Carnival Cruises Line claims "Best Price Guarantee". What does this actually mean ? Be aware of words; It's NOT Exclusivity !

“Best Price Guarantee”


Due to advertising strategies, most folks believe these words mean MORE than what it actually means.

It sounds like, it means, “You can NOT get better rates anywhere else, except for here“. That is most certainly NOT what it means.

It ONLY means, “You will NOT receive a lower rate elsewhere“.  Hey, WE too use this slogan (matter of fact, this logo to the left is what we use).



You say, isn’t that the same thing ? NO.

Do NOT opt to read more into it. It is NOT saying that you can NOT find this same rate elsewhere ! It does NOT say, it’s EXCLUSIVE.


Carnival rates are NOT EXCLUSIVE to guest who buy directly at Carnival.

So what does this mean ?

It only means, that what Carnival has to offer, is the same rates elsewhere !

Like where ? Actually EVERYWHERE !

KNOW, due to “Travel Industry Law”, the cruise lines CAN NOT offer you, the consumer, a lower rate directly, than what you can receive at EVERY TRAVEL AGENT !  So if there's a Military Rate, Senior, Past Guest, ect, your agent can get this for you too !

AND ... As of August 1, 2012, no agency can give a lower rate to cruisers, that what is being offered by Carnival themselves. This includes gifts (agents can not give gifts, other than basically, something like a tote bag).




  So why does Carnival advertise this way, in leading folks to think they can only get the lowest rates by buying directly through them ?
For 1 … It sounds good doesn’t it !

#2, Carnival wants to make it VERY CLEAR to everyone, that a cruiser can NO LONGER receive lower rates off the “net”, like in year past.

Therefore, what you receive from them, you will receive EQUALLY from anywhere else !

In some ways this is GREAT. Those folks who love to check every internet site out there (Oh, and I love all those folks, who do not know how this industry works & will CALL EVERY AGENCY IN TOWN ....hehehe.  I shouldn't laugh, they WASTE MY TIME TOO), will NO LONGER have to do this. What you see on Carnival site or your Travel Agents site or on the “net” will all be the same rates.

REMEMBER, the value of a Travel Agent was NEVER ABOUT RATE ! And those who opted in making this #1, have probably missed the boat on many a thing (I would ultimately love to LOL here, but surfing & buying from the net have most definately hurt all of us; while folks opted to take money out of our pockets, they also took money from their own hand; not to mention, mistakenly thinking they got a better deal ) !  But here again, due to “hep” advertising, too many folks were led to believe it was all about rate !



The value of your Travel Agent (or cruise specialist) is for …

1) Fight your unpredictable/unforseen battles - be the go-between person (cruise line and personal). If you could see into your future, you could avoid or waiver from the unexpected, but YOU CAN’T ! That’s why you have the agent … For what MIGHT happen ! Being prepared is key in where you buy your cruise !

Just like those folks say to me, if I knew I was going to be sick, I would have bought the Trip Cancellation Insurance !  daaah !  But don't you buy insurance for your car & house in advance !  Jeees, Louise; same concept !

2) Insight and expertise advice. Hopefully you choose an agent, that has either cruised a lot or has specifically cruised your destination. If not, then you’re not looking wholly out for yourself. Your agent should have tips, guidance, and ward you from that which can bite you !


When I say bite you, I’m talking about …

1) All that stuff you’ve learned from friends who cruised or the media, that may have told you wrongly !

2) Your lack in “travel sense”, no matter how much you think you’ve traveled !

I'm not meaning to hurt your feelings or knock you down, but it was NEVER YOUR JOB to buy your own travel !  That's why the experts are here.  That's why the travel industry PAYS agents to be here !  To take care of you !  To look after you !  In many cases, you NEVER PAY A DIME to have this complimentary service.  So, it's actually in YOUR HANDS to choose to protect yourself with the value of a Travel Agent (cruise specialist).


Travel agents (cruise specialist) should be considered one of your best friends, like your banker, if your banker tends to look out for you ! Cause the longer they are in this business, the MORE PROBLEMS that they have not only encountered, but had to find a resolution for (that is, if problem solving is one of their forte’s).

And PLEASE STOP worrying yourself over trying to find that “deal on the net“.

#1, How could the consumer know, what a deal is anyway ? Don't play advocate here !

#2, As mentioned above, trust your travel agent (cruise specialist); call them as soon as you see a deal and buy from them (85% of the time, local regular agents have access to any rate you see) !



Why do I say estimate 85% ?

#1, I mentioned above, the cruise line, by law, can not give you a lower rate than you can get with your agent

#2, as the Nations Largest Cruise-Only distribution house for the cruise lines, we only have EXCLUSIVE, 1500+ dates and promotions, to save you money ! And none on Carnival (due to August 1, 2012 new Carnival ruling).  So there are another 85% dates, plus all Carnival date, that our rate too, is equal to the cruise line. In some ways, 15% is like a needle in a hay stack with as many sailings out there.

I’m not suggesting we can’t save you money … Cause we can.  Instead, I am only suggesting, “rate” should not be your #1 concern (safety of your vacation & money, #1) … AND I am preaching here >>> DO NOT TURN TO THE NET ! Just like in our situation, if you buy from Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, the Airlines & others, KNOW, that they are buying their cruises from US; which means, you are putting a middle man between US and YOU.



In closing, remember the philosophy, “If it looks to good to be true, you’re probably right” … and … “You can’t get something for nothing” ! Don’t get wrapped up in industry jargin or hoopla advertising. Always trust your agent (or a distribution house that the industry gives awards to) to tell you what you need to know, even if the truth is not what you want to hear !