Question about HAL personal cruise consultants

[Shamrock68]

 

We haven’t cruised since 2019.  In the past, I have always booked with a local travel agency. Sadly, these businesses here closed due to circumstances of the last few years. I have tried several times to call the HAL PCC assigned to us, but he is away from the office. If I call the listed HAL phone number, will I be assigned a different PCC or will someone book my cruise and then turn it over to the original PCC? I have never booked directly with HAL before…always had a travel agent take care of details. This time I need to muddle through on my own.
I know I can book on-line but I have some questions and would prefer to speak with someone. 

[albingirl]

You can change your PCC.  Just go to the general PCC line and someone can help you.  I've had several different ones in the past couple years, and I am sure they don't save me any money, but it's all about the convenience for me.  So many layoffs has sent different ones my way.  

[saltshell]

Albingirl, I beg to differ. I have used the same hal agent for years; we have a bond. She helps me get the best deal possible, and I trust her. Find the right agent and stick with her/him. 

[YourWorldWithBill]

3 hours ago, Shamrock68 said:

 

I have tried several times to call the HAL PCC assigned to us, but he is away from the office.

I've booked my last couple of cruises with a TA. Then, when I need to talk to someone at HAL, although I have a PCC, I call the PCC number and wait for someone to pick up. They're always helpful. If I try to leave a message for my own PCC I do not get a prompt reply. You're lucky, @saltshell. I've found that getting the right PCC can be challenging.

[DaveOKC]

3 hours ago, saltshell said:

Albingirl, I beg to differ. I have used the same hal agent for years; we have a bond. She helps me get the best deal possible, and I trust her. Find the right agent and stick with her/him. 

Same here.  If the PCC you assigned does not do a good job for you, ask to be reassigned using the main HAL PCC number - 800-355-3017.  We have had several good PCCs over the years and they have saved me time and money on more than one occasion by knowing the HAL system and who to call to get things done.  Since we lately have been using Casino deals, the base fare is very low and I doubt that a TA could beat it anyway.

[oaktreerb]

It sounds like your messages to your PCC have not been returned.  If the message says they are out of the office you may never get a return call, the PCC may not even work there anymore.  (It happened to me a few years ago.). I called the Mariner Society to complain and they transferred me to the PCC department and I stayed on the line until I was connected to a PCC.  He has been attentive and efficient and calls me back within a few minutes.  Anyone on the PCC or reservations lines should be able to answer questions and create your booking.  .  There are too many pitfalls to self booking online.  

[albingirl]

4 hours ago, saltshell said:

Albingirl, I beg to differ. I have used the same hal agent for years; we have a bond. She helps me get the best deal possible, and I trust her. Find the right agent and stick with her/him. 

I had a great one. She got laid off. Lucky you. It's not that easy to find a great one. I would have stuck with the one I  liked but when they are let go,  there's no control at my end. 

[BigMattT]

When I get ahold of my PCC, she’s amazing and seems to find ways to accomplish almost everything. Sometimes it takes calling early in the day and leaving a message.

 

She’s been around a long time, remembers me (or does a great job pretending to remember me), reviews the booking in full each time to catch issues, but best of all: she doesn’t give information she’s not 100% about.

 

When you get a good one, they’re worth their weight in gold.

[DaveOKC]

I now have a good PCC.  Example, this morning I emailed her to check on a casino offer and within minutes I got an email response back.

 

[Shamrock68]

Thanks to all for the responses. Called this morning and booked. Our assigned consultant is out until May 8th, but a very personable and informative lady named Tracy answered all my questions and is transferring the booking to our original agent. This first time direct booking with HAL was a good experience and we can now look forward to getting back to cruising again!

[alwaysfrantic]

I emailed my assigned PCC about booking and never got a response.  I email Cruise quick and they took care of me immediately.  
 

 

not even an automated reply like I work Tu-Sat or I’m out of the office, please call X.  Just nothing.  

[YourWorldWithBill]

1 minute ago, alwaysfrantic said:

I emailed my assigned PCC about booking and never got a response.  I email Cruise quick and they took care of me immediately.  

Mine tends to respond, but after a long time, and never with a satisfactory answer. I'm going to follow the advice of @DaveOKC and ask to be assigned a new PCC. I guess OKC can be OK.