Getting ready to book - have questions...

[Peyton6]

We're getting ready to book the Sensation for 1/6/05 from New Orleans and I have a couple of questions...

Is it better to book directly with the cruise line, or should we use a TA?

How do people get credits when the price goes down? If we go through Carnival will we still be able to get credits if the price drops?

Thanks!

Majesty of the Seas 11/02
Splendour of the Seas 3/04
Sensation 1/6/05

katie@fg2.com

[imatarb]

Make sure you compare prices, and then go with the best one, as long as the TA is reputable. I'm sure people will post some of their faves here. There are several...***************** bestpricecruises.com, crucon.com, *********** are just a few I can think of. You can also book directly with a Carnival PVP (personal vacation planner). I've heard good things about them as well.

As far as shipboard credit, be vigilant and watch those rates. If they drop, call your TA and ask for shipboard credit or a credit on your credit card.

The best advice I can give is to do your homework before you book. It can save you hundreds of dollars.

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

[b]Monarch of the Seas - 1994
Royal Majesty - 1996

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;5;9;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Until VICTORY is ours


<MARQUEE>A day at sea is better than any day at work</MARQUEE>

[halos]

Shop until you drop.
Then once you are booked, check the prices from the agency you used daily from the time you make your deposit until you leave.
When there are price drops, call and try to get refund (usually only before final payment), ship credit or upgrades.
It only takes a few minutes a day to check the rates and it could save you money and/or get you a better cabin.

I believe in Miracles
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MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[CedarHouseRanch]

I've booked 3 cruises online. Experience has always been great. This time price dropped after final payment. I called and got both an upgrade and an on-board credit. No worries.
Tom

[woodman]

I have booled 2 cruises with a T/A. Got upgrades both time as I booked Gty.OV The last tel.call to T/A called Carnival while I was on the line. I got a $40. shipboard credit.This was 2 weeks before sailing.Last week I booked directly through Carnival and got the best price I could find. The PVP (Private vacation planner) told me to keep in contact and any drop in price would be adjusted. Also I am in line for upgrades being a past guest and booking O/V GTY. Try calling Carnival and talk to one of the reps. and see how you feel about them. I was satisfied.
Happy cruising.

[Peyton6]

Thanks for all the helpful info! Now we're trying to figure out this sale that Carnival is having tomorrow - the free upgrade!

Majesty of the Seas 11/02
Splendour of the Seas 3/04
Sensation 1/6/05

katie@fg2.com