CHIEFWINEMAKER Posted November 21, 2022 #26 Share Posted November 21, 2022 Initially I attempted to book online. When I had questions I called HAL several times. Each time I called I had terrible service from the HAL agents, language barrier and just lack of specific knowledge of the cruise. Frustrated, I contacted a local independent travel agent I know and she got me a great price, and additional shipboard credit on top of the have it all package. Gave me great advice on insurance etc. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daisy-mae Posted November 21, 2022 #27 Share Posted November 21, 2022 1 hour ago, rodndonna said: Have you tried using google flight? . It's not a booking tool - but great for reviewing options and air fare. https://www.google.com/travel/flights Thanks for the tip. I just gave it a try; it's marginally better but still bounced me around through various screens with escalating fares. I guess that's the best we can hope for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ontheweb Posted November 21, 2022 #28 Share Posted November 21, 2022 2 hours ago, CHIEFWINEMAKER said: Initially I attempted to book online. When I had questions I called HAL several times. Each time I called I had terrible service from the HAL agents, language barrier and just lack of specific knowledge of the cruise. Frustrated, I contacted a local independent travel agent I know and she got me a great price, and additional shipboard credit on top of the have it all package. Gave me great advice on insurance etc. The only question is why did you not do that in the first place? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodndonna Posted November 21, 2022 #29 Share Posted November 21, 2022 2 hours ago, daisy-mae said: Thanks for the tip. I just gave it a try; it's marginally better but still bounced me around through various screens with escalating fares. I guess that's the best we can hope for. Somewhat related, assuming you are "likely" looking at AC as one of your options and those nasty baggage fees are coming into play, if you don't already have an Aeroplan Visa card, they are worth having just for the free luggage on AC (one free bag each). It's annual fee is covered pretty quickly if you use AC and would have to pay baggage. Just need to be cardholder, don't need to book flights with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHIEFWINEMAKER Posted November 21, 2022 #30 Share Posted November 21, 2022 44 minutes ago, ontheweb said: The only question is why did you not do that in the first place? Because I am a stubborn old do it yourselfer 😀 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ontheweb Posted November 21, 2022 #31 Share Posted November 21, 2022 1 hour ago, CHIEFWINEMAKER said: Because I am a stubborn old do it yourselfer 😀 😉, I can totally understand that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveOKC Posted November 22, 2022 Author #32 Share Posted November 22, 2022 Update - once I finally figured out what cruise and options I wanted, I sent an email to my HAL PCC with the specifics since there were a number of extras involved (special perks, specific cabin, HIA, etc.) and I figured it would be easier than trying to explain over the phone and I might forget something. In a couple of hours I received the booking confirmation and follow up email from her. Everything was correct except somehow I got an extra specialty dining dinner (this did not show up on the online trial booking). So, doing my own homework upfront paid off in ease of booking. The point is that right now there are so many options and extra perks available, it really does pay to do your homework upfront, plus there is no way that an online booking (myself or TA) would have been able to keep up with everything (IMO of course) - some of the perks were time sensitive and directed solely to me (Thank You For sailing, stockholder credit and casino freeplay). While I think I ended up with a good deal, I will still keep an eye on my booking just in case the fares drop significantly (thats why I was sure to get a refundable fare). 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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