How to book your Carnival Cruise

Member

By drenee
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(16 Ratings)

Carnival Cruise Ship

I decided about a year ago that I was going to book a cruise for my family and friends. After a long investigation I decided to go with Carnival. I had a great cruise experience with them in the past and besides Disney this cruise line is kid friendly and won't cost a small fortune. There is a lot you need to know in order to get the best deals

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

computer
patience
contact with cruise line

Step 1

Pick a date you want to cruise. Try and plan 1 year ahead so you can go on a flex pay plan should you need to. A flex pay is a small deposit($50pp) and you have to have the cruise paid in full 2 months prior to departure.

The discount plans you have to pay the full deposits up front $150pp and have the cruise paid in full 2 months before departure. With this plan you may lose your deposits if you cancel.
Step 2

Decide what kind of cruise you want to take 3-14 days. If you have never cruised go for 3-6 day cruise just to see if you like it. Pick a convenient port of call. For me Orlando, Charleston, or Savannah are in driving distance if I choose not to fly. Flying can be costly especially for a family of four.
Step 3

Investigate what type of rooms are offered, inside cabins usually have no windows or a port hole. Ocean view, you have a view of the ocean, balcony you can usual walk out onto a terrace outside your room and a suite or penthouse is the top of the line luxury and the highest priced rooms.
Step 4

Go the the Carnival website and read the forums. They talk about everything there. Ask questions and get answers. Get a PVP (personal vacation planner) the forums can give you some suggestions. These planners work for Carnival and they are your best friends and advocates when it comes to discount pricing and on board perks.
Step 5

Book your cruise, take advantage of any discounts, military, over 55, past cruiser, and groups over 8 rooms. Your PVP will alert you to any price drops and can provide you with the documentation to submit to get those price drops.
Step 6

Carnival offers early savers discount. This is usually a great deal but the down side is you have to pay the full deposit (so there is no flex payment) and should you need to cancel you may not get a full or partial refund. Read all terms and conditions before you book these specials.
Step 7

Periodically watch the Carnival site for price drops and if you see one that is on your cruise you can request to get that discount. After you book get the fun-pass. The fun-pass is just the convenience of having your documentation approved before you board and your boarding will be expedited. Otherwise you will need to complete the paperwork for everyone in your party. This can be crazy especially if you have small children in tow.
Step 8

Understand your S&S Card. Nothing is purchased with cash on the ship. You have a Sign and Sail Card. This is attached to your Credit or Debit Card. If you are given any on board credits it will be attached to this card. For instance. My group gets a $50 on board credit per person. Every person will then get that credit on their Sign and Sail Card and if you don't spend it you will lose it. You can use this to purchase pictures, alcohol, gift, etc.
Step 9

Soda Cards-they serve free drinks but it's punch or coffee, tea. You can purchase a soda card if you prefer this instead of punch.
Step 10

Make sure you have documentation: Passports are recommended however if you are traveling to and from the same USA Port of call you can use your state certified birth certificate and government picture ID (Driver's license)
Step 11

Shop off season for your clothes. If you booked a year in advance you have time to wait until everything is dirt cheap and then just pack it away for your trip.

Comments

alltrails said

Flag This Comment

on 9/7/2009 Good article, lots of helpful advice. 5 stars - thanks!

jeni10 said

on 9/4/2009 When are we leaving for the cruise? Let me know so I can be packed! I love to cruise, too. Thanks for your article. Even though we've been on Carnival numerous times, I never knew about the PVP. That's good info to have. 5* and I'm subscribing.

msknowalot said

on 7/15/2009 I agree with you Carnival Cruise is great for families. We cruised to the Bahamas and it was a wonderful 4 days, with lots to do on board as well as on land.