As part of a new travel agent promotion, Carnival Cruise Lines is waiving its initial deposit requirement for group bookings, as well as offering an enhanced free cruise berth program, through April 30, 2014.

Through the new promotion, no initial deposit will be required for group bookings on sailings departing between November 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015.

In addition, Carnival is offering travel agents one free cruise berth for every 10 full fare guests berthed, compared to the 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 West Coast sailings of three or four days in length.

“We’re always looking for ways to give travel agents a boost in building their lucrative group business and agents have told us that waiving the initial deposit would be an excellent way to incentivize their clients,” said Mike Julius, Carnival’s senior managing director of U.S. sales. “Our special free cruise berth program also provides agents with even greater selling opportunities, particularly on our value-packed short cruise departures from the West Coast.”

Group fares applicable to this promotion, which are available between now and April 30, 2014, begin at $229 for three- to five-day cruises and $449 for voyages of six-days or longer. Certain restrictions apply.