2020-2021 Explore4 Appears to Offer Different Benefits

[ICUQT]

21 hours ago, DC1979 said:

 

They won me as a customer as well! I have booked my first cruise with Celebrity, partially because of their package pricing.  I have only sailed with Holland America in the past (currently 3 stars with HAL), and was leaning towards trying something different next time anyways, but the bundled package at Celebrity was much more appealing to me than what HAL was offering, and the pricing was very similar.  With Celebrity we got the elite beverage package, OBC ($300), prepaid gratuities and free internet.  It really was a no brainer.  I do love HAL and look forward to future sailings, but also very much looking forward to trying out Celebrity! 

Up until three years ago I sailed only on HAL(I am a 4Star).  Decided to cruise other lines for various reasons trying both Celebrity & Princess. I now shop for value, itinerary and perks on all 3 before booking and do the comparisons. For example I just was on the Celebrity board and there is a post that they are offering 4 free perks with booking for select cruises through next year. Of course I would compare the basic cruise fare price with added perks, because IMO nothing is "free" before selecting. But if the itinerary is the same and the cruise fare price is comparable I'm going to pick the one that has the best value with perks. Sorry HAL the Explore4 is not exciting me to book I'll wait for another future promotion.

[Vict0riann]

I had thought it must have been a mistake, and the SBP would be included, with the $25 beverage card just for kids, etc., but no, it is still the same.  No one has posted the terms and conditions, so I will, for posterity!

 

 

Explore4: Offer Details And Terms And Conditions

Offers are based on Promo(s) NZ/DZ. Featured fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise only. Fares are in Canadian dollars. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are additional on all fares and range from CAD 123.50 to CAD 1,313.00. Subject to availability.

 

Onboard spending money is for guests 1 and 2 sharing a stateroom and is offered in the following amounts: cruises 7-9 days: interior, ocean-view, lanai and verandah staterooms receive US$400 per stateroom, and suites receive US$600 per stateroom; cruises 10+ days: interior, ocean-view, lanai and verandah staterooms receive US$600 per stateroom, and suites receive US$800 per stateroom. Onboard spending money is in U.S. dollars and is non-refundable, non-transferable, not for cash value, expires at the end of that cruise, and may not be used in the casino. Onboard Spending Money cannot be used to purchase or reserve shore excursions or onboard amenities in advance (must be done on board).

 

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

 

Complimentary Pinnacle Grill dinner: per person for guests 1 and 2 sharing a stateroom and is not transferable or refundable nor redeemable for cash. 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 Sel de Mer, De Librije, Master Chef’s Table and Sommelier Dinner.

 

Beverage Card valued at US$25 per person is for kids or extra guests as a 3rd/4th guest in a stateroom and is not transferable or refundable nor redeemable for cash. Participants may order beverages one at a time and must be 21 years or older for alcoholic beverages. No sharing is permitted. Beverage management reserves the right to revoke the card if misused and to refuse service for any reason, including service of alcoholic beverages to intoxicated guests.

 

Verandah and Suite offer: Premium Internet Package is per person for guests 1 and 2 sharing a stateroom and valued from $139.99 for a 7-day cruise, up to $699.99 for a 81+ day cruise. All internet usage is subject to Holland America Line’s standard policies which may limit browsing of sites due to network security and bandwidth usage; and may not allow for audio/video calling and streaming. Applications that use high bandwidth may be blocked and offerings subject to change.

 

Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. For more information about our stateroom categories and suite descriptions, to view deck plans and for full terms and conditions applicable to your cruise, please refer to hollandamerica.com or the appropriate Holland America Line brochure.

 

Offers end October 31, 2019.

[crystalspin]

Now that I'm back on a full-sized computer screen, I see that my So.Pacific cruise is not eligible for Ex4 because it's offered under the Save On Sunshine promo... wherein one can save $434pp (otherwise known as "up to 50%"), but have to pay IN FULL and non-refundable within 24-hrs. hahahaha

 

Another "What were they thinking???" promotional. Let me guess, they brought in McKinsey Marketing Firm.

[kjwent]

We're already booked on Niew Statendam, because we love the Music Row entertainment -- $50 OBC -- that's all we got.  We were surprised that our travel agent told us we had to pay in full at booking (booked in June for early December cruise, not holiday).  But have always been disappointed with the perks on HAL (we're 3-Star).  I tell them every time I fill out the survey.  In light of the newest rendition of Explore4 I guess they don't care.  I had been waiting for Explore4 to see if I wanted to add another cruise -- what they are offering isn't worth anything to us.

 

We're Elite on Celebrity and will continue to sail with them because their loyalty perks are better and their sale perks are better.  We don't drink a lot either, not enough to actually buy a drink package, but we do like to have cocktails before dinner and wine during the evening.  As an Elite member we're given a nightly cocktail party, and can usually buy our own wine.  Since Celebrity usually offers 5 different perks to choose from we always manage to get what is important to us -- OBC, PPG, etc.  We'll stick with Celebrity as long as they can keep us happy!

 

[bluesplayer]

When all of their HA fans start switching to other lines maybe they will figure it out.    Wonder if anyone has called them for an explanation??

[3rdGenCunarder]

7 hours ago, crystalspin said:

Now that I'm back on a full-sized computer screen, I see that my So.Pacific cruise is not eligible for Ex4 because it's offered under the Save On Sunshine promo... wherein one can save $434pp (otherwise known as "up to 50%"), but have to pay IN FULL and non-refundable within 24-hrs. hahahaha

 

Another "What were they thinking???" promotional. Let me guess, they brought in McKinsey Marketing Firm.

 

Yeah, I checked a couple of those "save up to 50%" cruises. Didn't see much savings on the ones I saw. 

 

[Bretty]

I’m new to cruising with only two previous cruises, both on HAL, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience on board and the itineraries. Had the Explore4 promo both times and it worked out well for us, even with one of use not drinking alcohol at all. The pricing was always good with only a marginal increase in fare compare with non-promo fares, so we got good value from Explore4. Overall it saved us approx GBP£800 (roughly $950).

 

This promo is not so good for us. I’m looking at a 14 night Baltics cruise. I don’t value the internet package - I only purchased it on my last cruise to use up some of my OBC from the Explore4 promo (we had $500 on a 7 day cruise). Since I’m from UK and the cruise is port intensive I can happily manage with generous data roaming on my mobile phone which is included in my contract at no extra cost. It was the drinks package I valued most of all.

 

So I’ve been doing the math, I had already collected data on prices before the promo launched, and it doesn’t work out for me. The value of the extras, plus what I estimate I’ll pay for drinks, doesn’t really offer an incentive as we only come out approx £200 ($250) ahead. Which started me shopping around.

 

Lo and behold, I found a similar itinerary on Celebrity, with drinks package, prepaid gratuities and $200 OBC, in a concierge class cabin - which looks comparable to a vista suite on HAL (which is what I would have booked). The saving is £1100 ($1300) per person - over £2k total compared to the current HAL prices (and still offers a saving on the non-promo fares). So it looks like I’m jumping out this time round and trying a new cruise line.

 

We would love to sail HAL again but it just doesn’t make sense to stay loyal with that kind of saving on a very similar itinerary.

[*Miss G*]

2 hours ago, Bretty said:

Lo and behold, I found a similar itinerary on Celebrity

 

Would love to hear your thoughts on Celebrity vs HAL when you return.  But my most pressing question is.... Is that Leon in your profile pic?

[canadianbear]

3 hours ago, Bretty said:

I’m new to cruising with only two previous cruises, both on HAL, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience on board and the itineraries. Had the Explore4 promo both times and it worked out well for us, even with one of use not drinking alcohol at all. The pricing was always good with only a marginal increase in fare compare with non-promo fares, so we got good value from Explore4. Overall it saved us approx GBP£800 (roughly $950).

 

This promo is not so good for us. I’m looking at a 14 night Baltics cruise. I don’t value the internet package - I only purchased it on my last cruise to use up some of my OBC from the Explore4 promo (we had $500 on a 7 day cruise). Since I’m from UK and the cruise is port intensive I can happily manage with generous data roaming on my mobile phone which is included in my contract at no extra cost. It was the drinks package I valued most of all.

 

So I’ve been doing the math, I had already collected data on prices before the promo launched, and it doesn’t work out for me. The value of the extras, plus what I estimate I’ll pay for drinks, doesn’t really offer an incentive as we only come out approx £200 ($250) ahead. Which started me shopping around.

 

Lo and behold, I found a similar itinerary on Celebrity, with drinks package, prepaid gratuities and $200 OBC, in a concierge class cabin - which looks comparable to a vista suite on HAL (which is what I would have booked). The saving is £1100 ($1300) per person - over £2k total compared to the current HAL prices (and still offers a saving on the non-promo fares). So it looks like I’m jumping out this time round and trying a new cruise line.

 

We would love to sail HAL again but it just doesn’t make sense to stay loyal with that kind of saving on a very similar itinerary.

We are 4* and were very loyal to HAL.  Our TA convinced us to try Celebrity.  The week long cruise had 4 perks included in a Sky suite.  We loved Celebrity when I honestly didn’t think we would.  

 

There were more entertainment venues which we enjoyed.  Celebrity also put HAL to shame regarding our suite service and I let HAL know how it compared between Sky suite v Neptune suite.  Of course, never heard a word from HAL (Not that I expected to)

 

Hope you enjoy Celebrity! 

[Bretty]

6 hours ago, *Miss G* said:

 

Would love to hear your thoughts on Celebrity vs HAL when you return.  But my most pressing question is.... Is that Leon in your profile pic?

I’ll be sure to post my thoughts.

btw who is Leon? Sorry not sure of the reference. That’s me on the left and my hubby.

[Bretty]

5 hours ago, canadianbear said:

We are 4* and were very loyal to HAL.  Our TA convinced us to try Celebrity.  The week long cruise had 4 perks included in a Sky suite.  We loved Celebrity when I honestly didn’t think we would.  

 

There were more entertainment venues which we enjoyed.  Celebrity also put HAL to shame regarding our suite service and I let HAL know how it compared between Sky suite v Neptune suite.  Of course, never heard a word from HAL (Not that I expected to)

 

Hope you enjoy Celebrity! 

Thanks. I hope we do too. I haven’t booked yet as been doing some research first but will book in next few days. I want DH to be sure.

 

Our first HAL cruise to Alaska was in a Neptune. We loved it but didn’t really use the cabin apart from sleeeping and for glacier bay viewing; and we rarely used Neptune lounge or concierge. Spent rest of the time out and about, so we decided not to book larger suites as we don’t use the space - unlike in a hotel where I might crash out in the room for a while, on ship there’s always somewhere nice to relax.

We’ll see how it goes. I’m excited to try something new.

 

[*Miss G*]

5 hours ago, Bretty said:

I’ll be sure to post my thoughts.

btw who is Leon? Sorry not sure of the reference. That’s me on the left and my hubby.

 

Darn!  He looks so much like Leon from Gogglebox! 

[Bretty]

13 minutes ago, *Miss G* said:

 

Darn!  He looks so much like Leon from Gogglebox! 

ahaaaaa… right, I see. Yes there is a resemblance lol, and my DH is quite grumpy at times too (did you know Leon passed away in 2017?)

[*Miss G*]

4 minutes ago, Bretty said:

ahaaaaa… right, I see. Yes there is a resemblance lol, and my DH is quite grumpy at times too (did you know Leon passed away in 2017?)

 

Lol.  Yes, I’d heard.  That made me so sad.  ☹️

[bvocruise]

We haven't cruised for five years and booked an Alaska cruise tour for next June. Our original promotion came with the Pinnacle Grill dinner and the signature beverage package. It was priced at $7,250 for the two of is in a balcony.  

 

The new promotion takes away the beverage package but is $600 less and provides $600 in OBC.  This in in addition to the $500 OBC we get from a warehouse club (probably can't name).  We also get a premium internet plan.  I can't figure out if we can both use it at the same time or not.

 

Either way, re-booking under the new promo was a great deal for us. I can't imagine we will drink more than $400 worth during the week.

[cruiseguy56]

On 7/30/2019 at 11:39 AM, Vineyard View said:

After reading this, I looked at our 24 day itinerary this morning. I just happened to check the pricing yesterday. It had dropped $600 total over the weekend compared to what it was when we had booked. Today the pricing has skyrocketed! More than $1,000 higher than  yesterday for the two of us. Guess HAL is prepping their pricing for Explore4. 

I missed the free gratuities promotion and would have like to compare that. It may have been more attractive. 

Question - we have a great aft cabin. I believe of we choose to transfer to a different promotion, in addition to loosing existing promotions, we would be risking loosing our cabin during that change? Is that correct? I was told this in the past and decided yesterday not to pursue the lower pricing because of that. 

Normally, if you booked through an agent, the agent can rebook and keep your cabin. 

[GirlsClub4]

Originally booked two cabins for six people in the N category - I know, super cheap! I called about the E4 promo and was totally shocked when even after bumping us up to L cat, I saved a total of $88, plus $800 OBC. I expected the $800 to only apply to suites.

$200 pp., then a $25 gift card toward beverages for pass #3. Pinnacle Grill for pass #1 & #2 for each cabin. I wasn't planning to go with any upcharge dining, but I don't mind a few $25 bev GCs for sodas or coffee. We aren't drinkers, so I am happy to put the OBC towards gratuities, spa, or wifi. First time cruising w/HAL. Should I assume this is the best possible offer for us going forward? We sail July 2020 and I'm used to checking for price drops with other lines.

The other surprise is that although the price for #1 & #2 pass went up about $75 (could have been moving to L cat) the 3rd pass price dropped $200.

[*Miss G*]

3 hours ago, bvocruise said:

We also get a premium internet plan.  I can't figure out if we can both use it at the same time or not.

 

The T&C state that both Passengers 1 & 2 will receive a premium package each.  So, yes, you will be able to use it at the same time.

[*Miss G*]

12 minutes ago, GirlsClub4 said:

First time cruising w/HAL. Should I assume this is the best possible offer for us going forward? We sail July 2020 and I'm used to checking for price drops with other lines.

 

Definitely keep checking for price drops.  Depending on your itinerary there are sure to be fluctuating prices between now and then.  Welcome to HAL!

[bvocruise]

1 hour ago, *Miss G* said:

 

The T&C state that both Passengers 1 & 2 will receive a premium package each.  So, yes, you will be able to use it at the same time.

Thank you for the information.  

[GirlsClub4]

9 hours ago, *Miss G* said:

 

Definitely keep checking for price drops.  Depending on your itinerary there are sure to be fluctuating prices between now and then.  Welcome to HAL!

Thank you! Will do!

[jlocole]

Rats. My end of March - early April 2020 Panama cruise isn't included in the new promotion.  Hopefully I can get a better deal before final payment.  Right now we have the gratuities included.  

[CruisingGrandmaW]

We called our HAL PCC on this.

We have a 28 day Cruise booked in Jan 2021.  We had booked a Class VE Balcony Cabin in the Aft on Deck 7.

At time of booking it came with a total of $600 OBC & Free Premiere Internet Package for entire cruise for both my husband & myself. Plus 2 free dinners at the Pinnacle Grill.

 

The Explore4 Promo was offering the same amenities as our original booking with the exception that the OBC would be $800.

However, the basic price of the cruise had gone up over $1,000 in price - so the Explore4 Promo was not advantageous in pricing for us.

[Jammu2]

On 7/31/2019 at 6:12 AM, lstrong said:

We were waiting for the Explore 4, but If no SBP included we will look at celebrity....

 

New 20% service charge added to your daily charges on drink packages that are part of a promotion at X. They raised the price of the package, too, so the charges are $20 per day per person.

[TAD2005]

Yes, Jammu2 is correct.  The base price is $69 per day plus 20% service charge.  That is $82.80 per day for a max drink price of $15.   The HAL drink package is $44.95 per day, purchased online, plus 15%, or $51.70 per day, for a max drink price of $11,   That's $30 a day more expensive.  Wow !!!