Deposit if we end up not going

[tensixmom]

Hi,

We would love to put down a deposit on a cruise but if for some reason we don't go, can that deposit be applied to a future cruise, or maybe used as OBC on a future cruise, or do we just lose the money?

[mondello]

Although they were great about rebooking without penalty since the Covid restart, Carnival did announce that penalty policy is back in effect after March 15. I'd suggest using a PVP that may help with rebooking without penalty, if necessary. Sometimes it is helpful if the rebooking is for a more expensive cruise. All bets are off after final payment. You may want to consider insurance, cancel for any reason policy if your plans aren't solid.

[Bevv]

Rates are complicated.

There are two basic types of deposits, refundable and non-refundable. 

     The refundable deposits - getting all your money back if you cancel before final payment date. After that date you lose more money the closer you get to the sail date. These are the most expensive rates to book.

     Most of the non-refundable rates are "Early Saver" rates. They generally have a $50. charge to cancel, with the rest of the deposit being held in Future Cruise Credits that have to be used before a specific ending date.

    Other non-refundable have a very small deposit, like $50. per person and you lose all of that if you cancel.

If you are booking on your own read all the terms and conditions before you hit book.  If you are booking with a person (Carnival Vacation Planner or Travel Agent) be sure you are specific as to what you are looking for so no surprises.

 

Edited April 14, 2022 by Bevv

[1kaper]

23 minutes ago, Bevv said:

Rates are complicated.

There are two basic types of deposits, refundable and non-refundable. 

     The refundable deposits - getting all your money back if you cancel before final payment date. After that date you lose more money the closer you get to the sail date. These are the most expensive rates to book.

     Most of the non-refundable rates are "Early Saver" rates. They generally have a $50. charge to cancel, with the rest of the deposit being held in Future Cruise Credits that have to be used before a specific ending date.

    Other non-refundable have a very small deposit, like $50. per person and you lose all of that if you cancel.

If you are booking on your own read all the terms and conditions before you hit book.  If you are booking with a person (Carnival Vacation Planner or Travel Agent) be sure you are specific as to what you are looking for so no surprises.

 

Just to add, we had a casino deal with $100 per person and the deposit is non-refundable, so it can be more than just a very small deposit.  
I agree with the PVP.  It is very rate specific. 

[tensixmom]

Thanks everyone!

 

[SNJCruisers]

I book through my TA, get fully refundable discounted rates.  But at a deposit of 250 pp. Recently booked 2 different B2B's on the Celebration for September of 2023 and January of 2024.  Cost me 2,000.00 in deposit money, but really only 1,800.00 because of 10% discounted gift cards.