Does HAL have Champions?

[HALFans]

And you also mentioned that eel :eek: is no longer available in the LIDO.

My reaction was " thank goodness".;)

 

LOL. At least there's a GREAT sushi place here in Mesa where I can get my eel fix.

 

(Sushi in the desert??? I know, but this place ranks right up there with some of the best we used to visit when we lived in WA state.)

[HALFans]

What about the travel agents that get perks all the time from cruise lines, hotels, etc.?

 

I think it's in the CC guidelines that Travel Agents must reveal their status as such.

 

Too bad the same doesn't hold true for the 'champions', who experience many of the same (or better?) perks as TAs.

[serendipity1499]

What about the travel agents that get perks all the time from cruise lines, hotels, etc.?

 

Not sure what your point is? Its a known fact that interline discounts are afforded to travel professionals, including but not restricted to Travel Agents by Hotels, Airlines, Cruise Lines, etc..When I worked in the intl Airline business DH & I were invited by other Airlines to participate in many Familiarization trips...We did these trips at a very very reduced rate IE: $ 150 for 5 days including air, hotels, meals etc..We were in groups of 15 to 25 & all were given First Class one way & Economy class one way, so we could tell customers about both services..The airlines gave these trips to us, so we could sell their product to our customers...In addition, I was able to have very large discounts on Cruises, in hotels & all other Airlines..I took two cruises at the discount rate on vacation..Since I've retired I pay full fare on Air, & cruises, as do not want to standby any more..Travel Agents usually get good discounts but more often than not they are better off paying full fare & choosing the cabins or flights they want..

 

 

I think it's in the CC guidelines that Travel Agents must reveal their status as such.

 

Too bad the same doesn't hold true for the 'champions', who experience many of the same (or better?) perks as TAs.

 

my bold..

 

That's not entirely correct..This is what CC guidelines state:

 

Travel Agents

Travel agents (and their associates, employees or designated representative) are encouraged to participate in the discussions on the Cruise Board and establish themselves as experts on a particular topic by responding to members' inquiries with useful answers.

 

In doing so, you are welcome to sign your name and note your professional business. You may not use your business name as your Cruise Critic user name. You may sign your posts with your first name only. You may not list your phone number, business location (city or state), web site address, contact info or e-mail address. You may not include your location and/or website address in your Cruise Critic profile. Responding to member's inquiries on the boards with an ad for your services is not allowed. Only items of a general nature may be discussed on the forums by any travel agent.

 

Cruise Critic considers requests to be E-mailed for additional information as soliciting and will return those postings to any travel agent trying to sell or promote themselves on Cruise Critic. Additionally, attempts to circumvent our rules may result in your company name being censored from our forums.

 

Therefore Travel Agents are not required to divulge to us that they are in the travel business..

Cheers..:)Betty

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather, it's been a while since I read it, so I doubt I could locate it again, but there was a statement from one of the Royal Champions to the extent that it was costing him/her due to the expense of getting to/from the events. There was no expense for the events.

That makes the costs for Royal Champions and HAL invitees to special events a wash.

 

It's the fact that Royal Champions are wined and dined because of the nature of their posts ---and they know it!---that crosses the line. If they want more of these lovely invitations all they have to do is keep posting nice things.

 

Ruth, I agree.

 

I guess what really bothers me here is that so many seem to think this is what's to be expected. Guess even after all these years, I'm just not jaded enough to believe that.

 

Heather, I agree with you, however I would bet my last dollar that there are those on this HAL board who have been afforded perks, because they are always defending HAL! Sometimes they can even become nasty & it's laughable !!!;)

............................

 

 

Betty

 

 

Betty, I know for a fact that you are correct. And it would be funny if it weren't so hurtful to those who just happen to tell their experience as they know it and nothing more.

[jtl513]

Good luck with making spell check work..

Use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. It spell-checks everything as you type (like Word), no matter where you are typing it. :)

[travelite]

Not sure what your point is? Its a known fact that interline discounts are afforded to travel professionals, including but not restricted to Travel Agents by Hotels, Airlines, Cruise Lines, etc..When I worked in the intl Airline business DH & I were invited by other Airlines to participate in many Familiarization trips...We did these trips at a very very reduced rate IE: $ 150 for 5 days including air, hotels, meals etc..We were in groups of 15 to 25 & all were given First Class one way & Economy class one way, so we could tell customers about both services..The airlines gave these trips to us, so we could sell their product to our customers...In addition, I was able to have very large discounts on Cruises, in hotels & all other Airlines..I took two cruises at the discount rate on vacation..Since I've retired I pay full fare on Air, & cruises, as do not want to standby any more..Travel Agents usually get good discounts but more often than not they are better off paying full fare & choosing the cabins or flights they want..

 

 

 

 

my bold..

 

That's not entirely correct..This is what CC guidelines state:

 

Therefore Travel Agents are not required to divulge to us that they are in the travel business..

 

Cheers..:)Betty

 

Exactly -- perk to promote business. It has been going on for years, way before the internet. I would just hope that what CC members post on these boards is accurate and truthful.

[HALFans]

Therefore Travel Agents are not required to divulge to us that they are in the travel business..

Cheers..:)Betty

 

Thanks, Betty.

 

I sit corrected. :o

[serendipity1499]

Thanks, Betty.

 

I sit corrected. :o

 

LOL...Goodnight Everyone..Our checkbook's balanced & it still looks like we can go on our cruise...YEA! :D:D:D Can't wait!

Betty

[hulamoon]

Originally Posted by serendipity1499

Good luck with making spell check work..

Use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. It spell-checks everything as you type (like Word), no matter where you are typing it. :)

 

 

 

Thank you kindly, I will give it a try!

 

Thanks Seredipity and JTL513

[whogo]

Forgive me for being slow. I am missing a key part of equation and have already read an awful lot about Royal Champions. Did the champions get a free cruise?

 

"We have provided the Royal Champions with the opportunity to experience our product during pre-inaugural sailings... They are responsible for their own travel arrangements and expenses..."

 

Were the champions responsible for the cruise portion, too? If they got a free cruise, the program stinks. If they were just first in line to pay for a cruise, I would feel differently. Quotes are from http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=944526

[HeatherInFlorida]

Forgive me for being slow. I am missing a key part of equation and have already read an awful lot about Royal Champions. Did the champions get a free cruise?

 

"We have provided the Royal Champions with the opportunity to experience our product during pre-inaugural sailings... They are responsible for their own travel arrangements and expenses..."

 

Were the champions responsible for the cruise portion, too? If they got a free cruise, the program stinks. If they were just first in line to pay for a cruise, I would feel differently. Quotes are from http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=944526

 

Whogo, this has been discussed a couple of times on this thread and what I'm getting is that the Royal Champions pay for travel expenses to and from (i.e. air, hotel, etc.), but not for the cruise itself. This is similar to what the lines do for TA's.

 

So the cruise portion is gratis. That's why we are saying that while they are not actually PAID, it's still "payola".

[Down-Unders]

I guess I’m not on top of things here, but does HAL have members here on CC like RCCL’s “Royal Champions”?

http://expertcruiser.com/advice/paid-cheerleaders-does-royal-caribbeans-viral-campaign-cross-the-line/

Thanks,

John

 

 

 

Very intresting!

[whogo]

Thank you, HeatherInFlorida for confirming that the champions did not have to pay for the cruise portion of this "promotion." Payola is a good term for it and it is wrong.

 

Cruise Critic is not blameless either. The official line is that their sole involvement in the champions program was to pass on information to the champions. I am betting that Royal Caribbean has advertised on Cruise Critic for a long time. Would Cruise Critic forward information from me to 50 board members? I would think not.

 

A number of posters have said they will not cruise or have not cruised on Royal Caribbean. I have enjoyed 4 Royal Caribbean cruises, with the 15 transatlantic on the Legend of the Seas being a particular favorite. While I am disgusted with the champions program, I would sail Royal Caribbean on the right itinerary at the right price.

[innlady1]

LOL. I like it enough that a chronic shortage gained mention in my review, even though not having fruit bowls in the rooms anymore didn't. :o

 

Our room steward left a card in our room re fresh fruit: To check off what we wanted and leave the card for him. I'm not big on bananas, apples, oranges...prefer berries....so we never bothered.

 

Maybe you didn't see the card? Or, he forgot to leave it for you?

[jtl513]

Maybe you didn't see the card? Or, he forgot to leave it for you?

On our Dec Noordam we didn't get a fruit bowl or a card. We just grabbed a couple of bananas after breakfast at the Lido for the next morning.

[HALFans]

Use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. It spell-checks everything as you type (like Word), no matter where you are typing it. :)

 

Safari also does the spell check thing.

 

Both Firefox and Safari are much faster than (and they don't lock up like) Explorer.

 

Maybe you didn't see the card? Or, he forgot to leave it for you?

 

No, didn't see a card either. Don't know whether he forgot it or if he didn't have any.

[world~citizen]

Originally Posted by AZjohn

I guess I’m not on top of things here, but does HAL have members here on CC like RCCL’s “Royal Champions”?

http://expertcruiser.com/advice/paid...ross-the-line/

Thanks,

John

 

I still don't know. HAL PR posted a note to say something to the effect that they have no paid participants on these boards. But, RCCL does not consider their "champions" paid either.

 

I asked for a clarification on this thread from HAL PR, but there was no reply that I am aware of (from HAL).

 

Smooth sailing to you...

 

[kryos]

We had a glitch in service on one of our last cruises, & because of this board, I knew enough to not report, but ask the correct Dept. Head about it..That evening the Steward came to our cabin to apologize for his mistake..I felt so bad for him, as he told us one more mistake like this & he would be out of a job...Word got around to all the DR & Cabin Stewards..Our normally excellent service turned into extraordinary service thereafter! Even those who didn't know our names before, deferred to us & welcomed us by name! :D:D .LOL

[/size]

And I'd be willing to bet that this is precisely the "perk" that is granted to members of this board regardless of what they write. By virtue of being on this board, we know to whom to complain when something isn't right. Many others don't. They will go to the front desk and complain to the purser's assistant on duty there, and in many cases not much will be done about it, other than perhaps to correct the problem in the future ... but no apology, no great increase in attention to detail, etc. But we CCers, by virtue of our time on this board, know to whom it is best to go with regard to our complaints, and you sure get a lot more action when you complain to a hotel manager about the problem you are having with your cabin steward or waiter than you do when you complain to a purser's assistant.

 

But I honestly don't think anyone on this board gets preferential treatment onboard because they happen to post to Cruise Critic or any other message board. First of all, how would the onboard staff even know you were a poster on CC? They sure don't have time to read it. In fact, I'd dare say that probably many of the onboard staff may not even know what the heck CC is!

 

Now, that said, sure ... I think there are some people who get preferential treatment onboard, but that's because of the particular accommodations they book, more than anything else. Let's face it ... if you are spending megabucks for a luxury suite, you and I are likely to have far different onboard experiences. If you have an "issue" with any aspect of the service you are receiving onboard, I am sure your "issue" is going to be addressed and rectified a heck of a lot faster than mine will be. And, I guess that's understandable. HAL wants you to leave that ship at the end of your cruise happy ... so that you will tell all your friends (who hopefully are of a similar socio-economical level and will book suites too).

 

But I'm sorry ... I just cannot believe that someone's posting to CC is going to get them treated any better onboard than the next person who maybe doesn't even own a computer.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[Boytjie]

First of all, how would the onboard staff even know you were a poster on CC? They sure don't have time to read it. In fact, I'd dare say that probably many of the onboard staff may not even know what the heck CC is!

 

That's not the impression I got on the Eurodam; maybe not all of them read it but some do. I heard it from the Cullinary Opreatinon Manager as well as Nina at the Shore Excursion desk. She said she read it all the time to see what people are saying or asking about, hoping to improve how she does her job. They seem to be quite interested in the feedback posted on CC.

 

I don't think they would know who specific posters are but I would not be surprised if they sometimes do figure it out. Since I organized the Meet & Greets on the last 3 charters I have been on it would not be that difficult for some crew memeber to figure out which CC id belongs to me.

 

I never got the impression that I was being treated differently because I post on CC. Nina dealt with my shore excursion issue days before we even discussed Cruise Critic.

[travelite]

That's not the impression I got on the Eurodam; maybe not all of them read it but some do. I heard it from the Cullinary Opreatinon Manager as well as Nina at the Shore Excursion desk. She said she read it all the time to see what people are saying or asking about, hoping to improve how she does her job. They seem to be quite interested in the feedback posted on CC.

 

I don't think they would know who specific posters are but I would not be surprised if they sometimes do figure it out. Since I organized the Meet & Greets on the last 3 charters I have been on it would not be that difficult for some crew memeber to figure out which CC id belongs to me.

 

I never got the impression that I was being treated differently because I post on CC. Nina dealt with my shore excursion issue days before we even discussed Cruise Critic.

 

On our last cruise, the front desk had a list of all CC members that signed up for the meet & greet. None of us got any type of special treatment. In fact, we were over charged for our transfers and HAL never made the correction. It was for a small amount, and I did not feel it was worth my time to pursue it with HAL....and I never posted that issue on CC until now....and only now to make a point....no perks for this CC member.

[serendipity1499]

Rita...I goofed in the quote but referring to your post where you said:

 

Quote But I honestly don't think anyone on this board gets preferential treatment onboard because they happen to post to Cruise Critic or any other message board. First of all, how would the onboard staff even know you were a poster on CC? They sure don't have time to read it. In fact, I'd dare say that probably many of the onboard staff may not even know what the heck CC is! Unquote

 

 

On all our HAL cruises we've met many Crew Members[/size] who read CC..In addition, on all of the Meet & Greets I've arranged on HAL & other Lines, they not only knew the full names & cabin Numbers which I provided but also the participants CC Sign in's..All the participants had a Master list & the ship asked me for a copy of it..the participants ok'd my giving HAL the List..In addition, the CC participants wore a name tag to the first reception, so we could all figure out who's who..

I can assure you that we were treated differently after we asked about the "glitch" with the wine card on our cruise..

 

On our last cruise, the front desk had a list of all CC members that signed up for the meet & greet. None of us got any type of special treatment. In fact, we were over charged for our transfers and HAL never made the correction. It was for a small amount, and I did not feel it was worth my time to pursue it with HAL....and I never posted that issue on CC until now....and only now to make a point....no perks for this CC member.

 

You might get one yet! On our Alaska cruise our meet & greet CC group received a special perk..We were all invited to the Captains & Officers Cocktail reception, which is normally only for VIP's..I'm not talking about our Mariner's luncheon..

DH & I took a land tour first & then a HAL cruise..Our Tour Escorts from the Land Tour, were at the Captains VIP reception..It was so funny to watch the two of them..They could not figure out how we got to be invited..I played along for about an hour then broke down & told them why we were there..I've heard of many CC groups being invited to these special VIP receptions..

When the Noordam was Christened & launched in the Netherlands, several CC members (not all) were invited to the festivities both in the Netherlands & in N.Y...They were not given a free cruise but they talked about the different luncheons & festivities they attended..If that isn't a perk what is!

 

Cheers...:)Betty

[HeatherInFlorida]

I have never received any upgrade, special treatment, or even acknowledgement of any kind from any HAL officer to crew. This comes as no shock. While I have written what I consider very positive reviews about HAL, no one would ever say that I "champion" the line. I have, in fact, been very clear on this board that Celebrity (for me) gets the edge every time.

 

However, I do know that many of the staff/crew definitely read this message board. First, we've been told that they do. But also I have received thank you emails from some staff when I have specifically mentioned them by name in a review.

 

So .... they do read. If you worked for HAL, wouldn't you? I sure would!:)

[travelite]

Rita...I goofed in the quote but referring to your post where you said:

 

Quote But I honestly don't think anyone on this board gets preferential treatment onboard because they happen to post to Cruise Critic or any other message board. First of all, how would the onboard staff even know you were a poster on CC? They sure don't have time to read it. In fact, I'd dare say that probably many of the onboard staff may not even know what the heck CC is! Unquote

 

 

On all our HAL cruises we've met many Crew Members[/size] who read CC..In addition, on all of the Meet & Greets I've arranged on HAL & other Lines, they not only knew the full names & cabin Numbers which I provided but also the participants CC Sign in's..All the participants had a Master list & the ship asked me for a copy of it..the participants ok'd my giving HAL the List..In addition, the CC participants wore a name tag to the first reception, so we could all figure out who's who..

 

I can assure you that we were treated differently after we asked about the "glitch" with the wine card on our cruise..

 

 

 

You might get one yet! On our Alaska cruise our meet & greet CC group received a special perk..We were all invited to the Captains & Officers Cocktail reception, which is normally only for VIP's..I'm not talking about our Mariner's luncheon..

 

DH & I took a land tour first & then a HAL cruise..Our Tour Escorts from the Land Tour, were at the Captains VIP reception..It was so funny to watch the two of them..They could not figure out how we got to be invited..I played along for about an hour then broke down & told them why we were there..I've heard of many CC groups being invited to these special VIP receptions..

 

When the Noordam was Christened & launched in the Netherlands, several CC members (not all) were invited to the festivities both in the Netherlands & in N.Y...They were not given a free cruise but they talked about the different luncheons & festivities they attended..If that isn't a perk what is!

 

Cheers...:)Betty

 

In the 80's I sailed a small cruise line with my 2 beautiful daughters. We had a very basic low category cabin. We belonged to no group and had no influence. We were invited to dine at the captains table. We were well taken care of for the entire cruise. Some times I think things are done and choices made for no specific reason.

[travelite]

I have never received any upgrade, special treatment, or even acknowledgement of any kind from any HAL officer to crew. This comes as no shock. While I have written what I consider very positive reviews about HAL, no one would ever say that I "champion" the line. I have, in fact, been very clear on this board that Celebrity (for me) gets the edge every time.

 

However, I do know that many of the staff/crew definitely read this message board. First, we've been told that they do. But also I have received thank you emails from some staff when I have specifically mentioned them by name in a review.

 

So .... they do read. If you worked for HAL, wouldn't you? I sure would!:)

 

If I worked for any cruise line I'd READ what's on these boards. I'd be interested in knowing what passengers have to say about their experience. If HAL has people reading postings as a means to improve, all the better for us cruisers.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Rita...I goofed in the quote but referring to your post where you said:

 

Quote But I honestly don't think anyone on this board gets preferential treatment onboard because they happen to post to Cruise Critic or any other message board. First of all, how would the onboard staff even know you were a poster on CC? They sure don't have time to read it. In fact, I'd dare say that probably many of the onboard staff may not even know what the heck CC is! Unquote

 

 

On all our HAL cruises we've met many Crew Members[/size] who read CC..In addition, on all of the Meet & Greets I've arranged on HAL & other Lines, they not only knew the full names & cabin Numbers which I provided but also the participants CC Sign in's..All the participants had a Master list & the ship asked me for a copy of it..the participants ok'd my giving HAL the List..In addition, the CC participants wore a name tag to the first reception, so we could all figure out who's who..

 

I can assure you that we were treated differently after we asked about the "glitch" with the wine card on our cruise..

 

 

 

You might get one yet! On our Alaska cruise our meet & greet CC group received a special perk..We were all invited to the Captains & Officers Cocktail reception, which is normally only for VIP's..I'm not talking about our Mariner's luncheon..

 

DH & I took a land tour first & then a HAL cruise..Our Tour Escorts from the Land Tour, were at the Captains VIP reception..It was so funny to watch the two of them..They could not figure out how we got to be invited..I played along for about an hour then broke down & told them why we were there..I've heard of many CC groups being invited to these special VIP receptions..

 

When the Noordam was Christened & launched in the Netherlands, several CC members (not all) were invited to the festivities both in the Netherlands & in N.Y...They were not given a free cruise but they talked about the different luncheons & festivities they attended..If that isn't a perk what is!

 

Cheers...:)Betty

 

Yes -- we do know of crew members who do read this board. Have talked to and do e-mail several of them.

An hour for a VIP Party?? The majority of the ones we have attended only lasted 1/2 - 3/4 of an hour.

On our recent back-to-back cruises both on the Eurodam and the Noordam -- many of those who attended the Meet & Greet's were Not invited to the VIP party.