Holland America Line Launches Onboard Credit Offer for AARP Members

[ExArkie]

I called HAL and was told our TA had to ask, since we booked online, then transferred to a TA. Our TA called HAL and was told that there were two criteria that must be met to get the AARP OBC on an existing booking:

 

1. The link between AARP and Mariner numbers had to be done before they updated the T&C to specifically state it is for new cruises only.

 

2. The booking had to have been made no more than 30 days before the program was announced, which would be June 24, 2023. I know that some on this board report having it applied to cruises booked earlier, but this is their policy today. 

 

We met the first criterion, not the second (booked in March), so no OBC for us.

[WannaSea]

21 hours ago, Dobby36 said:

Just to add another data point: I saw this thread on 7/26 and got myself an AARP membership that same day.  I verified it with HAL on 7/27, and got my confirmation email.  It showed up on my future cruise credit area on my mariner profile soon after.  And today I asked for an updated booking confirmation using the email noted above, and sure enough it has been applied as OBC for my September sailing (which was booked over a year ago) 

so there is one more instance of it being applied to an existing booking, FWIW

Thanks, @Dobby36! I raised my eyebrow at your data point because your timeline for AARP was identical to mine, so I followed your lead with an email request to reservations and the AARP OBC has just been added to my September sailing. Appreciative of your share!

[Dobby36]

2 minutes ago, WannaSea said:

Thanks, @Dobby36! I raised my eyebrow at your data point because your timeline for AARP was identical to mine, so I followed your lead with an email request to reservations and the AARP OBC has just been added to my September sailing. Appreciative of your share!

So happy it was helpful! I was pleased too.  

[crystalspin]

6 hours ago, ExArkie said:

1. The link between AARP and Mariner numbers had to be done before they updated the T&C to specifically state it is for new cruises only.

 

2. The booking had to have been made no more than 30 days before the program was announced, which would be June 24, 2023. 

The OBC in my profile is dated Aug 9 (the Sail By date is Aug 9 2027 anyway). I thought I registered my AARP number quicker than that. I have two cruises booked after June 24'23. Guess I'll get my PCC to look and see if I can apply to them! 

[Nickelpenny]

I applied and was granted AARP credit July 24th.  I emailed my PCC the same day to see if it could be applied to the 6 cruises I have booked.  She came back with a "No.  Only new bookings".  Ok.

 

I have been following this thread and saw where many have received it for cruises already booked.  On Aug 4th for some reason on the payment page for one of my cruises (Nov 2023) I could see my OBC - that has never happened before - and it was about $200 more than I thought it should be.  Emailed my PCC to ask for updated invoices because of this phenomenon (thinking maybe the AARP has been applied) and told her why I wanted them.  Told PCC - no rush.  A couple of days later, she sent back all of my 6 invoices and said the only one that the AARP OBC was applied was my Nov 2024 cruise (I do see $100 more).  Hmmmm.  So I email reservations yesterday stating (politely) that there seems to be some inconsistency in the application of AARP OBC and if they would please applied to my 6 booked cruises.  

 

Let's see what happens.  😬

[Haljo1935]

2 hours ago, Nickelpenny said:

I applied and was granted AARP credit July 24th.  I emailed my PCC the same day to see if it could be applied to the 6 cruises I have booked.  She came back with a "No.  Only new bookings".  Ok.

 

I have been following this thread and saw where many have received it for cruises already booked.  On Aug 4th for some reason on the payment page for one of my cruises (Nov 2023) I could see my OBC - that has never happened before - and it was about $200 more than I thought it should be.  Emailed my PCC to ask for updated invoices because of this phenomenon (thinking maybe the AARP has been applied) and told her why I wanted them.  Told PCC - no rush.  A couple of days later, she sent back all of my 6 invoices and said the only one that the AARP OBC was applied was my Nov 2024 cruise (I do see $100 more).  Hmmmm.  So I email reservations yesterday stating (politely) that there seems to be some inconsistency in the application of AARP OBC and if they would please applied to my 6 booked cruises.  

 

Let's see what happens.  😬

Fingers crossed and sending positive vibes your way. Please update us on the outcome when you know.

Safe travels - enjoy your cruise!

[nymexico]

On 7/27/2023 at 9:00 PM, Gail & Marty sailing away said:

I think it is one per membership.

I read on it , it is one per year 

[crystalspin]

5 minutes ago, nymexico said:

I read on it , it is one per year 

Did you read post #303?

[ExArkie]

20 hours ago, ExArkie said:

I called HAL and was told our TA had to ask, since we booked online, then transferred to a TA. Our TA called HAL and was told that there were two criteria that must be met to get the AARP OBC on an existing booking:

 

1. The link between AARP and Mariner numbers had to be done before they updated the T&C to specifically state it is for new cruises only.

 

2. The booking had to have been made no more than 30 days before the program was announced, which would be June 24, 2023. I know that some on this board report having it applied to cruises booked earlier, but this is their policy today. 

 

We met the first criterion, not the second (booked in March), so no OBC for us.

One thing I forgot to add yesterday: I checked to see if what we booked is still available (Early Booking HIA) for our trip. It was, so we could theoretically cancel the existing booking, rebook exactly the same thing - the Signature Suite next door to the one we reserved is available - and qualify for the AARP OBC. Seems like that could be a criterion for HAL to decide when to apply it to existing bookings.

For us, it is more trouble than it is worth. With Early Booking and a limited number of options for shore excursions (four port days in a 16-day transpacific), there is little else we would need OBC for. We already have a reasonable amount from Mariner status and from our TA, plus we will apply for the shareholder credit once we get within the time frame.

 

I just found it interesting that HAL would not consider the option to cancel and rebook as justification to apply the credit to an existing booking. 

 

[jeh10641]

On 7/24/2023 at 7:20 AM, LMaxwell said:

Reminder There is no Minimum Age to Join AARP - I joined when I was 33 for NCL Cruise Discounts

 

Company becomes the exclusive cruise benefit provider to AARP members; Shipboard spending money up to $200 per stateroom available to AARP members

SEATTLE, July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line will offer AARP members a member-only onboard credit that can be used for a variety of amenities. Combinable with several other special offers and fares, the amount of onboard credit depends on type of stateroom and length of voyage, ranging from $50 to $200 per stateroom.

AARP members can book a Holland America Line cruise using their travel advisor or directly with the cruise line to receive the onboard credit that can be put toward shore excursions, spa services, beverages, specialty dining, gift shop purchases and more.

"Holland America Line is thrilled to extend this offer to AARP members, who are avid travelers and a key demographic for our brand," said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer, Holland America Line. "We look forward to enticing AARP members to join us for a cruise to one of the many incredible destinations we explore."

AARP members can book a Holland America Line cruise to locations around the world, including Alaska, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Mediterranean, Mexico, South America and beyond. Cruises eligible for this offer range from weeklong getaways to longer "Legendary Voyages" up to 59 days.

"Holland America Line cruises open the world to AARP members, allowing them to visit other regions and experience different cultures with ease and comfort," said Victoria Borton, vice president, lifestyle product and services, AARP Services. "Members appreciate the cruising experience and level of premium service that's synonymous with Holland America Line."

This offer is available for all voyages except Grand Voyages, Grand Voyage segments and voyages less than five days. It can be combined with Holland America Line's popular Have It All premium package of amenities that includes shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi. The offer may also be combinable with other shipboard credits the guest may be eligible to receive. Visit hollandamerica.com for details and full terms and conditions.

This just further enhances my choice of HAL over other cruise lines. Way to go HAL!

Jim

[friendswithdave]

Here's a new twist on a topic that theoretically should be resolved.

 

I applied for the credit a day after it came out and booked a cruise two days later. Last week I asked my TA to get the AARP credit added to my booked cruise. She said "it could not be added to my cruise because I got a special rate. I asked - she said because it was a group rate." I think I read this whole thread and didn't see anyone else denied this because of a "group rate" booking.

 

I see a $50 credit in my HAL account under "onboard credits" and assume this is the AARP and not the CCL stock credit I also applied for. 

 

My plan is to call HAL on Monday and ask about getting the credit applied to my booking. I'll try to post results back here.

[Nickelpenny]

14 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Fingers crossed and sending positive vibes your way. Please update us on the outcome when you know.

Safe travels - enjoy your cruise!

I received a response quickly IMHO - 1.5 days (received it this morning).  So the scoop:

 

• 3 of my cruises were free insides, so the AARP OBC could not be applied (booking codes UY and UW).  
• They applied the AARP OBC to my cruises being done next year (TA and then thru Panama Canal to Santiago)
• My medical appreciation is on my Hawaii cruise and they stated the AARP offer can not be applied to this booking because I already have the medical - "the promos are not stackable under one guest".

 

As I looked at the invoices I had my PCC send me last week for all of my upcoming cruises, it is not noted anywhere where the OBC I have listed is coming from.  

 

I am very appreciative they got back to me so quickly.  I am not going to quibble over $50-100 (I sail insides) as I have plenty of OBC for the cruises - at least enough for me - and I would just have to find something to spend it on.

 

I am impressed.

 

Oh, BTW, I just saw, when I was looking up the value of AARP OBC and noticed there is now an offer for U of Washington season ticket holders:

 

As a valued member of the University of Washington Athletics community, we're excited to gift you an exclusive offer on your next Holland America Line cruise to Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean or beyond! Receive $100 Onboard Credit per stateroom to use on for products or services while onboard, including Shore Excursions, Beverages and Greenhouse Spa & Salon® services. 

 

[EddiesToys]

9 minutes ago, jeh10641 said:

This just further enhances my choice of HAL over other cruise lines. Way to go HAL!

Jim

I'm not sure if the new AARP/HAL booking incentive has affected the HAL' Gift Card purchases.

I could not purchase Holland America Gift Cards this month.  But I received a small booked cruise OBC.

[Ready2go11]

3 minutes ago, EddiesToys said:

I'm not sure if the new AARP/HAL booking incentive has affected the HAL' Gift Card purchases.

I could not purchase Holland America Gift Cards this month.  But I received a small booked cruise OBC.

i just went to AARP and I do not see any HAL gift cards available either. Other lines they sell are all still there. Our fears on that front seem to be correct. 

[Nickelpenny]

4 minutes ago, Ready2go11 said:

i just went to AARP and I do not see any HAL gift cards available either. Other lines they sell are all still there. Our fears on that front seem to be correct. 

I just went to the AARP site and I see the HAL gift cards.  So I just bought some.  

[EddiesToys]

15 minutes ago, Nickelpenny said:

I just went to the AARP site and I see the HAL gift cards.  So I just bought some.  

Search engine doesn't show "Gift Cards".  What link did  you use?

 

[LAFFNVEGAS]

40 minutes ago, Ready2go11 said:

i just went to AARP and I do not see any HAL gift cards available either. Other lines they sell are all still there. Our fears on that front seem to be correct. 

The AARP HAL gift cards are still there, you need to click on AARP REWARDS up toward the top right hand side. I just bought some a week ago after this new promo. They come up next to Princes, which did go up in price instead of 10% discount they are now only discounted 8% but all other cruise lines they offer are still 10% off.

[Nickelpenny]

1 hour ago, EddiesToys said:

Search engine doesn't show "Gift Cards".  What link did  you use?

 

Go to AARP Rewards-> Redeem->All Rewards and then you can either scroll down or use the search bar.  Both the $500 and $100 cards are there.  Good luck!!  🙂 

[Ready2go11]

My bad. I had clicked members only and the other cruise lines must only be allowed for members. When i took off that filter, I now see them. 
 

Since I was upset I thought they went away I am buying my August max now, just in case 

[Holly g]

Is there an expiration date on the gift cards?  

[Holly g]

2 hours ago, EddiesToys said:

Search engine doesn't show "Gift Cards".  What link did  you use?

 

Having the same problem. I can’t find this on the AARP website

[nymexico]

22 hours ago, crystalspin said:

Did you read post #303?

I just did, i did read online what HAL said it is different from post 303. Hope you are right.

[NCTribeFan]

Well, this is interesting.  As I said I would, I wrote to the reservations email address provided.

 

I was approved for my Rotterdam TA in October 2024 but it was declined for my Eurodam Caribbean coming up in January.  The reason given was that Eurodam was a casino booking.  Well, confirmations for BOTH bookings show a casino discount was applied.  I booked Eurodam while on the Rotterdam TA this past spring.  The future cruise guy didn't mention it being a casino rate.

 

It's only $50 for me, so I'm not going to complain.  In fact, I'm not going to argue because someone might decide that neither qualifies and take it away from the Rotterdam booking.

 

FTR, pretty much every single cruise I book with HAL has a casino discount applied.  I always start a mock booking without logging in to see the fare, then I log in and see how much it drops.  I do wish HAL was more transparent with their fares.  They don't say WHY the fare dropped; just show a new fare, which is typically 20-30% less than it was without logging in.

 

I can see denying the AARP OBC for a casino freebie, but if I'm given the CCL shareholder credit, seems I should also get the AARP credit.

 

Oh well.  Just another mystery of how HAL does things!

[Real NHDOC]

18 hours ago, friendswithdave said:

Here's a new twist on a topic that theoretically should be resolved.

 

I applied for the credit a day after it came out and booked a cruise two days later. Last week I asked my TA to get the AARP credit added to my booked cruise. She said "it could not be added to my cruise because I got a special rate. I asked - she said because it was a group rate." I think I read this whole thread and didn't see anyone else denied this because of a "group rate" booking.

 

I see a $50 credit in my HAL account under "onboard credits" and assume this is the AARP and not the CCL stock credit I also applied for. 

 

My plan is to call HAL on Monday and ask about getting the credit applied to my booking. I'll try to post results back here.

Several of my recent bookings were special "group rates" and I got the AARP benefit added to them so this is untrue.  I would say it's a case that your TA just didn't want to go through the hassle of calling them.  If I were you I would call HAL directly and handle it myself.  Even if you book through a TA you can call HAL and get the AARP benefit added - trust me I did it.

[Real NHDOC]

4 minutes ago, Real NHDOC said:

I will reiterate that you should take anything a TA tells you about the AARP benefit with a huge grain of salt.  Often times they just don't want to waste the time necessary to learn the terms and conditions and wait on the phone with HAL.  But, if you don't mind taking the time yourself you can call HAL and get it added to your bookings yourself, even if you booked it through a TA.  If the HAL representative tells you otherwise, they are wrong and you can either argue with them or just call back and get another representative who will help.

 

Edited August 13, 2023 by Real NHDOC