Explore 4 Perk

[maryandmarge]

In checking for a future cruise I noticed the Explore 4 promotion they are offering. The beverage package says it covers drinks up to $9. Does that include the cost of the tip they automatically add? Also does anyone know the costs of the frozen drinks like Mudslides or Strawberry Daiquiri. Just wondered if they are reasonable enough to be included in this pricing. When we were on NCL their max amount was $15 a drink. But if you went over that we were told they would only charge you for the difference. I read somewhere in a post that on Holland if the drink is over $9 they will charge you the full cost of the drink and the tip not just the cost over the $9. Trying to decide if this a a promotion that is worth it for us or not. Thanks in advance for any input you can give us....

[airboss1998]

There are a lot of threads that cover Explore 4. Hopefully you can find your answer.

 

I only wanted to throw out that you can book without Explore 4, and save a considerable amount of money. While we were tempted, we were able to save $950 and not take the ‘perk’.

[POA1]

Yes. You just look at the beverage menu and anything up to and including $9.00 is covered. No need to worry about the gratuity. Explore 4 covers it.

[cavecreekguy]

And yes, if the cost of your beverage exceeds $9 you have to pay the full cost of the beverage.

[maryandmarge]

Thanks so much for the responses - I'll definitely look into the cost with the promotion and weigh out options since we really aren't big drinkers...Safe travels to all

[Bella0714]

I don’t understand how they can call this a perk. A perk is something you get for free, not something that, if you add up its value, magically costs about the same as the upsell they’re charging. How do these cruise lines get away with this? We just booked a HAL cruise for 2020 that, when you include the OBC credit that the booking company gave us, is $3,000 cheaper than the price for two with the Explore4 “perk.”

[Fouremco]

I don’t understand how they can call this a perk. A perk is something you get for free, not something that, if you add up its value, magically costs about the same as the upsell they’re charging. How do these cruise lines get away with this? We just booked a HAL cruise for 2020 that, when you include the OBC credit that the booking company gave us, is $3,000 cheaper than the price for two with the Explore4 “perk.”

While some posters on CC may use the term "perk", I've only seen HAL use "offer(s)" and "promo(s)/promotion(s)". Whether or not the promotion is of value to you depends on many factors, but in our case, rebooking under the promotion resulted in a lower cost than keeping the original booking and buying the beverage package. YMMV.

 

Here are the terms and conditions for the current Explore 4 promo, with nary a mention of "perk(s)":

 

Explore4 Terms And Conditions

 

Fares and Explore4 offers are based on Promo(s) NX/NP/UU. Featured fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise or Land+Sea Journeys only. Fares are in Canadian dollars. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are additional and range from $106.25 to $1,606.25. Subject to availability. Offers are per stateroom based on double occupancy, for 1st and 2nd guests sharing a stateroom and excludes 3rd/4th guests, except as provided herein. Offers are available for new bookings only, apply only to the cruise portion of Alaska Land+Sea Journeys, are not combinable with any other discounts and are not transferable or refundable. Offers are applicable on select 2018-2020 sailings.

 

Signature Beverage Package has a daily limit of 15 beverages, which includes all beverages priced at US$9.00 or lower. Guests must order beverages one at a time and must be 21 years or older for alcoholic beverages. Sharing is not permitted. Beverage management reserves the right to revoke the package if misused and refuse service for any reason, including service of alcoholic beverages to intoxicated guests. Package excludes purchases made in Signature Shops, Mini Bar and In Room Dining, or beverages on Half Moon Cay.

 

Pinnacle Grill dinner: Guests receive one dinner per person. Reservations and dining times will be assigned and a confirmation card will be placed in your stateroom upon embarkation day. Offer excludes Specialty Dining Events in the Pinnacle Grill such as Le Cirque, De Librije, Master Chef’s Table and Sommelier Dinner.

 

Free or reduced fares for 3rd/4th guests are based on sharing a stateroom with 1st and 2nd guests, valid on select sailings, and are based on Promo NS.

 

Reduced Deposit is valid for new bookings only. Bookings made on voyages requiring immediate final payment are not eligible for a reduced deposit.

 

Suite offer: Onboard Spending Money is US$100 per guest (US$200 per suite) is non-refundable, transferable, not for cash value, expires at the end of that cruise, and may not be used in the casino. Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. Explore4 offers end November 19, 2018.

 

Ships' Registry: The Netherlands.

[Bella0714]

You don’t think there’s an implication that they’re giving you something?

[Fouremco]

You don’t think there’s an implication that they’re giving you something?

Giving? No. They are offering you something at a reduced price and you always have the option of booking without the promotion. None of the wording implies, at least to me, that they are giving you the drink package, Pinnacle dinner, etc., as a freebie.

[RocketMan275]

You don’t think there’s an implication that they’re giving you something?

Of course, they want you to think they are. Ask any salesman, the surest way to make a deal is to convince someone they're getting something for free.

[RocketMan275]

While some posters on CC may use the term "perk", I've only seen HAL use "offer(s)" and "promo(s)/promotion(s)". Whether or not the promotion is of value to you depends on many factors, but in our case, rebooking under the promotion resulted in a lower cost than keeping the original booking and buying the beverage package. YMMV.

 

A Veranda on Nieuw Amsterdam leaving FLL on 11 Nov 2018 $648 PP. (w/o $xplore4)

A Veranda on Nieuw Amsterdam leaving FLL on 10 Nov 2019 $1191 PP. (w/ $xplore4)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Years ago when HAL first started the Explore4 promotion, fares were not increased and the promotion was well worth it -- it was a perk then.

Now -- many find it not worth it.

[DeeniEncinitas]

Years ago when HAL first started the Explore4 promotion, fares were not increased and the promotion was well worth it -- it was a perk then.

Now -- many find it not worth it.

 

KK is so right!! I remember that so well.

Denise 😊