When I posting the previous article on Carnival offering the new type of fare call the “early savers” with non-refundable deposit restrictions, I felt Carnival is in a hurry looking for cash to hold in this downturn economy by imposing huge non-refundable deposits in exchange by offering a lower price for booking early.
What I found was the past guest with 2 cat upgrade combo with refundable deposits are the one of Carnival’s best discount promo for past guests out there without having to worry to lose the entire deposit if emergencies occurred before final payment.
The past guest with 2 cat upgrade combo are good from interior to balcony cabins and it is averaged $20 more than the early saver as a better value because it is refundable, you are able to get the best cabin assigned upgrades on available cabins on 2 categories more for similar accomodations.
For past guests, the risk factor for booking an early saver is far greater than paying the extra $20 more as an insurance before final payment if you are running through emergencies.
Let me give you an example of this high risk scenario of booking an early saver versus past guest with 2 cat upgrade combo:
Carnival Miracle September 29, 2008, Category 4A (Riviera, interior cabin) per person based on double occupancy:
Early Saver rate: $649 per person (no upgrades, but price protection guarantee if the price is lower when you booked after, it is a gimmick!)
Past Guest with 2 cat upgrade combo (4C for the price of 4a): $669 per person
($20 more, but you are paying a little more for a peace of mind and comfort in case of an emergency, and a better cabin assignment from the upgrade, think the larger picture!)
What happened if you run into an emergency before final payment:
Early Saver rate booked cancellation penalty before final payment: $300 per person ($600 for the cabin)-you have lost $600 already!
Past Guest with 2 cat upgrade combo promo: No cancellation penalties, but you did not get to go. No hard feelings!
My suggestion to past guest cruisers of Carnival: Stop shopping and book now with a refundable deposit for your past guest promo with 2 cat upgrade combo. When you see this best value like this, it will not last long, book now!
These promos are good in individual reservations only.
Early Saver rates can be seen on group reservations as well, but I do not apply this type of rate code for future group cruises in my business mix because of the huge risk involved with groups.
