Debating whether to book

[cruisent]

I haven't cruised in a while and had absolutely no plans to, but got an email for a special and i'm debating whether to book it or not. It's for Nov. 30 on Liberty to Nassau & Freeport for 4 nights, $475 total, incl port tax/fees. (I've already done that sailing twice before and really like both the itinerary and ship.) And my favorite OV cabin is available!

 

I'm just so nervous this crisis could still be going on by then but it includes $500 OBC which is so darn tempting!! For the experts here, would that include using it in the casino on the slot machines too?! Gee, i'd hardly have to bring ANY spending money LOL. 

 

Since i'm solo, it would cost $198 for the deposit and i'm just unsure whether to make that kind of financial commitment during all this, but it's such a great offer and I only have 48 hrs to decide!! I just don't know what to do!! 😕

[miataman19]

Too me, if you can handle the $198, book it. That is an awesome price. I'm doing Liberty in July. Check and see if the 3 day prior or after is as cheap and do a B2B. That's what I'm hopefully doing in July.

 

Edited March 31, 2020 by miataman19

[Jasalth]

I assume that you are financially stable at these times, which is a good thing and I know I am grateful we are! 

 

Ask yourself if between now and September/October or whenever final payment is due, if that $200 could break you. If not, book it and the worst that will happen is you will get it as a future credit to a cruise by the end of 2022. As it seems to be a casino offer (I am jealous we didn't get any! But haven't been on Carnival in 4 years) is it something you are willing to gamble on? But I will say.. if you have any financial concern for the next 8 months, then I would not book it. 

 

I keep thinking of things to do, and then I stop and think how darn lucky we are that even with all this, I am still planning trips! Neither me or my DH have a fear of loosing our jobs or even having a reduction in work for.. well ever! DH works in a Union Grocery warehouse, and I work in Specialty Pharmacy. And if for some reason I was to loose my job, I am still getting emails 2-3 times a week from recruiters actually offering my more $, but I love working overnights and unlimited OT!

 

I just took a gamble. I was waiting to see if September for Europe was going to be canceled yesterday. It wasn't. I had a hold on the same room on a sister ship until tonight for a 2021 cruise I would love to take. I ended up putting down the $398 deposit. I am gambling on either A: Nothing gets better and everything gets cancelled, B: Carnival pulls the trigger and cancels, but my airfare doesn't and I have planned a basic back up 22 day in Europe plan; or C : I have to work 142 hours of OT in the next 16 months to pay for the August 2021 cruise. As I have unlimited OT as double time right now at work, and work 8 hours OT a week normally but working from home I am working 15+, I am okay with any of those gambles. 

 

But do you feel lucky? 

[ray98]

No way I would book right now with so much uncertainty.  There is no reason, even when this is over the cruise market will be flat and they will be begging people to fill the ships.  You will probably end up with a better deal by waiting, the longer this goes the more desperate the market gets.

[audcc77]

OP, I’m also looking at the end of November for sailing out of Puerto Rico with $500 OBC and free drinks.
 

 However, health experts are saying it will come back in the fall.  By then, I will have had to make a final payment.  Plus, who knows what airlines will be doing by then.  
 

If I knew I’d get a full refund, I’d consider it. 
Also, no need to traipse all the way to Puerto Rico for doing those ports if no ports are letting ships in. 

[cruisent]

11 minutes ago, audcc77 said:

OP, I’m also looking at the end of November for sailing out of Puerto Rico with $500 OBC and free drinks.
 

 However, health experts are saying it will come back in the fall.  By then, I will have had to make a final payment.  Plus, who knows what airlines will be doing by then.  
 

If I knew I’d get a full refund, I’d consider it. 
Also, no need to traipse all the way to Puerto Rico for doing those ports if no ports are letting ships in. 

 

The virus coming back in the fall is a BIG concern for me. I would hate to have an outbreak on the ship and wind up being quarantined an additional 2 weeks after the cruise finishes and not able to go home. That would be a nightmare.

I'm very lucky to be retired and on Social Security, so my income is thankfully unaffected. I've been following all the guidelines and staying inside to allow people to deal with this thing, but I read about so many people not following it and going about their lives, not following social distance rules...it's a shame because that only makes this crisis last even longer. 

 

I originally had a 5 day Vegas trip planned for December, but that's been cancelled and i've just accepted that 2020 will be no travel for me. But this offer is so tempting to take up---i'll be able to renew the hold another 48 hours if I need more time. And the advice on waiting because more deals will certainly come is also good. A lot to think about for sure!!

 

Thanks for all the great advice!!

 

But no one answered about the $500 OBC-----do you think that would be useable on casino slot machines? That would definitely make it all the MORE tempting for me!! 

[audcc77]

33 minutes ago, cruisent said:

But no one answered about the $500 OBC-----do you think that would be useable on casino slot machines

I just received $100 OBC in October.  It was on my S&S card already.   I’m guessing that it can be used for anything but if you don’t use it, you lose it. 
 

[cruisent]

6 minutes ago, audcc77 said:

I just received $100 OBC in October.  It was on my S&S card already.   I’m guessing that it can be used for anything but if you don’t use it, you lose it. 
 

 

Thanks. I did notice where it said "non refundable" but i'd have no problem finding ways to use every penny of that! 🤑