Officers Attending the Meet and Greet?

[kazu]

I know the whole system is so dumb. They should charge a price that everybody is willing to pay and keep it at that. I can't imagine all the manpower wasted booking rebooking canceling shore excursions dining plans every time the price drops $50 what a waste of time.

Make it one price keep it at that, and forget about $299 guy. He's buying no art, photographs or dropping 10 grand in the casino.

 

Sail with a few empty cabins and everyone who's paid full price will end up with better service.

 

Exactly. As much as I dislike celebrity they generally do have better prices further out. They do have some sell offs at the end but not like hal.

 

 

 

So does Oceania. they have deals early out like HAL used to many, many years ago. Not only that, their top cabins are usually sold out. There is a motivation to book early.

 

No upsell offers on that line very often - that's for sure. hmmm - interesting isn't it?

[serendipity1499]

.....and yet here is a post where you got special attention. It's information such as this that sets up high expectations.

 

We didn't ask for or expect this special attention at all! It just happened & for that we were all truly grateful.. But now there are many posters who EXPECT special attention & have no manners.. This saddens me!

[SilvertoGold]

So does Oceania. they have deals early out like HAL used to many, many years ago. Not only that, their top cabins are usually sold out. There is a motivation to book early.

 

No upsell offers on that line very often - that's for sure. hmmm - interesting isn't it?

 

Oceania does not have the number of ships HAL has.

 

Try filling 6 ships as opposed to 1 or 2, as on the Alaska run. Oceania sells out fast because their supply is very limited, unlike HAL's.

[kazu]

Oceania does not have the number of ships HAL has.

 

Try filling 6 ships as opposed to 1 or 2, as on the Alaska run. Oceania sells out fast because their supply is very limited, unlike HAL's.

 

True, but they do have 4 and soon to be 5 ships in their fleet. It was just an example. I don't think an Alaskan run is what most of their clients book ;)

 

but, they do offer and EBS like HAL used to. HAl didn't offer perks but they did offer a decent price where it was worth booking early. the only point I was trying to make.

[serendipity1499]

I know the whole system is so dumb. They should charge a price that everybody is willing to pay and keep it at that. I can't imagine all the manpower wasted booking rebooking canceling shore excursions dining plans every time the price drops $50 what a waste of time.

Make it one price keep it at that, and forget about $299 guy. He's buying no art, photographs or dropping 10 grand in the casino.

 

Sail with a few empty cabins and everyone who's paid full price will end up with better service.

 

IMO they should have raised the prices to keep up with inflation years ago.. We have paid the same price or less, over the past couple of years for our outside cabin that we paid 15 years ago.. Even when we checked prices 6 or 8 months out they were still low..

 

The only ship that has a higher price is the Prinsendam..

[SilvertoGold]

True, but they do have 4 and soon to be 5 ships in their fleet. It was just an example. I don't think an Alaskan run is what most of their clients book ;)

 

but, they do offer and EBS like HAL used to. HAl didn't offer perks but they did offer a decent price where it was worth booking early. the only point I was trying to make.

 

You are quite right. I think in terms of Alaska a lot because those are cool/cold cruises!!!!

[iancal]

They cannot raise the prices. Don't you think that if 'they' could raise prices they would. This is a business.

 

There is an oversupply in the market. You can be certain that if there were more cruisers than cabins available prices would rise and cruisers would be complaining about the high prices. But this is not the case. There is an overcapacity and a desire not to have an unsold seat as it were.

 

And it is not just that there are too many cruise ships for the market. Cruises compete with other forms of vacations.

Edited June 15, 2015 by iancal

[sail7seas]

IMO they should have raised the prices to keep up with inflation years ago.. We have paid the same price or less, over the past couple of years for our outside cabin that we paid 15 years ago.. Even when we checked prices 6 or 8 months out they were still low..

 

The only ship that has a higher price is the Prinsendam..

 

Have a look at the price of a Neptune Suite on Maasdam for Canada/NE and tell me it's such a bargain. ;)

 

:D

 

[Wakepatrol]

They cannot raise the prices. Don't you think that if 'they' could raise prices they would. This is a business.

 

There is an oversupply in the market. You can be certain that if there were more cruisers than cabins available prices would rise and cruisers would be complaining about the high prices. But this is not the case. There is an overcapacity and a desire not to have an unsold seat as it were.

 

And it is not just that there are too many cruise ships for the market. Cruises compete with other forms of vacations.

 

 

Yes I know this. Which equals

 

Nobody greeting me at the gangway and taking me to my cabin (as they once did)

 

Waiters that you had the time to get to know

 

Live music in the dining room every evening

 

Chocolate extravaganza

 

More daily activities

 

I'm sure I'm leaving hundreds of things out

 

Yes it's a business, unfortunately it's trending towards Walmart vs. Nordstroms

 

We're not far off from Golden Corral food and skeeter with his mouth open underneath the chocolate fountain

 

Of course when it gets to this stage, I'll be on one of those other type vacations you mentioned.

Edited June 15, 2015 by Wakepatrol

[hrhdhd]

It's dangerous to assume anything.. If you read post No. 75 which was posted by Laura, the Sr. Community Mgr. of Cruise Critic..

 

This is Point No. 2 of Laura's Post- Quote Cruise Critic does not have a contractual agreement with Holland America for them to provide official Meet & Mingle parties on board their ships for our members, as we do with other lines (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Azamara, Crystal & Silversea -- and another large line soon to be announced!). They've done so because they want to. Unquote

 

Unfortunately, not all members of Cruise Critic read the Community Guidelines.. Many of us aware of the agreement Cruise Critic has with RCCL & we are grateful when HAL does offer space & give us coffee & cookies at our Meet & Greet's.

 

I don't know what this has to do with my observation. I wasn't talking about the mere offering of a M&G; I was mentioning the generosity of Royal Caribbean to give out such an amount of freebies. That RC works with CC to offer a M&G doesn't suggest to me that RC is on the hook for hundreds or thousands of (retail) dollars of freebies. The only link I see is that people are able to sign up through CC for the M&G and the information is shared with the cruise line.

 

And, I am not sure I am grateful to HAL for offering space (which we could have anyway) and coffee and cookies (which are available elsewhere).

[sppunk]

Yes I know this. Which equals

 

Nobody greeting me at the gangway and taking me to my cabin (as they once did)

 

Waiters that you had the time to get to know

 

Live music in the dining room every evening

 

Chocolate extravaganza

 

More daily activities

 

I'm sure I'm leaving hundreds of things out

 

Yes it's a business, unfortunately it's trending towards Walmart vs. Nordstroms

 

We're not far off from Golden Corral food and skeeter with his mouth open underneath the chocolate fountain

 

Of course when it gets to this stage, I'll be on one of those other type vacations you mentioned.

 

Or sail a line that still offers these. Seabourne, Regent, Crystal, etc. Take your pick.

[SunLakesBob]

Oceania does not have the number of ships HAL has.

 

Try filling 6 ships as opposed to 1 or 2, as on the Alaska run. Oceania sells out fast because their supply is very limited, unlike HAL's.

 

Basic business - supply and demand. Limited supply high demand - raise the price.

[SunLakesBob]

Or sail a line that still offers these. Seabourne, Regent, Crystal, etc. Take your pick.

 

Your get what you pay for! Nothing is free, yet many folks expect free.

[cruz chic]

We didn't ask for or expect this special attention at all! It just happened & for that we were all truly grateful.. But now there are many posters who EXPECT special attention & have no manners.. This saddens me!

 

I've said this many times already. When you say you got this or that it sets up unreasonable expectations. Some people will think if she got that I want that too. If you get something special I just don't understand why people need to post it on a Internet forum. Hal will likely be very reluctant to do these things because they get announced to the world. Nowhere in my post did I say you asked or expected it. Please stop adding to what I post.

[cruz chic]

Have a look at the price of a Neptune Suite on Maasdam for Canada/NE and tell me it's such a bargain. ;)

 

:D

 

 

The only "bargains" are at the last minute. I don't think $4000 for the lowest balcony for a 2 week caribbean cruise is a bargain either.

[agabbymama]

I don't know what this has to do with my observation. I wasn't talking about the mere offering of a M&G; I was mentioning the generosity of Royal Caribbean to give out such an amount of freebies. That RC works with CC to offer a M&G doesn't suggest to me that RC is on the hook for hundreds or thousands of (retail) dollars of freebies. The only link I see is that people are able to sign up through CC for the M&G and the information is shared with the cruise line.

 

And, I am not sure I am grateful to HAL for offering space (which we could have anyway) and coffee and cookies (which are available elsewhere).

 

RC may not be obligated to give the freebies, but they know if they have at least 25 signed up for M&G and treat those folks to an array of gifts, crew members run the M&G, photos may be taken & sold, that by word of mouth, they will be enhancing their reputation, more folks might cruise RC and spend more money. I think that RC knows which side their bread is buttered on.

 

I have no idea why the partnership of CC with RC and her sister companies works, and it's too bad other cruiselines don't join the bandwagon, but it's their choice. You would think Carnival branded companies would join the parade, but maybe the contract with RC prevents that. We aren't privy to the terms of the contract with RC & CC.

 

I'm always grateful for any perks or freebies given to me by the cruiseline. Even if it's just a 1 cabin upgrade or a free drink or a place to hold a M&G. I don't book because of the freebies, I book because I like the itinerary and price of any given cruise. Happy travels to all!

[Hlitner]

Just an observation that HAL cruisers (and we are in that category) are strange :). DW and I have cruised on 14 cruise lines, follow many of the cruise line blogs here on CC, etc. etc. But it is only on the HAL site where folks argue about officers at the Meet and Greet, silly Medallions (and yes, we have 2), Medallion ceremonies, what folks are allows to say or not say at M and Gs, etc. It is only on HAL cruises where we have met (and heard) folks demeaning those who "has never taken at least 2 World Cruises," "does not always book suites," or (heaven forbid) does not book with the "proper cruise agency (which is located in the Northwest USA)" Perhaps we should start a new thread called "HAL snobbery" or something in that vein :).

 

Hank

Edited June 15, 2015 by Hlitner

[Wakepatrol]

Just an observation that HAL cruisers (and we are in that category) are strange :). DW and I have cruised on 14 cruise lines, follow many of the cruise line blogs here on CC, etc. etc. But it is only on the HAL site where folks argue about officers at the Meet and Greet, silly Medallions (and yes, we have 2), Medallion ceremonies, what folks are allows to say or not say at M and Gs, etc. It is only on HAL cruises where we have met (and heard) folks demeaning those who "has never taken at least 2 World Cruises," "does not always book suites," or (heaven forbid) does not book with the "proper cruise agency (which is located in the Northwest USA)" Perhaps we should start a new thread called "HAL snobbery" or something in that vein :).

 

Hank

 

 

You forgot one...wears expensive sandals:p

[sail7seas]

Your get what you pay for! Nothing is free, yet many folks expect free.

 

Not everyone on the ship is paying a very low fare. Sometimes you don't get what you pay for. I am not saying I necessarily feel that way in this instance but there certainly have been times we paid for a deluxe dinner in a fine restaurant and got a very disappointing meal.

 

You do not always get what you pay for.

 

[HokiePoq]

RC may not be obligated to give the freebies, but they know if they have at least 25 signed up for M&G and treat those folks to an array of gifts, crew members run the M&G, photos may be taken & sold, that by word of mouth, they will be enhancing their reputation, more folks might cruise RC and spend more money. I think that RC knows which side their bread is buttered on.

 

I have no idea why the partnership of CC with RC and her sister companies works, and it's too bad other cruiselines don't join the bandwagon, but it's their choice. You would think Carnival branded companies would join the parade, but maybe the contract with RC prevents that. We aren't privy to the terms of the contract with RC & CC.

 

I'm always grateful for any perks or freebies given to me by the cruiseline. Even if it's just a 1 cabin upgrade or a free drink or a place to hold a M&G. I don't book because of the freebies, I book because I like the itinerary and price of any given cruise. Happy travels to all!

 

Exactly. It's good PR and marketing. Much the same applies to higher level gatherings (on any line) which recognize repeat customers. Money in the bank compared to recruiting new customers.

[sail7seas]

deleted

changed my mind

Edited June 15, 2015 by sail7seas

[Hlitner]

You forgot one...wears expensive sandals:p

 

I resemble that remark :):eek:

[sail7seas]

.... or resent it. :D

 

[cruisemom42]

I've never experienced terrible behavior that some have mentioned at a M&G, but most of the ones I've attended have been small. I can certainly see why a cruise line might consider whether it is worth it to send officers to such a group if they can expect to have to run a gauntlet of complaints and/or demands from the attendees.

 

At the same time, I feel a little uneasy at the post(s) suggesting officers don't need to have a presence at any of these events. For the navigational officers, perhaps this is true -- but for those involved in passenger satisfaction (hotel, food and beverage), I'd think they are missing out on opportunities to hear from passengers on the good AND the bad.

 

Although it is unpleasant to hear complaints, when the complaints tend to be repeated cruise after cruise by different passengers, perhaps it is a real issue and needs to be addressed.

 

Like everything in this world, some people will like and appreciate the opportunity to interact with the staff and officers onboard cruise lines. It is certainly a very long maritime tradition. I know my parents have enjoyed it. While I never go out of my way to have these interactions, it makes me feel good to notice that the ship officers are out and about talking to people, "taking the temperature" of the cruise, as it were.....

[serendipity1499]

I've never experienced terrible behavior that some have mentioned at a M&G, but most of the ones I've attended have been small. SNIP

 

Although it is unpleasant to hear complaints, when the complaints tend to be repeated cruise after cruise by different passengers, perhaps it is a real issue and needs to be addressed.

 

Like everything in this world, some people will like and appreciate the opportunity to interact with the staff and officers onboard cruise lines. It is certainly a very long maritime tradition. I know my parents have enjoyed it. While I never go out of my way to have these interactions, it makes me feel good to notice that the ship officers are out and about talking to people, "taking the temperature" of the cruise, as it were.....

Well it's too late now... It's done! I repeat Complaints & Discussions about Private Tours should never have been voiced at Meet & Greets.. It is Rude!

 

But now this discussion is of no consequence, because HAL has notified their Ships staff that No Senior Officers are to attend any of these meetings..

 

The following was posted at 1:40 today by Classicwhaler: Quote HAL says no ship officers at Meet & Greets!!!

 

Blast from the Maasdam on Monday, June 15, 2015. Had our official Cruise Critic Meet and Greet this morning, without ANY Maasdam senior staff in attendance. Got a call last evening from Event Manager Rob Loeub telling me that due to a corporate mandate from HAL, no member of the Maasdam staff would be in attendance for this or ANY Cruise Critic Meet and Greet aboard HAL ships. WOW! What happened? Unquote

 

It's a crying shame that a few ruined it for all of us! :mad:

 

P.S. Walt closed that other thread..