CABIN REASSIGNED

[FlorenceItaly]

I am sorry to hear this.  I understand your disappointment.  But, as you say, HAL is a for profit business.

[forevercruising1]

17 hours ago, *Miss G* said:

 

We had tons of room in our pinnacle-class Neptune suites.  Lots of room for a convertible sofa and room to move around.  In fact, I never noticed a size difference between pinnacle and non-pinnacle class suites.

 

Room 7061 on the Koningsdam:

 

 

 

We have also stayed in both the 2 and 3/4 capacity NS on the Koningsdam.  Even though they are the same size, the sofa doesn’t pull out in the majority of the NS near the Neptune Lounge.  They only sleep two. 

Edited August 19 by forevercruising1
Added ship

[ebtrip]

2 hours ago, a.madruga said:

Update just off with PCC to no avail when it comes to new added rule if you have a quad and they needed your off to what ever they have available in your balcony category 

We made it known to PCC that was a bad business decision for those who have or going to have cabins changed only for profit We asked if any chance of grandfathering in since we booked Nov 23 for July 25   NO!!!  Will discuss w. DW tonight and see if we continue on or go elsewhere

I received an email from my PCC this morning he stated he is speaking with his supervisor this afternoon to see what he can do. He said he’s going to bat for me. We will see. 

[forevercruising1]

1 hour ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

I've been thinking about this thread. I understand not wanting to be moved randomly, but is the limitation on cabins for 2 such an issue for people for making bookings now that we know the policy? I understand booking a quad inside to get the space--some inside cabins can be very small. But unobstructed OV and Veranda cabins are all pretty much the same. Except for the unloved metal verandas, the cabin is the same inside. Balconies are the same size with a few (2 per ship?) double length and the deeper deck 4 balconies. But aren't there doubles on deck 4?

 

There are lots of OV and Veranda doubles to choose from. So why is having a triple or quad important if you're only 2 people in the cabin? 

 

 

For us, we booked the specific cabin for specific reasons.  Our V category verandah cabin has a fully covered balcony, which we prefer, and the verandah is about three times larger than the regular verandah balcony.  
 

We spend a lot of time relaxing and dining on the verandah, so getting moved to a “regular” verandah cabin changes the dynamics of our cruise experience.

 

Our preferences are clearly not the same as others’, but for us, the specific cabin choice and verandah do matter.  

[forevercruising1]

18 hours ago, KAKcruiser said:

I agree with you WDW1972 that the Neptune Suites were always for 4 people so marking them was unnecessary.  But it has been reported that the Neptune Suites on the Pinnacle class ships are for only two people unless they are marked for three.  Does anyone know for sure? 

Yes, see my post above, #130.  That is on the Koningsdam - I would assume it is the same on the other Pinnacle Class ships.

[Seasick Sailor]

I emailed our HAL PCC again this morning,  getting nervous about our cruise next week:

 

Thank you for your email.

 

Another reason why is great to work with a Personal Cruise Consultant 😊

 

Nobody can’t make change on your reservation without asking me….

 

No worries.

 

Have a great week,

 

 

[atexsix]

22 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I know, it does mean taking a closer look before you make your decision. But if you're looking for consistency, well, you won't find it with HAL.

This X 500.  And this is why there's multiple threads on this, for those of you getting miffed about it. 

[57redbird]

20 hours ago, *Miss G* said:

 

We had tons of room in our pinnacle-class Neptune suites.  Lots of room for a convertible sofa and room to move around.  In fact, I never noticed a size difference between pinnacle and non-pinnacle class suites.

 

Room 7061 on the Koningsdam:

 

 

 

That looks like our Neptune 7085 on  the K.

[oaktreerb]

3 hours ago, ebtrip said:

I received an email from my PCC this morning he stated he is speaking with his supervisor this afternoon to see what he can do. He said he’s going to bat for me. We will see. 

Have your PCC check to see if 4154 is available.  I cancelled this a.m. for K on 11/23.

[Mary229]

I agree that good customer service would dictate a grandfather period. Sorry this happened 

[*Miss G*]

19 hours ago, DeeniEncinitas said:

🌺🌺🌺 Aloha!

we have had this room twice and it is very spacious!!!  
🌺🌺🌺

Mahalo,

Denise 🙂

So good to see you posting again. 🥰 I hope all is well. 

[ebtrip]

1 hour ago, oaktreerb said:

Have your PCC check to see if 4154 is available.  I cancelled this a.m. for K on 11/23.

Thanks for the update, I want to be on the same deck as my kids. Also that is a Quad. 

[oaktreerb]

16 minutes ago, ebtrip said:

Thanks for the update, I want to be on the same deck as my kids. Also that is a Quad. 

one of my favorite extended balconies

[3rdGenCunarder]

2 hours ago, 57redbird said:

That looks like our Neptune 7085 on  the K.

 

I had 7085 the year after I had a corner aft. The corner aft was larger, but oddly arranged. I loved the bathroom in 7085, especially after the one in the corner aft, which was pitiful--smallest shower I've ever seen on a ship.

 

I didn't like that the TV was over the sofa.

[cbr663]

10 hours ago, a.madruga said:

Update just off with PCC to no avail when it comes to new added rule if you have a quad and they needed your off to what ever they have available in your balcony category 

We made it known to PCC that was a bad business decision for those who have or going to have cabins changed only for profit We asked if any chance of grandfathering in since we booked Nov 23 for July 25   NO!!!  Will discuss w. DW tonight and see if we continue on or go elsewhere

 

Thanks for coming back and updating us.  I am not surprised.  It's astounding to me that HAL continues to hide behind this policy as an excuse for such poor customer service.  It's a short sighted policy that is showing a high level of disregard to not only the passengers that HAL relies on and also long term passengers that have proven over and over again their support for the company.  This poor treatment demonstrates that HAL does not support these passengers.

[mb777]

On 8/19/2024 at 9:18 AM, 3rdGenCunarder said:

I've been thinking about this thread. I understand not wanting to be moved randomly, but is the limitation on cabins for 2 such an issue for people for making bookings now that we know the policy? I understand booking a quad inside to get the space--some inside cabins can be very small. But unobstructed OV and Veranda cabins are all pretty much the same. Except for the unloved metal verandas, the cabin is the same inside. Balconies are the same size with a few (2 per ship?) double length and the deeper deck 4 balconies. But aren't there doubles on deck 4?

 

There are lots of OV and Veranda doubles to choose from. So why is having a triple or quad important if you're only 2 people in the cabin? 

 

 

For us it's extremely important.  If we book as soon as the itinerary becomes available we have an expectation to select one of a few cabins that are a cut above the rest.  Even though we are 2 people, we spend a lot of time on the balcony and prefer not to hear our neighbors conversations, etc.  Prior to this change somebody is going to book those select cabins, so why not us in the first few days the itinerary is available to book.

 

I am very particular about where I sit on a ship, plane, train, or most any other mode of transportation, yes even SWA.  If the particular locations are not available I just won't book.  An example is a recent Europe trip on a 787 and 777.  For both flights there are only 4 seats that I would accept in Premium Economy.  If those seats are not available I won't go on that airline.  Pretty much same with a cruise ship.  The early bird gets the worm as they say.

 

Now I do agree that HAL has every right to fill a quad with 4 people, that makes business sense.  What I don't agree with is doing this after the fact.  A computer should be able to grandfather fairly easily and after a period of time the issue will be well known.  I just moved out of an extended balcony quad and into a regular double verandah.  Thankfully one of the cabins I like was available, however this would not have been the case months from now.  If this is the new policy then going forward HAL should make it known, especially to the PCC & TA.

[Wehwalt]

24 minutes ago, mb777 said:

For us it's extremely important.  If we book as soon as the itinerary becomes available we have an expectation to select one of a few cabins that are a cut above the rest.  Even though we are 2 people, we spend a lot of time on the balcony and prefer not to hear our neighbors conversations, etc.  Prior to this change somebody is going to book those select cabins, so why not us in the first few days the itinerary is available to book.

 

I am very particular about where I sit on a ship, plane, train, or most any other mode of transportation, yes even SWA.  If the particular locations are not available I just won't book.  An example is a recent Europe trip on a 787 and 777.  For both flights there are only 4 seats that I would accept in Premium Economy.  If those seats are not available I won't go on that airline.  Pretty much same with a cruise ship.  The early bird gets the worm as they say.

 

Now I do agree that HAL has every right to fill a quad with 4 people, that makes business sense.  What I don't agree with is doing this after the fact.  A computer should be able to grandfather fairly easily and after a period of time the issue will be well known.  I just moved out of an extended balcony quad and into a regular double verandah.  Thankfully one of the cabins I like was available, however this would not have been the case months from now.  If this is the new policy then going forward HAL should make it known, especially to the PCC & TA.

I suspect the reason for not grandfathering is what you allude to: that on the crowded sailings the policy seems aimed at, those larger cabins are quickly booked, and that if they grandfathered, the policy really wouldn't go into force until the 2026-27 cruise season, which doesn't give HAL the increased revenues they seem to be looking for in the short term.

[Sea Hag]

On 8/16/2024 at 6:41 PM, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

HAL doesn't let a solo or couple book a triple or quad any more. At least, not on the sailings I checked a while ago, after this issue first came up here. I think I was checking veranda cabins. If I said two people, I saw a bunch of doubles. If I said one person, I saw the same doubles. But if I said three, I saw triples. If I said four, I saw quads. I don't know if all sailings are showing that way, but it looks like HAL is making it harder for people to buy cabins with greater occupancy than needed. 

 

I also checked Sig suits, which I think are all triples. The site did let me choose one of them, I guess because there were no doubles to force me into.

 

So going forward, I think people will not be able to book a cabin that HAL would need to move them from. The issue at the moment seems to be people who booked before the policy change and are not being grandfathered.

Some time back, I booked the two of us on the Great Bear Rainforest sailing in April 2026. I did this by calling in and booking directly through one of their sales reps. I wanted CO, and I wasn't going to book at all if CO wasn't available. The sales gal got me all set up with the booking, CO, and the cabin I wanted. That's one of the VB cabins on Observation deck. At no time did she ever mention that we might be moved due to all the VBs on Observation being quads. I just walked through a booking for that sailing for two people, and I see all the VB cabins on Observation deck except ours and one other showing available to book. If they can/will move me, then I shouldn't be seeing that. I can't see how it would be reasonable to even put four people in one of those cabins, since they have the tiny balcony that four people wouldn't fit on. In any case, they need to get their story straight and their act together.

[Sea Hag]

On 8/19/2024 at 9:18 AM, 3rdGenCunarder said:

I've been thinking about this thread. I understand not wanting to be moved randomly, but is the limitation on cabins for 2 such an issue for people for making bookings now that we know the policy? I understand booking a quad inside to get the space--some inside cabins can be very small. But unobstructed OV and Veranda cabins are all pretty much the same. Except for the unloved metal verandas, the cabin is the same inside. Balconies are the same size with a few (2 per ship?) double length and the deeper deck 4 balconies. But aren't there doubles on deck 4?

 

There are lots of OV and Veranda doubles to choose from. So why is having a triple or quad important if you're only 2 people in the cabin? 

 

 

One reason is location. I like being near the Crow's Nest for early morning coffee. Another reason is that we like high up in the ship and far forward, so a veranda cabin on Observation deck ticks both boxes for us.

[cccole]

It has been mentioned on this thread that there are not as many reassignments as the thread suggests.  However, I think it is a very small percentage of HAL passengers that access CC.  We don't know what happens to other passengers, but we can empathize with those who post here.  As some others have posted, they choose their cabin because they want the location on the ship.  Same with us.  Hope @ebtrip's pcc will come thru for the family.  JMO. Cherie

[forevercruising1]

1 hour ago, cccole said:

It has been mentioned on this thread that there are not as many reassignments as the thread suggests.  However, I think it is a very small percentage of HAL passengers that access CC.  We don't know what happens to other passengers, but we can empathize with those who post here.  As some others have posted, they choose their cabin because they want the location on the ship.  Same with us.  Hope @ebtrip's pcc will come thru for the family.  JMO. Cherie

Our PCC did not - Would not fight for us at all - wouldn’t even try.  Ultimately, she sent the message, “too bad, so sad.”

 

She said we would likely be moved and that “this policy has been in effect for years.”

 

Our original cabins are now gone and we have been relocated to cabins with two maximum capacity so that our family could stay next to each other.

 

NOT what CO or the Future Cruise Consultant promised us when we booked onboard in December, 2023.

 

This call and lack of empathy from both our PCC and HAL are extremely disappointing.  Our eight booked HAL cruises are soon to be decreased dramatically.  We won’t keep playing this game; it doesn’t work for us.

[cccole]

@forevercruising1 If this happens to us it will be our last HAL cruise for a long time.  We all have options.  Is it possible that you can bypass your PCC and go directly to a superior?  So sorry for the HAL response to you.  Cherie

[ebtrip]

19 minutes ago, cccole said:

@forevercruising1 If this happens to us it will be our last HAL cruise for a long time.  We all have options.  Is it possible that you can bypass your PCC and go directly to a superior?  So sorry for the HAL response to you.  Cherie

Spoke with my PCC today, can’t do anything on my November cruise, but is working with supervisor for my January cruise to hold my cabin. I’ll cross my fingers. I told him about the posts on Cruise Critic and said he was glad. Said everyone should post and complain, maybe HAL would listen. 

Edited August 21 by ebtrip

[Laminator]

56 minutes ago, forevercruising1 said:

Our PCC did not - Would not fight for us at all - wouldn’t even try.  Ultimately, she sent the message, “too bad, so sad.”

 

She said we would likely be moved and that “this policy has been in effect for years.”

 

Our original cabins are now gone and we have been relocated to cabins with two maximum capacity so that our family could stay next to each other.

 

NOT what CO or the Future Cruise Consultant promised us when we booked onboard in December, 2023.

 

This call and lack of empathy from both our PCC and HAL are extremely disappointing.  Our eight booked HAL cruises are soon to be decreased dramatically.  We won’t keep playing this game; it doesn’t work for us.

Prior to Covid HAL had 250 PCC's. That amount dwindled down to 60 due to Covid. They are trying to replace those that are gone as quickly as possible. I would ask your PCC if she is one of the new hires post covid. If she is I would request a more seasoned PCC. We go through issues quite often with casino bookings and new hires that have no clue how to handle them. In that forum we are able to share the names of experienced PCC's that have been with HAL for years. Not only do they know how to handle the bookings they are well versed in the workarounds that can be implemented if issues arise. 

Edited August 21 by Laminator

[Windsailer]

HALs refusal to "grandfather" in the bookings made prior to the March 2024 implementation of this policy is very short sighted. Many of us book cruises right when they are listed so we can have a cabin in the location we want. It's likely that HAL will lose previously loyal customer over how this policy is being implemented. Including me. Does HAL realize that it costs 5x as much to acquire new customers than retain the ones you have? As a long time shareholder I am less than impressed with HAL's management.