Just remember, Early Saver deposits are non-refundable. I don’t get it!

[Kcarp]

I have read so many threads about cruisers wanting no part of the non-refundable charge. The other night a poster said once they put a deposit down, come hell or high water they are cruising and I have to agree with them. Even if you had to cancel and move your date, what is the big deal? You know this is not your last cruise so why sweat it? Maybe I just don’t get it, but my PVP has told me she would waive any fees, so lock in that great price. Please tell me what I’m overlooking.

[UpstateCruizer]

I have read so many threads about cruisers wanting no part of the non-refundable charge. The other night a poster said once they put a deposit down, come hell or high water they are cruising and I have to agree with them. Even if you had to cancel and move your date, what is the big deal? You know this is not your last cruise so why sweat it? Maybe I just don’t get it, but my PVP has told me she would waive any fees, so lock in that great price. Please tell me what I’m overlooking.

 

 

No clue what you are over looking because I too have 2 cruises booked with the Early Saver program. :) I think some of the people that are saying no way no how are those that do book and cancel for various reasons so this program probably wouldn't be a wise investment for them.

[Kurbanfan]

If I see an opportunity to book with another cruiseline for a great price I want to have that option.........

[cuyahoga11]

The cruise I have booked, did not qualify but you can be sure the next one will. That is a great savings and I dont cancel except for a last minute emergency.

[travelntreats]

I have read so many threads about cruisers wanting no part of the non-refundable charge. The other night a poster said once they put a deposit down, come hell or high water they are cruising and I have to agree with them. Even if you had to cancel and move your date, what is the big deal? You know this is not your last cruise so why sweat it? Maybe I just don’t get it, but my PVP has told me she would waive any fees, so lock in that great price. Please tell me what I’m overlooking.

And how can they waive any fee's when the Early Saver policy is what it is regarding cancellation fee's ? :confused::rolleyes::confused:

[teahoney]

If I see an opportunity to book with another cruiseline for a great price I want to have that option.........

 

Yes, that seems to be the issue with why some don't like it. Some people book a few cruises just to lock in the price and then decide on which one they want. The early saver program wouldn't be for them.

 

For someone like me though, I know that only extenuating circumstances would keep me away from my cruise and if for some reason I had to cancel I know that the money would go toward the next cruise so it works for me.

[habby]

For someone like me though, I know that only extenuating circumstances would keep me away from my cruise and if for some reason I had to cancel I know that the money would go toward the next cruise so it works for me.

Count us in the same group as you. We don't book until we have date, ship and itinerary chosen, and we usually start narrowing things down in the fall for our spring cruise so the Early Saver seems that it will work for us.

[Luluwa]

For me... I booked the Early Saver for New Years, not a great price, but some lower.

I'm just concerned with the economy etc that we might HAVE or NEED to cancel or move to another time.

I booked the Early Saver on 1-17-09 and didn't really understand it - now I do. :cool:

[stlrboo]

I was under the impression with the Early Saver Program, that ANY change would result in a 'change fee'...:eek:

 

I just recently cancelled a cruise thru CCL (first time ever) due to the economy and how it has affected me, but our cruise after June 2009 is on NCL...:p

 

Is there a penalty involved with this program...?? I read the rules/etc, but not sure if a penalty is involved if I don't transfer to another Carnival cruise...:rolleyes::)

[Silverscreencruiser]

If I see an opportunity to book with another cruiseline for a great price I want to have that option.........

 

Which is exactly why Carnival is offering this option... to lock people early into Carnival cruises as opposed to getting a deal from another line or some other form of vacation or way to spend your money.

 

These rates aren't for everyone. If people want to keep options open they can do so, but they pay a price for it.

[Zingy2]

Non-Refundable deposits are not a new concept....We have experienced that a lot in the air travel industry. We do not receive a refund if for some reason we have to cancel our flight (medical emergency, death, hurricane, etc). We receive a voucher that gives us 365 days to use the money we originally expended on our original flight, with the same airline. We do not get the money back. Should we not exercise that option (would be insane not to), we lose the entire amount. If we do exercise the option, we do not get reimbursed if we spend less than what we originally booked for within that 365 day period. Airlines spell it out pretty clearly in their booking agreements online. We believe Carnival has done the same.

 

Given our family's work schedules and long range planning requirements because of these schedules, the early saver plan seems to work well for us. But like some folks have said, it may not be for everyone.

[skay]

I was under the impression with the Early Saver Program, that ANY change would result in a 'change fee'...:eek:

I thought I'd read where there was a $50/pp change fee.

[ata1976]

We booked our next cruise with early saver. Usually after we pick a cruise and have the leave from work approved we book. We have never changed a cruise date. We also get insurance in case we have to cancel at the very last minute, which hasn't happened yet either.

[Vanessa L]

I thought I'd read where there was a $50/pp change fee.

 

You read right; from the Carnival website:

 

Early Saver. Cruise rates are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy, capacity controlled and subject to change at any time without prior notice. Government taxes and fees are additional for all guests. A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking for all guests to secure confirmed accommodations. Fares are backed by a unique price protection policy. Full names are required for each guest. Offer is valid for new bookings only and is not combinable with any other discounted or promotional offer. Available on sailings starting on 5/1/09 for short cruises (5 days or less) and on 7/1/09 for long cruises (6 days or longer).Savings up to 25% per stateroom on short cruises (5 days or less), or up to 30% per stateroom on long cruises (6 days or longer). Or also stated in dollars, savings up to $150 per stateroom on short cruises (5 days or less), or up to $200 per stateroom on long cruises (6 days or longer). Savings are based on Super Saver rates and varies by sailings. Category restrictions and exclusions apply. No name changes are allowed. A $50 service fee may be assessed per person for ship and/or sail date changes made prior to the final payment due date. Cancellation penalties apply. Request Early Saver. Ships' Registry: The Bahamas & Panama.

 

Though note that it says, "May be assessed...." I'm assuming that means that a PVP has the option to waive the fee.

[jimbug]

I've never changed a cruise date after I put down a deposit...but I *have* changed ship and/or cruiseline, sometimes multiple times. So, I guess if I were booking a year in advance, I definitely would not book the Early Saver rate...there's just too many factors that could affect my booking that far out, and I'm not willing to "lose" my deposit money. BUT...I just booked yesterday for a short cruise in May, and the Early Saver rate was still valid, and considerably cheaper than the regular rate. I jumped on that, knowing that with just 101 days until cruise time, we were probably good to go!

[stellatj]

i booked my cruise for october last july i dont plan on changing it so yesterday i changed from military rate to early saver and saved 88 dollars that covers one of our tips. i did purchase insurance back in july just in case so i feel like it was a good deal for us.

[NJBride]

I was going to book the Early Saver but when I called Carnival and spoke with a vacation specialist I got a better rate and a better room booking as a Past Guest! So I didn't use the early saver but I may in the future depending on the other prices I get!

[kdatcs]

the only time you will get a total refund is when the cruiseline decide to cancel the cruise which is very rare.

[thunderbird1]

You read right; from the Carnival website:

 

Early Saver. Cruise rates are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy, capacity controlled and subject to change at any time without prior notice. Government taxes and fees are additional for all guests. A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking for all guests to secure confirmed accommodations. Fares are backed by a unique price protection policy. Full names are required for each guest. Offer is valid for new bookings only and is not combinable with any other discounted or promotional offer. Available on sailings starting on 5/1/09 for short cruises (5 days or less) and on 7/1/09 for long cruises (6 days or longer).Savings up to 25% per stateroom on short cruises (5 days or less), or up to 30% per stateroom on long cruises (6 days or longer). Or also stated in dollars, savings up to $150 per stateroom on short cruises (5 days or less), or up to $200 per stateroom on long cruises (6 days or longer). Savings are based on Super Saver rates and varies by sailings. Category restrictions and exclusions apply. No name changes are allowed. A $50 service fee may be assessed per person for ship and/or sail date changes made prior to the final payment due date. Cancellation penalties apply. Request Early Saver. Ships' Registry: The Bahamas & Panama.

 

Though note that it says, "May be assessed...." I'm assuming that means that a PVP has the option to waive the fee.

 

Good eye--I like that "may be assessed." I wouldn't have any problem with a non-refundable deposit--like Zingy2 said, we deal with that all the time booking Southwest flights. We've cancelled many a flight (sometimes just because we found a cheaper Ding!), and don't have any trouble using up the credit within a year.

 

But what about the part I underlined and bolded, particularly "non-transferable?" That's the part I don't like. I really don't think there will be any changes in dates because it's a family reunion, and we worked long and hard to come up with acceptable dates for everyone 10 months ago. But it is still almost 9 months away, and there are several small children in the group, plus my dad--anything could happen in the next 9 months.

 

On the other hand, I just looked at our last statement, and the early saver discount would save us $500! That's a lot of tips, DoD's, spa treatments--you name it! I may just have to switch (if they'll let me do that--I know it says "new bookings only") and rely on travel insurance for any emergency changes.

[lettienets]

I thought I'd read where there was a $50/pp change fee.

That is correct. I just heard about this early saver thing yesterday on my roll call. I phoned my PVP and saved $300 minus my OBC of $100 so still up $200, same room. Then she mentioned the amenites included on the new Carnival Dream if you booked a room in the spa area so for $200 more I get to use the thermal suite, the thalasso pool and aroma steam rooms etc in the cost of the new room. In room amenities Elemis products and a couple of complimentary yoga, pilates or taichi passes. Still saved 100 over my original booking. So it was worth making a call to Carnival.

[Kurbanfan]

Which is exactly why Carnival is offering this option... to lock people early into Carnival cruises as opposed to getting a deal from another line or some other form of vacation or way to spend your money.

 

These rates aren't for everyone. If people want to keep options open they can do so, but they pay a price for it.

 

Yes this is their sales gimmick along with I'm assuming they had an abundance of cancellations this year due to the economy........

I don't agree with your post saying to keep our options open that we will have to pay the price lol! Carnival is not the only cruise line that offers sales. Which is why we chose RCCL this year:D Cheaper.......

 

Yes it is great for people that only sail on Carnival, but I don't think this is attractive to people that cruise other lines that might want to try Carnival IMO.........

[Cruise, J.D.]

Looks like it is a good program for some people. Just make sure you understand the terms.

[RVman]

Basically if you have to move your cruise date you lose 50.00 bucks a person and you must reschedule your new cruise within 12 months of your original cruise date or you lose your whole deposit. I think it’s a great deal and my Carnival PVP says he has been bombarded with calls.

 

If not for the early saver rate my upcoming cruise would have been a 5 day cruise instead of a 7 day cruise :D

[thunderbird1]

But what about the part I underlined and bolded, particularly "non-transferable?" That's the part I don't like.

 

Never mind--I just figured it out. Non-transferable refers to transferring the credit to other people (or changing traveling companions). But we could switch to a different cruise for the $50 fee. As I'm not planning on changing husbands or children in the next 11 months, I think we'll be okay. :D

[buzz2400]

I went with the early saver. I am now able to be in a balcony room (obstructed view but not really obstructed) vs. inside stateroom, which I would never had been able to afford before. When I booked the lady made it very clear of the "rules" of $50 per person to change and you have to use the credit within a year. But like most people, when I book a vacation, I stay with it. I also kept in mind that within like 2 1/2 months to the cruise (when you make your final payment) you are also in the non-refundable area.