In what might be the best thing to happen since the ability to put Christmas gifts on layaway, Carnival Cruise Lines has launched a new program that will make it easier for passengers to pay for their upcoming trips. It’s an industry first, but we can’t help suspecting that other lines will follow suit, because the idea is just that good.
How It Works
The program, dubbed EasyPay, basically allows passengers to pay off their cruise in three payments. When you book a cruise and pay the initial deposit, the rest of your balance is divided into thirds which are then automatically charged to your credit card of record on the same designated day over the following three months. Of course, guests don’t have to take advantage of the program, but for those who opt to, it’s an easy way to make sure that they don’t miss payment deadlines.
“A Carnival cruise is already the most affordable and value-packed vacation there is,” says the line’s president, Christine Duffy, “and with EasyPay, we’re making budgeting and paying for a cruise even easier and more convenient. Rather than having to remember to pay for their cruise, [EasyPay] provides guests with peace of mind knowing that their payment is being processed automatically. Carnival EasyPay certainly lives up to its name!”
Why It’s A Win/Win
Of course, this also has a major upside for Carnival. If, for example, you book the trip a year in advance, it will be paid for three months later… and that means the money goes into the cruise line’s interest-bearing bank accounts much sooner than it would if you waited until the final payment date.
In order to take part in the free program, your cruise must be booked at least 90 days before the final payment date, and the sailing must be eligible for a deposit payment. (In other words, this option won’t be available if you’re someone who likes to take advantage of pack-and-go opportunities at the last minute!)
Passengers can opt out of the payment plan on the Carnival website, but it’s important to note that doing so does not actually cancel your cruise, only your participation in EasyPay. All three of the monthly charges will be made to the same card, and the usual cancellation policies remain in effect. And if you upgrade or change your room selection, remaining payments will be automatically adjusted to reflect the amount of money still owed.
For more information on the EasyPay program, click here.
Is EasyPay something you will take advantage of in the future? Do you think other cruise lines should adopt similar policies?
4 Responses
I would not be one to opt for this. I typically book my cruises a year out. I prefer to make monthly payments via my booking agent to the cruise line. This enables me to have multiple cruises (currently have 10) scheduled and get them done without impacting my savings. I am able to pay for them out of my monthly budget with no stress. Three monthly payments would not be a good option for me. Can you imagine what the total of those payments would be if I did that? Currently I am paying around $750 a month for 10 cruises.. works much better for me. I don’t allow any interest charges on my credit card, I get cashback for these purchases on my credit card, and I don’t deplete my savings.. I call it a win win for me! Also, I don’t think its a good idea to make the final payment on the cruise prior to the day it is due. Why should the cruiseline get the interest on that money because you paid it so early… nope, I’ll keep it thanks..
Not really seeing this as the great idea it’s being reported as. If you have a good travel agent, then you don’t have to worry about missing payments anyway. Plus, the payments can be more frequent (which many of my clients ask for), and it’s easier to change payment type. What happens if your credit card gets hacked and when it comes time for an auto payment, the card you have on file is declined? Is Carnival going to call the passenger repeatedly to make sure the payment gets taken care of? This has happened with my clients more than once, and each time I was able to make sure they had no issues. I’m not saying it’s a bad program, just not as good as making sure you have a great travel agent working on your behalf!
I agree. I like monthly payments. I do not put my Cruises on a credit card I use my Debt card. It also allow me to make big payment one month or smaller payment another month. As long as I get it paid off by finnaly payment day.
haven’t had a problem so far. Book a cruise a year to a year and a half out. Sent payments in every so often making the final payment about a month before the cruise.
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