Bidding

[tigger54]

My husband and I are experienced cruisers but this will be our first time on Holland America (Nieuw Statendam). We normally book inside rooms which of course we did for this one. Does Holland America send out emails allowing to upgrade? If so, does everyone get the chance to upgrade or is it only for a selected few? Also, how far in advance do they send out upgrade notices? Our cruise will be in February.

Thanks in advance for the reply’s. I am reading posts and watching tube videos to try and get any info. That would be different on Holland than other cruise lines. We have cruised Carnival, NLC, RCI, MSC, Princess, and Celebrity. I can’t imagine there would be too many differences.

[DaveOKC]

HAL does send out "upsell" offers about 1-4 weeks prior to sailing.  No bidding like on other lines.

If you get this email, there will be a number to call, plus the amount they want to upgrade you.

 

Note - not ALL travel companies/agents pass this offer onto clients.  If you book through a TA the offer comes to them, not you.  If you book through HAL, you get the offer directly.  Thus, if you really want to play the upsell approach, you should book directly through HAL.  One time I got an upsell offer to a Neptune and IMMEDIATELY called and accepted it, since there was only one cabin available.  A roll call member at our Meet & Greet mentioned that she called 10 minutes after getting the email and was told that she was too late!  So, going through a TA, since it slows the process, can delay or stopping you from getting a great deal.

[TiogaCruiser]

I’ve noticed that the first and sometimes the second emails contain an offer that is the rack rate. 

[DaveOKC]

11 minutes ago, TiogaCruiser said:

I’ve noticed that the first and sometimes the second emails contain an offer that is the rack rate. 

It depends alot on how far out you get the offer.  If it is 3-4 weeks out, likely not the best offer.  Last 1-2 weeks out, much better offer, but then again you might not get a second offer.  What you need to do is determine how much you are willing to pay beforehand and then jump when the price is right for you.

Normally, I try to pay only 1/3rd of the current price difference in the categories.  But I do vary this depending on how bad I want the upgrade.

[FlaMariner]

From our experience.....

 

• Our TA does not forward the "upsell" offers to us
• I call the "upsell" area 30 days out and they will tell me the "upsell charges" for the various categories if they have them
• If I do not bite (or they do not have them) I will call them a few times more prior to sailing (sometimes good, sometimes not)

 

When you call the upsell area......

 

• Be prepared because it is not the time to dilly dally on the phone
• have your booking number, credit card and a deck plan readily accessible
• The upsell number is 888.628.8107 (do not tell anyone about this number, the less people calling the better opportunity I have to get a deal...LOL)

 

Good luck and welcome aboard Holland America Line.....we think you made a good choice and we have never experienced a bad cabin!

 

[DaveOKC]

1 hour ago, FlaMariner said:

From our experience.....

 

• Our TA does not forward the "upsell" offers to us
• I call the "upsell" area 30 days out and they will tell me the "upsell charges" for the various categories if they have them
• If I do not bite (or they do not have them) I will call them a few times more prior to sailing (sometimes good, sometimes not)

 

When you call the upsell area......

 

• Be prepared because it is not the time to dilly dally on the phone
• have your booking number, credit card and a deck plan readily accessible
• The upsell number is 888.628.8107 (do not tell anyone about this number, the less people calling the better opportunity I have to get a deal...LOL)

 

Good luck and welcome aboard Holland America Line.....we think you made a good choice and we have never experienced a bad cabin!

 

Good advice.  Too bad your TA does not forward them on, but I understand why not if they are a very big agency and they make very little on handling this for you.

 

The bad thing about your approach is that by the time you call the best deals are often gone and the cabin selection is less.

Edited October 11, 2022 by DaveOKC

[tigger54]

Thank you for the advise. We did go through a larger company so they probably won’t do it. That’s ok with us. We will be happy with our inside since we spend very little time in our cabin anyways. We are pretty excited to try this cruise line. Have read many great reviews about them.

[DaveOKC]

16 minutes ago, tigger54 said:

Thank you for the advise. We did go through a larger company so they probably won’t do it. That’s ok with us. We will be happy with our inside since we spend very little time in our cabin anyways. We are pretty excited to try this cruise line. Have read many great reviews about them.

Call or email them (your TA) and ask if they do, so that you can be prepared.

[FlaMariner]

1 hour ago, DaveOKC said:

The bad thing about your approach is that by the time you call the best deals are often gone and the cabin selection is less.

 

Agree...But it is worth it to "roll the dice" with the upsell dance because the prices thru the big online only web huge internet TA are so worth it!

 

(And it does seem that upsell cabins are always available but most of the time the upgrade price is above our pay grade.....but worth the hunt)

 

[DaveOKC]

Good point but the issue is how much do you save with each different approach, plus what other benefits are involved.  One size does not fit all of course.

I tend to book Signature cabins and almost every time (like 90%) get a good upsell offer.  For me, it is less expensive this way plus I normally can get a good cabin location.  Plus I get great service from my HAL PCC.  Also, if you are on a casino offer you still get upsells and the base price is the same using a discount broker or HAL direct (free cabins).

[FlaMariner]

I hear you.....and glad we all have choices.

 

You up to working thru a biz case?....this is how I check prices and then end up always booking thru the online mega TA.......

 

For instance....using this cruise as an example....11/27 Nieuw Amsterdam 7 night cruise....VH balcony (lowest level balcony, right?):

 

• Internet TA $384 (says Mariner rate)
• HAL website (log in to my account so HAL knows who I am) $466

 

So I see that as $164 cheaper (2 pax) and a savings of 21%.

 

What am I missing from not booking this thru a PCC?  Perhaps they have other benefits/perks I do not see when just looking at the HAL rates online?

 

 

 

 

[Mary229]

I have followed @DaveOKC advice successfully.  Be ready with deck plan, what you are willing to pay and credit card.  Always ask which room.  I have often said to them that the offered upsell price is acceptable but I want another cabin.  Knowing they have a paying customer on the line they often give you other options.  
 

i have been told by upsell that the inside cabins are the last they approach and with the weakest offers that is why it is important to be proactive and call.  

[DaveOKC]

57 minutes ago, FlaMariner said:

I hear you.....and glad we all have choices.

 

You up to working thru a biz case?....this is how I check prices and then end up always booking thru the online mega TA.......

 

For instance....using this cruise as an example....11/27 Nieuw Amsterdam 7 night cruise....VH balcony (lowest level balcony, right?):

 

• Internet TA $384 (says Mariner rate)
• HAL website (log in to my account so HAL knows who I am) $466

 

So I see that as $164 cheaper (2 pax) and a savings of 21%.

 

What am I missing from not booking this thru a PCC?  Perhaps they have other benefits/perks I do not see when just looking at the HAL rates online?

 

 

 

 

Are you getting the $100 pp OBC (goes off today)?  Are their any fees/charges involved with your TA?

It does not surprise me that the large TA is a bit less expensive, but remember that my point was that the $82 pp you are saving could result in no upsells, which could save you more than that. 

By the way my rate is $439 for the VH.

Edited October 11, 2022 by DaveOKC

[FlaMariner]

24 minutes ago, DaveOKC said:

Are you getting the $100 pp OBC (goes off today)? 

 

Nope.  Today is no OBC.  So that brings the comparison price difference to a savings of $64 (17% savings).

 

27 minutes ago, DaveOKC said:

Are their any fees/charges involved with your TA?

 

No fees/charges. 

 

Was the rate you looked up of $439 from the HAL website with you logging in? That's interesting. 

 

The rates are close.  I'll try contacting directly with the PCC to compare next time.  The upsell opportunity is not that critical to us.  My primarily goal is to buy the cruise at the lowest price. 

 

Good info and I appreciate the info.  It's the best way to learn. 

[Florida_gal_50]

Those price differences sure wouldn't push me to book with an online TA.  Sounds like a hassle to save $80 PP but that's just me.  If it was half price that would be different.  At one time Hal upsell dept wouldn't even talk to you if you booked through a TA.

[Mary229]

21 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Those price differences sure wouldn't push me to book with an online TA.  Sounds like a hassle to save $80 PP but that's just me.  If it was half price that would be different.  At one time Hal upsell dept wouldn't even talk to you if you booked through a TA.

All they ask now is if you have your credit card available 

[kazu]

2 hours ago, FlaMariner said:

What am I missing from not booking this thru a PCC?  Perhaps they have other benefits/perks I do not see when just looking at the HAL rates online?

 

There’s no perks with booking with a PCC - nor any discounted rate other than what you see on the HAL site or “advantage fare” which doesn’t show on the HAL site.

 

People like the convenience of being able to make payments - get direct offers, etc.  I use a TA 99% of the time who does give me benefits and she has always passed on upsell offers to me.  In fact, she negotiated one for me a few years ago when I told her it wasn’t worth the price.  When she asked why, she agreed and came back with a price that was so close to mine, we did it.  

and she is with a big company but she takes care of her clients (I only deal with her).

[DaveOKC]

1 hour ago, FlaMariner said:

 

Nope.  Today is no OBC.  So that brings the comparison price difference to a savings of $64 (17% savings).

 

 

No fees/charges. 

 

Was the rate you looked up of $439 from the HAL website with you logging in? That's interesting. 

 

The rates are close.  I'll try contacting directly with the PCC to compare next time.  The upsell opportunity is not that critical to us.  My primarily goal is to buy the cruise at the lowest price. 

 

Good info and I appreciate the info.  It's the best way to learn. 

Your math is off I think.  The HAL deal is better by $36 - the $100 is per person, so it is $200 less the HAL quoted price..

[FlaMariner]

Yep, @$100 a person that is better!

 

So do you see that offer when you log in to HAL with your login?  The price I get with my HAL login in $466 and no reference to $100 a person OBC.

 

 

 

[Florida_gal_50]

3 hours ago, Mary229 said:

All they ask now is if you have your credit card available 

I’m surprised they ask for that.  I would have thought it would be free for some.  Just call, the world is yours.

[Mary229]

Just now, Florida_gal_50 said:

I’m surprised they ask for that.  I would have thought it would be free for some.  Just call, the world is yours.

This is for upsells only.  I usually call 2 weeks before sailing if I booked a so so cabin.  It is easier for me to call and negotiate than to do the back and forth with the travel agent.  This is not a new phenomena, I have been asking about upsells for many years, sometimes I win, sometimes I stay put.  It is just a matter of asking. 

[Florida_gal_50]

1 hour ago, Mary229 said:

This is for upsells only.  I usually call 2 weeks before sailing if I booked a so so cabin.  It is easier for me to call and negotiate than to do the back and forth with the travel agent.  This is not a new phenomena, I have been asking about upsells for many years, sometimes I win, sometimes I stay put.  It is just a matter of asking. 

Yes, I understand its for upsells. I’ve had zero luck using this method.  When I’ve called the upsells have been sky high.  That said I think it depends on what you are looking for.  If you are looking to go from inside to outside or balcony chances are probably pretty good.  For me I’m usually looking to go from balcony to Neptune or it’s not worth getting my credit  card out.  I took an upsell from a balcony to a vista and that was a big waste of money.  That one was unsolicited.  I met a few others that did the same.  Disappointment all around.

[Mary229]

10 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Yes, I understand its for upsells. I’ve had zero luck using this method.  When I’ve called the upsells have been sky high.  That said I think it depends on what you are looking for.  If you are looking to go from inside to outside or balcony chances are probably pretty good.  For me I’m usually looking to go from balcony to Neptune or it’s not worth getting my credit  card out.  I took an upsell from a balcony to a vista and that was a big waste of money.  That one was unsolicited.  I met a few others that did the same.  Disappointment all around.

Neptunes are hard to get.  Those seems to have a different criteria than just who will pay, they are more like a merit system and a little money.  Since I do a lot of Grand Voyage segments I am forced to take a guarantee. I usually get the lowest acceptable category then do the negotiating on the back end during the upsell period.  I understand not everyone is a natural negotiator or even cares to do it but it is a business skill I have developed and so I use it 

[Florida_gal_50]

13 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

Neptunes are hard to get.  Those seems to have a different criteria than just who will pay, they are more like a merit system and a little money.  Since I do a lot of Grand Voyage segments I am forced to take a guarantee. I usually get the lowest acceptable category then do the negotiating on the back end during the upsell period.  I understand not everyone is a natural negotiator or even cares to do it but it is a business skill I have developed and so I use it 

When there is a lot of available inventory I don’t think it takes much in the way of negotiation skills.  I can pretty much guarantee it’s a money thing for the Neptunes.  I doubt it has anything to do with merit.

[DaveOKC]

3 hours ago, FlaMariner said:

Yep, @$100 a person that is better!

 

So do you see that offer when you log in to HAL with your login?  The price I get with my HAL login in $466 and no reference to $100 a person OBC.

 

 

 

Its a special promotion that ends today.  Not tied to my login (but the base rate is), it does show up when you move down to the final billing quote.  Its also on the first page of the HAL website.

Edited October 12, 2022 by DaveOKC