Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Carnival Unveils New Early Booking Savings Program


Carnival Cruise Lines is launching a new cruise pricing option called Early Saver, which offers fares as much as 25% lower than the best generally available rates, and provides rate protection if rates later drop below what the client originally paid.

Early Saver rates will be available beginning Jan. 12 and offered up to three months prior to sailing date for cruises of five days or less and up to five months prior to sailing date for longer length voyages, subject to availability. When booking an Early Saver fare, you will be able to choose a specific stateroom.

"Early Saver fares should encourage clients to book early with confidence," said Lynn Torrent, senior vice president of sales and guest services. The program offers several great mechanisms to help secure early sales."
To book Early Saver fares, travel agents must use an electronic reservations channel. The standard required deposit is immediately non-refundable at the time of booking. Any changes in ship or sailing date outside of Carnival's standard penalty period require a $50 change fee.

The Early Saver rate protection feature ensures that if a lower Carnival advertised rate becomes available after the booking is made, a rate adjustment can be requested and the cruise line will issue the difference in the form of a non-refundable shipboard credit. The lower fare must be for the same ship, sailing date, stateroom category and number of guests. To request a price adjustment, a rate protection form must be completed and emailed to Carnival by agents.
The lower rate must be available at the time the form is submitted. Rate adjustment requests can be submitted up to two business days prior to the cruise departure date. Early Saver fares are available for both individual and group reservations.

The Early Saver fare program will be available on virtually all Carnival ships and itineraries. For more information, call Mike at (706) 579-5005.

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