Carnival Cruise Line has issued a statement cancelling reservations made by guests taking advantage of extremely low-priced rates published thanks to a glitch. But not everyone is happy about the company’s explanation or their response.
What Carnival Is Saying
In a note sent to an undisclosed number of passengers, Carnival explained that “following a planned IT maintenance project… some guests saw a random display of prices that were far below any reasonable promotional fare. The reservation you made was one of them.”
As a result, the note continued, “We regret to inform you that we will not be able to honor your reservation request.” Instead, Carnival cancelled the reservations and issued refunds.
“As a gesture of our appreciation,” the note went on to say, “a non-transferable onboard credit of $100 per stateroom will be applied to your future booking if made by August 31, 2026.”
‘Their Mistake Should Not Be Your Problem!’
Needless to say, reaction from across social media was quick and harsh. “They advertised a price and you made a purchase,” commented one person on Facebook. “Their mistake should not be your problem.”
Unfortunately, this is not the first time a glitch has led to low prices which ultimately were not honored. For example, in January of 2020, Carnival Cruise Line’s website accidentally posted casino rates as if they were available to any booking passenger. Soon after, the mistake was discovered and booked cruisers had their sailings cancelled.
And in August of 2023, Carnival’s computer system accidentally began offering an incredibly discounted beverage package, those who jumped at the offer soon received notice that the line would not, in fact, be honoring the quoted price.
On the other hand, when Royal Caribbean’s system made a similar mistake — charing $18 per person per day for the drink package as opposed to the then-standard $55 — they ultimately honored the price. This came after significant public outcry which led to to them eat the loss rather than face mounting bad publicity.
Always Read Your Cruise Contract!
Of course, there’s a significant difference between a mistakenly-priced drink package and the cost of a full-blown cruise.
While many on social media believe the Carnival low price glitch should be honored, the cruise contract makes clear that is not likely to happen.
Specifically, the contract — found in its entirety here — reads as follows:
In the event that a cruise fare listed, quoted or advertised through any website, Carnival sales person, travel agent or any other source is booked but is incorrect due to an electronic error, typographical error, human error or any other error causing the fare to be listed, quoted or advertised for an amount not intended by Carnival, Carnival reserves the right to correct the erroneous fare by requesting the Guest to pay the correct fare intended (and associated fees, expenses and taxes), or by canceling the cruise in exchange for a full refund, but in no event shall Carnival be obligated to honor any such booking resulting from the error.
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