LAFFNVEGAS

Thanks I just did :)

Well, it may be normal, but I'd hardly call it legit to state that "These special fares are not available to the general public" when they in fact are available to the public, according to the OP. Smacks of false advertising in my books. We are all used to marketing hyperbole, but this appears to be an outright falsehood.

 

Well it is legit if there are some sailings that are offered that are less. After I came home in May for the months of June and July I saw so many various sailings that were in fact much lower. Granted not every sailing I looked at but definitely quite a few. The fares I was finding under my Mariner number were NOT available for the public. I am sure in the OP's case if they search they were find several that they can find for lower rates than what HAL is advertising. While I did not take the cruise I was actually booked on the Noordam TA for several hundred less that HAL was offering even with FLASH Sale so YES it can be. This past summer I saw several occasions of people that were given offers right after they came home from a cruise with some amazing deals. The offers stopped coming in after we booked the Noordam TA and then canceled. Have not gotten any of the offers since but I have had the occasion to talk to some that have in fact received these emails, they would ask the current rate and the price they were seeing when they logged into HAL was in fact much lower. I will not be surprised that when we return from our New Years cruise it will start over again with some great offers.

Especially if you are a 4 Star Mariner or higher!

One or two star Mariners get the good offers, our higher fares are justified to pay for our perks! :rolleyes:

You stated what I was thinking (lol)

Actually I was quite shocked this last summer when I was getting the special Mariner offers because I am 4 Star but the offers were amazingly lower than what HAL was offering to the general public and they were with our Mariner number. SO they do offer these special prices to 4 star Mariner.

I just returned from a cruise on the Eurodam and a day later received an email offer from Holland with the following statement: "These special fares are not available to the general public and may differ from those on "Cruise Details and Availability" pages. To receive these special fares, please visit My Account, and enter your ID number or provide this information when you call." One of the cruises shown under this offer was very tempting so I checked its pricing, etc... on the general Holland Website first and then called an Holland sales representative to find out what would be MY special Mariner pricing and what amenities I would receive under this offer.

Guess what? The pricing I was quoted and the amenities offered were exactly the same as those offered on the general website. I asked the agent to double check again "my" special mariner price, gave her the promo code again and she confirmed that the price she had quoted me was correct and she did not have any explanation for this price being the same as the one quoted on the general website.

I think that this kind of promotion is very misleading and that Holland America should be denounced for making these misleading and quite honestly somewhat frodulent offers.

Anyone else had this experience?

 

 

 

This very is legit and totally normal for their current Welcome Home campaign email. For about 90 days after we returned from our Zuiderdam cruise in May we were getting emails about three times a week and I would log into the HAL site and find some amazing low prices, especially for Europe and Trans Atlantics. There big push right now is to get you booked within 90 days of returning home. I did book, then canceled because I booked my Crystal which sadly did not happen. But now I am booked again with HAL for end of December so I expect I will have some emails with some great offers once we return. Do sign in to HAL and take a look. The best prices will be for Europe and most likely Spring Caribbean. The prices we were getting were amazingly lower usually any where from $200.00 to as much as $800 per person less. Remember NOT ALL sailings qualify for the special offers so what you already booked may not have been one that it applied to!!!

Too funny right after I posted the above I received an email that was address from Stein Kruse. I received this because of my occupation.

This is a portion of the letter. Please note the last paragraph!!

Today a series of announcements were made by Carnival Corporation & plc, reflecting several new strategies to accelerate the strengthening of our brands and create further positive momentum in the marketplace.

As announced, I will become CEO of Princess Cruises and Holland America–Princess Alaska land operations, in addition to my current role as CEO, Holland America Line and Chairman, Seabourn. These changes will become effective December 1, 2013.

Also announced today was the appointment of Jan Swartz to President, Princess Cruises. I am looking forward to furthering our collective support of our valued travel partners, in collaboration with Jan and her colleague Richard Meadows, President, Seabourn and EVP Marketing, Sales & Guest Programs, Holland America Line.

As we all share a common desire to exceed our guests’ expectations, I want to reassure you that all of our brands have a unique and special place in the market, and they will remain as independent brands. There is absolutely no intention of combining brands. All have a great reputation and history, loyal guests and the potential for further growth and success and we are excited for the future.

Just because Mr Kruse is now over seeing a few more areas under the Carnival umbrella does not mean that things are going to change for the consumer/passengers. In all honesty I see absolutely nothing changing. Princess will be Princess same has HAL will remain the same as it is now. Mr Kruse was CEO of Seabourn as well as HAL and there were no over lapping of policies and or combining of cruise credits. The only similarity was their booking engine and Up Sell offers (which btw were not nearly as good a HAL's) Princess shares the same booking engine and internal computer system that HAL and Seabourn use. It was actually Princess's to begin with. Many things that we see Princess doing was done first by them and HAL followed. I do not expect to be a single change other than Mr Kruse will have more people under him to handle the day to day management activities. And he will probably be flying to California a lot more often. Don't expect there to be in sharing between the cruise lines.

Bon Voyage to all of you, I know you are going to have a fantastic time!!! :)

Oh I think it sounds amazing :D I could have that for lunch every single day. I would have a hard time choosing and would like a sampler plate of each Roll and Sashimi offered...oh actually pass on the salad give me an order of Tuna Sashimi and Rainbow Roll, I will take some Sake too ;)

Thanks Lisa, after doing all of our cruises in HAL in a Neptune suite, we just realized it was not doing it for us versus the price we were paying. We love the idea of the 4166 and really think it is good enough for us, BUT I always was curious about the Superior Suites. Sounds like picking up a phone would be much easier and the dining table is a plus.

 

Do you think that $490 PP for 14 days is a good price? I am not even considering waiting for an up-sell because that will never happen. I have horrible luck. When we decide it will be final.

 

That is $35 dollars a day, per person. Hummmmmm.

 

As for upgrading to a Neptune (if we had a SZ Gnt) it would have to be a real deal for us to consider doing it again. But if it happens and its a deal we will jump on it. Otherwise we will be perfectly happy in the VD or SZ Gnt.

 

Lisa:

On a side note, it did feel really final! This weekend I have 2 weddings and bridal show, so its going to be nuts. I will be getting home as it starts.

I have a feeling poor Warlo will go to tons of effort decorating a wedding space for him and Sookie (poor thing really loves her I think anyway) and I think grandpa Niall will come back and kill him not knowing whats been going on! Its going to be devastating! If grandpa Niall does not do it, someone will. They have a potential to be too happy for anyone to let them be. Eeeekk! Is right! Terry's funeral so sad!

I have to say out of 30+ HAL cruises and the majority were in Neptune Suites over all our favorite category to book really is the Signature Suites. We seldom use the Neptune but we like the extra space for cabin, bathroom and balcony that the Signature Suites provide. I am one that actually dislikes the dressing area on the Neptune Suite. It tends ti get hot and humid in that area from the bathroom shower, the orange tint of the mirror drives me nuts. I much prefer the dressing table out in the cabin with the natural day light. So you can count me in on the fact that yes I think the extra is worth the money :D

Off topic to Surfergirlie, I too will be busy this Sunday and not sure I will be home in time so may have to watch it "On Demand' on Monday night and I said to my husband a couple of weeks ago that Niall would be back at the end ;) I think you could be spot on for your guessing.

DH and I have been discussing the possibility of going from VD4166 with the 18 ft balcony to an SZ GNT. The price diff for 14 days per person for us is $490 PP. We also have a family retreat cabana, so overall I think we have a nice amount of space.

 

The reason we are considering it is for:

 

1. The dining table on our balcony that the VD does not have

 

2. The extra in cabin space

 

3. The telephone concierge... We are hoping this will keep us from having to go to front desk as much? Has anyone had success with doing alot over the phone or will they tell you to come to guest relations? Any input on this would be helpful. What can they do for you? For instance if you call and ask for a print out of your bill, I am sure you will just need to go down and wait in line for it. Just not sure what they really do.

 

The price is not bad, just wondering if it is really worth it as the SZs have finally opened. They actually opened for a bit more than I am used to seeing.

So we are not sure.

 

Our cabin is already amazing I am sure. Its a mini suite on other lines lol and I am totally happy with it, but if I can get a good amount of space and cut my times down at the front desk that would be great.

 

This is our first non suite on HAL.

 

Just wondering is $490 PP is even worth it.

Since I have had 4166 a couple of time and several time in the SZ/SY/SS I would vote for the SZ and yes it is worth the extra $$ or at least for us it is. :)

The one thing to remember too is that of all the categories the Signature Suite is the first category to always sell out, while granted there are some rare occasions for Up Sell offers it is not nearly as often as Signature Suite to Neptune Suite or OV to the Balcony. Then if you ever thought you wanted to try a Neptune Suite once you are booked in a Signature it is very likely to get an Up Sell offer ;)

On another topic only one more episode :eek: Not sure where they will take it. Sunday felt like a final in a way.

Totally agree! And I did learn that wine sent by family or TAs incurr the same corkage fee, something I had not gleaned from the "other" wine threads.

 

Thanks, Suzanne.

Never mind mis-read the post

Lisa - I am not surprised at all that they are restricting the wine - you certainly gave a subtle enough warning.;) What I am surprised at is that there is no wine permitted at ports of call - even with corkage:eek:

 

That's what blew me away.

 

I really feel sorry for those that boarded on July 26th and were completely caught off guard and potentially embarrassed:(

Jacqui, I agree, there should have been some warning and a date given when this would be implemented. That is why I was actually a bit shocked and thought it would not happen till fall.

Now I could be totally wrong and this is only a total guess on my part not from anything that has been mentioned to me but with the out cry from many Mariners they may revise this to mirror Princess and this could get redefined quickly

Just my two cents but I almost would have rather they done something like NCL where you can bring on as much as you want but you pay corkage fee up front and they place a sticker on the bottle. While there still would have been many screaming it would have calmed down the majority.

I wish Lisa would come back here and tell us how she obtained the HAL Wine Policy Change ... and if HAL asked her to notify her clients about the change. I'm also wondering if all TA's received what Lisa posted.

I was made aware of this many months ago, and Have mentioned here on CC numerous time that I knew this was going to happen. I remember several months ago being told I was wrong and this would not happen. I have also posted that there was a change that was going to be a shock to many. I was told shortly after HAL had their annual conference in May that this would be implemented very soon. I just happened to be on the phone with HAL yesterday morning in regards to the Explore4 and talking to a Rep that I frequently have talked with and he said you know that they started yesterday on the ships the new Wine policy. He stated it was all a shock to them as well that it was implemented so quickly.

No, TA's have not been officially given this information.

Hi All:

 

I am a wee bit confused about a few things here. First of all if you look at the PDF document entitled "what you need to know" it shows a date on the last page in the lower right hand corner of 7/18/13 so I believe this new policy is a little older than yesterday.

 

Here is the link:

 

http://www.hollandamerica.com/assets/cruise-vacation-onboard/KBYG.pdf

 

Also as I read what the document says, and mind you I am not an attorney, I believe it is worded quite strangely.

 

It states and I quote "Each guest 21 years and older may bring one bottle of wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) onboard in their carry-on luggage at the beginning of the voyage."

 

I am quite sure that HAL differentiates between carry-on and checked luggage. Nowhere does it say that you can not have wine in your checked baggage. It only states your carry-on luggage.

 

HAL has a battery of lawyers that write these policy's. I find it hard to believe that the wording does not state "each guest is allowed to bring on only one bottle of wine or champagne at embarkation only."

 

Is this the potential loophole?

From what I was told the policy went into place starting with Embarkations on the ships on Friday July 26, 2013, what I wrote with it going into place YESTERDAY was correct.

Wow, oh wow. Lisa, is THIS the shocking change you said was coming this Fall, or is there more???

Yes this was the shocking change I knew was coming except I thought it was another month away yet. But knew it could happen very soon.

I couldn't find anything in the HAL link regarding the bringing on of water or soft drinks. Will that still be allowed or has it been removed as well?

My understanding and what has been told to me is this has not been changed and you can still bring on water and soft drinks.

The New Wine Policy went into effect yesterday on Hollands America Ships.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BROUGHT ON BOARD

Each guest 21 years and older may bring one bottle of wine or

champagne (no larger than 750ml) onboard in their

carry-on luggage at the beginning of the voyage. Guests

are not allowed to bring beer, boxed wine, or other liquors

and spirits onboard. Holland America Line reserves the

right to remove all alcoholic beverages from guest luggage

that violates this policy. Any alcoholic beverage found

will be removed and returned on the last evening of the

voyage. Guests will not receive any monetary compensation

for alcoholic beverages that were removed from luggage.

Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports of calls or

from onboard shops will be stored and returned on the last

evening of the voyage. A corkage fee of US$20.00 (subject

to change) applies to wine and champagne brought to the

restaurants or bars for consumption. In-Room Dining offers

reduced-price stateroom beverage packages for in-stateroom

consumption of alcoholic beverages (a 15% Service Charge

on all beverage items and packages with beverages will be

added).

Guests who violate any of our alcohol policies (e.g., attempt

to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage check

points or any other time, provide alcohol to guests under age

21, over consume, or demonstrate irresponsible behavior),

may be denied boarding or may be disembarked at their

own expense.

It has already been updated in the online "What you need to know" booklet on page 6

http://www.hollandamerica.com/assets/cruise-vacation-onboard/KBYG.pdf

Yes, it would seem to be a marketing tool to encourage early bookings and to accustom people to the beverage package.

 

Is it your feeling, Lisa, that if/when prices drop they will be under a different rate/promo code that will not be combinable with this promo? In other words, the promo applies only to a set of specific rate codes and people later may have to choose between keeping the promo or taking advantage of a reduced fare?

Oh MOST Definitely!! This will be HAL's way to lock people in to keeping the slightly higher rate. HAL has been introducing Flash rates many time before final, then people will call up and switch there will be a lot more to lose by having this on the reservation. As well as the booking early thing. HAL for many years now has taught their loyal passengers to wait and not book till the last minute. With offering this it will encourage many to book early or at least I am sure this is what they are hoping.

I think one thing everyone is missing in this offer is that this is HAL's way to "Introduce" the Beverage Package and to get passengers accustom to purchasing this. If given to them the first time they most likely will decide that it is of value to them (or at least that is what HAL is hoping) That is basically what Celebrity did and no with out even offering it to their regular passengers as a promo no they sell it on a regular basis. HAL has had it for a short while and I think it is not selling at all so this way if they can get passengers using it they will think to purchase next time around.

I'm in the same boat as you. I get nada. I know people say it's because it goes to junk mail. It's not going there....we get nothing!

Truthfully I was getting absolutely nothing either for many many years till we canceled that Eurodam cruise, then WOW like opening up the flood gates about 2 weeks after I canceled. We had nothing booked with them and suddenly we get both snail mail and several emails a week. I honestly think the key is NOT to have a cruise booked with them.

I just got off the phone with HAL, it seems that there has in fact been a lot of tweaking of the system with the changes especially today. This was not to go LIVE till the 29th but they went ahead and rolled it out causing much of some of the pricing to be extremely inflated when they placed in the system. Most have now been corrected and yes now the pricing is showing this available for all the sailings that are listed for the Explore4. There are some odd sailings here and there that you would think should qualify but do not. HAL is going to be quite busy in the upcoming days with people calling in to add this to existing reservations of 2014.

I have been comparing lots of the prices for this new program hopefully someone at HAL is still tweaking this or the buyers are really going to be getting ripped off :eek:

I have been comparing pricing and just to give you an idea I looked first at the March 10th 2013 Noordam. The price different between purchasing under the current Advantage Fares or with the Explore4 is Drastic and the higher the category the bigger the difference.

Inside cat MM will cost your $450.00 more per person, Balcony cat. VF will cost you $550.00 more per person, SY will cost you $750 more per person SC (this was the odd one) $600.00 more per person, SB $720.00 more per person and SA was $820.00 more per person. Then I moved on and selected the Zuiderdam Alaska for May 17, 2014 this was cat MM inside $900.00 more per person, cat H OV $1100.00 more per person.Bal VF $1700.00 more per person SY was $3300.00 more per person and a shocking $3250 more per person for the SA :eek:

Now all I can say is that I am truly hoping they are still tweaking the prices and although HAL claimed this was not starting till the 29th they are offering this now so just be very careful what pricing you are getting. Although the sticker shock along could make you question what you are buying.

We are seeming more and more of these from various cruise lines. The only offers we pay attention to now are price decrease or OBC.

 

Princess is particularly bad...could be because we have a booking. We have twice rec'd special offers. The first special offer was at a higher price. No thanks.

 

The second offer, our TA had to translate it for us because the wording was less that straightforward.......you agree to increase the deposit, make your Feb cruise non refundable or just a credit note if you cancel....and we will give you the princely sum of a $100. OBC. Thanks, but no thanks.

 

Wine, dinners, bingo, dry cleaning do not do it for us.

 

Bottom line price please and no fine print that we have to live in Wichita, book on Tuesday, and it is only available on a combination of odd numbered months and odd numbered days!

In all honesty I have to agree. I have been telling many for the past several years to think of cruise lines Car Sales. How often do you see on TV the BIG Sale and all the give aways. Trust me after working in the Car Biz for 15 years it truly is all a gimmick. Any way to get the person down to the dealership to purchase a car. This is really the same thing. ;) While it may be a good deal for some it may not be for others.

What I do see in the cruise industry is that with HAL your best offer is to wait till about 60 days prior to the sailing and purchase the Flash pricing if you are not particular on your cabin. For those wanting Neptune Suites and a particular cabin then you are going to pay the full price. No different than buying a Mercedes because you never see the Mercedes or Lexus Dealers having those free giveaways :rolleyes:

Finally something that comes close. But no Caribbean!!!??? That does not help us lol. Such a shame...

 

Just saw last (2) True Blood last night. Boy am I glad I waited to watch them both! Wowzer. thought of you, I was omg what does LAFFN think? LOL!

I cannot believe you waited to watch the two together, I can barely wait till Sunday night :D There is so much happening right now. But I cheered at the begining of this past Sundays with what Pam and Eric did. And was rather shocked with what Bill did :eek:

Lisa:

 

Do you think this promotion will be open to everyone? My niece (a 1-star Mariner) got a booklet in the mail and it says "ID number must be presented at time of booking to receive these fares and are available to the recipient(s) of this mailing only."

 

Since I never receive mailings from HAL (but do get e-mail promos), I would guess my Mariner # would not qualify.

To my understanding Mariner status will not matter this will be for everyone but it will be on selected sailings. Ao the itinerary and Rate Code will determine if they qualify.