When shopping for a cruise, many of us have different needs. Experienced cruisers like to plan far in advance to get the best room choices and enjoy price protection, even if it means losing their deposit if plans change. Some of us are less confident with our travel plans and are willing to pay a higher rate for more flexibility. Others just want to get onto the ship at the last minute for the lowest price. What rates are available, and what do travel agents usually recommend for their clients?
Carnival promotions Overview
Before we discuss the different fares, it is important to understand that Carnival usually runs some type of promotion or sale at any given time. Each sale is different in terms of the required deposit amount, room discount amount, onboard credit amount, and if there are any room category upgrades included. These sales run for a limited time, so when a client receives a cruise quote, it puts them into the mindset of possibly missing out on the deal if they don’t act quickly. We never know if the prices or deposit amount will increase once a sale ends, or if the onboard credit will still be available. The length of each sale can be different, and they don’t always apply to every sailing.
Some rates available to everyone, such as the Early Saver rate, while other rates may appear for past guests meeting proprietary criteria. Sometimes a rate appears for senior citizens or residents of a specific state, although these offers have been rare lately. Certain rates are only available prior to the final payment date, while others become available closer to the sail date. The goal of this article is to cover all of the different types of rates.
Each rate has specific terms and conditions. One of the most important things to know is if the deposit is refundable in case plans change. The Early Saver rate is known for its $50 per person service fees for changing a guest’s name or canceling/rescheduling the cruise. Casino offers generally have a completely non-refundable deposit, meaning that if a cruise is canceled or rescheduled, the entire deposit is typically lost.
Each offer is distinct, meaning that a room can only be booked under one offer and not multiple offers. One loophole is that most offers can typically be combined with group amenities, resulting in extra onboard credit or perks.
Flexible versus restricted promotions
The various rates are categorized into either flexible or restricted promotions. Flexible promotions tend to be more expensive, but they are more forgiving if plans change. Restricted promotions offer a better deal, usually with a lower deposit and onboard credit, but are fee-heavy if changes need to be made.
As a travel agent, I often get the question of which type of promotion is best for a particular scenario. If someone is planning far in advance and they know who will be traveling, then the Early Saver rate typically makes the most sense. It is best to book when there is a sale with a reduced deposit and onboard credit. Paying the deposit buys the option for the client to take the cruise on that particular date. If plans change up to 90 days prior to the cruise, then most or all of the deposit is lost and no further action is required. If the plans materialize, then the client gets a great deal on the cruise, and the price is always protected in case it drops.
If a client plans a cruise well in advance, but they don’t yet know who they want to take with them, then it is better to book the room as a single occupant under the Early Saver rate. Once the second guest is known, they should be added shortly after the final payment date to ensure availability. With the current cruise market, if the client waits too close to the sail date to add a second guest, then they run the risk of the ship’s capacity selling out. There may no longer be a spare life boat seat available in that section of the ship, even though there is an empty bed in the stateroom.
The previous scenario is why I like group rates so much. Group rate pricing is very close or equal to Early Saver pricing, and it offers flexibility with free name changes and free cancelations prior to the final payment date.
Once the final payment date has passed, both flexible and restricted promotions begin to behave similarly in terms of cancelation penalties. When booking a cruise after the final payment date has passed, the question then becomes whether a lower price or the ability to select a room is more important. The Super Saver rate is always available, and it generally offers the lowest price at this point by a few dollars, but room selection is not possible and it offers no onboard credit. The Great Rates Sale exists on some sailings that are not selling as well as expected. If the Great Rates Sale exists for a particular cruise, then it usually offers both the lowest price and the ability to select a room. Finally, if available, the Pack & Go rate is usually the least expensive option for last minute travelers who don’t care about their room location, however, it is a fully non-refundable rate.
| Flexible Promotions | Restricted Promotions |
|---|---|
| No restrictions until final payment date | Non-refundable deposits |
| Name changes allowed until final payment date | No free name changes |
| Changes to ship and sailing date allowed until final payment date | Fee to change ship or sailing date |
| Deposit and fare refundable until final payment date | Loss of some or all of the deposit prior to final payment date when canceling or rescheduling |
| Normal penalties apply after final payment date | Normal penalties apply after final payment date for most restricted rates, but Pack & Go rate is always 100% non-refundable |
| No pricing protection after final payment date | Early Saver rate price protection until 2 business days before sail date |
| Upgrades always allowed, but no downgrades after final payment date | Upgrades always allowed, but downgrades not permitted at any time |
| Rate tends to be slightly higher than restricted promotions | Rate is typically slightly lower than flexible promotions |
Core FareS
There are only four core fare codes that are available for every cruise. These rates are available to the general public without any special qualifications.
| Fare Name | Fare Description |
|---|---|
| Fun Select | Features a two-category room upgrade and a specific room can be chosen when booking the cruise. The deposit and fare are fully refundable prior to the final payment date. This rate offers a premium and flexible choice for guests and is available from the day the sailing is opened until it sells out. |
| Early Saver | Offers a unique price protection guarantee and is the ideal fare for guests who want to book far in advance of the cruise. This fare rewards guests who are confident about their travel plans for booking early. It closes three months prior to cruises of five days or less, and five months prior to cruises of six days or more. A specific room can be chosen when booking the cruise. The deposit is non-refundable, although any remaining amount can be stored as a future cruise credit for one year or it can be transferred to another cruise right away. A $50 per person service fee applies to changes to the reservation. |
| Super Saver | When Early Saver closes, this rate opens. The deposit is completely non-refundable, and the room is assigned by Carnival. This discounted rate is good for guests who book after the final payment date who want the least expensive price available to the general public. It is perfect for travelers who are confident in their travel plans and flexible about their room accommodations. |
| Tariff Rate | The Tariff Rate is the brochure price of the cruise. Travel agents can always book this rate for their clients, but who in their right mind would want to pay it? After generating hundreds of cruise quotes, I have only seen a Tariff Rate be a better deal than another rate once. This was when the ship was almost sold out, and the Tariff Rate on a suite was about $100 cheaper than the Super Saver rate. |
| Fare | Rate Type | Always Available? | Room Selection? | Refund-able Deposit? | Name Changes Allowed? | Free Two Category Upgrade? | After Final Payment, Normal Penalties? | Combin-able With Groups? | Slightly Higher Rate? | Price Pro-tection? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fun Select | Flexible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Until Final Payment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Before Final Payment |
| Early Saver | Restricted | Until 3-5 Months Before Sailing | Yes | No | No | Some-times | Yes | Yes | No | Until 3 Days Before Sailing |
| Super Saver | Restricted | After Final Payment Date | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes, must buy up amenities | No | No |
Early Saver Rate Details
early saver Name changes
One thing to note about the Early Saver rate is that full names are required at the time of booking. TBA names are not permitted, and will result in a cancelation fee if changed. For this reason, it is best to book the room as a single person and then add a name around the final payment date, if the ship still has capacity. The second guest is added at the same rate as the first guest. In the event that a third, fourth, or fifth guest needs to be added, then they will be subject to prevailing rates. In most cases, the prevailing rates for these extra guests are much cheaper than the first two guests, however, if the ship is almost sold out, then these rates can actually be more expensive than getting a second room.
Early saver Price Protection
Cruise prices for a particular sailing will generally fall if it is not selling as well as expected. I track cruise prices for my clients automatically with cruise tracking software, so I am proactive in case prices fall enough to make a change worthwhile. If the booking is not yet paid in full, then the cruise fare will be repriced to the lower price. Once the cruise is paid in full, the difference will be issued as an onboard credit that must be spent prior to the end of the cruise.
In order for a lower price to qualify:
- It must be a rate directly advertised by Carnival available to the general public.
- Excludes group rates, membership programs, charter pricing, and travel agent promotions.
- The lower rate must be for the same ship, sailing date, room category, and number of guests.
- The guest must qualify for the rate.
- The rate must be available for booking at the time the request is submitted.
- The terms of the new promotion must be assumed, although it will still follow Early Saver rate terms and conditions:
- If the rate with the lower price does not allow room assignment, then the previously assigned room is lost.
- Any previous rate-related onboard credit is lost and is replaced by what the new rate provides, if any.
- Any free category upgrades are lost, meaning that the previously assigned room may need to be changed to a lower category.
- If the deposit requirement is higher with the new rate, then additional deposit money will need to be paid.
- If gratuities or port taxes have increased, then the new rates apply.
- Travel agent will fill out Early Saver Price Protection Form and submit it to Carnival. Please allow 48 hours for processing.
Tactical FareS
These fares are available to the general public, however, they have to meet specific criteria or qualifications.
| Rate | Description |
|---|---|
| Past Guest | Flexible promotion for Carnival past guests with free two category room upgrade |
| Resident Rate | Flexible promotion for residents of specific states or Canada |
| Senior Rate | Flexible promotion for guests 55 years and older |
| Military Rate | Flexible or restricted promotion for veterans, active & retired military |
| Interline Rate | Flexible and discounted promotions for airline employees, cargo companies, and travel agents. Active employees can book up to three rooms with this rate. |
| Pack & Go | Deeply discounted restricted promotion for near-term sailings / last minute bookings with a guarantee cabin and 100% non-refundable |
Military Rate Details
Military rate Eligibility
The military rate is available to US military personnel (Active, Retired, Reserves) and Canadian National Defense personnel. It behaves as an Early Saver rate with an additional military discount. The deposit is non-refundable, but there is price protection in case rates fall. It is combinable with group rates. It also offers a 100% Future Cruise Credit, in case the qualifying member of the military is called to duty or their leave has been canceled.
The military personnel is permitted to book one room as long as they are traveling in that room. Who is eligible to book the military rate?
- Active Personnel (US / Canadian)
- Spouses of active Military Personnel called to active duty or stationed overseas
- Reserve Personnel (US / Canadian)
- Active Cadets (US / Canadian)
- US Coast Guard Personnel
- US National Guard: Active Member / Retired Member / Honorably Discharged Member
- Retired Personnel (US / Canadian)
- US Veterans, defined as: Individuals who have actively served in the Military for at least two years or during a wartime period and have been honorably discharged.
- Canadian Veterans, defined as: Individuals who have actively served in the military for at least ten years or during a wartime period and have been honorably discharged.
- Spouse of deceased personnel (active or retired) and veterans (US / Canadian)
military rate Supporting Documentation
Any guest claiming the military rate must provide a verification document within 72 hours of booking a cruise (within 24 hours if the cruise sails in less than two weeks).
US Military – Must provide one of the following: Active members – Copy of Military Leave and Earning statement (LES) – or for Retired members – Copy of Military retirement/discharge papers (DD214 or DD256). For either document, social security number and date of birth should be blacked out.
Canadian National Defense – Must provide one of the following: Active members – Copy of NDI 20 or for Members who have been honorably discharged and have served at least 10 years – Copy of NDI 75. For either document, social insurance number and date of birth should be blacked out
Supporting military documentation must be emailed to interline@carnival.com. Once received, it is noted on the booking. Carnival does not usually acknowledge receipt of the documentation unless something there is a problem with the verification.
Interline Rate Details
The interline rate exists as a courtesy to the travel industry. Airline pilots, UPS drivers, and travel agents are examples of people qualified to book this rate. Rooms can usually be selected under this rate, but sometimes only a category guarantee can be offered.
Interline Eligible Employees
Besides full time, part time, and retired travel agents, the following full time and retired employees qualify:
- Passenger Airlines, Excluding charter airlines
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
- Airline Pilots’ Associatio (ALPA)
- International Air Transport Association (IATA) employees
- Sabre / TravelPort / Amadeus
- Cruise Lines
- Amtrak
- Cargo Company Employees (such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL)
Booking Interline Rates
Active Interline Employees – With flexible interline rates, active interline employees get this rate for themselves as well as two additional rooms for family and friends on the same ship and sail date. With restricted interline rates, active interline employees may book one room for themselves and one additional room for a qualified family member for the same ship and sail date. Qualified family members include: husband, wife, mother, father, and dependent children under 21 years old.
If the qualified interline employee will not be traveling, then their qualified family members can book one room at the same discounted interline rate.
Retired Interline Employees – May only book one room per cruise, and they must be traveling in the room. If a retired interline employee’s airline ceases to exist, then the employee no longer qualifies for this rate. Early retirement does not qualify for interline rates.
Deceased Interline Employees – There are no survivor’s benefits, so surviving spouses and immediate family members no longer receive interline rate benefits after the death of the eligible employee.
Interline rates are not combinable with group amenities. Also note that some targeted offers can be cheaper than interline rates. Guests who book under the interline rate are not eligible to receive any Carnival shareholder credit.
Interline rate supporting documentation
Any guest claiming the interline rate must provide a verification of employment document within 72 hours of booking a cruise (within 24 hours if the cruise sails in less than two weeks).
Verification of Employment Documents – One of the following documents must be provided to Carnival:
- A letter on company letterhead verifying employment from the employee’s supervisor and a photocopy of the employee’s company photo identification card.
- For travel partners, an IATA or CLIA card can be used, or a letter from the travel agency stating that they are an active employee.
Note: The company ID must be clearly legible and must show the branded company logo. If for any reason the ID is not legible, then Carnival will request a second form of ID.
Supporting interline documentation must be emailed to interline@carnival.com. Once received, it is noted on the booking. Carnival does not usually acknowledge receipt of the documentation unless something there is a problem with the verification.
Pack & Go Rate Details
The Pack & Go rate is a highly discounted rate and perfect for travelers who can make plans to travel at the last minute, within weeks or months of the sailing. This rate is 100% non-refundable and offers a guarantee stateroom. Full payment is required at the time of booking. It is combinable with group rates, but the amenities must be bought up.
Group Rates
Are you thinking of going on a cruise with several people? It is a quick and painless process to get a group rate established for your sailing. Group rates are locked in from the moment a group is created, which makes advertising the cruise and its pricing easier. At the time a group rate is established, it is roughly the same price as the prevailing Early Saver rate. As time passes, the group rate stays the same, while the Early Saver rate gradually increases.
The group rate is a flexible promotion, meaning that in exchange for a higher deposit, there is no penalty for canceling a booking prior to the final payment date. On the other hand, if a guest is sure of their travel plans, then they might receive a slightly better price and additional onboard credit with an Early Saver rate if the group was recently created.
Four reasons to lock in a group rate are:
- Group rate pricing is locked in until the final payment date approaches or until unsold group space is recalled. This makes it easier to advertise the group trip with specific pricing and to have people book over an extended period of time.
- Guests have the option of booking the flexible group rate or the restricted Early Saver rate. When the group is newly created, the Early Save rate offers a better value, potentially with extra onboard credit. As the group ages, a guest booking into the group could save hundreds of dollars off of prevailing rates with the group rate.
- Most groups offer amenities, such as additional onboard credit or a shared cocktail party. This is in addition to other onboard credit that the Early Saver rate might provide.
- When at least eight rooms sail in a group, a tour conductor credit (TCC) is earned. This can be used to discount the group organizer’s room, provide the group organizer with onboard credit, or it can be used as a fundraiser for an organization.
To form a group, our travel agency can easily put a 60 day hold on anywhere between 8 to 50 rooms at no charge. During this period, guests book their cruise one room at a time. As the 60 day mark approaches, we have to gauge the interest of the group and decide whether or not to continue holding all or some of the unsold group space. A small per-room deposit is usually required to hold unsold rooms beyond 60 days, but the unsold rooms are always subject to being recalled until names are added to a particular room. Approximately two months prior to the final payment date, the deadline for booking at the group rate is reached, and all unsold rooms are released. A TCC is earned if at least eight rooms sail. At least five rooms must sail if most group amenities are to be honored. Group rate pricing is guaranteed regardless of how many rooms sail in the group. Any group amenity onboard credit will be credited to Sail & Sign accounts within 24 hours of boarding the ship.
Targeted Offers
These are offers specific to certain past guests. A Very Important Fun person (VIFP) number is required to look up the offers that a particular guest might have. In general, Carnival uses proprietary methods to determine which guests receive these offers. My guess is that guests who spend a certain amount of money onboard receive some of these offers. Casino rates are another type of targeted offer, where guests who accumulate enough casino points become eligible for free or discounted cruises. Offers for rates that include WiFi or the Cheers drink package are other examples of targeted offers.
One commonly expressed concern that clients sometimes have is that travel agents are not familiar with these offers or that they can get a better price by booking directly with Carnival. This is not the case at all! I have booked all sorts of casino rates offering $500 onboard credit as well as free drinks on the ship for two people. When future clients have told me that they have found a better rate elsewhere, it is either a rate that can’t be booked for that sailing, or they have not accounted for the port taxes and fees.
If you are looking to book a cruise and are curious about what targeted offers are available for you, then you can search for your Carnival cruise deals.
Future Cruise Vacation Program
One of the most common targeted offers is the Future Cruise Vacation Program. Once a guest has sailed on a cruise, they are eligible for this offer shortly after boarding the cruise until four weeks after the cruise. This offer is equivalent to the Triple Perks Early Saver Offer, which includes 50% reduced deposits, $50 onboard credit ($100 for suites), a two category upgrade, and Early Saver price protection. This program replaces the Future Cruise Desk that used to be onboard each of the ships.
Repricing
Repricing a cruise is the process of finding a lower rate on a cruise and asking for that rate to be applied to your currently booked cruise. It works a bit differently between flexible and restricted rates.
Repricing Flexible Promotions
When repricing a flexible promotion before the final payment is due, please keep in mind:
- Repricing is allowed
- Your booking is changed to the terms of the new promotion, for example, if the deposit amount increases, then you will need to pay an additional deposit. If the new rate is a guarantee rate (IS, OV, BL), then you will lose any previously selected room. Any new onboard credit amount will replace the previous onboard credit amount.
- The current taxes, fees, and port expenses will be applied to the booking at the time of repricing.
For repricing after the final payment date:
- Repricing is not allowed
- It may be possible to get a complimentary upgrade in standard categories, but this is not allowed in specialty rooms or suites.
- If a guest insists on switching to the new promotion, then standard penalties are applied. Usually these penalties are high enough to not make it worthwhile to reprice.
- Terms of the new promotion apply.
Repricing Early Saver Rate
The Early Saver rate is the only restricted rate that can be repriced. When repricing an Early Saver rate before the final payment is due, please note:
- Repricing is allowed
- Your booking is changed to the terms of the new promotion, for example, if the original deposit is $50 per person, and the new deposit is $250 per person, then $200 additional deposit per person will need to be paid. If the new rate is a guarantee rate (IS, OV, BL), then you will lose any previously selected room. Any new onboard credit amount will replace the previous onboard credit amount.
- The current taxes, fees, and port expenses will be applied to the booking at the time of repricing.
- The restricted promotion terms will always stay on the booking, even if a flexible promotion is chosen. For example, if a non-restricted past guest promotion becomes a better deal, then the new promotion will still carry restrictions.
For repricing after the final payment date:
- Repricing is allowed up to two business days prior to the cruise
- Lower rate must be for the same ship, sail date, category, and number of guests
- Terms of the new promotion apply
- Features of old fare, such as onboard credit or category upgrades may be forfeit
- The current taxes, fees, and port expenses will be applied to the booking at the time of repricing
- Cannot reprice to interline or travel agent rates
- May not reprice to Super Saver, Pack & Go, or other guarantee fare promos
Cancelations
When a cruise is booked with a deposit, it represents a firm commitment from the client to go on a future vacation. Plans can change for various reasons, so it is important to know the options for canceling a cruise. The process is generally more lenient when canceling prior to the final payment date versus afterwords. Special situations apply for Early Saver, Military, and Pack & Go rate cancellations. Casino rates are also slightly different as to how cancelation refunds are calculated. It is also important to know what happens when canceling a cruise after the final payment date.
Flexible Promotion Cancelations
With flexible promotions, such as Group Rates or the Fun Select rate, a cruise can be canceled prior to the final payment date with a full refund back to the original form of payment. After the final payment date, changes are subject to standard cancelation penalties.
Early Saver Cancelations
Outside of final payment, there is a $50 per person service fee to change sailings. There is a $50 per person service fee if canceled. Any remaining balance is stored as a future cruse credit for one year. Clients must rebook within 12 months. After the final payment date, changes are subject to standard cancelation penalties.
If using Carnival Vacation Protection (CVP), when canceling prior to the final payment date, there are two options:
- Receive the standard Early Saver Future Cruise Credit (FCC) plus the CVP cost minus the $50 per person service fee.
- Example: FCC = (for 2 people) $99 Deposit per person + $119 CVP Cost per person – $50 service fee per person = $336 FCC
- Usually this option makes the most sense.
- Guest can use CVP and file a claim with Aon Affinity.
- If canceled for a covered reason, such as illness, and the claim is approved, a refund is sent for the full deposit, and FCC is forfeit.
- Example: Refund = (for 2 people) $99 Deposit per person = $198. The $238 of CVP is not refunded.
- If canceled for any reason (CFAR), a 75% CFAR FCC is issued.
- Example: FCC = (for 2 people) $99 Deposit per person x 75% = $148.50. The $238 of CVP is not refunded.
Super Saver and Casino Rate Cancelations
For the purpose of this section, a casino rate is any rate that provides more than $50 of onboard credit when booked. Super Saver and Casino rates have non-refundable deposits. Typically the deposit for the first two people in a room is completely non-refundable, and the funds cannot be applied to a different cruise. After the final payment date, changes are subject to standard cancelation penalties.
Military Rate Cancelations
Military guests who cancel their cruise vacation, because they are called to duty or their leave has been canceled, are eligible for a future cruise credit (FCC).
If immediate family members are traveling with the Military guest in separate rooms, then they can cancel their room as well under the same policy. Immediate family is considered: Father; Mother; Husband; Wife; Brother; Sister; Children; Same Gender Union Partner (in states/provinces where legal).
FCC will be valid on all departures. This credit must be redeemed to book a cruise within 12 months of issue. If the rebooked cruise is less expensive, then the guest will receive the difference in the form of an onboard credit.
In order to receive the FCC, guests are required to submit copies of their orders to Carnival by emailing reviews@carnival.com.
Pack & Go Rate Cancelations
When booking a Pack & Go rate, the full fare is due, even if it is prior to the final payment date. Once booked, this fare is 100% non-refundable. If canceled, prepaid gratuities, port taxes and fees, shore excursions, and spa treatments are refunded.
Fly2Fun Restricted Air Cancelations
Fly2Fun is a product that can be added to a cruise after the cruise is booked. It can be purchased as restricted or un-restricted. In the event that Fly2Fun Restricted Air is purchased, it is non-refundable at the time of booking.
Cancelations After Final Payment Date
| Cruise Duration | Standard/Full Deposit Amount | Final Payment | Penalty = Standard/Full Deposit | Penalty = Standard/Full Deposit or 50% of Total Fare, whichever is greater | Penalty = Standard/Full Deposit or 75% of Total Fare, whichever is greater | Penalty = 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Days Prior | Days Prior | Days Prior | Days Prior | Days Prior | ||
| 2 – 3 Days | $100 | 76 | 75 – 56 | 55 – 30 | 29 – 15 | 14 Days or less |
| 4 – 5 Days | $150 | 76 | 75 – 56 | 55 – 30 | 29 – 15 | 14 Days or less |
| 6 – 9 Days | $250 | 91 | 90 – 56 | 55 – 30 | 29 – 15 | 14 Days or less |
| 10 + Days, Alaska and Europe | $400 | 91 | 90 – 56 | 55 – 30 | 29 – 15 | 14 Days or less |
Parting Thoughts
In practice, most people book the Early Saver rate, because it is usually the cheapest rate, and the penalty for canceling or rescheduling a cruise prior to the final payment date is relatively small. The absolute best scenario is finding a group rate that has a lower price with additional onboard credit, plus the added flexibility of free name changes and cancelations.
Aside from the common rates, the Military rate and Casino rates tend to be popular for those who qualify.
Regardless of the rate that you choose, sailing with Carnival still offers one of the best values in the cruise industry, offering entertainment for all ages. When you are ready to book your next cruise, please contact me!