doublebzz

17 minutes ago, Windy56 said:

I was surprised to read that HAL was not on the fairly long list on CNN ‘s article titled “The Best Round-the-world Cruises for 2020” published today on their news feed. They seemed to list a range of price points and HAL’s absence from the list was notable to me, at least. 🤔

Can't locate the article to which you are referring.  There is a 2015 CNN piece that omits HAL and seems to focus the luxury cruise lines,

5 hours ago, rhinomike said:

 

 We are going to book a 14 day European cruise on Nieuw Statendam. It sails out of the UK on August 2nd. We will be booking 2 cabins. One for me and my wife and one for our 3 adult children. Any tips on cabin selection or any other booking tips?    

If you are talking about the Aug 2, 2020 Nieuw Statendam cruise, I see it sailing out of Amsterdam to UK and Iceland.  Like most European cruises, this cruise is port intensive with only 3 sea days.  In my opinion and because you will be in port most of the time,  cabin type is less important. Unless money is no object,  I wouldn't splurge on any cabin category above veranda. 

"Dead horses" be damned.  I find these controversial threads far more interesting and informative  than "What activities are available on Grand Turk" or "Where is the nearest liquor store from Port Everglades".  In this thread alone, I learned that Canadians are more law abiding than other nationalities, that some airlines offer PJ's to 1st class passengers and some HAL guests enjoy sipping their martinis in the Explorer's Bar dressed in bathrobes.

Billythekid and Cruisemom:   Both of you have laid out sensible and intelligent arguments for your points of view.  While I don't take sides on this issue, I appreciate your cordial and intellectual discussion of an interesting topic.

2 minutes ago, KirkNC said:

 

I agree completely on that, ship size and itinerary are most important to us.  I was just commenting on the sole aspect of loyalty perks in my previous posts, not all attributes of a line.  Part of the reason for my comments were that on the 2019 WC Orlando said repeatedly how “rich” the loyalty benefits are on HAL.  I maintain that is not true compared to some other lines using X and O as examples.

Agree.  Whiles perks are not a deciding factor in choosing my cruises, If I had to pick which line has the best perks for a 4 or 5 star equivalent I would select RCCL for the following reasons:  (1) Recognition of loyalty status across all lines (RCCL, X and Azamara); (2) four days of free internet (2 24 hour periods pp) and (3) free drinks during happy hour from about 5-8 daily.  

15 minutes ago, KirkNC said:

The number  of cruises depends on length,  the $90k is probably about right though. I have spent way more then that for 5 star status on HAL, 600 plus days.  What do I get for that?  Free laundry and priority tendering and two free Pinnacles....wow.

 

and to clarify, the free cruise is two weeks.  What’s that worth? And that does not include the $500 in OBC you get pp at that level when you book another cruise.

Yes, it does depend on the number or length of cruises.  If you took a round the world and a couple of 3
"weekers", the free cruise is a nice perk;  otherwise it requires an awful lot of brand loyalty to accrue 225 days.  As an aside, my last cruise in May was on Oceania and quite disappointing, particularly the quality of the cuisine for which "O" is noted.  Prior to that, I did a 31 night Asia cruise on Westerdam which I actually found superior.  In my humble opinion, no cruise line offers the perks that would induce me to stick to one or two cruise lines when so many other factors come into play.

On 8/23/2019 at 5:32 PM, iancal said:

Definitely like the free one week cruise after 225 days on Oceana.  Sure beats a bag of laundry, a half price dinner, and especially a medallion to hang around one's neck from HAL.

 

 

"Such a bargain"  Probably works out to at least 20 cruises and $90,000+ as a minimum.

A couple of years ago, we transported two folding bikes to our apartment in Spain.  Actually, the bikes were placed in two suitcases and never removed during the transatlantic transit.  I know this is different to your situation and the safety issue probably didn't apply.

On 8/9/2019 at 6:17 PM, Hawaiidan said:

... 

 

 

Loved the photo.  I cruised on destroyers as well and got paid for it.  Of course, the entertainment was pretty shabby and you couldn't purchase a wine/liquor package but the food was pretty decent.     

9 hours ago, SempreMare said:

Curiosity got the best of me and I finally googled "No Joy in Mudville" 

 

https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/no+joy+in+Mudville

A phrase used to describe an overall sense of sadness and/or disappointment. 

 

and the original poem by Ernest Lawrence Thayer

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45398/casey-at-the-bat

 

Great reference.    Well done, @Billthekid

Excellent metaphor because HAL has certainly "struck out" at least in the more recent past.  Interesting that none of the HAL "Cheerleaders" have come to their defense in this thread whereas a few years back you would have read numerous counter-arguments.

Visited Nha Trang last year on a Westerdam cruise.  The beach area was beautiful and I can see why the city was an R&R site for U.S. troops during the Vietnam War.  Today, the beach side hotels are crowded with Russian tourists.  I agree with Amyr that contacting a local tour guide might be your best chance for visiting the air base. 

1 hour ago, Randyk47 said:

The rules here are the rules here so we can’t recommend TAs or even specific PCCs for that matter.  We’re so concerned not to break that rule we don’t even link to our personal trip website to our TA.  If asked in private we share and we’re very pleased to do that but being able to post here takes priority.  I remember when the rule wasn’t as enforced as strictly as it is nowadays and it was not good.  

4 minutes ago, canadianbear said:

We have used a PCC, a TA and a big box store.  Our PCC got us a cabin that wasn’t available yet but obviously marked it so when it became available he grabbed it for us.  On another cruise we booked through our PCC we got a very cheap upsell.  The TA we have used several times is fantastic but can’t compete with the big box store for OBC.  

 

We vary who we book through.  If you’re new to cruising I wouldn’t recommend a big box store until you’re comfortable with all the ins and outs of pricing, cabins, OBC etc.  

So immediately after an admonition not to recommend a specific TA, we have a recommendation for "big box" store like nobody knows who poster is referring to.

On 5/15/2019 at 9:12 PM, Cruise Raider said:

Can I ask the experienced HAL cruisers a question here related to transferring of a direct booking to a TA.  

I booked with HAL earlier this week and now am looking into transferring this to a travel agency for some OBC or perks ... or whatever they may give me.  

Does the agent down at HAL that booked it for me lose any commission if I transfer a booking?  I asked her and she said, "well, you won't be able to deal directly with me anymore"....but I wasn't sure if that meant she was losing out on commission for her or not.  Depending on what an agency can give me, I am apt to choose to transfer it.  I just hate leaving money (or perks) on the table.  

 

I'm surprised no poster has jumped on the chance to respond to your question.  In many other threads where this issue came up, respondents were quick to state the HAL PCC doesn't lose any compensation.  Firstly, the fact that HAL would pay a double commission to compensate both their own employee and the TA fails the logic test.  I can tell you first hand from a close relative that is a cruise planner with a sister line of HAL that,  when a booking is transferred from the PCC to a TA, the PCC does, in fact, lose their commission.  At her company, PCC's earn a base salary but the majority of their earnings come from commissions.  Further, PCC's are advised that they could lose their jobs if they, in any way, try to dissuade a client from using a TA.  That is why the PCC you contacted limited her reply to what you quoted and didn't answer your question directly.  Probably the exception to this is the on board Future Cruise Consultant whom I  surmise  is a straight salaried employee.  

2 hours ago, Randyk47 said:

 

The airlines got smart to that practice and now will charge you after the fact for the difference.  

58 minutes ago, I_r_a said:

 

 

You can still do it.

 

Call the airline a few days before the return flight.  You might be able to get a credit.

 

Enjoy your trip.

 

Ira

So which is it - appears to be a difference of opinion?  I have employed this tactic in the past before Flight Ease which I agree offers attractive one way fares.  I would always notify the airline I was cancelling;  you then have a year to rebook the return flight.  I would just let the year run out and never heard anything more from the airline.  For those moralists who think I'm cheating, I would ask what moral or ethical justification is there for charging many times the cost of an unneeded round trip ticket for one way or the other insidious fees airlines have placed on their fares.

One factor missing in this analysis is the value of money.  $2,500 in 2002 is valued at over $3,600 in today's dollars.

1 hour ago, Tampa Girl said:

 

I have never had a HAL answer my questions when I have had a TA.  They have always refused to do so:  "You will need to ask your TA about that."

8 minutes ago, jakkojakko said:

 

Same here. They even contacted my TA to admonish them that their client contacted HAL!

Now my TA is my daughter , so she told me.

If HAL agents are salaried as many have suggested on different threads, why would they not try to be helpful and please the customer if all the customer wants is some answers to simple questions?  I understand if the issue involves some aspect of the reservation, then its appropriate to refer the customer to the TA.  Of course, the premise that HAL agents aren't compensated in some way for the booking may be incorrect and, if so,  this factor may motivate them to refer questions to the TA in all cases.

Got an email notification for this thread.

Don't believe countdown clocks have been available since the last update many months ago.  You still should get email notifications from subscribed threads - see if haven't been inadvertently logged out.

On 5/18/2019 at 12:29 PM, 3rdGenCunarder said:

I never approach a rule breaker directly. If they're rude enough to break rules, they may be rude enough to get nasty with me. 

.

 

 

I never approach a rule breaker either unless they are under 5'2" and 110 lbs

2 hours ago, wales4ever said:

Try a classic martini, then all you will taste is the alcohol.

1 hour ago, Krazy Kruizers said:

 

 

 

We order Grey Goose on the rocks and the bartenders don't even fill the shot glass to the white line -- thus you don't even get 1 ounce.

Notwithstanding the illegality, if HAL were to dilute bottled spirits, it would be a public relations disaster should this practice come out and it surely would in time. Having said that, put an once or so of gin/vodka plus a touch of vermouth and an olive in a martini glass and it will be half full.  However, after two minutes of shaking in a lot of ice, the pour comes close to the top of the glass.  Is this practice illegal - no;  is it unethical - probably not;  does it make for a diluted, unsatisfying drink - absolutely.  In fairness to HAL, this practice is widespread here in the Miami area where a martini/Manhattan averages $15 a drink.

In fairness to the OP, I can see where he might get this idea.  On my last cruise, I ordered a martini and because it was shaken so much, it tasted watery without any gin flavor.  I complained and the bartender added some gin to the drink. 

On 3/25/2019 at 10:58 AM, doublebzz said:

Also sailing in 3 weeks and am amenable to an upsell offer.  Please let us know if you receive one and I will do likewise.

Received an upsell offer yesterday exactly 2 weeks prior to sailing.  It was $700pp to upgrade from an oceanview to a balcony.  When I add the $1,400 to my original fare, it would be close to what a balcony cost initially so I turned it down.  Also, since I haven't received my cabin assignment yet, its hard to make an intelligent choice.

4 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

usually page 3 of your invoice

Yes, I see them on Page 3 of my TA invoice but nowhere on the Oceania travel documents.

Are on board credits shown anywhere in the cruise documents?

On 4/2/2019 at 5:49 PM, raye70 said:

As anyone seen the new pricing which was supposed to happen on April 1st

I suspect this is just a marketing ploy to pressure undecided customers into purchasing a cruise.