

 

Buyer beware @ Carnival.

[oceanmom62]

Carnival doesn't give back deposits even if cancelled well before final payment?

 

I booked a cruise with RCL and I can get 100% of my deposit back if I cancel before final payment date. I love that they do this, takes a ton of the worry out as I know if anything happens between now and April I can always cancel the cruise.

 

ES is an Early Saver rate. Part of the deal is you lose $$ per person (if I remember correctly it is $50) and the rest goes into a credit for another cruise. That is how you get the lower rate, You can also ask for any price drops that occur. I have booked ES but not with a reduced deposit. Now I know to keep an eye out for that. I do find it amusing when people do something that they know is "not smart", post here and complain that responses are snarky. Part of being an adult is to know what you are getting into, possible risks and if you can handle those risks. If someone can't manage that then perhaps that someone should not be allowed to do things without supervision. I am trying to NOT be snarky but at what point do people accept responsibility for what they do?

[NightOne]

Carnival doesn't give back deposits even if cancelled well before final payment?

 

I booked a cruise with RCL and I can get 100% of my deposit back if I cancel before final payment date. I love that they do this, takes a ton of the worry out as I know if anything happens between now and April I can always cancel the cruise.

 

Yup. Although, I believe with the Carnival Fun Select fare (which is always significantly higher) your deposit is not at risk until final payment date (same as Royal) but I am not sure because in some places it says no penalty and other places it says there is a penalty. :(

Edited July 1, 2015 by NightOne

[NightOne]

It is not always that much of a penalty to avoid Early Saver. I can not ever see any chance of me booking Early Saver, EVER.

 

I booked past guest rate and only paid $20 per cabin more than the Early Saver rate.

 

I am not a past guest of Carnival so I do not qualify for that rate. :(

[crzndeb]

So I understand the whole 50% deposit and what happened with that, but I'm confused when you said you lost $300 earlier. Was the deposit for 6 people? Because on ES, if you cancel or change cruises, you automatically lose $50 per person, but the rest of the deposit is held by Carnival for 2 years to be used on another booking.

 

Some have said they were able to use it on another deposit, but I couldn't do that. It was subtracted from what I owed on final payment.

 

 

edit....oceanmom62 and I were posting same time with same info about ES

Edited July 1, 2015 by crzndeb

[MasterMason]

I booked Early Saver on our very first cruise. A short time before we were to embark, and my wife had a medical emergency. Because we had undisputed proof, AND we were booking another date, we were not penalized.

 

Since then, we book past guest or casino rate. The question I have is why would anyone book with the assumption of canceling? If a bonafide reason comes up, you really shouldn't be out of anything if you rebook. If you choose to cancel on a whim, then you shouldn't have booked in the first place, and I'm not directing this at the OP, I'm just wondering why some people just "change their mind".

 

For me, there would have to be a damn good reason to cancel or reschedule a booked cruise, but that's just me.

[love my grandkids]

Sorry OP but those are the rules of the fare you booked under. and you really only have $ 100 at risk since the balance can be applied to another fare.

 

since you are so worried about what can happen in the future why in the world do you book so far out?

[NightOne]

ES is an Early Saver rate. Part of the deal is you lose $$ per person (if I remember correctly it is $50) and the rest goes into a credit for another cruise. That is how you get the lower rate, You can also ask for any price drops that occur. I have booked ES but not with a reduced deposit. Now I know to keep an eye out for that. I do find it amusing when people do something that they know is "not smart", post here and complain that responses are snarky. Part of being an adult is to know what you are getting into, possible risks and if you can handle those risks. If someone can't manage that then perhaps that someone should not be allowed to do things without supervision. I am trying to NOT be snarky but at what point do people accept responsibility for what they do?

 

I have already admitted multiple times that I know it is my fault. How many swords to a have to fall on here?

 

That still doesn't warrant snarky and useless responses.

 

So what I learned when I lost the $300 was that some fares that appear to be standard ES fares are actually not that. I thought I would only have to pay a $50pp change penalty on that one but was informed you lose the whole deposit on any change. I would have to look it up but it was something like the "National Cruise Week Sale" with special terms that were similar to ES but NOT ES.

 

I could rip through threads and post "You shouldn't have done that" or "You should have known that" in reply but not only would it be non-productive and non-helpful it would make me a a jerk. :)

[NightOne]

Sorry OP but those are the rules of the fare you booked under. and you really only have $ 100 at risk since the balance can be applied to another fare.

 

OH...Good point. My last change resulted in a complete loss of all deposits because of the terms it was under. (similar to ES but not ES) So I hadn't given much thought or faith in a future cruise credit.

 

since you are so worried about what can happen in the future why in the world do you book so far out?

 

1. Cabin selection

2. Lowest price

3. Planning ahead

 

I think those are the biggest 3.

[NightOne]

So I understand the whole 50% deposit and what happened with that, but I'm confused when you said you lost $300 earlier. Was the deposit for 6 people? Because on ES, if you cancel or change cruises, you automatically lose $50 per person, but the rest of the deposit is held by Carnival for 2 years to be used on another booking.

 

Some have said they were able to use it on another deposit, but I couldn't do that. It was subtracted from what I owed on final payment.

 

 

edit....oceanmom62 and I were posting same time with same info about ES

 

I booked under this promotional fare:

 

"Carnival's National Cruise Vacation Week sale will be available from Monday, October 6th to Monday, October 13th, 2014. Below please find the complete promotional details and terms & conditions."

 

"Onboard Credit offer is non-transferable and non-refundable. Onboard Credit is provided as a non-refundable credit to your Sail & Sign account of $25 per person up to a maximum of $50 per stateroom. Onboard Credit may not be applied to cruise fare or Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses. 50% reduced non-refundable deposit is applicable to sailings outside of final payment due date. Changes made to the reservation may result in the assessment of cancellation penalties or service fees."

 

The e-mail confirmation from that one said:

 

"Cancellations will be assessed penalties according to your promotional agreement as follows: ; 10/06/2014 - USD150.00 (pp); 08/30/2015 - 0.00% of total fare (pp); 09/25/2015 - 75.00% of total fare (pp)10/10/2015 - 100.00% of total fare (pp)."

 

So in a nutshell it says that changes to the fare result in me losing $150 per person which was my total deposit on that booking. I was just trying to postpone it to a later sailing of the Breeze but had to eat it. :(

[KevInPitt]

I have already admitted multiple times that I know it is my fault. How many swords to a have to fall on here?

 

That still doesn't warrant snarky and useless responses.

 

So what I learned when I lost the $300 was that some fares that appear to be standard ES fares are actually not that. I thought I would only have to pay a $50pp change penalty on that one but was informed you lose the whole deposit on any change. I would have to look it up but it was something like the "National Cruise Week Sale" with special terms that were similar to ES but NOT ES.

 

I could rip through threads and post "You shouldn't have done that" or "You should have known that" in reply but not only would it be non-productive and non-helpful it would make me a a jerk. :)

 

Then what is it you were looking for? Some magical answer of how to undo what can't be undone? By your own admission, you clearly admit you knew the terms and the ramifications going in but yet you continue to vent and complain about it not working out to your benefit.

 

You find the responses useless because they don't provide you with a way out of the trap you set for yourself.

 

You were looking to save $280 by booking ES and getting a reduced deposit - and you did.

 

You jeopardized your reduced deposit (which is NOT non-refundable by the way) by submitting a $30pp price drop without understanding the terms associated with doing so.

 

You now cast stones against the fares and promos that have not worked out to your benefit as somehow being "a scam" to trick the poor unsuspecting consumer. A desperate attempt to somehow cloak yourself in the "victim" shroud.

 

This isn't meant to be snark. It's about understanding that you make your choices for what suits you at the time and then having to live with those choices. Should everyone get a "do-over" every time something doesn't work out in their favor? Apparently, in your mind, they do.

[Linerguy]

Water under the bridge now, but, this entire fiasco just proves that cancel for any reason insurance is a good idea.....especially this far out. You wouldn't have risked a penny.

[NightOne]

Then what is it you were looking for? Some magical answer of how to undo what can't be undone? By your own admission, you clearly admit you knew the terms and the ramifications going in but yet you continue to vent and complain about it not working out to your benefit.

 

You find the responses useless because they don't provide you with a way out of the trap you set for yourself.

 

I was hoping to hear if anyone had anyone else had a similar experience and had found any other resolution(s) besides the obvious ones. The cruise lines bend their own rules all the time but it depends on the situation. I have learned that much from reading John Heald on Facebook.

 

 

You were looking to save $280 by booking ES and getting a reduced deposit - and you did.

 

The reduced deposit just minimizes the amount of money that I have at risk or subject to a future cruise credit.

 

You jeopardized your reduced deposit (which is NOT non-refundable by the way) by submitting a $30pp price drop without understanding the terms associated with doing so.

 

Honestly, I was not aware (until I looked it up afterwards) that getting the price drop would knock me off the reduced deposit fare or I probably would not have messed with it at this point.

 

It is non-refundable if they won't refund it back to me. (which they won't)

 

You now cast stones against the fares and promos that have not worked out to your benefit as somehow being "a scam" to trick the poor unsuspecting consumer. A desperate attempt to somehow cloak yourself in the "victim" shroud.

 

Just because I am picking this time to point it out doesn't make it any less true. I am not saying I am a victim. I am a big boy and can take it just fine.

Again, that does not make the non-refundable deposit suck any less.

 

This isn't meant to be snark. It's about understanding that you make your choices for what suits you at the time and then having to live with those choices. Should everyone get a "do-over" every time something doesn't work out in their favor? Apparently, in your mind, they do.

 

Oh, I understand. I hope you never make a mistake for the rest of your life.

 

Because even with all this modern technology we have it is certainly impossible to click the Undo button and reverse the reservation to how it was at the start of the day. Oh, wait that is possible. Nah, screw those whiny customers who didn't bother to read the 50 page terms & conditions document we made available to them. Wait they did read it but did not memorize it when they made a change later. Screw em, they should have read it again. Dumb customers!

 

For me, the part that I really dislike is that I have been through scenarios on Royal Caribbean where I had to reschedule and also got multiple price drops and at no time was any of my money at risk or non-refundable. (outside of final payment date of course)

 

So maybe the real bad choice I made was booking some Carnival cruises. Time will tell I guess.

[mariemorgan]

 

You were looking to save $280 by booking ES and getting a reduced deposit - and you did.

 

You jeopardized your reduced deposit (which is NOT non-refundable by the way) by submitting a $30pp price drop without understanding the terms associated with doing .

 

 

Well I agree at some part. I booked yesterday and it said early save reduced deposit and also price reduction. I never expected my deposit to increase when I put in the price drop today. Luckily I saw this post so I could pay the extra deposit or I would have missed it since it didn't inform me at all.

 

This is how it advertised yesterday when I booked it doesn't say you pay more deposit if you use price protection:

 

 

Past Guest Early Saver

· 50% per person non-refundable reduced deposit

 

· Best Available Upgrades

 

· Choose your stateroom location

 

· Price Protection

 

· Offer expires June 30, 2015 ET

 

Great vacation Guarantee

DISCLAIMER

 

50% per person non-refundable deposit is applicable to sailings outside of final payment due date. Changes made to the reservation may result in the assessment of cancellation penalties or service fees. All cancellations that occur prior to the final payment due date will receive a non-refundable and non-transferable future cruise credit in US dollars in the amount of the deposit less a $50 pp service fee. Future cruise credit must be used on a sailing within 24 months from the date of cancellation. No name changes are allowed. Upgrades are automatically assigned at the time of booking and are based on availability in like to like categories only (interior to interior, ocean view to ocean view and balcony to balcony). Subsequent upgrades in lieu of price protection will no longer be offered. A valid VIFP Club member number is required from at least one person in each stateroom to book this offer. Offer is applicable on sailings between November 2015 and April 2017. Offer does not apply to Carnival Australia, and select 9+ day Journey sailings. Offer ends on June 30, 2015 ET. Click here for complete terms and conditions

 

 

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[NightOne]

Water under the bridge now, but, this entire fiasco just proves that cancel for any reason insurance is a good idea.....especially this far out. You wouldn't have risked a penny.

 

Well, I would have had to pay for the insurance policy. :)

 

Seems like my only 2 choices now are:

 

A. Pay $250 more deposit

 

B. Lose $250 more to Carnival if the cancel it without warning a week from now