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Posted

Hi Guys,

im looking to book the Freedom eastern caribean for next May.

 

Can anyone recommend a good (or even the best) place to call to get the best price for the balcony rooms ?

 

Are there deals to be had by shopping around or is this like an Ipod...same price evertywhere you go ???

 

If you could help me by giving any recommendations I would really appreciate it.

 

As ever, thanks in advance

 

Regards

 

Carl

Posted

Its against the rules to mention specific TAs, but to me its better to book direct. There are a few TAs who will discount, but if you are booking early saver, then some have added a change fee, which wipes out the discount. You also cant get into your booking if you book with a TA have to call them to get every drop in price. With Carnival you do it yourself, fill out the form when you see a lower price.

 

I didnt get the last $60 drop in price thru a discounting TA because "it wasnt worth their time", so beware, they are not even required to get price drops if they dont want to.

 

No one can advertise a lower price, so the prices you see on the web will be the exact same as carnival's, but maybe a perk offered to induce you to book. They can only offer a lower price in private, via phone or email, so you wouldnt see lower prices online.

Posted

You also have a couple options when booking direct with Carnival- their website, and what is called a PVP (personal vacation planner). You can call Carnival and ask for a PVP. I've booked online, and wish that I had used a PVP instead. Based on reports here, experiences vary, but I wish I had one person that I could contact when I need something. So next time, I will call my PVP instead of booking via carnival.com.

Posted

btw the OBC for booking onboard or buying a future cruise certificate (which costs $100), is $50 for a 5 day, $75 for a 6 day and $100 for a 7 day. They say "up to $200" but thats for long cruises, forget how many days.

Posted

I always use my PVP with Carnival. You can call the Carnival number and they will get you to one.... :D

 

 

Hi Guys,

im looking to book the Freedom eastern caribean for next May.

 

Can anyone recommend a good (or even the best) place to call to get the best price for the balcony rooms ?

 

Are there deals to be had by shopping around or is this like an Ipod...same price evertywhere you go ???

 

If you could help me by giving any recommendations I would really appreciate it.

 

As ever, thanks in advance

 

Regards

 

Carl

Posted

I would check out carnival's web site

 

I would also check out kayak.com it is a travel site that lists many different TA's and companies.

 

I would also check out ***** I think they might be a TA but I 'm not sure.

 

I would also google your cruise dates and ship and see what is out there.

 

But Finally I usually end up booking by calling Carnival because If you find a lower price than their web site they will match it. (unless it is a TA becuase they can give up some commission and charge a lower price)

 

Have a wonderful trip

Posted

Lots of good advice on the posts above! However, for my money, I'm very well satisfied :D booking through Carnival. I've found one particular Vacation Planner I like, and she gets all of my business.

Posted

We have always booked our cruise with AAA. I simply keep check theirs and Carnivals websites and watch for sales and free upgrades. Then when I see them we call our TA. If a see something after we book, I give her a call and most of the time we will get an even better deal.

Posted

I have booked my cruises through the travel dept at the club store based in Kirkland, WA. By the time I go to them, I have done my research and narrowed my choices. It may not be a large discount but every penny helps. I've never had a problem with them if changes are needed. BTW, their insurance for travel is really inexpensive and the coverage is fine for emergency cancellations.

 

I believe the other club stores also offer the same.

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