I think Carnival should freeze the price you pay. No more going back for reductions

[Partay]

I am taking a group of high school graduates on a cruise this summer. They have been working for over a year to raise the money to go. Several of the parents are military, retired military or veterans. We were able to get the Friends and Family discount. The students started checking the price online at a dot com site and would let me know if the price went down. They would get so excited when the price dropped. We were able to save money before final payment. They also have over $800 in OBC. (the 3rd and 4th person rate dropped to $349 from $649 over the year) One student did a report on the amount of the money the group was able to save for his money management class. It doesn't hurt to save money through channels put in place by the cruise line. Carnival, I'm sure will have these students as long term customers. What better marketing can you ask for? Also, to the poster who said they didn't have "time" to check prices, with over 1100 post over the last few years we can see where your time is spent.

[PaulMedik]

I am taking a group of high school graduates on a cruise this summer. They have been working for over a year to raise the money to go. Several of the parents are military, retired military or veterans. We were able to get the Friends and Family discount. The students started checking the price online at a dot com site and would let me know if the price went down. They would get so excited when the price dropped. We were able to save money before final payment. They also have over $800 in OBC. (the 3rd and 4th person rate dropped to $349 from $649 over the year) One student did a report on the amount of the money the group was able to save for his money management class. It doesn't hurt to save money through channels put in place by the cruise line. Carnival, I'm sure will have these students as long term customers. What better marketing can you ask for? Also, to the poster who said they didn't have "time" to check prices, with over 1100 post over the last few years we can see where your time is spent.

 

 

 

Partay,

 

Great job! It would be great if all students could experience an economics lesson first hand like that. :)

[zqvol]

I disagree. If they are going to continually jack with the pricing, they should be prepared to reward those who had the foresight to book early.

 

I agree with you completely and those same people should expect to pay any price increases that occur before final payment too.

[Kurbanfan]

If they are offering it I am taking it simple as that:D

[halos]

This is definitely one of the most bizarre debates I've come across....arguing that it is stupid to save money???

Hmmm. :confused:

 

Personally, if CCL has no problem making an adjustment of some kind, I don't know why people whould get their undies in a bunch over it.

 

I've only taken advantage of this price drop thing once. The price of our cruise dropped about 5 times over the course of the booking. We has started out in interior cabins. Instead of asking for OBC we just kept getting cabin upgrades. There were 4 cabins involved. We wound up with obstructed balconies in the end. Not a bad deal for anyone. CCL lost no money and made us happy as heck. ALSO...having this balcony, (our first) even though obstructed, ensured CCL more money from us in the future, because we became members of the "once you go Balc, you never go back' group.

 

Lately we seem to only book when the prices are ridiculously low to start with and in all cases lately, the price of our cruise has increased dramatically over the booking period so I haven't needed to call for adjustments. BUT if I book and later see the price drop dramatically, you bet your butt I'm going to ask if I can have an OBC or an upgrade. I don't squabble over a $20 drop, by any means, but the price of the cruise can drop a heck of a lot...if it means I can have even just $100 OBC, I am certainly going to at least call and see if I'm elligible for the credit.

if the price is low because of a promotion, I understand that I'm not elligible and will not squabble over that.

 

 

I don't smuggle alcohol...I tip heavily and my S&S bill is sometimes more than my cruise cost .... If they want to make a really good-to-have-on-their-ship-passenger happy by honoring a price drop, then that's fine with me.

If they decide to stop...that will be fine too. But if they aren't upset by doing it, who should anyone think it's wrong?

[CanTex]

I also think a good majority of the passengers booked on a ship don't even know they can check for a price reduction and get it.

I saved $20. a person on my June sailing, that will cover gas to get to the port. So I will still be spending the money, it will just go to some greedy oil compnay instead. I don't see it as me being cheap just trying to economize when the economy sucks right now.

Now for my July sailing I never had a chance to get a price reduction since my cabin category sold out quickly. I'm willing to pay the price I booked the cabin at, but a price reduction at some point would have been nice too. but I'm not going to cry over it and will enjoy my sailing no matter what the price.

I agree that a large majority of people wouldn't even think of questioning about a price drop after they've booked their cruise. All of is here in our microcosm of CC are obviously aware of the ins and outs of these things, but others are innocently unaware.

[tkportersat]

Wow, I guess I don't understand the argument. I am a single mother (widow) of two kids, I will take the chance to save money any chance I get so that my family can have a nice trip - and possibly more if I save enough. Yes I book knowing a certain price and if Carnival left it at that price or raised only that would be fine, but if they lower it and have it in their policy they will give me money back or OBC in that case than why wouldn't I take it?

 

It is nice if you are someone that has money to blow, but most people do not. Most folks have to work really hard to save and take a vacation with their families. It is worth my time to try to save money if that is an option. RC does the same thing, but will run sales by stating "new bookings only" and run them so close to sail date that you can't cancel and rebook. Carnival will always be my favorite, they have always treated me well as a previous customer - they have made a good amount of money off me and my family. Not to mention the numerous referrals I have given them, I don't feel guilty in any way if I get some money back.

[Flip2cruise]

I agree that a large majority of people wouldn't even think of questioning about a price drop after they've booked their cruise. All of is here in our microcosm of CC are obviously aware of the ins and outs of these things, but others are innocently unaware.

 

Also many dont know you can do the same thing on some airlines. I have gotten credit vouchers many times. It never hurts to ask, the worst a company can say is no.

[letmetellya]

Wow, I guess I don't understand the argument. I am a single mother (widow) of two kids, I will take the chance to save money any chance I get so that my family can have a nice trip - and possibly more if I save enough. Yes I book knowing a certain price and if Carnival left it at that price or raised only that would be fine, but if they lower it and have it in their policy they will give me money back or OBC in that case than why wouldn't I take it?

 

It is nice if you are someone that has money to blow, but most people do not. Most folks have to work really hard to save and take a vacation with their families. It is worth my time to try to save money if that is an option. RC does the same thing, but will run sales by stating "new bookings only" and run them so close to sail date that you can't cancel and rebook. Carnival will always be my favorite, they have always treated me well as a previous customer - they have made a good amount of money off me and my family. Not to mention the numerous referrals I have given them, I don't feel guilty in any way if I get some money back.

 

 

I agree , I have been reading this thread and cant believe that there are such strong feelings happening , I just have to add my two sense . I booked the NYE Victory cruise out of San Juan for 7 people , 2 end of ship balcony rooms with extra long balconys to open between and an inside room acrossed the hall , I did this in Jan.08 just after getting off the ship from our last NYE Victory ship cruise. Since then , 3 months after in fact, the prices went up a total of 2500.00 , I am a past guest and my PVP advised me to call when the specials started closer to the cruise, allthough I dont believe the prices are going to be any better since its gone up so much allready .The cruise lines want you to book with them and if you book early with a cruise line you like because they already have you and your not out looking for other ships , just looking for the best deal on thier ship,and , if they didnt want you to pay less , they wouldnt lower the prices. I have allways booked early and got the best price I possibly can , Im now just hoping for better airfare, good luck right ? I say enjoy your cruising vacations and more power to you if you can get the better deal , it also makes for good healthy competion between the cruise lines.

sorry in advance for the run on pharagraph .

[bqkali]

I think it's fabulous you can get a price reduction. I'd snatch it up if I saw it.

 

What puzzles me is why cruiselines still don't offer lower prices or incentives if you book and pay in full up front (non-refundable). Hotels offer this constantly - and many times you save 10-25% by paying up front. I'd rather take guaranteed savings than take a chance I might save more by booking a refundable rate where there might be a price drop. I'm not saying ALL cruises should be non-refundable, just that it might be nice if that option existed.

[cruisecastle]

On the internets anyone can pretend to be anything. These folks are pretending today to be so rich they could careless about the price or the drop in price on a cruise.

 

What gives them away is a wealthy person is wealthy for a reason. They SAVE not spend money.

 

I save plenty. I save what I need to save to meet my goals and I enjoy life with the rest.

[letmetellya]

I think it's fabulous you can get a price reduction. I'd snatch it up if I saw it.

 

What puzzles me is why cruiselines still don't offer lower prices or incentives if you book and pay in full up front (non-refundable). Hotels offer this constantly - and many times you save 10-25% by paying up front. I'd rather take guaranteed savings than take a chance I might save more by booking a refundable rate where there might be a price drop. I'm not saying ALL cruises should be non-refundable, just that it might be nice if that option existed.

 

That makes sense to me , I use hotwire most of the time , book way in advance, never could have gotten a better deal closer to the arival date and HAD to pay 100% up front and no option to cancel , but you know that in advance and its all good .

[cruisecastle]

Cruisecastle,

 

How can a man who can't be bothered to check for and receive price drops, take the time to start a thread on the subject? There's a contradiction if there ever was one. :)

 

I don't check every 'weak,' I check strongly on a weekly basis at about three to five months out. Prior to that I check maybe once a month.

 

You have eight trips planned and I have nine booked for next month for my friends and family on one cruise, and two for just my immediate family for the prior week. Luckily for me the cruise I have nine bookings for is the one mentioned in another thread today where there have been numerous price adjustments. :eek: :D I haven't posted in that thread, but I have received the price adjustments including two today that totaled $100 for each booking. That call to Carnival took me less than five minutes.

 

You plan, and I book. You plan and my deposits are in Carnival's account.

 

If you don't have time to 'jack around' for $50, then I'd say you must be busy collecting your government checks. :mad: ;) Those are the only folks I know who can't be bothered with saving money when the opportunity arises. Folks who can afford to act that way do not act that way.

 

by planned I mean booked. I have all my trips booked for the next 15months. Also I don't get any govt checks. Don't even

get the nice little refund that you are getting this month.

[flowerchild]

The OP posted this thread as a response to another thread about fuel surcharge refunds.

 

The OP on THAT thread was denied said refund because she had gotten her price reduced with a Sr discount and since she had changed her booking after November, was denied the refund.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=770687

 

I also think this post to be odd.

[pe4all]

We usually book no less than 18 months, and as far out as 2 years for our holiday cruises. They are usually very expensive -at least for us- and I book knowing I have plenty of time to pay for it, also knowing there is a good chance that price will drop during a sale sooner or later. I would love to sail at a "cheaper" time of year, but alas, that is not possible due to work and school schedules. I do watch the prices, and usually hit one to two price drops. We book specific cabins, ships, itineraries. Should I be penalized for booking so early? Should someone who books 3 months or less before be entitled to a lower price than I, who booked a year and a half out? As long as my pvp doesn't mind me calling, it shouldn't bother anyone if I take the time and effort to see if my cruise price dropped. I work hard for my money - anyway, the cruiseline ends up getting it back in one form or another on our cruises -excursions, photos, casino, drinks., etc.

[Warm_CND]

I think I would not be the only one saying " I agree !

 

And since you don't want or could use that money I'll take it.

 

I saw this and thought "obviously just a bored member looking to start a mess". And yet it is a fun mess... so here I am.

 

I found this... which is older but offers some insight.

 

Cruises are way too Cheap. I see alot of people complaining about the behavior they see from guests both old and young while cruising. Best way to fix this is raise the prices. Any slob can afford a cruise and that's where the bad behaviour comes in. Fact is the more expensive cruise you go on the less bad behavior you see. That doesn't mean there isn't any because there is always some moron that shouldn't be able to leave the house yet finds his way on a cruise ship.

 

I think Carnival should quit discounting it's interior cabins completely. That should stop all the complaining about behvior.

 

 

Of course I'm only kidding. Well at least half-kidding

[Sirwinston]

The whole idea of Ted Arison, when he started Carnival was that the average person could afford a cruise. Which up to that time had mostly only been the well to do, country club set.

If someone wants to be proud of how much they paid for their cruise then there are lots of premium cruise lines (some of them owned by Carnival), out there with their operators and web sites ready for your booking. But they also discount to fill slack bookings....

 

Tom in Long Beach

[flowerchild]

I saw this and thought "obviously just a bored member looking to start a mess". And yet it is a fun mess... so here I am.

 

For sure!:p And/Or very grumpy.:rolleyes:

 

Here's another one:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=762810

[cruisecastle]

I think I would not be the only one saying " I agree !

 

And since you don't want or could use that money I'll take it.

 

I saw this and thought "obviously just a bored member looking to start a mess". And yet it is a fun mess... so here I am.

 

I found this... which is older but offers some insight.

 

That is a great quote.

[CMJFamily]

Why would a person not want to pay a lower price? I usually book at least a year in advance and of course I take advantage of it if prices go down. If Carnival did not have this policy, them every time there was a price decrease, I would simply cancel and rebook at the cheaper price.

[nycruise]

Carnivale 1983

Can't Remember 1985

Jubilee 1988

Spirit 2002

Disney Magic 2004

Conquest 2004

Liberty Europe 2005

Paradise 2006

Freedom of the Seas May 2006

Magic July 2006

Magic August 2006

Disney Wonder November 2007

Carnival Spirit March 2008

Royal Caribbean Freedom August 2008

Disney Wonder October 2008

Carnival LibertyNorthern Europe/Russia June 2009

Celebrity Xpedition August 2009

 

cruisecastle: Only see 4 upcomming trips, time to update that list. By the way, I don't see any "high end" cruise lines on that list.:rolleyes:

 

For me the important criteria for picking a cruise are destination(s), age of ship,and price. Not necessarily in that order. When I book a mass market cruise as opposed to luxury, it implies price is important. I've frequently gotten OBC's and reductions and am proud to say it.:)

 

Similar to the airlines, I checked American Airlines for months and grabbed a $400 per person discount from prices previously quoted.:D

 

The internet has made price checking a simple thing to do.

[cathyoo]

Originally Posted by cruisecastle

Cruises are way too Cheap. I see alot of people complaining about the behavior they see from guests both old and young while cruising. Best way to fix this is raise the prices. Any slob can afford a cruise and that's where the bad behaviour comes in. Fact is the more expensive cruise you go on the less bad behavior you see. That doesn't mean there isn't any because there is always some moron that shouldn't be able to leave the house yet finds his way on a cruise ship.

 

I think Carnival should quit discounting it's interior cabins completely. That should stop all the complaining about behvior.

 

 

Of course I'm only kidding. Well at least half-kidding

 

thank you Warm_CND Boy does that tell me a lot.. Just can't figure out why cruisecastle cruises on Carnival. With all that money and disdain for the average morons why not just book a "higher class" cruise. Appears cruisecastle equates class with money. But it appears he/she may have one but definitely not the other.

[maxamuus]

Funny thing is the OP could have checked for a savings on all four of their cruises in the time they wasted arguing that you shouldnt be able to do so.

[cruisecastle]

Carnivale 1983

Can't Remember 1985

Jubilee 1988

Spirit 2002

Disney Magic 2004

Conquest 2004

Liberty Europe 2005

Paradise 2006

Freedom of the Seas May 2006

Magic July 2006

Magic August 2006

Disney Wonder November 2007

Carnival Spirit March 2008

Royal Caribbean Freedom August 2008

Disney Wonder October 2008

Carnival LibertyNorthern Europe/Russia June 2009

Celebrity Xpedition August 2009

 

cruisecastle: Only see 4 upcomming trips, time to update that list. By the way, I don't see any "high end" cruise lines on that list.:rolleyes:

 

For me the important criteria for picking a cruise are destination(s), age of ship,and price. Not necessarily in that order. When I book a mass market cruise as opposed to luxury, it implies price is important. I've frequently gotten OBC's and reductions and am proud to say it.:)

 

Similar to the airlines, I checked American Airlines for months and grabbed a $400 per person discount from prices previously quoted.:D

 

The internet has made price checking a simple thing to do.

 

Uh I do alot more than cruise. Cruising is very limiting. Also, what does it matter high-end lines I don't think they would be fun. I love Carnval it's fine for me. I am doing Celebrity though and that's listed is that high end? Also, I don't think many are much more expensive that freegin DCL. The best trip of my life was my 3 week African safari last year. That was not a cruise. I do all inclusives all the time. Disney world for two weeks this year etc.. Just limiting ones self to cruising is pathetic.

[mike91911]

The OP's main concearn was that us cheap skates who get our cruises discounted after we have booked is costing Carnival money, therefore raising the price of everyone else's cruises.

 

Oh and apparently we are pathetic now too. :) If only cruising makes me pathetic, I'll be pathetic. :D