MIAMI — Through Feb. 29 Carnival Cruise Line will waive its initial deposit requirement for group bookings, as well as offering an enhanced free cruise berth program.

Deposits are waived for group bookings on select sailings departing between August 2016 and April 2018 as part of the cruise line’s new ‘Leap Into Group Savings’ promotion.

Carnival is also offering travel agents one free cruise berth for every 10 full fare guests berthed, compared to the line’s current policy of one free cruise berth for every 15 full fare guests berthed.  As a special bonus, Carnival is offering one free cruise berth for every eight full fare guests berthed on select sailings during the promotional period.

“We appreciate all of the hard work and effort put forth by our valued travel agent partners to bring group business on board our ships and wanted to show our thanks by providing this attractive offer during one of the busiest booking periods of the year,” said Carnival’s VP of Sales & Trade Marketing, Adolfo Perez. “As with all of the initiatives that are part of our ‘Onboard with You’ trade support platform, this promotion was designed with agents’ needs in mind and includes the elements that are important to them in building lucrative group business.”

Applicable group fares start at US$229 for three- to five-day cruises and $449 for voyages of six days or longer. Certain restrictions apply. See GoCCL.com.