Carnival's New Fare Codes

[cruise planner]

Note below the addition of new fare codes that Carnival is introducing; some of these new codes have non-refundable deposits, non-refundable cruise fares, change fees, and 'guarantee' cabins.

I can definitely see how this is going to be very confusing, especially for first-time cruisers and especially if they're trying to book online with no one to explain anything to them. The advertised rates are going to be the best possible rate, but may not be what the cruiser wants - the explanations are going to be very long and difficult for some to understand since they may have several prices to choose from.

Pete

[Dwayne]

I think they will be confusing as well. Especially the new ones that are non-refundable. I would recommend some travel insurance for those as one never knows what can happen. I also agree that new cruisers using online booking may not understand these new fares.

[briguy]

I dont fully understand them myself yet and I am a seasoned cruiser. My thinking is you may be able to save a few dollars at the risk of losing your deposit or cruise altogher. To me its not worth it. With all these new fares it will really make sense to use a reliable and intelligent travel agent. I feel bad for the PVP's that will be slammed with calls. They will no doubt get confused and offer wrong info from time to time. No thanks.

[cruise planner]

With a name like 'briguy' you must have been in the Navy??

These new fare codes can be VERY confusing and yes, agents have been extremely busy explaining all of them to everyone. Definitely making our job harder.

The thing that irritates me is that Carnival is touting this as a way to make it easier for agents. Don't know who they're talking to, but all the agents I've talked to hate these new codes. I can understand why they want the new codes as a way to entice cruisers, but there are better ways to do it without creating all the confusion.

For new cruisers, it really gets confusing because they'll go onto the Carnival website (or some other website for that matter) and see a rate. They'll think it's a good deal, but not knowing all the restrictions associated with it. And of course if they want something specific, like connecting cabins for a family, they can't book some of the fare codes since a couple only provide 'guarantee' cabins.

Now you begin to understand why alot of agents I know are pushing clients away from Carnival. They simply do not want all the hassles and problems Carnival has imposed. And their new group policies have really made it a huge hassle to do business with them.

It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out.

Pete

[lhp]

The new rates are very confusing...

bad for newbies (and even some oldies like me)

good for Travel Agents!!

[zydecocruiser]

Thee is at least one website that does all that price comparison for you. Not sure if they have updated for the new fares, but computers are happy to do the leg work.

[zincpenny]

bring back the 1A. as a solo traveler it seems to me they are thinking a solo can and will jump on the new codes that have high penalties since we may be a bit more flexible with our plans. i'm not thrilled with them.