While the flood of discount cruises is a big plus for budget-conscious travelers seeking a terrific deal, the downside is worrying that the fare won’t decrease further after you’ve booked your cruise.  And, boarding the ship to discover that a fellow passenger sailing in the same cabin category paid less than you did is very upsetting indeed. 

Previously, only Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara issued refunds to eagle-eyed cruisers who asked for a price reduction because the cruise line lowered fares after the cruise was booked. 

So it’s very good news that Carnival Cruise Lines is launching ”Early Saver Rates” a program that provides rate protection if fares later drop below what the cruiser paid.  You don’t have to wait until the last minute to be assured of a good deal. 

For example,  if you book a Carnival stateroom for $800 but several months later same category of stateroom is sold for $700, the cruise line will issue you an on-board credit for the difference, $100. The lower fare must be for the same ship, sailing date, stateroom category and number of guests.  Starting January 12, 2009, Early Saver Fares are 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.   Early Saver fares include all stateroom types, including suites.

I asked Willie Fernandez, Director of Marketing at World Travel Holdings (CruisesOnly, Cruises.com, Cruise411) what he thought of Carnival’s program.

“I like this program because cruisers often feel that by waiting until the last minute they will get the very best deal.  Carnival’s program not only guarantees them the best price, but it also allows the consumer to book far enought in advance to get the ideal cabin location on the ship.  When you wait until the last minute, many times triples and quads are gone.  And, many families want adjoining cabins, which are also gone when you book at the last minute,” he says.

There’s one catch: Carnival won’t automatically lower your fare should the cruise line offer additional price reductions. It’s your  responsibility to track fares and, if the cruise lines reduces prices for the same category stateroom, request a price adjustment by obtaining a rate protection form and filing it directly with Carnival (your travel agent can do this for you).   And, you must specifically book an Early Saver rate to qualify.    

However, even though it involves a bit of work on the cruiser’s part, it’s good news to have a rate protection program that takes the anxiety out of booking a cruise when discounts fluctuate daily.  And it means that you can book an Alaska cruise now without worrying about cruise fares falling (which they seem to be doing lately).