Group Rates

[schittenden]

I've been working on planning a surprise cruise for my wife's 40th birthday next year. I've talked to people about it and got soft commitments from a number of people depending upon the exact week we go. I researched all the information on the Carnival website regarding group cruises, amenity points, free berths, etc. Today, I called and spoke to a PVP to discuss the details and narrow down the options, so that I could pick a specific week and start having people book. Only, now I've learned that apparently, despite having plenty of open cabins, they won't accept any group bookings. Sure, they'll let us book our cabins individually, but there won't be any amenity points to help with the birthday party expenses or free berths to help me offset the cost of all the berths I'm paying for to get my family to go. This is exceptionally frustrating. I feel like the rug has been pulled out from underneath me. The only reference I've seen to unavailability for group bookings is that you have to book 70 days in advance. We're well outside that window, so I had no reason to suspect there would be any issue.

[schittenden]

Well, I finally got a hold of someone in the groups department and the PVP was just wrong.

[mrsdoc3]

Glad to hear you got it straightened out. As I have read many times on these boards for most of the cruise lines, if you don't get the answer you are expecting, call back. Not everyone is as knowlegable as you would want them to be.

[jcearth]

I have organized a group before, and quite frankly, it was more trouble than it was worth (to me, at least). But you will get to learn lots of interesting things about booking codes, and which rates support amenities, and which do not, especially if you are booking under Early Saver. One caveat - make sure to check every time they update your group contract, because in my experience, they would often get things incorrect, and inadvertently change rates, etc. Good luck!!

[MCC retired]

Be aware that some in your group may discover better rates booking Early Saver .

Although they will be part of your group toward earning the 1 free cruise rate refunded (TC) 1 for 16 guests usually , those booked @ Early Savers will not receive the amenities that the rest of the group gets.

[jakesnana]

I've been working on planning a surprise cruise for my wife's 40th birthday next year. I've talked to people about it and got soft commitments from a number of people depending upon the exact week we go. I researched all the information on the Carnival website regarding group cruises, amenity points, free berths, etc. Today, I called and spoke to a PVP to discuss the details and narrow down the options, so that I could pick a specific week and start having people book. Only, now I've learned that apparently, despite having plenty of open cabins, they won't accept any group bookings. Sure, they'll let us book our cabins individually, but there won't be any amenity points to help with the birthday party expenses or free berths to help me offset the cost of all the berths I'm paying for to get my family to go. This is exceptionally frustrating. I feel like the rug has been pulled out from underneath me. The only reference I've seen to unavailability for group bookings is that you have to book 70 days in advance. We're well outside that window, so I had no reason to suspect there would be any issue.

 

This is one of those situations where you would be better off dealing with a TA who specializes in groups. The only thing I would stress is to make sure that the TA will give you the credit for the Tour Conductors and the full value of the amenity points. This way, you get all the benefits you would get if you were doing all the work, however, someone else is in charge of making the bookings and keeping track of dates, etc. Once you have found a reputable TA and choosen the ship and sail date, just give the TA's info to all those who will be going and let the TA take it from there.

[stewpapa]

I agree that the group booking is more trouble than it's worth. After researching group bookings each time we take a group, we just end up booking rooms as we get commitments. We then link the bookings together so we will be seated together for dinner OR you can all go anytime dining and dine however you want each night. The group bookings that I looked into cost more per person just to give you a discount or point or gift. We go the cheapest rate possible for the cabin we choose and group bookings isn't it. Good luck and enjoy your cruise however you choose to book.

[schittenden]

This is one of those situations where you would be better off dealing with a TA who specializes in groups. The only thing I would stress is to make sure that the TA will give you the credit for the Tour Conductors and the full value of the amenity points. This way, you get all the benefits you would get if you were doing all the work, however, someone else is in charge of making the bookings and keeping track of dates, etc. Once you have found a reputable TA and choosen the ship and sail date, just give the TA's info to all those who will be going and let the TA take it from there.

 

I considered that, but have strong memories of a long thread on here about 12-18 months ago dealing with a woman who booked a group through an agent and then had a series of nightmares trying to get everything right without spoiling the surprise for her husband.

[schittenden]

Be aware that some in your group may discover better rates booking Early Saver .

Although they will be part of your group toward earning the 1 free cruise rate refunded (TC) 1 for 16 guests usually , those booked @ Early Savers will not receive the amenities that the rest of the group gets.

 

The current group rates for our sailing are the same or within $20 of the lowest advertised rates. Given that I plan to use all the amenity points for onboard credit, I think that will be enough to make up for any difference in the rate. (Oddly, our cabin won't qualify for the amenities, because I'll be booking under a super cheap casino rate.

[jakesnana]

I considered that, but have strong memories of a long thread on here about 12-18 months ago dealing with a woman who booked a group through an agent and then had a series of nightmares trying to get everything right without spoiling the surprise for her husband.

 

I remember that thread and the scenario around it. I actually advised the women on some of her issues. That why I stressed to find a TA who is well versed and experienced in groups. Also, make sure he/she understands your expectations regarding amenities and tour conductors. Finally, get references from the TA for groups previously arranged. If you find the TA, you could save yourself A BUNCH of work.

[jcearth]

The current group rates for our sailing are the same or within $20 of the lowest advertised rates. Given that I plan to use all the amenity points for onboard credit, I think that will be enough to make up for any difference in the rate. (Oddly, our cabin won't qualify for the amenities, because I'll be booking under a super cheap casino rate.

 

 

If your rate, doesn't support amenities, just ask to buy them up. I think it may be something like $5 per amenity point, but I am not sure. If you look at the amenity chart, it still is worth your while to do so. I think that for our $40 extra we paid per cabin, we got $65 value in return (we choose $50 OBC for 3 points and $15 photo coupon for 1). Additionally, we found out that some rates, like More = Merrier, supported the amenities, and we didn't have to buy them up when price matching through Early Saver, and thus got an extra $40 of value.

 

Also, you can book Early Saver and buy up the amenities, but it is a HUGE hassle (it was for me, at least) every time we submitted a price drop, because they just never could seem to understand our situation, even though every time in the comments, I would explain how we had amenities, and to buy up the points if the rate did not support. In the end, I spent hours with them on the phone (ping ponging between the group dept, and customer service) to get everything straight, and I wouldn't do it again.

[jakesnana]

If your rate, doesn't support amenities, just ask to buy them up. I think it may be something like $5 per amenity point, but I am not sure. If you look at the amenity chart, it still is worth your while to do so. I think that for our $40 extra we paid per cabin, we got $65 value in return (we choose $50 OBC for 3 points and $15 photo coupon for 1). Additionally, we found out that some rates, like More = Merrier, supported the amenities, and we didn't have to buy them up when price matching through Early Saver, and thus got an extra $40 of value.

 

Also, you can book Early Saver and buy up the amenities, but it is a HUGE hassle (it was for me, at least) every time we submitted a price drop, because they just never could seem to understand our situation, even though every time in the comments, I would explain how we had amenities, and to buy up the points if the rate did not support. In the end, I spent hours with them on the phone (ping ponging between the group dept, and customer service) to get everything straight, and I wouldn't do it again.

 

The cost to "buy up" the amenity points is based on the length of the cruise. If you are doing a 5 nt. cruise, they would be $5.00 each, if you are doing a 7 nt. cruise they would be $7.00 each, etc.

[near the beach]

PVP’s usually don’t handle groups. For future reference.

GUEST SOLUTIONS

groupsales@carnival.com

GROUP SAILING SUPPORT

groupsailingsupport@carnival.com

[schittenden]

PVP’s usually don’t handle groups. For future reference.

GUEST SOLUTIONS

groupsales@carnival.com

GROUP SAILING SUPPORT

groupsailingsupport@carnival.com

 

I know. I'd waited a week without response to my group request and got a call from my PVP, so I talked to her.

[angeleyez915]

Well, I finally got a hold of someone in the groups department and the PVP was just wrong.

 

Yeah , I was going to say that something had to be wrong because I am going on a group cruise in October on the Dream, being that we booked in May it was definitely more than the 70 days so i cant attest to how strictly they may hold to that guideline but i can without a doubt say that they are doing group bookings.