Downgrade Fairy?

[Blackjack22]

We’ve all heard of the upsell/upgrade fairy at this point but does CCL (or any cruise line) ever try to entice people to take a downgrade in room type/category in order sell the room to someone else at a higher price? This isn’t a novel concept, airlines do the same thing when they bump people, give one person a bit of compensation to open a seat which can be sold at a higher price to the desparate traveler. I’ve also heard of hotels doing this, espcially when big events are happening.

[meatloafsfan]

Princess does this (move over or move down offers) but I haven't heard of Carnival doing it.

 

The only time I can see you being downgraded (and with no recourse) is if you book an accessible cabin and don't need it. They changed the wording about a year ago to indicate that they can move you to a lesser cabin.

 

When booking an accessible cabin:

1188: This stateroom is intended for use by guests with disability. Carnival reserves the right to reassign the selected stateroom, which may be of a lesser value should an accessible stateroom be needed by a guest who needs the features of this stateroom.

 

Otherwise I haven't heard of anyone being moved down outside of really extreme circumstances (i.e. on the ship where there is a problem and the only available cabin is a lesser cabin grade).

[mz-s]

Carnival doesn't really allow downgrades, so I don't think they offer offers for downgrades. I'm sure there are always one-off exceptions (casino wants the owner's suite for a mega high roller but Joe Blow has already booked it maybe), but I doubt they are normal.

[winddawn]

I've never known Carnival to use downgrades as a marketing strategy. The only times I've read of forced cabin changes is in the event fewer people are booked in a cabin than the cabin was designed for (such as 2 people booked in a quad cabin) or where non-handicapped passengers are booked in a handicap cabin and need arises for the cabin for a handicapped passenger. Extenuating circumstances might also cause cabin changes. I've never heard of Carnival downgrading passengers in such situations though without appropriate compensation. Carnival typically will offer the same category or higher in such circumstances where passengers are forced to change to another cabin.

[Micahs Grandad]

We tried it once and they quickly told us they will take more money from us but now give it back by moving us to lower category.

 

If you are outside penalty period you could cancel and rebook

[Blackjack22]

Thanks for the replies. As I mentioned in another (deleted thanks to trolls) thread, my family is wanting to book for next springs as yet unannounced 100k BJ tournament. My brother and his father in law are both very close with several people who work with the CCL casinos from their frequent cruising. Steve claims that he's got it on good authority which sailing it's going to be and wants to book our rooms now before the ship starts to get full.

 

We did the tournament this year and balconies and suites were going for an arm and a leg. I was just wondering if we booked now at a reasonable price for a suite or balcony, if they'd come back to us with an offer potentially at a later date to try to sell our room to someone who will pay more for it. We don't require handicap accommodations so that won't be a concern and we won't be booking a handicap room in hopes of capitalizing as we know there's people with an actual need.

 

Thanks everyone for replies. I welcome and appreciate any other information.

[winddawn]

Thanks for the replies. As I mentioned in another (deleted thanks to trolls) thread, my family is wanting to book for next springs as yet unannounced 100k BJ tournament. My brother and his father in law are both very close with several people who work with the CCL casinos from their frequent cruising. Steve claims that he's got it on good authority which sailing it's going to be and wants to book our rooms now before the ship starts to get full.

 

We did the tournament this year and balconies and suites were going for an arm and a leg. I was just wondering if we booked now at a reasonable price for a suite or balcony, if they'd come back to us with an offer potentially at a later date to try to sell our room to someone who will pay more for it. We don't require handicap accommodations so that won't be a concern and we won't be booking a handicap room in hopes of capitalizing as we know there's people with an actual need.

 

Thanks everyone for replies. I welcome and appreciate any other information.

 

Related to the additional information you just provided: unless you book an early saver or other highly restricted fare, you will likely have the option to price match to a lower fare you qualify for if one should occur BEFORE your final payment due date. With the highly restricted early saver fare, you can price match to any lower fare you qualify for now or in the future up to a couple days prior to sail date, but remember early saver fares are non-refundable and have change fees. It sounds like in your situation you'd benefit from booking a higher fully refundable fare. That refundability usually disappears at final payment due date which varies based on cruise length. Just be sure to read the details that go along with the specific fare you are looking at booking prior to booking. Some fares include non-refundable deposits and perks that may go away if future changes are made.