Do you ever book with an early saver rate?

[Carleeb12]

We can save $185 if we switch from a past guest to an early saver. I realize we will have to switch to a non-refundable deposit, but other than that, is it worth it? Also, if the price drops, do you get that amount back in cash prior to final payment or will it always go to an onboard credit?

[bury me at sea]

I book early saver but am well aware of the restrictions.

 

If not fully paid at the time of a price drop you get the difference off what is still owed. If fully paid you get OBC.

[bury me at sea]

I stopped too soon. Price drop credits are not automatically applied. You or your travel agent, if you used one, have to contact Carnival.

[jpurdy]

Nope, not worth it to me in case of need to cancel just because and not due to illness etc. I'd rather spend the little bit extra and have the flexibility to do what I want with it up until final payment.

[The4Cruisers]

Every cruise we book is early saver. We also buy insurance in case of unforeseen issues.

[dave_k58]

WE always book ES

[BattyL]

Nope, not worth it to me in case of need to cancel just because and not due to illness etc. I'd rather spend the little bit extra and have the flexibility to do what I want with it up until final payment.

 

I agree! Booked early saver on one cruise and never saw any price drops so I won't be doing that again....seems as though the prices just keep increasing lately.

[Sparky2]

We can save $185 if we switch from a past guest to an early saver. I realize we will have to switch to a non-refundable deposit, but other than that, is it worth it? Also, if the price drops, do you get that amount back in cash prior to final payment or will it always go to an onboard credit?

 

We've booked ES since they started offering it and have always received price drops. However, this year on our B2B for January, the price just keeps going up.

[cbCRR]

We have booked Early Saver on 10 of 11 cruises. Got burned once (lost $300), but got price drops on most of the others (a couple significant). Overall we are ahead.

[Ken076]

We can save $185 if we switch from a past guest to an early saver. I realize we will have to switch to a non-refundable deposit, but other than that, is it worth it? Also, if the price drops, do you get that amount back in cash prior to final payment or will it always go to an onboard credit?

 

If you're "military eligible" and the Military rate is being offered, the Military Rate is often same as Early Saver, but without the restrictions. Ken

Edited July 9, 2016 by Ken076

[buddyjo143]

So it sounds worth it. Even if your price doesn't go down you are locked in at a low rate. We book the ES rate btw and DH always monitors for price drops.

[Carleeb12]

We have booked Early Saver on 10 of 11 cruises. Got burned once (lost $300), but got price drops on most of the others (a couple significant). Overall we are ahead.

 

How did you get burned?

[Carleeb12]

Every cruise we book is early saver. We also buy insurance in case of unforeseen issues.

 

How does the insurance work with early saver?

[ourcruiseyears]

We always book Early Saver & purchase travel insurance within 21 days of booking. I check Carnival Fare Viewer every morning & I try to remember to check it a couple of other times throughout the day. We booked a cruise with Early Saver 10 days ago & yesterday there was a $40 price drop. I called, made the claim & it was taken off of our balance due in November. Any price drops after our final payment have always been applied as onboard credit.

[HawkIVette]

Every cruise we book is early saver. We also buy insurance in case of unforeseen issues.

 

Same here. Book Early Saver, unless a Casino offer, which usually can't be beat. Then rely on Insurance if unforeseen sickness prevents me from going. Usually the cost of insurance is saved by price drops.

[dacsmom]

I always book Early Saver and have never had a problem. Sometimes I get price drops and sometimes the price keeps going up.

[dmdiver]

We've booked early saver several times. One trip last year we got $160 OBC, this year we only got $20. Can't remember how much we got on previous cruises. Like others have said, you have to check fares daily - be sure what you find is the same cabin category. The price protection form is online. Sometimes we get a response in just a few minutes, sometimes a couple of days. There is no limit to how many times you can file for price protection.

[lizardhowson]

How does the insurance work with early saver?

 

Same as it does with any other rate (not talking about Carnival insurance)

 

You buy coverage for those things important to you - definitely get the Medical and medical evacuation coverage

 

You can include Cancel for any reason coverage, Cancel for Work, etc but those cost extra.

[NHNEV2003]

We book ES and get insurance that includes cancel for any reason.

[asalligo]

I always book past guest and switch to early saver about 100 days out.

[riclop]

We can save $185 if we switch from a past guest to an early saver. I realize we will have to switch to a non-refundable deposit, but other than that, is it worth it? Also, if the price drops, do you get that amount back in cash prior to final payment or will it always go to an onboard credit?

 

Don't like ER because it has too many restrictions.

[Micahs Grandad]

We always book early savers when we can.

[rolaur]

Ditto!!!

 

Nope, not worth it to me in case of need to cancel just because and not due to illness etc. I'd rather spend the little bit extra and have the flexibility to do what I want with it up until final payment.

[vwrestler171]

I usually book PG rate unless I am booking flights at the same time. After I book flights I will change to the ES rate if cabins I want are still available. I usually book the aft extended balconies or the aft wraps so most of the tims I book PG and the room sells out. So it depends on the room type that you are going for if you are going to get OBC or not.

[Carleeb12]

Same as it does with any other rate (not talking about Carnival insurance)

 

You buy coverage for those things important to you - definitely get the Medical and medical evacuation coverage

 

You can include Cancel for any reason coverage, Cancel for Work, etc but those cost extra.

 

How far out do you have to buy it?