Changing from 2Pax to 4Pax?

[me-shel]

We're looking at booking an upcoming girls' cruise, and have friends that may/may not join us and may/may not share our room.

 

If I book a 2-person room now, how difficult is it to change to a 4-person room later? I understand availability could change, but let's assume we'd be in the same Category.

 

If the rates have gone up in the same Category, will our original 2 people cost more as well?

Any issues making changes if our original 2 people are on a non-refundable fare?

 

I love my friends, but I've learned that sometimes if people are indecisive you need to move forward with your own plans and hope they figure it out! ;) If it's something that's too big of a headache, however, I might wait for them to decide.

Edited June 22, 2016 by me-shel

[me-shel]

I also meant to ask: Is it difficult to switch who's in which room? If we DON'T share a room, then odds are we'd prefer the original two be split up and each go with one of the new people.

[dljones]

Personally, I would just book your 2 person room and when and if the other party joins you then you can go from there. There are just many variables to make an easy call on this one. That said, I think I would at least call a Carnival PVP to book your room and tell them the story. They could be really helpful in this case.

[meatloafsfan]

Don't book early saver. Since you need a flexibility, you're better off to book a rate that allows changes up to final payment.

 

4 person rooms are sometimes harder to come by (depending on the time of year - if there's a lot of families sailing) so you may or may not be able to move to a 4 person cabin.

 

As well, depending on the ship and itinerary, you may find that your 4 person cabin ends up costing only a few dollars less than 2 - 2 person cabins. For our August cruise, when I booked it, there was a savings of $600 for putting 4 people into 1 cabin; a few weeks later the price increased and at the new price, it would have only cost and additional $20 to book 2 - 2 person cabins instead of 1 - 4 person cabin because there were so few 4 person cabins left.

[suzycruiser2]

I would book the 2 people and let the other 2 book their own. If you try to change cabin types at a later date, you may have to pay more if the cabin rates have increased.

[mistycruiser]

I would say book the 2 only at this time. If the other 2 decide they want to go they can book a separate cabin. If you want the occupants to sleep in different cabins just get keys from guest services that open the other door to the cabin they sleep in and set up the S&S they way they are booked.

[saharaga]

I think Early Saver does allow changes as long as you are staying in the same category. If you upgrade, you have to pay the price difference. I think this is the same with any rate.

 

Don't book early saver. Since you need a flexibility, you're better off to book a rate that allows changes up to final payment.

[happy cruzin]

I would book the 2 people and let the other 2 book their own. If you try to change cabin types at a later date, you may have to pay more if the cabin rates have increased.

 

I would say book the 2 only at this time. If the other 2 decide they want to go they can book a separate cabin. If you want the occupants to sleep in different cabins just get keys from guest services that open the other door to the cabin they sleep in and set up the S&S they way they are booked.

 

My advice as well!! If there are two of you who are sure you are going - I'd book that cabin now - using early saver for the best rate.

 

If the other two commit to go they can book their own cabin - when they are ready!

[meatloafsfan]

I think Early Saver does allow changes as long as you are staying in the same category. If you upgrade, you have to pay the price difference. I think this is the same with any rate.

 

And if they book a 4D for 2 but the available 4 person cabin ends up being a 4C, they can not downgrade.

 

Plus, if there's the potential to be moving people around from one cabin to another, I would not book early saver.

Edited June 24, 2016 by meatloafsfan

[saharaga]

And if they book a 4D for 2 but the available 4 person cabin ends up being a 4C, they can not downgrade.

 

Plus, if there's the potential to be moving people around from one cabin to another, I would not book early saver.

 

 

Yes, downgrading is not allowed with early saver. Switching from one cabin to another should not be an issue. We just changed cabins on an upcoming cruise where we booked early saver. Of course, it was everyone moving to a different cabin but I am not sure how changing who is in which cabin would make a difference as long as the category restrictions were met. Who is staying in what cabin can also be worked out once you get on the ship. Carnival doesn't check to make sure you are in the cabin you booked.

 

For the OP's reference, here are the ES T&C

The Early Saver fare is subject to availability and is capacity controlled. Cruise rates are in US dollars, per person and based on double occupancy. Category restrictions, exclusions and cancellation penalties apply. Full names are required for each guest. Carnival reserves the right to withdraw and/or change offer at any time without prior notice. Price Protection applies to the cruise fare only and does not include Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses. Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses range from $42.38 to $324.27, and are assessed on a per guest basis for all guests according to the itinerary. Early Saver fare is backed by a unique price protection policy (only available to bookings made in USD currency) that allows you to adjust your cruise fare to the best available fare for a like category stateroom (no downgrades allowed) advertised by Carnival and available to the general public. Price protection will be subject to the prevailing Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses and/or fuel supplement if applicable. Carnival will honor your request for price protection if the reduction on the total amount paid for your booking results only from a lower cruise fare and not from the booked ancillary services, such as air, transfers, pre-paid gratuities, or Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses. The guest is responsible for increases to ancillary services such as air, resulting from changes to ship and/or sail date, or adjustments to cruise fare.

 

Early Saver price protection does not apply to group rates, membership programs, charters, select promotional fares, travel agent rebates, or other travel agent promotions not offered by Carnival to the general public. When re-pricing to a new promotion, guest assumes all terms and conditions of the new promotion and may forfeit any or all features associated with the original fare, such as cabin assignment, onboard credit, an upgrade, special deposit and payment terms, etc. A $50 change fee per guest will be assessed for ship and/or sail date changes made prior to final payment due date. Remaining funds are nonrefundable/nontransferable and will be held as a future cruise credit to be applied to your cruise fare on a sailing within 24 months from the date of cancellation. Unused portions are forfeited. Offer is not applicable on Carnival Australia sailings. Request Early Saver. Ships' Registry: The Bahamas, Panama & Malta.

[Luluwa]

I've found on a friend cruise not to wait or depend on others. book yourself and they can follow