Carnival Cruise Lines has launched Early Saver, a discount for customers who book six-night cruises (or longer) at least five months prior to departure.
Early Saver prices for cruises of five days or less will be available up to three months before the sailing date.
The discounted fares, available starting Jan. 12, are up to 25% less than the best generally available rates, Carnival said. Early Saver prices will be available for all staterooms types, including suites, and on nearly all cruises, said Carnival.
Carnival is offering price protection on Early Saver bookings. If a lower Carnival advertised fare is found after booking, Carnival will refund the difference as a nonrefundable shipboard credit. The lower fare must be for the same ship, sailing, stateroom category and number of guests.
To request a lower price, a rate-protection form must be completed and emailed to Carnival up to two business days prior to departure. The form is available at BookCCL.com and Carnival.com. The lower rate must be available at the time the form is submitted, Carnival said.
If the customer gets a lower price, the agent’s commission decreases accordingly, Carnival said.
Travel agents must book online to get the discount for their customers. Agents have several options to book electronically, including BookCCL, Travelport Cruise & Tour, Galileo Focalpoint, Sabre Cruise Director, Sabre Cruises, Revelex and Amadeus Cruise.
Early Saver bookings have other restrictions. The standard required deposit is nonrefundable at time of booking. Any changes in ship or sailing date outside of Carnival’s standard penalty period require a $50 change fee. Normal penalties apply for changes inside the penalty period.
Groups are eligible for Early Saver prices, but amenity points won’t be offered, Carnival said.