Starwave

I recently went through an attempt to use this program and thought I would share my experience as a data point for others: April 6: Booked standby cruise on Eurodam leaving June 29 via HAL direct line. June 27 at 4:30pm: Receive this email from HAL: Regrettably, our Standby List for your requested Alaska cruise is fully booked, however if you would like to stay on stand-by status and potentially clear as late as the day of sailing we can leave your booking active, or if you prefer, we can cancel your booking today and refund you in full. Please reply to this email with your preference; if you would like to remain on stand-by, please advise the latest time you would need to clear, and the best way to reach you if last minute space comes available. June 27 at 6:30pm: I reply that I'd like to stay on the stand-by list up until the time of departure. I asked what's the latest that I'd be expected to be at the cruise terminal and received no reply. June 29 at 1:15pm: Since the ship departs at 3pm and I'd received no communication from HAL, I called their office. At first, they said they could find no record of my reservation. I persisted and eventually they found the record, confirmed it had been cancelled, and stated that I should be refunded. July 2: Received the refund to my credit card.

I had a different experience with this. Despite the language on HAL's website suggesting it's possible to add the Have It All package in advance ("Plus, add the Have It All Package to your booking today to receive our best savings on Beverage Packages, Wi-Fi, Shore Excursions, and Specialty Dining."), I was told by an agent that I could only add the Have It All package after I am cleared for the cruise. Have others had the same experience? I would think HAL would be interested in taking as much of my money upfront as possible, but I guess not. 😀

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