I'm glad to hear you will be changing things to your satisfaction with the cruise date. Of course, you'll also be changing some other things too! In that regard, I urge you to look at getting a Diaper Genie.
Casanova-Our warmest congratulations and best of wishes to you, your wife and your family. We all look forward to having another member in our cruise-chat community!
You should have little trouble in transferring your reservations to another cruise or in cancelling your existing reservation. Any new reservation will result in your paying the existing rate at the time of booking! We have had to do this a number of times over the years and never had a problem!
Best Wishes,
BillyBuzzy
For Dave: Didn't the "Diaper Genie" once sail out of the Western Caribbean for the old Packette Lines???
Getting back on topic, and to answer Casanova's #3 question. I think the #2 has been answered (no pun intended). It is best to book as early as possible. You have the best cabin selection and you are protected for price drops up until the final payment date. Carnival has recently been going beyond that in some instances.