Holland America cruise specialists

[islandwoman]

I know that Holland America has its own "Cruise Consultants", but are there also TA's who specialize in Holland America cruises - who may have access and prices not available to the average TA?  Do HAL "cruise consultants" sell cruises only at brochure rates and include only those bonuses that appear on the website?

Edited January 15 by islandwoman

[islandwoman]

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[shippmates]

Yes there are travel agents that have reserved a block of cabins at the rate in effect at the time they created the group.  Most of the time the rate is less than what is being charged today.  They may also offer a shipboard credit or a specialty dinner that was is not being offered by Holland at this time.   

[FlaMariner]

17 hours ago, islandwoman said:

are there also TA's who specialize in Holland America cruises - who may have access and prices not available to the average TA?

 

Me thinks the big online only TA we use is such a place you are asking about.....

 

Why?

 

From my comparison shopping, they always end up with the lowest price......And to compare apples to apples, I compare a "price per day" that factors in the value of any OBC or other discounts.

 

 

[Real NHDOC]

Generally if you see an advertisement for a low price it’s a group rate. My experience has been if you tell any TA or PCC you saw the lower rate they can get it for you. They don’t tell you it exists but if you know it exists you can get it from wherever you usually book your cruise with. 

[Boatdrill]

Beware the advertised/published low price...it's often for a room in the lowest category (example VH in the Verandah category)  or it's a non-refundable deposit.   

[FlaMariner]

14 hours ago, Boatdrill said:

Beware the advertised/published low price...it's often for a room in the lowest category (example VH in the Verandah category)  or it's a non-refundable deposit.   

 

That's usually what I am looking to purchase.....We tend to buy the lowest cabin category (VH guarantee to snag the cheapest balcony is our favorite category....sometimes VF's are only a few bucks more and we bite) and we use our FCD and "roll the dice" with our $200 (total for 2) non-refundable deposit at risk. 

 

...we also enjoy playing "paid upgrade roulette" right before boarding.   

 

Enjoy cruise shopping........

[AKJonesy]

I think I used HAL once to book a cruise.  We are currently 4 star Mariners so we have a lot of cruise days under our belt.  I have used an online discount cruise booking agency for years.  They have beat HAL's best rates every time except once.  On our latest cruise, we paid 2K less than the best HAL fare.  That's a lot of extra $ to spend on excursions and upscale dining!  I also have my own cruise consultant and I get to PICK MY OWN ROOM, so I'm not getting the lowest guarantee rate.  You have to be careful on the guarantees.  They can put you in a horrible place.  So, I've had great booking and cruising experiences this way, but many people do just book directly through HAL.