Group booking vs. individual booking -- prices

From VacationsToGo:

I believe it would be a good idea to post something about the difference between bookings into a group vs. lowest individual fare especially since Carnival is advertizing their “early saver” rates which are very attractive but they also come with strict requirements, such as:


1.) A full non-refundable/non-transferable per person deposit is required at time of booking. ($200 per person for a 5-night sailing)

2.) There is a $50 service fee per person applicable on ship and/or sail date changes outside of standard penalty.

3.) Not combinable with any other promotional offer, for example group amenity points (on-board cabin credit).

4.) Name changes are not permitted (in other words, you cannot transfer this booking to anyone, not even to change cabin-mates).

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It has been my experience for the past 4 years that VacationsToGo will give us absolutely the lowest fare available with the most flexibility. Flexibility includes:
-- being able to cancel your reservation without a penalty (up to a certain date)
-- being able to change cabin-mates (several times, if need be)
-- being able to pay $50 down (as opposed to the $200 directly with Carnival)
-- no extra "service" fee, but instead an "on-board" cabin credit

With that being said, the rates quoted for this cruise will be the best price offered all around for our "group".

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Here is more info from the rep at VTG concerning the price differences in what you see online vs what are group rates are (the parentheses are mine):

There are two very important factors about the lower rates being offered by Carnival on this ship throughout the month.

The most important issue is that I cannot price protect these rates. We cannot build a group on the rates shown (by Carnival) and they are subject to change everyday and partial deposits cannot be made (group rate CAN make partial deposits).

Secondly we cannot get you meeting space on the ship with these rates (individually, ONLY groups can book meeting space). And last point but also very important - these rates (Carnival online rates) come with a fully non-refundable/non-transferable per person deposit. Anyone booking with these rates will lose their deposit if they have to cancel.