I thought that this would be a great topic for young families when there are many members going and they are already streached because of the tickets

My three best ways to save money on ships are

1)carry your bags yourself to the x-ray machines instead of using a porter
2)book a Garenteed cabin
3)Hit the welcome aboard party hard for the free drinks

What is a garanteed cabin?

A garanteed cabin is when you don't assign your cabin number when you book your cruise. they offer you a garanteed cabin which garantees you a room within that class. (ie you book a balcony and get a balcony)As you book you cabin on certian decks and places on the ship it can be more expensive then the advertised rate or you upgrade your cabin. You are assigned your cabin number a week before the ship sets sail. I have book garanteed cabin on two of my cruises and have received a great location one deck below the lido both times. A location which would have cost me $350.00 more per person then what I paid. you can feel the sway of the ship a little more since your cabin will more then likely be in the front or the back of hte ship, however my girlfriend is pron to car sickness and it was never enough to cause her a problem.

I went through a travel agent and they didn't mention a garanteed room does that mean they pulled on over on me and I'm going to get screwed?

I'm not sure I want them to pick my cabin for me. There are some locations I really don't want to be like right near the elevators.

I know what you mean about the free drinks. I hardly ever drink but I take advantage of the Captains and the Past guest party. I sample everything!

No at all. Very good chance either that they did not know about it. Find out what you paid and call carnival and see what a garanteed is worth that way you can find out. Garanteed is not for everyone. sometimes you get put in an area that not everyone likes that is why it is cheaper, you get all of the left over and picked through cabins. My experiance has taught me however that you are more likely to be a couple cabins from the front and back. And I do drink so I need all the help I can get when it comes to prices

opps i mean "Not at all"

One thing that helps is to bring your own "adult beverages" on board. The one draw-back is the coming back and forth to the cabin to re-load. I won't go in to specifics, but it saved Debi and I hundreds of $$$ bring our yummies!!

If you plan on doing excursions they are often cheaper if you book them off the ship.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by whickey:
No at all. Very good chance either that they did not know about it. [Quote]

I can guarantee you that a Travel Agent knows what a "Guarantee" is when booking a cruise. Cruise lines use yield management when booking cabins. Just as the airlines do with air seats. The cruise lines will only sell so many cabins under a Guarantee rate. When Rhonda66's Travel Agent made the booking she may not have been able to get a guarantee for the lowest price.

As for saving money. Don't keep buying the souvenir glasses with every drink. Just ask them to refill the initial glass. Or just ask for the drink in a normal glass.

Good point

If you're going to drink alcohol - go for the daily special and forgo the frou-frou souvenir glass.

Cruise Fanatic, It would be pretty dumb for a travel agent to not know what a guarantee is. It is a good way to get from Cat. A to Cat. D by booking early. If you don't mind them picking your cabin on your upgraded deck.

I agree with susanmaz, about the drinks. I ask the Bartender the specials for the week. I am not an early drinker, but I do enjoy getting the Bloody Mary special they have sometimes on sea days

My best way to save money is to book early for lower demand periods on cruises with a fringe of Hurricane Season and when school is in. Then if they lower it further, get the upgrades and on board credits.

I have done several Guarantees and have always been upgraded. I book an inside and usually get upgraded to an outside with balcony.

I love getting the upgrades, but the location is usually one I wouldn't choose. Close to the Bridge, Elevator, front of ship, etc.

To save money I bring my own bottled water, then once empty I fill the container in the buffet area. I also pack large insulated cups to fill with juice, fruit drinks, etc from the buffet area. This way we have a beverage around the pool area and kept really cold.

Kathryn,
What a wonderful tip. I will definately pack a few insulated cups for my trip!!

quote:

Originally posted by Kathryn Smith:
I have done several Guarantees and have always been upgraded. I book an inside and usually get upgraded to an outside with balcony.

I love getting the upgrades, but the location is usually one I wouldn't choose. Close to the Bridge, Elevator, front of ship, etc.

To save money I bring my own bottled water, then once empty I fill the container in the buffet area. I also pack large insulated cups to fill with juice, fruit drinks, etc from the buffet area. This way we have a beverage around the pool area and kept really cold.

That is a good tip !

I have never been upgraded or "moved up" above the original type cabin. What is your secret?

It is usually deck A to deck D etc. Have never booked inside and got a balcony

What is the draw back to rooms near the elevators? I assume its the noise factor. But just how loud is it?

I booked OV guarantee and was upgraded from Riviera to Main and the room is almost center of the ship, but close to the elevator. Opinions on this room location?

Hey GA Lady,

If is not directly beside the elevator shaft you should not hear anything. That should be a good cabin location as far as ship movement and being convenient.

IslandCruz