HIA Promo

[cbr663]

Am I correct that HIA, if available to be added after you book your cruise, is under Packages?  Or is there somewhere else I should be looking?

[Haljo1935]

2 hours ago, cbr663 said:

Am I correct that HIA, if available to be added after you book your cruise, is under Packages?  Or is there somewhere else I should be looking?

It's under Beverages.

[cbr663]

8 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

It's under Beverages.

Thank you so much.

[AllTheSun]

11 hours ago, cbr663 said:

Am I correct that HIA, if available to be added after you book your cruise, is under Packages?  Or is there somewhere else I should be looking?

The website is a piece of junk and loves to tell people they aren’t eligible. Many people have to call.

[cbr663]

1 minute ago, AllTheSun said:

The website is a piece of junk and loves to tell people they aren’t eligible. Many people have to call.

 

Yes, I just checked and our cruise isn't eligible.  Our cruise is part of the Unforgettable Journeys Event promo.  I'm not a big fan of the HIA and would only consider it if it were deeply discounted as we rarely drink alcoholic beverages and most of the value, imo, of HIA is the drink package.

[BermudaBound2014]

26 minutes ago, cbr663 said:

 

Yes, I just checked and our cruise isn't eligible.  Our cruise is part of the Unforgettable Journeys Event promo.  I'm not a big fan of the HIA and would only consider it if it were deeply discounted as we rarely drink alcoholic beverages and most of the value, imo, of HIA is the drink package.

 

I'm confused... along with reduced deposit, HIA with gratuities IS the current Unforgettable Journeys Event Promo. 

 

Edited July 5, 2023 by BermudaBound2014

[Haljo1935]

21 minutes ago, cbr663 said:

 

Yes, I just checked and our cruise isn't eligible.  Our cruise is part of the Unforgettable Journeys Event promo.  I'm not a big fan of the HIA and would only consider it if it were deeply discounted as we rarely drink alcoholic beverages and most of the value, imo, of HIA is the drink package.

We do the math before deciding to add; the math works for us on this cruise. Usually the internet is where it loses value, but I will be working this trip, so I will need internet every day.

We also consider whether we will want to book excursions; we will on this trip, so the $200 credit will be used.

Always eat at Pinnacle Grill, so that will all get used, too.

That leaves $208 for beverages. Being coffee and juice drinkers then adding water for excursions, not much will be left for the occasional glass of wine or "other" drink. We'll drink 1 or 2 "other" drinks each day, so we will use it all.

34 minutes ago, AllTheSun said:

The website is a piece of junk and loves to tell people they aren’t eligible. Many people have to call.

I have called 6 times, but have not been able to reach someone who can or will add it. I'm told it's not combinable w/my cruise.

So, I continue to try via app & web just in case.

[cbr663]

Just wanted to add as a point of reference.  I just looked at a 7 - day Canada/NE cruise for Sept on the Zuiderdam and the cruise only price was $1299.  The HIA price?  $1959 - $660 more for the basic HIA that does not include crew appreciation.  That equates to a HIA price of $94.29 pp/pd.

[erdufylla]

2 hours ago, cbr663 said:

Just wanted to add as a point of reference.  I just looked at a 7 - day Canada/NE cruise for Sept on the Zuiderdam and the cruise only price was $1299.  The HIA price?  $1959 - $660 more for the basic HIA that does not include crew appreciation.  That equates to a HIA price of $94.29 pp/pd.

Right, but the HIA package price includes the refundable deposit, which the lowest-price cruise-only fare on the website does not, so it’s not quite a fair comparison. The Advantage cruise-only fares with the refundable deposit aren’t currently shown on the website — you have to call for a quote — but that’s the one to compare with the HIA package rate if you really want to calculate out what the pp/pd add-on is.

[Florida_gal_50]

5 hours ago, erdufylla said:

Right, but the HIA package price includes the refundable deposit, which the lowest-price cruise-only fare on the website does not, so it’s not quite a fair comparison. The Advantage cruise-only fares with the refundable deposit aren’t currently shown on the website — you have to call for a quote — but that’s the one to compare with the HIA package rate if you really want to calculate out what the pp/pd add-on is.

That’s a great point that I think is lost a lot unless you book non refundable.  No way I would even consider that unless it’s well past final.  I don’t know why is so difficult to show that fare.  I know it does show up on one travel site, but I can’t remember which one.  Of course can’t mention it if I did.  It’s barely worth it for me but I like to have the choice to have a drink, sparkling water of coffee instead of overthinking ever purchase.

[Nodakboiler]

My PCC charged me the same rate listed on the website for my last booking which surprised me since it is refundable and not the increased Advantage fare (which I usually pay). I was pleasantly surprised.

[Haljo1935]

34 minutes ago, Nodakboiler said:

My PCC charged me the same rate listed on the website for my last booking which surprised me since it is refundable and not the increased Advantage fare (which I usually pay). I was pleasantly surprised.

Congrats!! I would definitely remember your TA at Christmas!

That is a sincere congrats, BTW, not being snarky. 🙂

Edited July 6, 2023 by Haljo1935
Additional comment

[DaveOKC]

7 hours ago, erdufylla said:

Right, but the HIA package price includes the refundable deposit, which the lowest-price cruise-only fare on the website does not, so it’s not quite a fair comparison. The Advantage cruise-only fares with the refundable deposit aren’t currently shown on the website — you have to call for a quote — but that’s the one to compare with the HIA package rate if you really want to calculate out what the pp/pd add-on is.

Good point - I had not thought of that.  Last cruise I booked had HIA included and it was only $550 for 11 days extra for the HIA versus the non refundable fare.

[rodndonna]

10 hours ago, cbr663 said:

Just wanted to add as a point of reference.  I just looked at a 7 - day Canada/NE cruise for Sept on the Zuiderdam and the cruise only price was $1299.  The HIA price?  $1959 - $660 more for the basic HIA that does not include crew appreciation.  That equates to a HIA price of $94.29 pp/pd.

 

Interesting - I just checked two 7 day Zuiderdam Can/NE cruises - one for Sept 2023, and one for Sept 2024. Pricing is in Canadian and with our Casino discount - but the HIA add on should be the same I would think as I don't think Casino discounts apply to HIA.

 

The HIA add on for the Sept 2024 which is with the extra Early perks and crew gratuities is much cheaper at $51 CDN$/pp/pd (about $36 US). 

The HIA add on for Sept 2023 - which is limited HIA is more - at about CDN$78/pp/pd (about $56 US)

 

Part of this is Sept is the peak season for those cruises and no last minute deals there - but all the more reason to book early! 

 

 

[breakiron]

If you're trying to purchase HIA on the HAL website and you get the message that your fare is not eligible, try using a different browser.  Using the Safari browser I received this message.  I then tried Firefox and it worked, $50/night.   I had an extreme promo fare where all I had to do was pay port taxes and fees and I was still able to purchase HIA.  I'm also going as a single and I did not have to pay double for a single cabin.

[Haljo1935]

57 minutes ago, breakiron said:

If you're trying to purchase HIA on the HAL website and you get the message that your fare is not eligible, try using a different browser.  Using the Safari browser I received this message.  I then tried Firefox and it worked, $50/night.   I had an extreme promo fare where all I had to do was pay port taxes and fees and I was still able to purchase HIA.  I'm also going as a single and I did not have to pay double for a single cabin.

Ugh...still not working for me and everyone I talk to when I call in says not combinable w/my rate. But I continue to try every day.

[AllTheSun]

1 hour ago, Haljo1935 said:

Ugh...still not working for me and everyone I talk to when I call in says not combinable w/my rate. But I continue to try every day.

When we called there were 2 options on the phone tree that I thought might work. One option ended in not eligible but then I picked the other option on the next call and they got it added. Have you already tried that? Sorry I don’t recall what they were, just that they must have routed to different departments.

[Haljo1935]

1 minute ago, AllTheSun said:

When we called there were 2 options on the phone tree that I thought might work. One option ended in not eligible but then I picked the other option on the next call and they got it added. Have you already tried that? Sorry I don’t recall what they were, just that they must have routed to different departments.

Yes, thanks, 7 times now. I think one of the options you're referring to is probably Beverage.

All calls get transferred to a supervisor and after several rounds of holding, end with "...sorry, not combinable with your rate.. "

[AllTheSun]

12 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

Yes, thanks, 7 times now. I think one of the options you're referring to is probably Beverage.

All calls get transferred to a supervisor and after several rounds of holding, end with "...sorry, not combinable with your rate.. "

😞 

[erdufylla]

3 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

All calls get transferred to a supervisor and after several rounds of holding, end with "...sorry, not combinable with your rate.. "

 

I doubt this will work, but have you tried asking them if they would be willing to swap the promotional code your room is booked under to a different promotional code that HIA is compatible with? That you would really like to give them more money, but their system keeps preventing you from doing so?

[Haljo1935]

5 minutes ago, erdufylla said:

 

I doubt this will work, but have you tried asking them if they would be willing to swap the promotional code your room is booked under to a different promotional code that HIA is compatible with? That you would really like to give them more money, but their system keeps preventing you from doing so?

Not exactly like that; although they did offer to refare it to a current promo then add HIA, so basically what you're saying. Net was additional $1200 to us, to which I said no thank you.

I appreciate the good thoughts -keep 'em coming.

[Torquer]

We just booked a cruise for August 2024.  Normally we take the cruise only fare since it works out best for us, since we are not big drinkers and therefore don't need the beverage package.  However the Have It All - Early Booking Bonus looks intriguing, since it includes the Crew Appreciation.

 

So now a question on the shore excursions.  For our cruise, it says "2 Shore Excursions - up to $200 per guest".  Now we hardly ever use HAL shore excursions, but for one port on this cruise we would.  I'm sure the shore excursion we are interested in will be more than $100.  So can I book a single $150 or $200 shore excursion and use the full $200 credit on that one, or is it $100 max credit per shore excursion?

[Cruise Suzy]

21 minutes ago, Torquer said:

So can I book a single $150 or $200 shore excursion and use the full $200 credit on that one, or is it $100 max credit per shore excursion?

 

You can use ALL your Shore Excursion credit on just one excursion or spread it among several. If you book 3 excursions that cost $50 each and started with $200 in Shore Excursion credit, your account will show $50 in Shore Excursion credit remaining. If you book one excursion that costs $250 and started with $200 in Shore Excursion credit, you will be asked for a credit card to cover the remaining $50.

[Torquer]

27 minutes ago, Cruise Suzy said:

 

You can use ALL your Shore Excursion credit on just one excursion or spread it among several.

Actually I just read the fine print and I'm not sure that is correct, although I have heard other people in the past say what you are saying.  Here are HAL's words; our cruise is 11 days for $200 credit:

 

The longer you cruise, the more you can explore. Cruise 6 to 9 days and get US$100 Shore Excursion Credit; 10 to 20 days and get US$200 Shore Excursion Credit; 21+ days and get US$300 Shore Excursion Credit! Up to $100 value per tour or $100 off any tour. Available for 1st/2nd guest in stateroom.

 

It says "$100 off any tour".  If those literal words are correct, then a $200 shore excursion would cost me $100 out of pocket since I can't use the whole credit on one tour.

 

As I said this matters, because we will likely only use HAL for a single shore excursion; all our others will be with private companies.

[DaveOKC]

We were able to use our $200 pp over three tours, one of which was a bit over $100.  Not sure if you can do this over just one tour.  Had to pay about $45 over the $200 pp.

Edited July 17, 2023 by DaveOKC