HALcruiser2001

It is universally accepted and generally true that cruise line excursions are over priced.

Thanks. I agree. I don't see any reason for a TA.

Theft is a single word. What if that lost money was for crew appreciation? Now you cannot tip. You order a car with a v8 paid in advance knowing you NEEDED a v8. Car arrives and it has v6. Manufacturer says, you cant have refund, sorry. No such thing as v8, sorry our brochure had a typo. What would you do? Would you just deal with a v6? Do you think car mfg would keep this strategy for long?

Are you a HAL marketeer? OBC is equal to dollars on the ship. Taking them away is theft. Cheated is only profane to cheaters. 😉 Not living up to contractual obligations is illegal.

Yep. I have not been on HAL for 20 years and already regret it, thanks CC. 😉 .First 2 were great. Now from all the comments I feel like I just put 10k in the bin. If I ever cruise again it won't be HAL unless they deliver in Feb. Even if they do, not sure I will navigate thier pricing model again just dumb. Should have done Seabourn.

I am with you. My wife said cruise is easiest and 3 days later I threw 10k at her vaca. The HAL forum here is not comforting. 😉

Then you don't purchase on price/value. Most people do.

It is generally true. It is also generally true that excursions sold through the cruise line are way over priced to begin with.

So ... I booked my cabana via guest services. I had to call each day for a few days, but eventually one was available. The rep in guest services sent me an email about the confirmation. No legitimate receipt. Today I called again asking for a formal receipt/confirmation. Nope. Just another email from a rep. Crazy. Not impressed. How many times do you purchase something for $399 and not get a formal receipt?

Bad service bad tip. Simple.

It states crew appreciation. I go to Pinnacle, bars, etc. All included. If the HIA includes 18% why would I tip? Before you jump to conclusions my standard tip for exceptional service is 25%.

Milk does not equal a once in a life time event and trip. I dont prepay for milk. Never have, never will. Not sure how you can make that leap.

Of course, but cruise excursions generally dont deserve it. Totally depends on the experience. In most "excursions", the only reason I tip is because I feel sorry for them. I usually recommend a private tour as busses, tourism in general stinks. I take 10x$20 in my pocket with the sole purpose of giving them away on my way to my room. It is a gratifying technique and establishes my relationship with staff.

Contract rules change based on time of purchase.

Thank you. I wonder if I could figure out a a way to trigger these. I did 2 cruises 20+ years ago with HAL. I wonder if I could talk to the future cruise desk and drop some hints that I want some of these offers. They must be associated with your account in some way.

Maybe I was not clear. We all have to agree that they should not give up a reservation, that is a given. Assuming that they gave up the reservation purposefully or mistakenly. How does HAL reimburse you? The only real option is to either say tough luck or give you something of equal or better value.

HAL gave them the cash back. I get what you are saying completely and agree. EDIT: But how does HAL make it right after you travel to the port for embarkation? Nothing, IMO. The only thing that would make it right is to bump someone else and ruin their holiday. If you are in an inside state and the ship is not at capacity, they could offer an upgrade to something with a veranda. But what if you are in a suite already?

If HAL cannot manage a reservation, then I have little reason to sail them again. I booked my Feb cruise for a 60th bday. If HAL screws up the Cabana reservation, I am unlikely to be a return customer. So far only 2 cruises as cruising is generally not my style. Both were with HAL. In total I have about $30k in cruises with them and 0 mariner *. More than I have ever paid for any 3 vacations. I won't let it ruin my cruise, as it is out of my control, but should they not deliver what was ordered it will be a huge disappointment and I will be unlikely to ever book a cruise with HAL again.

Best to look at your confirmation, my HIA says: 7-Day Surf Wifi Hia Promo Signature Beverage Pkg Hia Promo Shore Excursion Discount H I A1 1 Night Spec Dining H I A Promo Pre-Paid Crew Appreciation Promo From everything I have read this means that I am not "required" to tip anyone for the duration of the cruise.

How often/much do you sail HAL?

I would/will be upset if that happens to me, but in reality, they did not have to pay for it and gave them some meals. What makes it "right"? A few free dinners? Gratis cruise?

Net result IMO. Don't fly SW. Don't cruise HAL. Simple.

I really wish I would have read this BEFORE I booked HAL in Nov 2022, for Feb 2023. I will do some more research after my HAL cruise and decide if my wife and I also celebrate my 60th on a ship. Now it is likely to be Celebrity or Seabourn.

I did not see this until I did a search. I wonder if you can have these two items and/or use them.

The thermal loungers are not something you occupy all day, so there is no problem securing them. There will be times when you don't get one and have to find something else until one opens.