What's the point of PVP?

[Meanee]

So, we had to call Carnival to split the cruise payment between 2 cards. We were assigned a personal vacation planner. So, even through the split was done (which I can do online, apparently, using a Deposit), cruise price came out to same thing, we got no extras, nothing that we could not do on the website. So, is there something to it other than "I want to talk to a live person" in this?

[fototaker]

So, we had to call Carnival to split the cruise payment between 2 cards. We were assigned a personal vacation planner. So, even through the split was done (which I can do online, apparently, using a Deposit), cruise price came out to same thing, we got no extras, nothing that we could not do on the website. So, is there something to it other than "I want to talk to a live person" in this?

 

 

No one said extra for using the PVP's However, if you comfortable with doing everything online and have no stupid questions or extenuating circumstances you will be just fine! You see, I would never use a Travel agency because they will not give a better deal than carnival will, so says carnival. Having said that I have stupid questions even if I dont have stupid questions! I am the most uninteresting fella on the planet and for 5 minutes I got someone on the end who is trying his hardest to convince me I am interesting! :) But on a serious note, The fella on the other end has a job because i chose to call him. People need jobs and I am that guy who never has used a self check out at the wall mart, and I will always walk in to the gas station to pay with my debit card! :)

[Meanee]

Thanks for explanation. I was kind of wondering if there are perks to using PVP. We went through PVP and got nothing different that carnival.com offers. So I wanted to ask.

[lovebelle]

I like the personalized care. When I call my Pvp I dont have to deal with the hold times, the having to reiterate my info before we can get down to business, I call, my pvp knows who I am, my preferences, who I usually travel with and things get done quickly. Even if he cant answer the phone because he is on with another customer, I can just email and things get done in a matter of minutes. Also my Pvp periodically checks for price drops for me and submits the forms for price adjustments. He doesnt always catch the price drops, but its nice he is keeping an eye on those things for me.

 

These services may not be valuable to many people. I just say there is nothing to lose by taking advantage of using a pvp. If it doesnt work out, well just continue doing things the way you usually do. But I find those little things to really make amhuge difference.

[Colorado Kat]

The PVPs can be very valuable if there is a problem. I am currently experiencing a problem with a booking, and my PVP is proving very helpful. Hoping this gets resolved quickly.

[cruiseguy83]

I have really enjoyed working with my PVP! She does all the "searching" when I'm thinking about a cruise. Just makes it easier to quickly compare rates/cabin types.

 

Also, as others have mentioned, it's nice to have a direct line and email address for price chaneges, paying with different cards, etc... Normally I'll cruise with a friend and she'll do a conference call with us so we can each pay our part and ensure all personal info is correct.

[Momma Mojito]

This is my first time with a PVP and I have used him a couple of times already since I booked our cruise a month ago. I really don't feel that my questions are stupid!!! Also when i booked with him I really didn't expect to get any Carnival perks...just information.

[DevCruise]

Just remember, PVPs are just like any other cruise line rep or TA. Some of them are absolutely awesome and will go the extra mile to make you feel special, some do just what's required of them, others you are better off without. When you find a good one, they're worth their weight in gold.

[kingoftheicedragons]

PVPs provide more personal service. When you call, you can always talk to the same person, they will start to know you and your wants/needs and be a more personal go between between you and Carnival. They'd be like a travel agent, and may even advise you if they think you're doing something that you may not like on a ship--if you've always booked a balcony, they may prevent you from accidentally booking an upper/lower. If you don't care who you talk to, you don't need one.

[put me on a ship]

I love my PVP.....he has always been very helpful, and when I'm unsure about something, helps to point me in the right direction.

[Vettebuf]

I like the personalized care. When I call my Pvp I dont have to deal with the hold times, the having to reiterate my info before we can get down to business, I call, my pvp knows who I am, my preferences, who I usually travel with and things get done quickly. Even if he cant answer the phone because he is on with another customer, I can just email and things get done in a matter of minutes. Also my Pvp periodically checks for price drops for me and submits the forms for price adjustments. He doesnt always catch the price drops, but its nice he is keeping an eye on those things for me.

 

These services may not be valuable to many people. I just say there is nothing to lose by taking advantage of using a pvp. If it doesnt work out, well just continue doing things the way you usually do. But I find those little things to really make amhuge difference.

 

It was a big advantage to have a PVP a month and a half ago when the Carnival 800 number had wait times up to 1 hour and I wanted to switch my cabin and get price adjustments due to price drops. I just called his extension and either got to talk to him immediately or left him a voice mail and got a prompt call back.

[M&T ReadyToCruiseAgain]

Our Carnival PVP always offers a lot of insight into which location to pick your cabin on each different ship. He usually can recommend which side of the ship would be better for viewing ports (not always predictable). He knows more about the Carnival ships than a TA would know as the PVP's get to visit the ships when in port which also adds to their insight.

 

I sometimes send feedback to my PVP such as cabin photos and other details about particular cabins which he finds very helpful for future use.

[craftykitty]

... The fella on the other end has a job because i chose to call him. People need jobs and I am that guy who never has used a self check out at the wall mart, and I will always walk in to the gas station to pay with my debit card! :)

 

This is exactly why I use a PVP. Carnival can afford to keep people employed and if all of us book online, people will lose their jobs and Carnival gets to keep more profits.

[Elaine5715]

Yep, while everyone else was waiting hours on hold, my PVP either picked up or called me back at my convenience to apply new discounts-which she also watches for...when the casino staff didn't have my $ back amount noted, an email to my PVP and less than an hour later, I had $100 cash in my hand.

[Meanee]

Yep, while everyone else was waiting hours on hold, my PVP either picked up or called me back at my convenience to apply new discounts-which she also watches for...when the casino staff didn't have my $ back amount noted, an email to my PVP and less than an hour later, I had $100 cash in my hand.

 

 

Nice, they they are not only the "PLANNER" people.

[ch27088]

I have really enjoyed working with my PVP! She does all the "searching" when I'm thinking about a cruise. Just makes it easier to quickly compare rates/cabin types.

 

Also, as others have mentioned, it's nice to have a direct line and email address for price chaneges, paying with different cards, etc... Normally I'll cruise with a friend and she'll do a conference call with us so we can each pay our part and ensure all personal info is correct.

 

When I booked our cruise I called Carnival and asked for a PVP. The lady told me that she could help me, which she did, but I want someone who is going to check on price drops for me, and see what perks are available. Is there a certain number for me to call besides the 1800-CARNIVAL?

[Georgia Peach 4]

It is my understanding that you have to watch for price drops yourself....no one is going to do that for you, your TA doesn't want the drop because their commission will also drop. You have to be your own advocate!

 

But, all I have to do is email my PVP and they give me the same price I see online, any questions or corrections I can email and do through her, there is a paper trail as well.

[Rubylightening]

My pvp in Miami I have used for 3 cruises and she is so helpful, answering questions and finding just the right cabin to meet my needs. She is very knowledgable about the best and worst cabins, drawbacks at certain locations and anything else I needed to know. Her name is Marcia and she is just fantastic. I highly recomend her. You can reach her at 800-819-3902 ext. 85030

[Tampa cruiser1963]

On one of my cruises my PVP got me a rate $110 less than I could for the same cabin etc.