Pre Paid Packages

[tarrenel]

We are booked on our first Holland America Cruise, I was in my account on the website and saw that we can pre pay for some packages, do these ever go on sale like how Royal Caribbean does. If they do go on sale could you purchase them now and if you see it cheaper cancel and purchase it at the lower price? 

[Mary229]

Rarely.  You can buy AARP gift cards to purchase and save 10%.  Of course you can take those gift cards onboard to pay. 

[CruiserBruce]

Depending on what packages you are talking about, some are cheaper if bought before you board.

[crystalspin]

3 hours ago, tarrenel said:

We are booked on our first Holland America Cruise, I was in my account on the website and saw that we can pre pay for some packages, do these ever go on sale like how Royal Caribbean does. If they do go on sale could you purchase them now and if you see it cheaper cancel and purchase it at the lower price? 

Which packages in particular? Laundry and Daily "crew appreciation" are the same price pre-sailing vs onboard. Wifi is cheaper pre-sailing. If you are considering the Elite Beverage Package it is apparently discounted pre-sailing, as to upgrade the Signature BP on board costs $11.80 pppd. However, if you are looking at the Signature Beverage Package -- buying Have-It-All is a considerably better value -- the same amount! and getting shore-ex credit, specialty dinner(s), wifi, and 15 beverages per day at or below $11. HIA is actually less expensive than SBP because the Beverage Packages have 18% service added!

 

There is a phenomenon that occurs in the weeks or months after a cruise itinerary is launched known as Early Booking Bonus. HIA/EBB includes Daily Crew Appreciation, upgraded WiFi, and the Elite BP. It is a very good value and seldom (in my experience) beat by later promotions. (I did have two legs of a B2B2B work out cheaper with the Black Friday Cyber Week sale, losing the EBB but still including Crew Appreciation!) (Note, those savings were accomplished by 're-faring', essentially re-booking under the new promo, without any risk of losing the booked cabin.)

 

HAL has not historically done the Flash Sales I experienced on my one Royal Caribbean booking. However, times ARE a'changin' -- so you must not hold it against me if they try something new!