New policy about price reductions and OBC

[johnsmom]

Today I saw that the price of my cruise has gone down a total of $190.00 and when I called Carnival to adjust the price of my cruise they informed me that because I had already paid for my cruise in full (I sail on Feb 22), and that I was within the penalty time, they are no longer offering refunds or OBC- period. The only thing that they were willing to arrange was an "upgrade" from a cat 6C to 6D which I was ineligible for because I am currently booked in 2 adjoining rooms and there was only one room available in 6D. I don't consider moving from a 6C to 6D an upgrade. I not only spoke to a PVP, but also a supervisor. Man I was bummed!!!! :evil: So buyer beware.....don't pay your balance until the very end if you plan to try to reduce the price of your cruise.

[spencercoop]

Well with this economic time it was going to happen sometime.

Thank you for letting us know. So I will wait to pay until the last minute for my cruise.

[Kuki]

This was EXACTLY the topic of my weekly blog last week......

http://www.cruisemates.com/blog/2008...9-ouija-board/

[johnsmom]

Originally Posted by Kuki

This was EXACTLY the topic of my weekly blog last week......

http://www.cruisemates.com/blog/2008...9-ouija-board/

Sorry Kuki, I missed that one.

[tbowman]

I am not going to complain abit! After reading your post I went to carnival.com and checked to see what the most recent price for my cruise next month is. I am paying roughly half of what they are now charging! I am paying $456 for ONE person in a cat 1A on the Empress deck. They sold out of that particular cabin, however, the next cat is 4C and they want $930 for it. When I booked my cruise, the price different from a 1A to a 4C was only about $50.

I think I have gotten a great deal!!!! Plus I got the fuel supplement OBC of $45.

[briguy]

I am surprised they wont give you OBC. This only hurts Carnys bottom line because when people pay the balance early they earn the interest on that money. The few people who notice the price went down and ask for OBC has got to be a small number compared to all cruisers. Most dont know to look for it or ask for the credit. If the word gets out that there is no more refunds or OBC due to price reductions nobody will pay their balance until the last possible day. Wonder if this is really a new company policy.

[nurseypoo5]

they will make sure to now have you pay for the cruise within 30 days of sailing or i could even see it 45 days, or risk losing your place on board (or the other part of your money)...just a matter of time....


i also called about the fuel rebate since we paid 8 months ago, we were told that NOT all of the cruises are getting the refund...they THINK the conquest will (we leave sunday)..but couldnt guarantee it. seems odd, that some would and some wouldnt....if you paid it an gas is so cheap now, then you should get it, everyone should not just some sailings...odd.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

This policy went into affect 12/1/08.

If you pay in full before final payment is due you should still be able to get a price reduction.

If they say no what is to stop you from canceling and rebooking?

Bill

[johnsmom]

Originally Posted by S.S.Oceanlover

This policy went into affect 12/1/08.

If you pay in full before final payment is due you should still be able to get a price reduction.

If they say no what is to stop you from canceling and rebooking?

Bill

If I cancel now then I would pay a penalty because I'm within the penalty period for cancelling. I would also risk losing my rooms- I have adjoining which is a must with 3 young sons.

[briguy]

Originally Posted by nurseypoo5

they will make sure to now have you pay for the cruise within 30 days of sailing or i could even see it 45 days, or risk losing your place on board (or the other part of your money)...just a matter of time....


i also called about the fuel rebate since we paid 8 months ago, we were told that NOT all of the cruises are getting the refund...they THINK the conquest will (we leave sunday)..but couldnt guarantee it. seems odd, that some would and some wouldnt....if you paid it an gas is so cheap now, then you should get it, everyone should not just some sailings...odd.

If you dont get your fuel fee credited as OBC I would raise holy hell to the pursers office. Fight, scratch and claw your way. They said all cruises who paid fuel fees and sailing after 12/14 I think, will get the refund as OBC.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Originally Posted by johnsmom

If I cancel now then I would pay a penalty because I'm within the penalty period for cancelling. I would also risk losing my rooms- I have adjoining which is a must with 3 young sons.

Sorry I was referring to briguys post about paying your cruise off early and not being able to get the price reduction.

I should have quoted him.

Nurseypoo,

I think a lot of people will like it if they don't have to pay their cruises off until 30-45 days in advance. I don't think the cruise lines would ever do that.

Bill

[BobMiller]

We saw this on our December cruise. It started at a great price then dropped $60 each before our final payment. Our price was lowered, no problem. Then it dropped another $30 each after final payment. Our PVP had to get supervisor permission but was able to give us OBC, no problem. Then it dropped another $20, but no dice. PVP could not do another OBC for us.

To top that off our cruise sailed 2 days too early for the Fuel Surcharge rebate. However, great cruise, great price and we were very happy.

[lhp]

I have been expecting this for a long time....

I understand why Carnival does it before the final payment....because it just keeps them from having to do the paperwork of someone who would cancel and rebook....

however, after the final payment....you are locked in and since Carnival has never charged us more when the price went up...I am fine with that!

Carnival had to draw the line somewhere....that this makes sense to me.