Booking advice

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hec202

Guest
Hello all!
I've traveled on Carnival once before (Elation, September 06) and am thinking of booking another cruise for September of 08 - I'm hooked! I've been looking at Western Carribean this time around, particularly the Carnival Valor itinerary that hits Grand Cayman, Roatan Honduras, Belize and Costa Maya. Although I've done this once before, I still have a few questions:

1. When is the best time to book to get the best price - as far in advance as possible or are there better windows of time?

2. As far as balcony rooms go, does anyone have any suggestions of what staterooms on Valor are in the best locations? Elation had basically no balcony options so we were oceanview, which was fine, but I'm thinking I'd like to try a balcony this time. Suggestions and input?

Look forward to hearing from everyone!
Jess
 
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Gayle V

Guest
Hello Hec, Lower prices can show up at almost any time. I believe the best way to get a great deal on a cruise is to "book the deal". By that I mean being willing to book when and where, and on which ever ship has the deal.

When doing that, you can probably get great rates at any time, especially booking close to sailing date when the cruise lines lower prices on empty births, trying to fill them up. But there are always SOME great deals out there. They just may not be what you had in mind.

Now if you have a specific week in mind, and a specific itinerary, and a specific ship, and a specific kind of cabin...well then the best time to book is always as early as possible.

That is PROVIDING that you be absolutely certain to verify a few facts with your travel agent first.

First thing, ask your TA if they monitor rates, and if they will give you the lower rate, should the price of your cruise fall. Some TAs do this as a matter of course, watching the price for you and lowering it automatically. Others don't watch, but are willing to lower it if you notice the cruise line offering a lower rate and you ask. Others consider the booking a done deal and if the price falls, well you are out of luck.

Also ask if the TA charges their own cancelation fee (for canceling at any time), over and above the one charged by the cruise line after final payment date.

Those that don't charge their own fee, are also likely to give you the lower rate, because until the cruise line's penalties start, you are free to cancel and rebook elsewhere. And visa versa. If they do charge an anytime cancelation fee, then you are much less likely to take your business elsewhere, when they refuse to lower the price to match new lower prices offered by the cruise line.

So if you book early you get the early booking deals on the ship you want, and if the TA is cooperative you get any deals after that. EXCEPT when the cruise line itself states, for new bookings only. There's nothing to be done about that.

I have had our TA lower our price even after final payment date, so you can see that the TA you use can make a big difference.

As for balcony cabins, my personal opinion is that they are worth every extra penny, you won't be sorry you booked it. Sorry I don't know anything specific about the VAlor, but most ships tend to have larger balconys on the aft facing cabins. (Ask on the board, someone should know if the Valor does too.) The advantage there is also, a much wider view from your verandah, and a chance to watch the wake, which some of us just love. The disadvantage is a little extra noise from hearing the churning water below, and the extra long walks down the hall to get to your cabin.
 
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mcash3

Guest
One good example of booking early then watching the prices is my upcoming Ecstasy cruise in June. We booked a guarantee cabin thru Carnival back on August 1 at $629. In October I noticed it dropped to $599 so I called and got the price adjustment. Dropped again in December to $559 and once more in February to $529. Called Carnival each time and got the price adjusted. Within 5 days of adjusting the February drop, the price went up to $559 and is now back up to $629. With 4 people in a cabin that's a savings of $340. The adjustment is no hastle. They did try and offer an upgrade to an outside cabin on the December adjustment, but told them they were going to get the money back in excursions anyway so I'll take the price adjustment. :) I checked online at Carnival at least once a week and from December to February almost every day. Sounds like a lot but it doesn't take long if you narrow down the search to your specific cruise date and port. I haven't done it, but have heard that if the price drops after you pay the final payment you can get onboard credit if you call and ask.
 
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hec202

Guest
Hey, thanks for the info! that seems like a good plan! Let me ask, did you book directly through Carnival or did you have a travel agent? My last cruise I booked directly through Carnival and I really liked the PVP I dealt with, so I'm thinking I'll just book that way this time around. Just wondering. Thanks!
 
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mcash3

Guest
Yes, we booked directly thru Carnival by phone. This is our 3rd and all of them have been thru Carnival.
 
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savanah

Guest
Re: Oceanview Staterooms - obstructed view

Hi,
I am interested in booking with Carnival Victory.. they are offering a great deal in the oceanview stateroom #1001 (panorama deck 10). However, it appears this room has an obstructed view. I called Carnival and they say I will see the crew walking around, but that it has reflective glass, so I can see out but they can't see in.

Has anyone stayed in one of these "obstruced view" rooms, and if so what excatly is the view? Will I be able to see the ocean/destination?

thank you, savanah
 
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