who has done a guarantee

[mpffls]

am thinking of doing a guarantee but am confused...carnival website says that the guarentee is only for that specific catagory...for example an inside guarantee means you will only get a cabin on the indside...

I always thought it ment you could get that catagory or above........for example if you book a 4A inside guarentee you would be "guarenteed" a 4A but if luck was w/ you you might get a 6A ocean.....but at least a 4A...no lower.....when I called carnival they explained it this way.........

Here is my deleima.........they have a 1A...inside upper and lower guarentee....now this is a catagory all by itself and while I would not mind this for my daughter and I ....I would like to gamble and see if we are assigned a higher catagory......the 1A seem to be in a catagory by themselves...1A (inside upper and lower), then just inside, oceanveiw, and suite

So should I gamble on the 1A......or shack loose of the $60 and guarentee a regular inside..

what are your experiences w/ guarentees

thanx



http://www.animatedgif.net/animals/dogs/puppy_tea_e0.gif

[mojean]

Can't help on that, but there is another post asking about a 1a on this board, just scroll down a page or two.

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Who say's heaven isn't right here on earth??


Conquest 07/04
Fantasy 07/02
Destiny 05/01

[pgmrdev]

GTY means, at the very worst, that category.

[jeffnamy]

we had an 8a gty on the Victory and ended up on the lido deck. it was great

[Jasonsterling]

You can be upgraded from a 1A. I had a 1A on the Elation as I was traveling alone but was only upgraded to a 4A- still inside but a little larger room. I took a Balcony Gty. on the Conquest and was upgrade to a Suite!- Very nice and was very happy on that one. However, you could just end up with a 1A in the end, which is not that bad. I had a 1A on the Sensation -again traveling alone http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif - and the room had plenty of storage and same amount or floor space and bath room space as the other rooms.

Sensation Feb 2002
Conquest Feb 2003
Elation Sept 2003

Destiny- May 2004!!!!

[NinaCO]

My 1A's have always stayed 1A's. But, I travel solo and I think Carnival is less likely to upgrade someone who's not sharing a cabin. Rightfully so, IMHO. As long as you can live with any 1A on the ship & be content with it, then by all means go for the guarantee. You could easily end up with a 4A or better.

Sleazy 3 on Conquest in Just:
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[imatarb]

Just keep in mind that the guarantee means that you won't get less than what you paid for, but you could always get more. You could be upgraded from inside to oceanview, but if not, be happy with what you originally booked.

We had an inside guarantee, and I just upgraded our reservation today to a gty. balcony, so here's hoping for the suite! I can dream, can't I?

Lisa http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Monarch of the Seas - '94
Royal Majesty - '96

Countdown to VICTORY
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[daiseee]

On my last cruise, I was upgraded from 1A guarantee to 5A outside, obstructed view w/french doors. I was also travelling solo. Some things I've heard they consider when upgrading: when you've booked (earlier the better), what your total fare is, your past guest and previous sailing history, and of course, the demand for that particular sailing.

However, I've also heard that others have had NONE of those things taken into consideration, making me belive that it really is just plain luck of the draw. Could also have something to do with the mood of the particular Carnival employee doing the upgrades at the time....I just dont know http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Yakb0]

I booked a 1A a week before sailing, traveling by myself, and ended up with a 4C

[Cruise Dragon]

It's all a matter of personal peference, but here is my opinion:

Our first 2 cruises were guarantees. The first one, on the Celebrity Mercury we were upgraded one CAT from a CAT 1 to a Sky Suite, (same size cabin,larger veranda). Last June we booked a CAT 11 Suite on the Carnival Legend. We got assigned one of 2 CAT 11's with the smallest veranda.

We picked our cabin on the Miracle this coming June because we heard about the Cat 11, wrap around veranda cabins and we wanted to see what it was like.

My wife has told me that she wants to pick our cabins from now on, though she has said that if we look at the deck plans and don't see any major differences in cabins she wouldn't mind booking a guarantee again.
I personaly don't have a preference.

Walter

*******Proud member of O.A.T.C.******

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6/12/04 2nd Anniversary on The Carnival Miracle

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6/2003 Carnival Legend
1st Anniversary
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6/2002 Celebrity Mercury
Honeymoon

[ppeckham]

My daughter and I booked a 1A two months before sailing. We were upgraded to a 4C.

I've done the guarantee twice and a specific cabin once. I'd prefer the specific cabin if I was paying for a level other than a 1A.

Since the trip with my daughter only included the two of us and we didn't care where our cabin was, the 1A was fine. Actually my daugher didn't know that we were going on a cruise until I turned into the cruise terminal drive!

[ppeckham]

Reading my last post, I realized it sounded confusing.

We booked a 1A guarantee with the hopes of an upgrade, which we did get. I'd most likely do that again if it's just my daughter and me. I wanted to take her on another cruise without spending a lot of money.

When all four of us cruise, I prefer to book a specific room.

[Sea Turtle]

I've never booked anything other than 1a guarantee with CCL. All but one time I received a cabin in a category other than 1a.

mpffls--which ship are you considering?

<img src=http://members.hometown.aol.com/bay2baygal/myhomepage/seaturtle.gif?mtbrand=AOL_US>

[amarco]

We booked the cheapest inside guarantee on the 8 nite Legend that sailed 3/12/04. We booked last summer. We got upgraded to a balcony cabin on deck 10. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[CruiseFever]

I know people that always book a guarantee that will tell you to book that 1A and hope for the best.

I also know that you should NOT book a category you would not be happy with. Yes, a guarantee 1A means you will not go lower than a 1A and not only because there is no lower category, that's just the way a guaranteed "run of the ship" category works.

IMHO in a 1A guarantee you are very well positioned if not poised for an upgrade. But if you're going to play the upgrade game, be sure you know the rules.

The only "guarantee" there is in booking a guaranteed cabin is that you will get one in that category.

We booked an 8A guarantee on the Victory once and would up in an 8A cabin. Sure my dreams of being in a penthouse someplace were squashed but I got what I paid for. I only wish I had selected a specific cabin and have done so since.

To me, cabin position is more important so I'll pay up one level and get to pick where we are. I like this for a number of reasons.

First, if it's a ship or class of ship I have not been on before I can do a whole lot of planning ahead of time by knowing where my cabin is. I'll download deck plans and "learn" the ship and where everything is in relation to where my cabin is before stepping foot on the ship.

The reality is that you will do that anyway when you board and learn your way around. Like that little girl with the trail of bread crumbs (name escapes me...Hansel?) you'll want to know how to get back "home" to your cabin.

Also, on the one cruise we booked a guarantee on it seemed to me like it took longer to get our luggage. That could have been a fluke though.

I only mention the above so you'll go into the guarantee game with your eyes wide open. Not everybody gets upgraded or should expect to be.

Others who play this game on a regular basis can add some tips on increasing your chances of an upgrade I bet so stay tuned.

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/04
Star Princess 10/04
Carnival Spirit 12/04

[crzndeb]

Booked a guarantee 4A on Spirit in Jan 2003 and got upgraded to a 9A...i thought they made a mistake and somebody was going to knock on the door and tell us to leave....never did and it was glorious

[mpffls]

Thanx......so much for all of the great responces....I just love these boards......

I am also going to be traveling w/ my daughter so I think we wll try the 1A guarentee game... who knows!!!!!!

Sea turtle i am looking at the Elaton....

Have cruised Carnival twice and RCCL once...sorry guys but RCCL realy has my heart...

but before you go off let me explain why.........

We were on the facination after 911....it was awful...evedently a bunch of folks had canceled so they sold the cruise for nothing to miami residents........talk about a booze cruise...lets just say ......well they never opend the pool becasue day one someone thru up in it........

Our next cruise was w/ some friends on the celebration......now this was a blast...however the old girl shimys when she shakes and she never stops shaking.....she is old ....worn and tired......

In oct of 03 we sailed the Navigator of the seas....I know ....it is not fair to compare her to the facination or the oldest ship in the fleet the celebration.....but I tell you what she is a magnifisant beast.........

All of those cruises were w/ DH....and we had a suite on one, inside on one, and just a regular w/ a balcony.....

I think daughter and I will be fine in a 1A if the guarentee fairy does not tap us....and the price........well that is the selling point...$850 for the 2 of us........

Now should I book it then tell my husband....hmmmmmmm

happy cruising.........and thanx

trish



http://www.animatedgif.net/animals/dogs/puppy_tea_e0.gif

[cruisemom2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Our next cruise was w/ some friends on the celebration......now this was a blast...however the old girl shimys when she shakes and she never stops shaking.....she is old ....worn and tired......
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I love the Celebration, but yes, she does vibrate quite a bit. We were on that ship in '97, so I don't think she shakes because she's old. But you know what? I'll take her over the Grandeur or the Enchantment, both beautiful ships, any day. I love the decor on the Celebration; she has lots of character.

It's OK to say RCI has your heart. I also post over on the RCI board sometimes, but it's Carnival that has my heart. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Beth
~~~~~~~~~~~

Countdown to Glory
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Emerald Seas 6/86
Emerald Seas 11/87
S.S. Royale 10/88
Celebration 6/97
Grandeur of the Seas 6/98
Sensation 6/99
Carnival Triumph 6/00
Carnival Triumph 11/17/01
Enchantment of the Seas 10/27/02
Carnival Victory 5/25/03
Carnival Glory 5/22/04

[luvbugwinkle]

My DH and I were on the LEGEND last year we had a guaranteed CAT 8A and were upgraded to the suite CAT 11. Couldn't believe our good fortune.

[mpffls]

Cruisemom2.........I agree she does not shake becasue she is old she has something wrong w/ her prop...we were on her right before she went in for refurbushing......and she was VERY worn...
but we had a great time on her....staff was great....and cruise director very fun....

that is why I am willing to give carnival another try....cause if it were based on my experiance on the facination.....I would never go back!!!!!!!

well that is probably not entirly true,,,I am a cruise nut!!!!

happy cruisin!!!!!!!!!!

trish



http://www.animatedgif.net/animals/dogs/puppy_tea_e0.gif

[Rdabadie]

1) you can get upgraded from a 1A to a higher category, but expect an inside cabin, happens to me all the time. the only time I've been in a 1A was when I booked it specifically.

2) on the destiny, victory class and conquest class ships there are a few 1A cabins near the front of the ship on the lowest two decks that have a single bed, a sofa that converts to a bed, and portholes. If these are available, book them (there is more motion at the front of the ship, if you have a sensative stomach be warned! I actual like that movement)

3) On the spirit class ships, even the 1A's have 2 lowers, so this is not an issue.


I personally think that even the bunk bed 1A are fine for two people, they are 160 sq ft and with one bed off the ground there is plenty of floorspace. For a couple (other than the Spirit class ships) it may not be the best arrangement.

Hope that helps!
Rob

Rob

Regal Empress 7/97, Nordic Empress 10/97, Sensation 11/98, Paradise 11/99, Ecstasy 11/00, Norway 5/01, Triumph 11/01, Explorer of the Seas 9/02, Paradise 5/03, Victory 4/04

[Kylie]

We booked at 4A gty for the Legend over Christmas and received a 8A. Our kids were moved up to the same deck with their inside gty too. I've never been disappointed with a gty and will always try it.

[Butch2099]

Ok, let me throw a twist into this...Does anyone know if the ship sells out, and you have a GTY cabin what happens then? Is that a good thing or bad? A few of us (4cabins) are booked on a I/S GTY for Miracle in Jan and when I look at the travel websites they are now showing all inside cabins are sold out. Has anyone had this happen? Thx

Time til we sail on Miracle!!!
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[mpffls]

Well....we booked a 1A.....now for the waiting game.......which will be fun.....on our other cruises I have known what cabin we were in and worn the deck plans to death .........this way when we check in ......if the upgrade fairy taps us we will be happy....but if she passes us by....no problem....cause did I tell you........

I am going on a cruise!!!!!!!!!!!!!


http://www.animatedgif.net/animals/dogs/puppy_tea_e0.gif

http://escati.linkopp.net/cqi-bin/countdown.cqi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prqb=ff0000cdt=2004;8;22;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
till our ELATION and Margaret's 21

[Butch2099]

this is what my TA said:

Inside Guarantee" means you are guaranteed an inside cabin or BETTER...if you were in a "Oceanview guarantee" you would be guaranteed an oceanview or better..Carnival has several options.... they save a BLOCK of interior cabins for passengers with "IS" reservations,(my opinion not likely) Carnival might try to use unsold space in groups, if any is left, groups was closed when we called so I doubt groups has unsold interior cabins........OR Carnival upgrades you to Oceanview or Balcony......

yes it's a very good thing.... less chance to get an interior. ......although there still is that very very slight chance............

Lately Carnival is not assigning "guarantee" cabins until just before sailing. ........sometimes day of sailing.. most of the documents we received still read "Guarantee" ...that's the hard part............ waiting to see what you get..hahahaha

once you see oceanview sold out then you have even a better chance of getting a balcony............. plus being past passengers help..

Time til we sail on Miracle!!!
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[rlbissett]

My DH and I have booked a 4A guarantee on Elation! When I spoke to Carnival directly they told me that chances of being upgraded are better the earlier you book. We'll see what happens! I am just happy to be going...anything else will be bonus! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

BTW...not to sound like an idiot but what does IMHO mean?

Thanks,
Lexi

[JJS2K3]

Hi Lexi,

"In My Humble Opinion"

Learn something new every day here, eh? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[rlbissett]

Thanks Jay!

[Cruizegal]

This is a silly question, but I am a first time cruiser going July 18th on the Legend. I am taking my 2 daughters, one who graduates high school this year and I want to make it special. However, I was advised to book a 4A Gty. I would love to be upgraded to an outside cabin with a balconly. I did book 1 1/2 months ago. Now, do I get notified if I am upgraded at the time of boarding the ship, or when my docs are mailed, or should I contact Carnival Direct. Thanks for your help

[cwpsy]

I am doing a guarantee for the first time...cross your fingers for me

Thanks...collective luck of several hundred cruise critic members should count for something....

Time till the Carnival Miracle...Weber boarding party: Partae Pirates
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NCL Dawn: 3/21/04

[katie286]

My sister booked an O/V guarantee for her and her daughter on last Mondays cruise on the Fascination...she called me from the ship when she got there and informed me that she was sitting in her "suite with a balcony!!!" What an upgrade!!!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;7;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
SENSATION! FIRST CRUISE! 7/10/04

[Cruizegal]

Wow! lucky for them. I guess though, it all depends on the availability of the unbooked cabin. July is a busy month and I am sure they won't have too much in the way of unbooked cabins. I guess I will just have to wait and see and wish for the best!

[betsyrossapk]

I have 2 questions about "guaranteed" rooms.
1) I noticed when I was doing a price search if I chose airfare, I could not get airfare included if I picked the "guaranteed" room. Anyone know why that is?
2) If we are booking 2 rooms "guaranteed" & we link the rooms together, if one room would get upgraded would, the other room automatically get upgraded as well?
Thanks for any help.

Inspiration: 11/4/04 (201 days & counting!)

[tedjazz]

Well, I've heard lots of stories and here's mine, which is the one I've had to live so it's the most accurate. I paid for an OV guar and paid extra for that designation. I received a cat 6B which is actually nearly $50pp lower in price that the OV Guar. So my price is $100 more, total, than all of the other people in the same cat. I've tried to remedy the problem with Carnival but they say...too bad, so sad. You should have waited for the price to drop, which by the way it does almost 100% of the time after the paid in full deadline. Be careful out there. The deal you are trying to get is not always the deal you are going to get.

[Butch2099]

I don't think you can book a guarantee room and have it linked with another room. When you book a guarantee you are just getting "a room". One of you could get upgraded and the other could be somewhere else on the other side of the ship. I'm sure if you want to have ajoining rooms whoever you book with will tell you that you have to book a category and choose your rooms. Then it's very doubtful you will get an upgrade then. Also when you book a GTY you can be assigned your cabin as late as the day you sail. So if you want something specific you should book it that way. If you want to roll the dice with a GTY you have to have the attitude that you just want to be on the ship and are happy wherever you end up. I've never heard about not being able to get an airfare price with a GTY booking. I usually book my own airfares anyway, it's usually cheaper. Perhaps it's too far in advance for the airfares to be available for your sailing date? But I may be wrong..

Time til we sail on Miracle!!!
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[mathgal]

I'm certainly not a cruise expert with just one cruise under my belt, but I do think you can have guarantee cabins "linked" together. This is what we are doing for our upcoming cruise in June.

Having the cabins "linked" just means that we will be assigned to the same table in the dining room. I do not think it means we will necessarily be given cabins next to each other. I do think I have read where groups were all upgraded together even though they were booked as guarantee cabins however. It will be interesting to see what happens to us... http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;6;13;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500&nbsp;till we are in Paradise again!


Paradise 6/2004
Paradise 6/2002

[Legalwife]

Another tip here:

We booked suite guarantee on Sensation last October. This means either Cat 11 or 12. We knew we would get 12 because we had our 2 sons with us. Have to go to Cat 12 with 4 people in cabin on this ship.

Loved it!!!!

Robin

Fantasy/Disney Magic/RCI Sov. of Seas/Inspiration/ Tropicale/RCI Sov.of Seas/ Sensation/Celebration 10/04

Live well, laugh often, love much....

[almitra]

I always book lowest category & always get upgraded---ever since I began cruising in 1979. I even get outside cabins fairly often--at least a couple times a year. Best of luck and enjoy your cruise!!


Militant Breastfeeding & Homebirth Proponent-Sandra Carmichael

Mardi Gras 6/79
Mardi Gras 6/79
(back to back cruises)
Celebration 8/02
Splendour of the Seas 3/03
Jubilee 7/03
Conquest 1/04
Celebration 1/04
Elation 2/04
Elation *coming again* 1/05

[tjatczak]

Hey Trish,
Where have you been ?????????

Oct Navigator thread is still alive, not much action though http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Come by and say "hi"!

Ted
P.S. Booked "Sensation" for this October 11.

Time to go "cruise-shopping" again!

[mpffls]

Hey Ted I was thinking about you the other day......and wondered if the navigator thread was still alive....actually I was afraid I would get thrown out if y'all knew I had booked w/ carnival......it was a huge decision...

So you are on the sensation....I booked the elation for Margaret my DD and I Aug 22...Larry is gladly missing this one.....we are going to Progresso, Cozumel and Belize...the hotest places in the world...especially in August.

Thsi is Margaret's 21st b-day.....

So tell me about yours....we got a great deal...of course it is not the navigator and we are a 1A guarentee...so the chances of a balconey are slim....my 3rd cruise w/ carnival maybe the upgrade fairy will take pity on my and send me a porthole........also we are out of galveston so that is only 150 miles away..

guess I will cruise over to the navigator thread and check in.........

oh and it is almost time to start my spread sheets......

glad to find you........or you to find me......

trish


http://www.animatedgif.net/animals/dogs/puppy_tea_e0.gif

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till our ELATION and Margaret's 21

[betsyrossapk]

1) I noticed when I was doing a price search if I chose airfare, I could not get airfare included if I picked the "guaranteed" room. Anyone know why that is?

I've never heard about not being able to get an airfare price with a GTY booking. I usually book my own airfares anyway, it's usually cheaper. Perhaps it's too far in advance for the airfares to be available for your sailing date? But I may be wrong..

Thanks for the answer. I believe you may be right. I was doing a search for a trip next March, 2005 & that is probably to far away to quote airfare. I too book my own airfare, but I like to see what kind of price they are offering to compare.

Inspiration: 11/4/04

[betsyrossapk]

legalwife:
RE: We booked suite guarantee on Sensation last October. This means either Cat 11 or 12. We knew we would get 12 because we had our 2 sons with us. Have to go to Cat 12 with 4 people in cabin on this ship.

How do you get a "suite guarantee" on the Sensation? I am looking to book for March, 2005, but I can only find Inside guarantee or OV guarantee. Where do you find the rates listed for "suite guarantee". Thanks for your help.

Inspiration: 11/4/04

[Legalwife]

Betsy:

We went through our travel agent who is on line and has a telephone number. My email address is Legalwife@aol.com. Let me know if I can help.

Robin

Fantasy/Disney Magic/RCI Sov. of Seas/Inspiration/ Tropicale/RCI Sov.of Seas/ Sensation/Celebration 10/04

Live well, laugh often, love much....

[Cotton]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mathgal:
I do think you can have guarantee cabins "linked" together.

Having the cabins "linked" just means that we will be assigned to the same table in the dining room. I do not think it means we will necessarily be given cabins next to each other.[QUOTE]
_______________

Just today I talked w/my Carnival PVP, and was inquiring about cabins for my adult son & his girlfriend, and his best friend & wife. Two cabins, of course. Went with a guarantee OV.

I specifically asked her if they were to receive upgrades, would it effect both cabins, AND would they still be located in the same area of the ship.

Her answer: When bookings are made at the same time for multiple cabins, they will remain in together, maybe not right next door, but in close proximity to each other.

Hope this helps?



Festivale 1987
Carnivale 1988
Mardi Gras 1989
Pacific Princess 1990
Norway 1994
Holiday 2001
Holiday 2002
Holiday 2003

[ebedore]

I've read a lot about guarantees and the possible upgrades.

On Carnival Inspiration in July 96 I booked a 4a guarantee and ended up in 4c.

I am doing guarantee again Carnival Triumph August 04. This time I'm doing balcony guarantee because that's the minimum I hope for. I have considered booking an 8E guarantee in hopes that I would be upgraded to suite. If I saw that most 8E cabins were taken, I would think about this option. After all it seems more likely that a person paying 8E rates would be upgraded to an 11 before someone paying 8A rates. I would think that anyway.

What many people show but I haven't read about is that the more full the ship, the less of an upgrade you may get. Look at those "dream upgrades" they are usually off season cruises. Just my opinion but I think it's probably right.

Finally, How many 1A cabins are on your ship? A few...and yes, somebody will end up there. If you booked earlier, maybe you'll be first to be moved up. I've also read somewhere that the cheapest cabins sell the fastest followed by quads and triples and then suites.

Good luck.

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Carnival Triumph Western Caribbean

[jnnifer01]

How do they determine which ships and which sailings will offer a gty? I was looking at Dec. Elation for a possible suite gty, but it isn't offered. Is that something I would have to call Carnival to set up, or is it just a popular date and they don't feel the need to offer it?

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Explorer of the Seas
(Royal Suite) 4/17/05, 7 Day Eastern Caribbean (2nd Anniversary)

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Carnival Pride
(Category 11) 4/25/04, 7 day Mexican Riviera (1 year Anniversary!)

Carnival Conquest
(Category 12)4/27/03,7 Day Western Caribbean(Honeymoon & 1st cruise)

Notail
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Jennifer & Shaun on the Conquest
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[Wnt2Bol]

We just got back from the March 28th Victory sailing. We had booked an IS (Inside Guaranty). When we got there we had been upgraded to a 6A Oceanview. What a great surprise. I have always figured they based upgrades on previous travel with Carnival.

"Cruise Critic Valor Venture"
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Days til Valor Vampires Cruise
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[mike508]

Just booked Victory for Jan 05. Took GTY BL. Hoping for the best but will be happy just being on the ship.

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Homeward bound for VICTORY!!!!

Majesty of the Seas 2/98
Paradise 10/99
Sovereign of Seas 9/00
Destiny 12/00
Legend 2/03
Glory 9/03
Victory 1/05

"On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?" Meatloaf-Bat out of Hell

[betsyrossapk]

Dear cotton:
Thanks for answering my question about "guarantee" rooms staying near each other. I am hoping that is the case, because I would want our teenagers to be somewhat near us if I booked the rooms together. I will definitely call my PVP & check w/her directly, but I wanted to get a better idea of what to book before I called her with my selections. Thanks
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Inspiration: 11/4/04 (198 days & counting)

[Butch2099]

Jnnifer01,
I think that there is a limited number of GTY cabins on each sailing that are offered early on and people grab them quick because of the cheaper price. So if you want a GTY on some ships you have to book them early. I can't say I've heard of a suite GTY, just balcony GTY but I may be wrong. December is not that far away in the cruising world, I am on the Miracle in Jan and the ship as almost totally sold out.

"Upgrade your ship, not your room"

Time til we sail on Miracle!!!
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[lcpagejr]

Just returned from Victory. Booked 2 guaranteed cabins. 1 Balcony...1 inside. Both were upgraded...Balcony to a 9A and inside category 1 to a 4E!! More importantly they were right across from each other #8428 and #8426!! Very pleased how Carnival attempts to keep multiple cabins together!!

Until 4/4 Victory cruise
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[Legalwife]

When I mentioned Suite Guarantee I was referring to the Sensation. There are no balcony cabins on this ship. Only suites with balconies. Hence, "Suite Guarantee".

Robin

Fantasy/Disney Magic/RCI Sov. of Seas/Inspiration/ Tropicale/RCI Sov.of Seas/ Sensation/Celebration 10/04

Live well, laugh often, love much....

[tedjazz]

From my experience, I have only 7 cruises under my belt, most with Carnival. The gaurantee is a rip off. Just find your besy location, or what you think might be your best location in the catagory you want and book it. The closer to the cruise the better price. I have never seen a price not drop after the penalty phase kicks in. Now watch all the travel agents jump on this thread and tell me I'm wrong. Of course that would be because it costs them some commission. Sorry, but it is the truth. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[mrsbooger]

I booked an OV Guarantee for the May 6th sailing of The Sensation. In another post someone mentioned that they thought they figured out room assignments on the docs even if it says To Be Assigned. If you look at the Sun & Sail Pass in your docs, look at the back left corner. It will list your 6 digit booking number and then a number. The number after your booking number should be your room assignment. I did not fare well at all. I was in the bowels of the ship, in the front, with my cabin opening up to the elevators and stairs. Fortunately, I was able to call and switch my cabin because there was a price decrease. They would have given me a 6D, but I opted for the 6C because I prefered the placement of the cabin. Good luck!

Happy Cruising!

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[mohavemommy]

Did a balc guarantee... got bumped to a cat 8H... not bad http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

See my past cruise pics here:
mohavemommy's Cruise Pics (http://community.webshots.com/user/mohavemommy)



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"THE WORLD'S BEST ISLANDS ARE ONES THAT FLOAT AND MOVE. THEY'RE CALLED CRUISE SHIPS."

Carnival Pride Cruise
18 April 04
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[pics]

WE booked a 4A guarantee and ended up on the upper deck/outside cabin with two portholes. Nice upgrade! The only downside is that we were in cabin U4 which is pretty much at the front of the ship ......right by the anchor if you know what I mean.....no sleeping in. Who the heck wants to sleep on a cruise anyway!

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till we sail the INSPIRATION

[MrCruzeaddict]

If you look on the deck plans, there are usually very few 1a cabins. These are the ones that they adverise with the low ball price. Back when I was a single, I booked these all the time. I was only in a 1a once. Every other time I got a CAT 4a or better. Have only went from inside to outside once (Sensation). The 1a is not a bad cabin at all. You just don't have the 2 beds that can be put together. They can also be in oddball places on the ship.

Joe<----Conquest on Halloween!

Conquest (Sleazy III)10/31/04 My 25th !

[nosnobunny]

If you book a guarantee, you could wind up anywhere in that category or higher. I know because it happened to me last month. We booked an inside cat 4B guar. and were upgraded to a balcony cat 8I. There is only one downside that I know of. Now we can't go back. It's balconies for us from now on. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Beth

[mcbarbee]

I think it's a matter of the draw. First time I cruised, booked a 4a and got 4c. The next times, I booked a specific cabin because I wanted to be near an elevator because my husband had knee surgery. Went on another cruise and booked 2 cabins. Picked a cabin (4a) near an elevator because I was taking my handicapped mother and booked the young adults into a guaranteed 4a. They changed my room and their room to a 4b despite my picking a specific room and they were across from one another. The last time I booked a guaranteed 1a and got a 1a even though it was my 8th Carnival cruise in 2 years. I was a little disappointed although the price I paid for the room was a bargain. It wasn't a bad cabin. I am not a small person though and not used to climbing to the top bunk bed. Also, it's not easy getting up to go to the bathroom (especially if you are drinking) and it's definitely not romantic. I would definitely take a 4a guarantee for a possibility of an upgrade again but not a 1a just because of the bunk bed. If one of you can handle sleeping on the top bunk, go for it!

[mpffls]

cruise is filling up although not much action on the thread...

I could not play the garantee game for long...

Carnival had their sale and I upgraded from a 1A to a 5A......

now all the 1As are sold out.....

one of the other posters is a 1A garantee..should be interesting to see what she gets........

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till the ELATION on Margaret's 21st B-day