nygvic

Can someone explain the difference between the two rates?? Carnival Assigned seems to be $100-200 less regardless of what category. Is it a difference in room quality within a category (ie. Interior, balcony, etc.) of just that you dont know until they assign rather than get a choice ??

fmpden

Upfront, I am not familiar with Carnival Assigned rate BUT assume it is similar to other unassigned programs. It depends on whether or not a particular room in particular location is important or not. If it is then you pay for reserving that room. If not they will pay you (discount) for the privilege of assigning you to a room at that category. IMO the big advantage is that if all of those rooms are sold, they will have to upgrade you to a better.

For six cruises we have always selected that option with the less expensive interior cabin. On three trips were upgrade to an exterior cabin with porthole, and the last trip up to a mini suite with balcony. It is a gamble.