Hi Teemojo, The second is true. We put down our deposit and other deposits were due two to three weeks after ours. We went with a travel agency from the beginning. It appears to be some kind of unspoken courtesy that the travel agents ask for deposits extensions and they received them.. We received about 4 extensions in total. What I would suggest is that you, if you decide to do it by yourself, is to send out an email or letter (save the date) to your guests. Inform them of the dates and payment information, with a due date. When planning the due date, factor inn when you and your FI plan to make your deposit and two weeks after that.. so let's say you pay to make your deposit on February 28, the guest due date will be March 14, 2012. If you send that information out by February1, 2012 you give them a month and two weeks to get their money together and you are adhering to Carnivals guideline. (still do this if you have a travel agent so people don't feel pressure by a short turn around) If you need a travel agent who you won't intimidate, let me know. Mine deals with the cruise stuff on a regular basis, so she knows her stuff.