Best Travel Agencies for HAL Good Pricing/Perks

[keeponcruising]

4 hours ago, kantonburg said:

 

I meant to ask you.  What state room were you in ?  We're in 1028 and my wife asked the PCC about obstructed views and she said there were none.  I was playing with their site just now and using an ocean view room I had the option to selecting Fully Obstructed, Partial, or Ocean view.

 

If we're on the main deck where does the window look out to?

 

Thanks

We were in 1173 and I think that was a great location to get on the elevator.  Our view out the window was unobstructed.  When we returned to port on Sunday, they were loading the provisions by fork lift right under our window. 

 

What are the ages of the 5 you plan to have in the cabin?  Are you still considering it?  It will be tight.  Get a family retreat cabana if you do.  I think that will help out.

[kantonburg]

We were in 1173 and I think that was a great location to get on the elevator.  Our view out the window was unobstructed.  When we returned to port on Sunday, they were loading the provisions by fork lift right under our window. 
 
What are the ages of the 5 you plan to have in the cabin?  Are you still considering it?  It will be tight.  Get a family retreat cabana if you do.  I think that will help out.

Ages will be 70,41,39,17, & 9.

We're keeping for now. Currently the price of the cruise is just too much to split up. I know sleeping will be tight, but we're used to that when camping. I'm still looking for something that splits up the room.

Is the cabana rental for the entire week?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[keeponcruising]

1 hour ago, kantonburg said:

Ages will be 70,41,39,17, & 9.

We're keeping for now. Currently the price of the cruise is just too much to split up. I know sleeping will be tight, but we're used to that when camping. I'm still looking for something that splits up the room.

Is the cabana rental for the entire week?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 

Yes!

[Randyk47]

5 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

Make that four.  My PCC told me the same.

 

Make that five or whatever number we’re up to.

[doublebzz]

2 hours ago, Randyk47 said:

 

Make that five or whatever number we’re up to.

It would appear that HAL PCC's work on a different compensation system than Carnival's PCC's.  Perhaps they are on a straight salary system as it doesn't seem logical that HAL would pay commission to both TA's and their in-house salespeople.  I bring this issue up not to pry into the personal business of PCC's but know from my friend's often frustration when he works with a client for a long time and then loses his commission because the booking was cancelled or transferred.  Accordingly, I would be extremely reluctant tor transfer a booking I initiated with a Carnival PCC but, given the multiple assurances contained in this thread, I would feel comfortable doing so with a HAL PCC. 

[Randyk47]

7 hours ago, doublebzz said:

It would appear that HAL PCC's work on a different compensation system than Carnival's PCC's.  Perhaps they are on a straight salary system as it doesn't seem logical that HAL would pay commission to both TA's and their in-house salespeople.  I bring this issue up not to pry into the personal business of PCC's but know from my friend's often frustration when he works with a client for a long time and then loses his commission because the booking was cancelled or transferred.  Accordingly, I would be extremely reluctant tor transfer a booking I initiated with a Carnival PCC but, given the multiple assurances contained in this thread, I would feel comfortable doing so with a HAL PCC. 

 

Again my HAL PCC was very clear about being salaried and not commissioned.  Basically he gave me what I considered the “corporate spin” that his job was to help me find the best cruise and cabin based on our conversation and his view of our previous HAL cruises not sell me the longest cruise or most expensive cabin.  He was clear a booking was a booking and he got credit for that booking regardless of what happened subsequently.   As an aside I’m sure HAL is more than happy when a booking stays in house and they avoid paying a commission to an external TA.   

[richwmn]

4 minutes ago, Randyk47 said:

He was clear a booking was a booking and he got credit for that booking regardless of what happened subsequently.

The only difference from my PCC is that it has to be a completed cruise. Which to me makes sense. A booking that is cancelled doesn't count.

[Randyk47]

1 hour ago, richwmn said:

The only difference from my PCC is that it has to be a completed cruise. Which to me makes sense. A booking that is cancelled doesn't count.

 

We didn’t get into that level of detail but that makes sense to me too.   He did say something like “complete booking” which I think could complete cruise.  

[RocketMan275]

I booked a cruise through a PCC and later transferred that cruise to a TA.  

Just not sure why I would do that again.  I just didn't see any value to using the PCC when I knew, in advance, I would transfer to a TA.  

Perhaps that's because I'm very happy with my TA who gives at least as good a service as a PCC.

BTW, I do not use a large, internet TA.  My TA is a two person 'franchise' that is also a top producer for affiliation.  She's been in business for many, many years and, near as I can tell, often used by CC posters.  When she answers my calls, it's by my first name.  I often get email responses after normal business  hours.

[iancal]

I do not understand that either.  Why book with a PCC with the intention of transferring the booking to a TA?  Is there a financial or other benefit to dealing with the PCC?

[richwmn]

50 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

I booked a cruise through a PCC and later transferred that cruise to a TA.  

Just not sure why I would do that again.  I just didn't see any value to using the PCC when I knew, in advance, I would transfer to a TA.  

Perhaps that's because I'm very happy with my TA who gives at least as good a service as a PCC.

BTW, I do not use a large, internet TA.  My TA is a two person 'franchise' that is also a top producer for affiliation.  She's been in business for many, many years and, near as I can tell, often used by CC posters.  When she answers my calls, it's by my first name.  I often get email responses after normal business  hours.

 

10 minutes ago, iancal said:

I do not understand that either.  Why book with a PCC with the intention of transferring the booking to a TA?  Is there a financial or other benefit to dealing with the PCC?

If you are happy booking with a Travel Agency, by all means do so. I am not trying to get you to change your ways.

For me, I like having a point of contact at HAL. I have had more luck in getting what I want when I deal with my PCC. She gets everything worked out the the point that the TA doesn't have to do anything but take the payment. This is very good in the case of the Big Box where you talk to someone different each time you call.

I will admit that 2 of the travel agents I have worked with at other agencies were very good and I would consider an initial booking with either of them if I didn't already have the PCC that I have.

And BTW, my PCC answers my calls with my first name as well

 

 

[Fouremco]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

I booked a cruise through a PCC and later transferred that cruise to a TA.  

Just not sure why I would do that again.  I just didn't see any value to using the PCC when I knew, in advance, I would transfer to a TA.  

Perhaps that's because I'm very happy with my TA who gives at least as good a service as a PCC.

BTW, I do not use a large, internet TA.  My TA is a two person 'franchise' that is also a top producer for affiliation.  She's been in business for many, many years and, near as I can tell, often used by CC posters.  When she answers my calls, it's by my first name.  I often get email responses after normal business  hours.

 

22 minutes ago, iancal said:

I do not understand that either.  Why book with a PCC with the intention of transferring the booking to a TA?  Is there a financial or other benefit to dealing with the PCC?

I asked the same question in another thread and received a number of good responses.

 

 

[Hawaiidan]

44 minutes ago, iancal said:

I do not understand that either.  Why book with a PCC with the intention of transferring the booking to a TA?  Is there a financial or other benefit to dealing with the PCC?

 

YES......but  only for HAL

 

A personal cruise consultant is an employee of HAL, gets a salary that is not commission.  Their job is to sell and get the best possible return or profit for HAL    Along the line if they can make you feel good so much the better... but they are working for the company   not you, no matter how sweet and buddy buddy they  are.  Its a well rehearsed sales technique, just like any salesman.

Edited April 4, 2019 by Hawaiidan

[DaveOKC]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

I booked a cruise through a PCC and later transferred that cruise to a TA.  

Just not sure why I would do that again.  I just didn't see any value to using the PCC when I knew, in advance, I would transfer to a TA.  

Perhaps that's because I'm very happy with my TA who gives at least as good a service as a PCC.

BTW, I do not use a large, internet TA.  My TA is a two person 'franchise' that is also a top producer for affiliation.  She's been in business for many, many years and, near as I can tell, often used by CC posters.  When she answers my calls, it's by my first name.  I often get email responses after normal business  hours.

I agree with you - not sure I understand why not just book with the TA or Big Box in the first place, instead of getting the PCC involved??

[Randyk47]

36 minutes ago, iancal said:

I do not understand that either.  Why book with a PCC with the intention of transferring the booking to a TA?  Is there a financial or other benefit to dealing with the PCC?

 

I didn't find any advantage in booking with a PCC, on HAL or any other line, so deal directly with my TA.  It's not like after 20+ years of cruising that I have a lot of questions or require much assistance.  Occasionally I'll ask about things like cruise line airfares but not often as I usually research things like airfares/airlines, private transfers, private tours, pre and post cruise hotels, etc., here and on other Internet sources and book those independently from the cruise line.   For me, and actually my wife, it comes from years and years of extensive business travel.  Neither of us was high enough up that we could just dial up a secretary or assistant and tell them to arrange our travel so we both got very used to doing it all.  We're also both planners by profession and personality.  We assume nothing and go largely by "trust but verify" in arranging our travel.  We like and want that kind of control. 

 

[Cruising-along]

4 hours ago, richwmn said:

The only difference from my PCC is that it has to be a completed cruise. Which to me makes sense. A booking that is cancelled doesn't count.

The exact words my PCC used were "I get credit as long as you take the cruise and don't cancel after transferring." 

[Hawaiidan]

5 minutes ago, DaveOKC said:

I agree with you - not sure I understand why not just book with the TA or Big Box in the first place, instead of getting the PCC involved??

Its very simple...your agent can get more from HAL if he initiates the contact.   He talks to a very different level of representative that you wont get to talk to...

[ottahand7]

This thread (along with many others on CC) has been so helpful.   After reading all of the options to book through I decided to give the big box store and the hotel loyalty programs a look.   The hotel loyalty program offered nothing.  

We were looking to book a Fall 2020 Canada Maritime cruise.  Nothing much on HA website even with Private Sale?Early Booking.   Big box was the winner $830 OB credit + $200 from HA, PG dinner, reduced 100% refund deposit + Signature BP.  Chose a NS on the Zaandam that doesn't have that many.    I had always used my elderly friend who dabbled in retirement at her past cruise specialist work.  After dropping the ball by being busy traveling herself I made the switch.  It really pays to look around.  Thanks again! 

[iancal]

Not certain what has to be 'worked out'.  We call our TA. We deal with an on line agency and only deal with her unless it is off hours when someone else is covering for her.  

 

We tell her what we want.  She gives us a written quote with the OBC noted etc.   We  call her back and provide our credit card data.  Done.  We only deal with one person.  It takes all of about five minutes max per call.

 

We don't need the warm and fuzzies.  Just the booking and the OBC.

 

Two benefits that we like.....she sometimes gives us other client's recent feedback on the ship AND more than once she has told us about either a considerably better offer on a competing cruise line or,  that we should wait a few days because she knows the price is going down.  The latter matters to us since we typically book inside the final payment window.  On one occasion we called her a week before final payment.  She was able to determine that there was lots of unsold cabins net of guarantees.   We cancelled and  asked her to re book us a week or two later, inside the final payment window, whenever the price went down.  She did and this provided us with a substantial savings.  I cannot imagine a PCC doing either of these.

Edited April 4, 2019 by iancal

[VermeulT]

On 4/3/2019 at 6:45 PM, *Miss G* said:

 

 

Well that’s interesting.  I wonder why?  I know on the old site I wouldn’t get the emails but if I logged in I could see whether an itinerary was a private fare, or not, by the green lettering stating it was.  Then with the new site I also started getting emails.

 

Two things pop into my mind when I ponder this.  

1.  I don’t recall getting the private sale emails when I have a cruise booked.  (Which is silly because I am always looking for my next cruise.)

2.  Perhaps your private sale emails go straight to your junk mailbox and that’s why you don’t see them?

I don't get offers - email or snail mail and I've all but asked for them (I will call tomorrow to inquire why).

[Hlitner]

2 hours ago, VermeulT said:

I don't get offers - email or snail mail and I've all but asked for them (I will call tomorrow to inquire why).

We get "private sail" e-mails and snail mails.  They are always more expensive then simply booking with any of our favored cruise agencies...who will usually give us about 10% of the cruise fare in OBCs.  Not sure we could ever like a PCC enough to give up 10%....

 

Hank

[CM1984]

On 4/7/2019 at 8:42 PM, VermeulT said:

I don't get offers - email or snail mail and I've all but asked for them (I will call tomorrow to inquire why).

 

I never have either, I'm calling HAL tomorrow.  We have only cruised HAL 5 times, with another booked for November.  Is it because we are only 2 Star Mariners...is that why, I wonder?

[oceanmom]

I don't get any offers, but usually have at least one cruise booked at any time. They aren't trying to entice me to cruise which might be the purpose of email or snail mail special offers. I do have HAL on Facebook which is the way I find out about some special offers.

[VermeulT]

13 hours ago, CM1984 said:

 

I never have either, I'm calling HAL tomorrow.  We have only cruised HAL 5 times, with another booked for November.  Is it because we are only 2 Star Mariners...is that why, I wonder?

I'm 3 star and haven't gotten offers whether I have a cruise booked or not.

If they were to dangle a carrot - who says I won't bite?

[CM1984]

43 minutes ago, VermeulT said:

I'm 3 star and haven't gotten offers whether I have a cruise booked or not.

If they were to dangle a carrot - who says I won't bite?

 

EXACTLY!  Since it's Mothers Day, and I am a Mom/Grandmom, I think I'll call and see what gift they want to give me today! 😅😂🤣