Haljo1935

Funny story, though, she had wanted to change her last name for quite some time. So, when she got divorced, she used that opportunity since it was "free" with the divorce filing. Flash forward, she said, "too bad being a Karen only recently became a bad thing, I would have changed it then and saved the money, had I known. I could have gotten my entire name changed for free." So she does have a little light-hearted humor associated with it.

Gives a reason to call the super-heloful, super-friendly call center so they can try to upsell you something they can't actually add... Bitter? Who me?

@Florida_gal_50My lifelong (since 7th grade and I'm 60+) best friend legally changed her name once "Karen" became a "bad" thing; some people don't like that.

Oh my @POA1 oh my and he he!! Good memories are good no matter how they come our way.

We didn't go that route on either of the 2 we changed - one was PIF, the other had substantial amounts paid but not fully - both were transferred to new bookings (2 different new bookings).

Encouraging to see so many people now reporting refunds coming back. I have held off booking first time as talk of withheld deposits, lack of communication and inconsistencies with bookings in the new system.

Good callout - you will always get an email confirmation of your purchase so if you don't get one, you should check your shopping cart. Also, you should get occasional email reminders that "you left something in your cart and it's time to complete your purchase" if you did leave w/o actually checking out and finalizing the purchase. So if you get one of those emails, you might want to check your shopping cart. You will also see the excursions and/or dinners on your itinerary, so that's another way to confirm they were actually completed.

This also aligns with my experience mentioned in my other response. I was happy with the outcome as I didn't forfeit payments and did indeed plan on rebooking. I was met with no resistance either time, just had to be patient while they transferred me to a supervisor who had ability to handle the cancel and transfer. I had both invoices (cancel and new booking) in my email before I hung up.

Aligns with my experience having done it a couple times. Key seems to be to transfer the deposit (and any fare payments already made) to another booking.

During the last call, I was told the discount/rate code attached to the booking is DE8 (maybe DEA, but sounded like 8 not A). Maybe someone with knowledge of HAL booking codes knows what that code is. Makes no sense that they're accepting HIA money from passengers who didn't upgrade free cruises, so they're adding it to more deeply discounted bookings than mine, but won't take my money for it when they made money from me for the upgrade (from inside to VB balcony) and CO. Then they'd make money on the HIA package, as well. Not a solo cruise, so everything added is x2. I haven't threatened to cancel, bit do remind them I'm4* and desperately looking for reasons to stay loyal. Have even had guest 2 on a couple of the calls and let them know she's a refer looking for reasons to stay w/HAL as well as bring people with her. So loss of revenue on sale of one package could cost them considerably more, but here we are...again.

I was on one of those and came in (late) just as officers were leaving. Their presence was a topic of conversation for a while. I also thought, like @RuthC the purpose was for passengers to meet and considered Officers attending a bonus. I'll continue to attend with that expectation.

Happy Canada Day!!

We did upgrade to a VS aft balcony - paid to go from free inside to verandah. So, they got the money from us on the cabin upgrade plus the CO. And now to add to my frustration, I just read on another thread where @DaveOKC was able to use a Welcome Back promo on a booking w/other perks. We couldn't use that, either.

Well, by now you now from another thread, it indeed is an unforgettable journey for sure...and does not always end with the desired outcome. Wishing others better luck and the gratuities being included is nice!

Mystery indeed. No other discounts, doesn't even have OBC. And I even gave them additional monies by way of adding CO. So, it's a very straightforward deal. Maybe that's my reward for making 4*, lol.

Hey - maybe she could call me. I don't have a PCC on this booking and desperately need a new one...

Same. Like many, we're on B2B; sure don't want bad food for 2 weeks. Did you see the picture of ice being delivered to the cabins? It's put in plastic bags and set on the floor outside the cabin - like dirty room service trays waiting to be picked up. Apparently there's an issue with the ice machines. Ugh

Thanks - did all that, then had to explain to my husband why the screen was dark and what incognito mode was, lol.

Thanks for asking - both are no. It is Nov 26 - Dec 10, single booking, not Collector. They all tell me it's because of the deeply discounted rate I got, the code for the rate is not combinable w/other discounts, yet I was able to add CO. Appreciate you and everyone else continuing to follow up and ask. Maybe someone will eventually have a name they can provide who can override the code. 🤔

Yep

The only sad faces I've gotten are my own ... 🙄Were I new to HAL and going through this, I'd likely be a short-timer.

Sounds like someone's hungry! 🤭

We were in Spa VQ for the first time in Feb and really enjoyed it, especially considering we're used to the large aft balconies down on 4. The perks of the VQ: Easy access to Spa - used my thermal pass twice daily, every day! Easy access to great coffee in Crow's Nest Easy access to the "secret" deck - went every day for solitude Glad it worked out. Hope to hear your feedback when you return. Safe travels, enjoy your cruise!

Yep, and this is where it ends up for me...

Tried 4 times to add via the app, but all ended w/me coming back here once again to pout...😪 I see it, I click it, I giddily take the ride to the other screen and I click "upgrade now" then things flash before my eyes and I feel the excitement as little blue swirly things circle the screen. Being taken to the website, I log in for the 3rd time where I once again am denied. 😞 Then I call in, speak w/someone who cheerfully says "sure I'd be happy to add that for you" after the obligatory "I see you're a 4* Mariner, thank you for your loyalty" and then puts me on hold for some time (you know where this is headed) to say they've added their supervisor, who then explains it can't be added because it's not combinable with my rate. If I want to refare to the current rate, they'd be happy to add it and are not able to override it. Maybe they are cracking down on not adding it when the rate code isn't combinable, but there are so many people who seem to get it done anyway after reaching out, that I seem to be the HAL test study on how to say no and stand firm. Ugh... Screenshot is from this morning, same result as last nights 3 attempts. If the math didn't work so well, I'd let it go, but on this one, it just makes sense. Maybe if I had a good PCC, they'd be able to help, but we already know mine is the worst, so still wishing for a different experience there, too.