I'm going on a 7 day to Mexico with a friend. He booked the cruise through his travel agent friend. For some unknown reason the trip was booked without insurance and as non refundable. I have never heard of such a thing and seeing as how the cruise was booked 8 mo. in advance I'm really angry about this. I've asked that the insurance be added on but she says it's too late. Also the trip is double what other sites are/were offering it at but she says she had the lowest deal. This whole thing is fishy and I'm starting to accept that we've been had. In the 3 weeks since the trip was booked the itineary has changed and basically its a 7 day cruise to Cabo now. I've checked out Carnival's site and see where I can get out of this trip but i'll lose my $250 deposit. Can anyone offer any advice on how ot handle this? Thanks in advance, I hope this is posted in the right are.
It sounds like the cruise was booked using the Early Saver program. If so, your deposit is non-refundable but should be transferable to another cruise.
The good news is, if you have booked Early Saver your TA should be able to submit a claim to Carnival for a price reduction. However, I am a little concerned about the TA. You should be able to add insurance - but it may be too late to add "Cancel for Any Reason" insurance. Many here on these boards typically purchase insurance apart from what the cruise line or TA provide. Check out Travel Insurance - InsureMyTrip.com for shopping options.
__________________
Bob
A Bad Day At Sea Always Beats A Good Day At Work
Carnival: Glory 2004, Destiny 2008, Splendor 2009, Freedom 2011
Celebrity: Summit 2011
Princess: Ruby 2010
Bob is right.. it sounds as if it was booked using Early Saver Rates. With those however you are entitled to price reductions.
You or your travel agent simply have to supply proof of the lower rate to Carnival, and you'll get the difference in onboard credit.
You can purchase third party insurance directly. You don't have to have a travel agent purchase it for you. Some have restrictions depending on when you purchase it. It in most cases you're fine if you buy it before final payment is made.
You or your travel agent simply have to supply proof of the lower rate to Carnival, and you'll get the difference in onboard credit.
I recently had a price reduction on a trip booked thru a T/A.
I submitted the info via the on-line form and it was rejected by Carnival.
Was told that since it was booked thru T/A they must submit info.
T/A submitted same info and it was approved for OBC.
Looks like you can only do it yourself when you book direct with Carnival.
Sounds like the Splendor trip?? If the itinerary was changed, you have 24 hours from the time you were notified of the change to cancel without paying any penalty. (per Carnival rules).
Sorry you are stuck with a TA who sounds like he doesnt want to explain things enough to you.
You said what the TA is charging is double the price you see. Hopefully, its not something simple like you dont know that the price showing is for one person based on double occupancy, so the price is always doubled plus taxes and fees.
Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it! The rates I found were through other travel sites, i'm not sure if Carnival will honor these prices Again, I appreciate all of the info, i'll let you guys know what happens!
Carnival does not allow discounting, so if you are seeing a rate advertised publically, it should be the same as Carnival's rates and you can get a price drop.
Maybe before you contact the TA do a mock booking, and click thru until you see the total for two people includes taxes and fees and make sure the bottom line is lower.
It does sound a little odd when you say the prices you are seeing online are half what you paid. There has to be a explanation if your TA is saying you have the lowest fare.
I recently had a price reduction on a trip booked thru a T/A.
I submitted the info via the on-line form and it was rejected by Carnival.
Was told that since it was booked thru T/A they must submit info.
T/A submitted same info and it was approved for OBC.
Looks like you can only do it yourself when you book direct with Carnival.
To me this is the only drawback when booking through a TA, all changes and requests must be made only by the TA. I’m personally not fond of this. However the $100.00 obc is nice!
__________________
Your beliefs don’t make you a better person,your behavior does.
~Robin~
Carnival - Fantasy 1998
RCCL - Majesty of the Sea 2000
Carnival - Inspiration 2009
Carnival - Freedom 2011
feb cruise, booking questions
Again, I appreciate all of the info, i'll let you guys know what happens!
Linear Mode
