Pricing on Carnival

[PIRATEMAN]

I've sailed with Carnival 5 times over the last few years. I've spoken to several passengers over the years, they always tell me they got upgraded to a balcony or got a huge discount. I've never had this happen to me, I spoke with Carnival today and they quoted a price and said they couldn't go any lower or upgrade me to an outside or balcony cabin. Any of you addicts had this issue and how do I go about upgrading or getting better deals?

 

[Cruizer]

If you purchase a guarantee cabin you MIGHT get an upgrade. However, you cannot just request an upgrade, otherwise everyone would.

As for discounts, watch for sails and specials, even after you have booked your cabin. You can always ask for the new lower price.

 

[Donna - dsw]

I cruise with them last December - I watched the web site and everytime the price went down from what I had booked and paid I called and kept getting offered to be moved up or a discount. As we had 3 cabins booked and wanted to stay together we kept taking the discount or price reduction.

However - I hear they have a new policy now that they don't give discounts - you book and at time of final payment if the price comes down you get a refund - other than that - nothing.

I guess it is the luck of the draw or the upgrade fairy!

 

[NiteStar]

I've sailed Carnival several times. One year we were upgraded from just a regular balcony cabin to a Penthouse Suite! Talk about spoiled! Now all other cabins look like closets to us. :lol But we've sailed Carnival 6 times and that's the only time it has ever happened. I'm booked on the Carnival Conquest this year and we booked a Cat. 11 suite (one grade down from Penthouse), but I'm sure that chances of us getting upgraded to a Penthouse again are slim.

 

[Solo1959]

The best advice is to book the cabin that you will be comfortable in. This way, no matter what, you will be happy with your cabin. Then, maybe, IF they offer you an upgrade, you will be even more pleased.

I was upgraded several times... to my dismay. One time I booked an inside cabin and they upgraded me to one with an obstructed view and french doors. This spoiled me and now I can NOT book an inside anymore. It's their fault. Then, those Carnival people, grrrrrrr, I booked the cabin with the obstructed view and french doors and they just flat out gave me a balcony. It is easy to get spoiled. And Carnival is GREAT at spoiling passengers.

Gone are the days of steerage. Today, on every Carnival ship, every single cabin is beautiful and comfortable. No matter which you choose, you will have an enjoyable cruise. But watch out for upgrades, be careful. If you are unfortunate enough to get one, your future cruises will all HAVE to be at the better level.

 

[SandyBeach]

On our last cruise I noticed someone other than Carnival offering a lower price so I contacted then. I had booked a cabin on the Riviera Deck. Because of the price reduction they moved us to Deck 8. I was told they no longer give On Board Credits. It was still an inside cabin...in fact my husband wanted to know what the difference was. There really wasn't any as far as the cabin was concerned...just less distance to travel after our mid-night pizza, hot dogs or burgers!

Solo's right...book the cabin you'll be most comfortable in. Then you won't be disappointed if the upgrade fairy doesn't show up.

 

[cruiseoften]

The best advice is to book the cabin that you will be comfortable in. This way, no matter what, you will be happy with your cabin. Then, maybe, IF they offer you an upgrade, you will be even more pleased.

I was upgraded several times... to my dismay. One time I booked an inside cabin and they upgraded me to one with an obstructed view and french doors. This spoiled me and now I can NOT book an inside anymore. It's their fault. Then, those Carnival people, grrrrrrr, I booked the cabin with the obstructed view and french doors and they just flat out gave me a balcony. It is easy to get spoiled. And Carnival is GREAT at spoiling passengers.

Gone are the days of steerage. Today, on every Carnival ship, every single cabin is beautiful and comfortable. No matter which you choose, you will have an enjoyable cruise. But watch out for upgrades, be careful. If you are unfortunate enough to get one, your future cruises will all HAVE to be at the better level.

Were all those upgrades, upsells or you just got bumped up? Nice either way.

 

[Luci]

Hi, I sent you a private message. Pleae read it. It has secret tips.

I like to choose my cabins so I really don't care about upgrades because I am always happy with my choices.
Carnival does like to give me upgrades in advance so I know where my cabin will be located. Luci

 

[6packEd]

Everyone's perception of a huge discount and upgrades are different. My neighbor went on one cruise. He said that he is constantly getting mail from the cruise lines begging him to go on a cruise. They are giving him free upgrades from a ocean view to a balcony and over 50% off besides.

Don't we all get these? To him he is getting a upgrade and a big bargain.

If you cruised 5 times you already know the score. Many people like to feel that they got a fantastic bargain and want to brag about it.

 

[Luci]

I recently booked 3 days before a cruise and I got a great deal on a catagory 1-A. I was cruising solo so I didn't care where my cabin was located.
I was not upgraded but I still liked my cabin on the Riviera deck located mid-ship. I was happy because I was on the ship and had a great time.
I could have gotten upgraded if I had shopped around but I was just happy to be on the ship at the last minute.

 

[LHP]

I wish Carnival would offer upgrades like the Airlines do. That way, it is fairly easy to understand.

As it is now,, most of the upgrades go to the TA's who sell the most cabins. (which is why you hear about
people who only have a couple of cruises getting a great upgrade)

That is fine, as long as Carnival doesn't forget the loyal customers who come back again and again.
Our family of four has 119 Carnival cruises between us and we have only gotten ONE upgrade in 10+years.