Call me Cheap

[10Jan54]

Is it just me or do the rates seem to be stuck at current prices and not jumping around to give us a chance to get a great bargain. I have been watching a couple of future cruises I would like to take but not one time have the prices moved, either up or down. That's part of the fun in booking... catching it at the right time.:cool:

[cb at sea]

Ok...You're cheap! Hey..you said to call you that!

 

So far, I've never booked a cruise where the prices DECREASED....so consider yourself lucky if that's happened to you!

[StolidCruiser]

Yes, prices are not fluctuating as much as they may have in years past.

 

Why? Bookings are strong at fares people find reasonable. Therefore, there is no need to rollercoaster pricing by offering sales that significantly decrease fares to bolster a lag in booking.

 

The current sales strategy is to offer non-revenue reducing triggers (reduced deposit, "free" upgrades, etc)... and it works.

 

That's not to say fare drops don't happen. They just won't happen with the regularity to which you've been previously accustomed.

 

Stay cheap. It's not a dirty word. :D

[Savlamara]

A cruise I just booked in Feb already went down $150 so it depends on the sailing. I didnt book ES so I was only able to upgrade and not get any credits, but I'll take what I can get!

[cmukid87]

I agree. There really hasn't been much movement on many of the sailings I watch.

 

My current booking went down $40/stateroom. I considered that a win at $80 over two staterooms.

[Trumpster]

Agree 100%

 

Your cheap! ;)

 

 

EDIT: and I'm stupid You're Cheap!

Edited March 22, 2016 by Trumpster

[cruzelover55]

A cruise I just booked in Feb already went down $150 so it depends on the sailing. I didnt book ES so I was only able to upgrade and not get any credits, but I'll take what I can get!

 

My personal best was, I think '09, not sure, I booked early saver, as always about 10-11 months out and had over $900. OBC. Since then, zip. I look faithfully everyday. But, at least I know I did get the best price. Today, a inside room is more than the Lido balcony I purchased. Could probably do better if were willing to change rooms, but I book early to get the "exact" room I want in the 1st place. It's still fun to look and hope for a price reduction. I think I honestly enjoy the planning, research on excursions, reading CC hints, maybe as much as the cruise itself. Sad, but true! Though I really have enjoyed all our cruises. And it builds up the anticipation, planning so far ahead.:)

[ready2cruzagain]

Since booking our current 3 cruises, they have done nothing but gone up in price. If we were to book them today they would be $1100 more than what we paid just a couple of months ago.:eek:

[SadieN]

Just got a price drop (on Princess). Our Carnival cruises have rarely gone down. We end up booking uncommon itins that are in demand. Also West Coast cruises, historically, don't refare the way Caribbean cruises do.

 

OP you're not cheap, you're frugal. Getting the best bang for your buck.

Edited March 22, 2016 by SadieN

[tea4ular]

Same here - the trip we booked in November for April 2017(!) has only gone higher and higher.

 

My personal saving grace us I won't book unless I feel it's a price I'm willing to pay. That said...come on price drops!

[mibarron]

I booked a cruise early February and I check every week for price drops. Currently, I received $160 of OBC. Going to continue looking and keeping my fingers crossed for more drops. [emoji1]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[figdu]

I am still getting price drops but nothing like several years ago. I watch prices every day and it seems to be guarantees that fluctuate the most since there is no price drop associated with them.

 

I tend to validate that with getting an upsell call for our Vista cruise that is $1100 less than current rate for the same room. Targeted upgrades costs Carnival less money.

[2chilover]

I'm cheap. Cheap is good.

 

I've been using the "Fare viewer" since learning about it:

 

http://www.carnival.com/BookingEngine/FareViewer/#

 

problem is, I plug in my info, see that there is an offer $150 less than what I booked, choose it, hit continue.........and then there's no where to go. :mad: I don't get that fare viewer thing, either that or I'm stupid.

[ready2cruzagain]

I'm cheap. Cheap is good.

 

I've been using the "Fare viewer" since learning about it:

 

http://www.carnival.com/BookingEngine/FareViewer/#

 

problem is, I plug in my info, see that there is an offer $150 less than what I booked, choose it, hit continue.........and then there's no where to go. :mad: I don't get that fare viewer thing, either that or I'm stupid.

Honestly, Fareviewer stinks. It does not include VIFP offers, Military offers, Interline offers or Casino offers. You would be better off signing in and doing a mock booking.

 

I would have missed a lot of price drops in the past if I had only used Fareviewer...thinking that is what Carnival wants.

[2chilover]

Honestly, Fareviewer stinks. It does not include VIFP offers, Military offers, Interline offers or Casino offers. You would be better off signing in and doing a mock booking.

 

I would have missed a lot of price drops in the past if I had only used Fareviewer...thinking that is what Carnival wants.

 

Thank you for the advice, ready2. But what do you mean by doing a mock booking? So.....I log in, and act like I'm booking the same cruise I've already booked.........and when the price is lower.........then what do I do?

 

I'm sorry to be stupid, I only have four cruises under my belt. :o

[2chilover]

Thank you for the advice, ready2. But what do you mean by doing a mock booking? So.....I log in, and act like I'm booking the same cruise I've already booked.........and when the price is lower.........then what do I do?

 

I'm sorry to be stupid, I only have four cruises under my belt. :o

 

Oh, and I should have mentioned that I use a PVP. But she isn't very good.......in fact, ignored my question about how to take advantage of the newest fare I found on the Fare viewer. She seems to have no patience for questions and I really don't ask that many questions, promise. :)

[ready2cruzagain]

Thank you for the advice, ready2. But what do you mean by doing a mock booking? So.....I log in, and act like I'm booking the same cruise I've already booked.........and when the price is lower.........then what do I do?

 

I'm sorry to be stupid, I only have four cruises under my belt. :o

 

 

Then you take a screen shot and call your TA or if you booked through Carnival fill out an ES form to get the new price.

[cruzelover55]

I'm cheap. Cheap is good.

 

I've been using the "Fare viewer" since learning about it:

 

http://www.carnival.com/BookingEngine/FareViewer/#

 

problem is, I plug in my info, see that there is an offer $150 less than what I booked, choose it, hit continue.........and then there's no where to go. :mad: I don't get that fare viewer thing, either that or I'm stupid.

 

This is how it has worked for me. If I find a cheaper fare, on the site you are using, though, know it has to be in the same category. Inside to inside, balcony to balcony, etc... unless you are trying for an upgrade. Then you have to fill out the form, Carnival Price Protection Form. They will email you with an answer toot sweet. But, sometimes, disagree with your findings. I then call Carnival and have always, if I stay FIRM, gotten the drop. As I have posted before, I book with the only room I will consider. If you are flexible, sometimes can get up to 3 category upgrades. If you did not book directly through Carnival, we do, not with a PVP, just online, you would have to let your PVP or TA know of the drop and they would take it from there. Maybe. That's why I do my own booking. Is this :)clear as mud or what?

[Jennifer925]

My best price drop was southern Caribbean $219 pp plus port fees! Scored it on a Black Friday sale!! Haven't seen a price drop like that in 2 years :(

[Razor_Poke]

I used a TA for the first time for my upcoming Dream cruise and he's already reduced my rate by $60. No form, no wait, no hassle. And I got $150 OBC from him. I may never go back to a PVP.

[cruzelover55]

2chilover, Also, that's why I book so early as though I said in the previous post to you, that an inside is WAY more expensive than our balcony, Lido, at this time, if I do a "mock" booking, my room area or even floor is not available. I can put in Lido and they always shoot me off to the deck above or below.

[HectorAchilleus]

This is how it has worked for me. If I find a cheaper fare, on the site you are using, though, know it has to be in the same category. Inside to inside, balcony to balcony, etc... unless you are trying for an upgrade. Then you have to fill out the form, Carnival Price Protection Form. They will email you with an answer toot sweet. But, sometimes, disagree with your findings. I then call Carnival and have always, if I stay FIRM, gotten the drop. As I have posted before, I book with the only room I will consider. If you are flexible, sometimes can get up to 3 category upgrades. If you did not book directly through Carnival, we do, not with a PVP, just online, you would have to let your PVP or TA know of the drop and they would take it from there. Maybe. That's why I do my own booking. Is this :)clear as mud or what?

 

Where do you find the form? Is this the form that you use if you booked Early Saver?

[GUT2407]

Is it just me or do the rates seem to be stuck at current prices and not jumping around to give us a chance to get a great bargain. I have been watching a couple of future cruises I would like to take but not one time have the prices moved, either up or down. That's part of the fun in booking... catching it at the right time.:cool:

 

 

G'day Cheap....

 

Well it was you asked me to call you:D

[cruzelover55]

Where do you find the form? Is this the form that you use if you booked Early Saver?

 

The Carnival Price Protection Claim Form, I have used it so many times it is embedded in my computer. I only have to type in the 1st couple of letters for it to come up. I looked in my "favorites" list and see I must have googled it at the beginning. Or just found on Carnival's site. Probably quicker to google it. I would put the link on here for you, but, have not used this site other than basic questions and answers so don't know how to do it. Sorry. The form really does exist, but be careful, if you are where you want to be and just want OBC, and not to change rooms, Specify that in the answer columns. Good luck!!!:)

[crooooze]

Even thought the last few Carnival cruises I have booked had a slight price drop, I haven't been able to get credit. On one cruise, the rates dropped for everything except for the category I booked. (hint, avoid those aft view balconies) The other was an $80 drop that I could have gotten a price adjustment... but I would have lost the $100 OBC.

Edited March 23, 2016 by crooooze