Thanks for all the info about the refundable and nonrefundable fares. I need to look at how all of that is done for Carnival. Yesterday they had the fare in a red box and said that the sale/special price ended yesterday. So if a fare is in red is that the non-refundable price? I just looked again this morning and the price is the same as yesterday, but the box is now blue. Is that the refundable price or do the colors mean something else? I also want to look to see what all there is to do at some of the ports. I haven't been to a lot of the places Carnival goes to. I saw another ship has a trip to Bonair, I'd love to go there. I know nothing about Amber Cove or Grand Turk. When I mentioned how much cheaper Carnival is than Disney(especially if we go with an OV or non-suite), my dh said we could go on 2 cruises a year if we go with Carnival, so that makes me even more excited to try them. I have a lot of research to do. I was actually surprised to see that Carnival even had cruises for 2021 for sell. Do they always have them 2 yrs out?
Generally
Early Saver is the lowest cost but comes with the most restrictions
All cancellations that occur prior to the final payment due date will receive a non-refundable and non-transferable future cruise credit in US dollars in the amount of the deposit less a $50 pp service fee. Future cruise credit must be used on a sailing within 24 months from the date of cancellation
Fun Select is the most expensive but also the most flexible
Guest selects stateroom number. Two category upgrade based on availability in like to like categories only (interior to interior, ocean view to ocean view and balcony to balcony). Free room location upgrade is not available on upper/lower, obstructed, and cove categories. Change fees are not assessed outside of the final payment window. Refundable deposit subject to cancellation penalties.
You would want to check the terms and conditions closely for whichever rate you want closely. They sometimes have other deals, and once you have sailed with them there is a past guest rate which is kind of between the full price and early saver in terms of cost, but comes with refundable deposits.
Early Saver are the words to watch for. The rate is nice because if the price comes down you can put in a request to get the better price, if it's before final payment you just only pay the new rate, if it's after you get an OBC in the amount of the difference. But you'd better be sure of your dates. It costs $50 per person to change.
As for how far out you can book... I'm always surprised
DCL doesn't show further out! RCL, NCL, Carnival, MSC have much further along schedules in general, Carnival being one of the soonest to put out their dates/itineraries.
As for ships, I'd recommend Dream class and above (Dream, Magic, Breeze, Vista, Horizon, Mardi Gras, Panorama). Sunshine and the refurbed/updated Sunrise (due to start soon) and Radiance also look quite nice. They have all the "fun stuff" like water slides, ropes courses, and of course Vista/Horizon/Panorama have the sky ride, Mardi Gras the coaster. Depending on the age of your kids, the family harbour rooms on Horizon/Mardi Gras/Vista/Panorama are pretty cool. If your kids are 12 and up then you could look at the Havana cabins which have their own pool area. But they do tend to book fast (very popular!). My son and I really enjoyed the Magic and are going on it again next March (doing southern to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Aruba and Curacao). We can't wait!
