PVP questions?

[E&B]

I've been reading about PVPs. In the past we've used a travel agent. Our first cruise we were basically clueless and she certainly helped us and we were impressed with the bottle of wine she sent to our cabin as a gift. Two years later we took another cruise and again booked with her. We also had three cabins, since we took our kids and my in laws joined us. By then I was doing all my own research and hardly called her. And we didn't get any in cabin gift (not that that's a deal breaker but it was nice).

 

This time I don't see the need to book with her at all, but I would like someone to call with questions. I'm thinking a PVP may be the way to go. What are the advantages vs booking yourself? I know people day there are good ones and bad ones. Can I ask for recommendations of one or is that even allowed here? Thinking no since we can't mention travel agents.

[Sparky2]

I've been reading about PVPs. In the past we've used a travel agent. Our first cruise we were basically clueless and she certainly helped us and we were impressed with the bottle of wine she sent to our cabin as a gift. Two years later we took another cruise and again booked with her. We also had three cabins, since we took our kids and my in laws joined us. By then I was doing all my own research and hardly called her. And we didn't get any in cabin gift (not that that's a deal breaker but it was nice).

 

This time I don't see the need to book with her at all, but I would like someone to call with questions. I'm thinking a PVP may be the way to go. What are the advantages vs booking yourself? I know people day there are good ones and bad ones. Can I ask for recommendations of one or is that even allowed here? Thinking no since we can't mention travel agents.

 

Sorry, unfortunately no recommendations are allowed.

[E&B]

That's what I figured, but would still like to hear about advantages and disadvantages.

[wiskt]

A PVP literally is just an agent to take your booking. They can't offer any upsells or additional perks such as a ONE-TIME OBC like travel agents sometimes offer to entice you to book with them.

 

The one thing I like with working with my PVP is that you speak to the same person each booking. They get to know and understand your needs like dining times, room preferences, itineraries etc. I also look at it as "cutting out the middle man" and prefer to book directly with the source. Most TA's wont search for price drops as it cuts into their kickback. On that note, neither will a PVP. However, you may find it easier to submit for price drops with a PVP since if booked via a TA "they" need to contact Carnival direct.

 

I also feel that I get my questions answered while on the phone with my PVP who actually works for the cruise line. Although you may hear of some people receiving conflicting info from their PVP that may not be "up to date" on procedure or policy changes.

 

It doesn't cost anything to have a PVP so if you choose to go that route I hope that you find a good one. :) I'm lucky to have had two great ones since I began cruising. One got promoted to a new position and I luckily was assigned another good one. I'm also lucky enough to have actually sailed and MET my PVP so for me he's not just a voice on the other end of the line.

 

In the end, its Apples & Oranges. Some people like the added OBC a travel agent can offer. Some prefer to do their own online booking themselves, and others like myself like the interaction with a familiar contact. Once you begin to learn the different booking methods and how to watch for price drops.... it becomes easier to submit for price reductions and identify what a good upgrade- mediocre upgrade- not worth it upgrade is.

 

Best of Luck.

Edited July 17, 2015 by wiskt

[tbbtravels]

I book with a pvp. Carnival assigned me one then he quit after working for years with them. The fill in guy - didn't do anything.

I requested a change to a friends pvp and I have been happy with her. She knows what I like, aft - early dinning and cheap.

Like being able to speak to the same person each time. She gives us her cell number for after hours bookings. I have never used it - I email her and she gets my bookings prompt. She will also work to get me my booking when their puters go down and it gets sold out. I am a gambler and get different promos than some people. She gets me what I want.

IE, Triumph pack and go $50 11 day Journeys was sold out - she went to her supervisor and got it for me. 3 times their system went down on me while I was trying to book the hold. There is a daily limit to promos and then they are gone.

 

We used a travel agent once - not a fan. Paid more too with 4 of us in a room. If one traveler of the group took insurance we all were told we had too. I don't normally use travel insurance.

 

Booked with 1800 carnival after the pvp quit last year - not a fan. They don't know the rules with the casino offers. Not knowledgeable imo. Was told wrong about several things that I knew to be wrong. I rarely call after I book but when I do - I want someone that knows the ropes and I prefer to speak to the same person each time.

Edited July 17, 2015 by tbbtravels

[ready2cruzagain]

I have had 3 PVP's "assigned" to me over the last few years. I do not care for a PVP.

 

The ones I have had have either been totally annoying, calling every time I logged on to Carnival website or they go to quite the opposite end and never return phone calls.

 

If I am booking and not using a TA then I book directly with Carnival myself. Why would I need to call a PVP and wait for them to call me back. I can just call the 1-800 number and book myself.

 

All 3 of my PVP's never did anything "special". The only thing they did was take my booking.

[springs741]

The previous posters covered pretty much all of the reasons to use a PVP. I just want to add for those that are new and not as familiar with the terms, a Personal Vacation Planner (PVP) is not the person that answers the 1-800 #. That would be a customer service rep (CSR).

 

I will also share I like using a PVP and communicate with her thru emails. Even when I book a cruise on board I transfer the booking to her. You never know when you need some help.

[Pioneer01]

I love our PVP. We have a very good relationship to the point I'm able to text him when we're ready to book. If he has any questions he'll text me! It's nice having somebody to watch prices for you and let you know of a price drop or about upcoming sales. He's saved me a bunch!

[kdinkus1]

Springs741: I wasn't aware of that! That may be why I was told one thing by 3 PVP's and something totally different by the 1-800 customer service rep?

[angelofsin]

As a First time Carnival customer I used a PVP as she called me up after I put my April 2017 Vista cruise on hold as I was having trouble dealing with the sizable deposit Carnival requires from Solo passengers (who wants to tie up that kind of money for two years. I couldn't get around their policy so I just bit the bullet and booked.

 

On a positive note she was able to get me better room location than those that were showing up through the online booking.

 

on a not so sure note. I tried to call her back a couple of days later and she is yet to get back to.. To be fair I couldn't make out what her voice mail said so she could very well be out of the office, so we shall see.