Booking with Carnival

H

Hula Girl

Guest
Hi All,

I am booking a cruise for my family of 5 on the Imagination for 01/01/04. I have decided to book 2 cabins. 1 inside guarantee and 1 outside guarantee. Is it better/cheaper to book direct with Carnival or use a Travel Agent/Travelocity? We don't care where we are on the ship since we won't spend much time in cabin. I just wasn't sure who would have better rates.

Thanks!
 
S

SMASHROX`

Guest
I have generally found that my TA gets me a better rate than booking direct with Carnival. Plus, nothing beats the personal attention you get. My TA has always bent over backwards to get us the best deal possible, and she will refund you money if the cruise price drops after you've booked.
 
C

Cruzman

Guest
Just about any good TA will offer a better price than booking direct with Carnival.
 
B

bstarne

Guest
Carnival has twice matched the cheapest price I could find elsewhere and both times upgraded my cabin. Plus I was able to pull up a deck plan for the ships I wanted to cruise on and get the exact room I wanted (both balcony rooms off the back of the ship). It never hurts to call carnival after you have been quoted a price and see what they can do for you.
 
M

mbres60

Guest
I always check around including calling carnival. I booked my cruise for this January about 6 weeks ago. I found Carnival gave me the best rate. Most were just the same and some more expensive. I did find one or 2 places that were a few dollars less but a savings of $50 between 2 people was not worth going with an unknown. I have a wonderful rep I am dealing with at Carnival and even got a price reduction when I called once to check on rates. Just make sure when you check other websites that you get their final price. Many sites look cheap but they are not including port taxes and or gov't fees. Carnival includes it all so make sure you compare apples to apples.
 
C

Cruisin Gal

Guest
I always book directly with Carnival...my PVP, Kerri gets me the best deals and goes out of her way to make me as happy as can be.

She ALWAYS gets my docs out to me in plenty of time and will make sure I get any help in any other areas she normally doesn't deal with...like the Ocean Players Club.

She ALWAYS keeps in touch with me between cruises to keep me informed of anything special she has going on.

She ALWAYS gets me the same rate that I could get from a TA..sometimes even better.

When I go on a cruise I usually run into someone who goes with some cruise booking service and they end up paying for and being promised a certain cat. and then they get to the ship and their TA made a mistake and they were unhappy or there's always some kind of mixup.

The last time I went with a TA...there was confusion over whether my docs would get to me in time or if I would have to pick them up at the pier.

I said never again. When I stick with Carnival...they see it through the whole way.
Just my opinion and my experience.
 
B

Baystate

Guest
I was on the October 26th Paradise cruise and I booked with Travelocity. I would check literally every single day a bunch of travel agent sites along with Carnival and Travelocity and I definitely got the around the same,give or take a couple of dollars, or even better price. (Not to mention an onboard credit of $100.00).
 
Top