Are there disadvantages to not booking thru Carnival? It's $360 more on

[ADL3]

carnival.com than it is on an online travel site. (Am I allowed to ask this here? I hope so.)

 

I priced same cruise, date, room type, etc. and it's $180 more pp to go thru carnival.com

 

How can it be so much less? My preference when booking hotels, cars, etc. has always been to go straight to the source, but maybe that's old fashioned?

[big_duck]

 

How can it be so much less?

 

One of:

 

 

1. The TA is reducing their commission to generate sales.
   
2. The TA block booked a bunch of rooms at a discount and is re-selling them.
   
3. The TA has removed the "non-commisionables" from the price and will add them back in as "Fees and Taxes" when you go to pay.
   

Nothing wrong if it is one of the first two, make sure you are getting an "all in" quote.

[ADL3]

Thanks so much for your reply. I can't see the fees on the online travel site, so I will definitely have to check on that before I book. (I get to a certain point, and then they say I need to call to complete the transaction). FWIW, it's a reputable, well-known travel site but I am a worry wart by nature. Thanks again.

[Mrsg324]

Just make sure you are booking through a reputable site.

[cccer]

We always go through the same agency and it's between 100-300 less per person. As another poster suggested make sure they are reputable and all fees and taxes are included in your price.

[KOOLBEANS]

hmmmmm, I sure wish I knew that site to check mine!! Maybe a hint?

[gazingm42]

Also get UP FRONT in WRITTING the TA policy on changes and cancellations and the like. If they keep a fee if you cancel I would look and another place.

[dan40]

Thanks so much for your reply. I can't see the fees on the online travel site, so I will definitely have to check on that before I book. (I get to a certain point, and then they say I need to call to complete the transaction). FWIW, it's a reputable, well-known travel site but I am a worry wart by nature. Thanks again.

 

First off, I NEVER even consider booking with the cruiseline. Always with a TA. From your post here, the fees are NOT in the price because Carnival does not allow price cut ads by TA's. To get the real and often LOWER prices, you MUST talk with the TA. But, all in, both the TA's and Carnival's advertised price should be the same. Talking with Carnival will not change the price, talking with a TA might.