chisoxfan

9 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

I normally give the person that brings our drinks to the table $2.00.  If sitting at the bar and drinking more than one drink, I'll tip the bartender $5.00.  In the YC there are usually two servers that go around to the tables taking drink orders and we also usually slip them a little extra the last night, if they have been very attentive during the cruise.  Same with the bartender. 

These tipping posts are always interesting. While would never question your intentions or how much you tip but one reason I like cruising so much is the (generally) hassel free nature. Making sure you have correct change everytime you are going to have a drink is not relaxing to me. I can think of how many times I was looking to get a valet parked car only to have no small bills.... often times will wait in line at a hotel desk just to aquire change. 

We try to have small bills available for room service deliveries but even this can be challenging.

We always tip stateroom attendants at the end and try to be considerate with keeping signs out when we are leaving and keep the cabin reasonably tidy. Otherwise for us if we have exceptional service after the week from individuals (this will probably be 1-4 crew) that have served us repeatedly we will gladly leave a tip and feel good about it. After many years of travel that is my criteria.... a tip should make you feel positive offered with a sense of gratitude for exceptional service... a true win win situation. 

Personally, I think the best thing you can do for a crew member is mention them specifically to the cruise line for their efforts. Not sure how MSC handles this but I know for most lines it is ultimately very helpful for them.

It is interesting to see perspectives on this subject specific to YC. 

1 hour ago, the penguins said:

As this is a Celebrity thread I sort of assumed your comments were directed to Celebrity ships.

Poster on this thread commented on turning off balcony lights and I wholeheartedly agreed this has been bothersome to us on many cruises over the years.  I thought we had balcony lights on our Ascent and Apex Retreat balconies-did not take detailed notes. Last M cruises were a long time ago so don't remember specifically but you seem to have a handle on the X balcony lighting situation so I will defer to you. If no balcony lighting on all X ships I apologize for commenting here.

6 minutes ago, the penguins said:

no balcony lights on S class

Did not say there were. Just that it is an 'under reported' nuisance on many(most) cruise ship balconies (not pointed at X particularly since they are moving away from 'real' balconies on their new ships).

13 minutes ago, jayoldschool said:

Just turn off your balcony light. lol

Thank you. Enjoy sitting out some nights on real balcony and seeing some stars. They should put balcony lights on a timer- no need to have them on unless somebody is reading.

A quick comment on HAL Booking.....Club Orange does add a twist in my mind. I have experienced conflicting answers on CO availabiliy from PCC's and have even gotten different answers on the same day.....  My point being because of this on HAL I think I am simplifying my life by first securing a cruise with Club Orange through PCC and then transferring to TA.

13 hours ago, REOVA said:

We found long wait times with them and and not be able to call direct was an issue. I had to go to warehouse (even though they are separate) and complain and they had to look up the regional manager to contact someone to call me. Then the agent was not happy he had to call me. Last time the agent messed up my booking (even the person that corrected it said they must be new). My current TA is on vacation at times but either she or her team responds to text or messages. The ability to reach someone directly is great and the discount plus using box CC still gets the 2%

You are absolutely correct but they have improved since their 'dark days'. I was actually in touch with management regarding this (while I agree one shouldn't have to be talking to management I was impressed that high level managers contacted me and even offered direct contact info).... I won't go into the details but they have added staff etc. so my experience has crecently been seemless as far as waits. During those 'bad' times there were delays up to an hour! I did make some bookings with other agents at that time and really never found a better alternative. 

I have to say in 15 or so  bookings with the warehouse store I never encountered a 'mistake'.

I would  trade for the 'right'  knowledgeable TA and I think we would agree that in answer to the poster we recommend using a TA of some kind.

I will check two TA's before booking or transferring to the warehouse store. So far my benefits (not counting additional membership discount) have been better with the warehouse TA.

To me it certainly isn't the best of all worlds just a comfortable, workable solution.

7 minutes ago, Pizzasteve said:

Tried to call AMEX and this wasn’t on my offer list and am told ‘offers are personalized and not available if not among the ones you have on your list.’

 

I have 100 random offers if no interest for reasons no one in particular can explain but not this one.  Have a Schwab Platinum AMEX.  Anyone know a way to game this system of offers?  May need to cancel

my card over this.

 
Not allowing someone to participate in a broadly offered benefit rubs me the ring way enough to cancel this $650/yr card.

Totally Agree..... had the same situation a few years ago with my Platinum card. In my case AMEX said that the offer was 'rotating' among customers and that I should see it in 3-6 mos.

It never appeared. Offers also never showed up on my Gold card. I was frustrated with Platinum and Gold Amex both of which I had for decades.

Closed these high fee cards and went to Chase Reserve and which was way better value (and superior point value) IMHO.

Hold only AMEX Blue which does have 6% back on streaming, and groceries which is OK.

I guess I am at a loss to understand why stated terms don't apply and not sure anybody knows how it REALLY works. On last offer cycle we charged appropriate funds to HAL against a recent booking and there was no credit from AMEX (as posted earlier this credit is processed almost immediately if all is good). We called AMEX and they asked several pointed questions including whether this charge was made at initial booking etc. I responded affirmatively even though inaccurately and figured what do I have to lose. They 'investigated' and I found a credit to my account within a month or so.

So  my question (in general not pointed at you) is why have stated terms if they are meaningless?  Based on my initial experience there was no automatic application of credit when I made an additional charge processed by HAL. Maybe this was an outlier but it was consistent with terms. If you work for AMEX or have inside info that is a different matter alltogether and please keep us in the loop.

1 hour ago, terrydtx said:

We tried the big box agency one time a few years back and it was a total nightmare for us, zero after purchase customer service.  

I think we would all like and appreciate the super knowledgeable thorough T/A who offers big OBC's. Tough to find unfortunately. We actually have had fairly good follow up from big box store. One nice thing is that you can 'sort' through agents on phone to find one that is intelligent and willing to work for you. They also have a customer oriented management team that you can use if things are not moving in the right direction. To me another big factor is access..... if you find a desirable cabin that opens up or need a quick 'reprice' you can always reach someone quickly and are not dependent on personal schedules, vacations, etc. When we had used a PCC (or T/A) previously there was often an element of delay. JMHO

On 5/30/2024 at 9:27 PM, REOVA said:

Except you have to spend the 10% at the big box store via a shop card. We had a lot of balance on the card since we book longer cruises and ended up giving cards to family that might use them. We liked the old way of receiving checks which they don't do anymore. We found a TA who gives same discount upfront on price plus OBC so we switched. 

You make a valid point on gift cards although ours were always a manageable amount to use.

Higher memberships pay an additional 2% and their credit card adds 2%. No AMEX which is not a big deal (a few HAL AMEX offers in past year). Also no MSC.

Their service is not as good after Covid and they have added many inexperienced agents. The online booking tool is sometimes less helpful ie. they may only show non-refundable fares sometimes. That said I like the fact that someone is always available and even if not experienced their people are generally enthusiastic and professional.  We will continue to use unless we get a better offer from online TA which has not been the case in our last five cruises.  

On 5/29/2024 at 2:09 PM, CountsByFives said:

Hello all, first post. Almost a year ago my girlfriend and I (new cruisers) started researching Alaskan cruises and narrowed the selection to Princess and Holland America for the Glacier Bay passage. Princess seemed to beat out Holland America in every respect that we were interested in except one...the music. That was enough to pick Holland over Princess even with the convenience of the OceanNow deliveries and the better technology. 

 

I just paid the final balance due on our September departure and saw that B.B. King's is no longer a venue and there doesn't seem to be any mention of the live classical music that I would've sworn was going to be involved in showings of BBC Earth. As a FYI, B.B. King's was the venue I wanted to visit the most. 

 

I know changes happen but I can't help but feel like I've fallen for some type of bait and switch and my disappointment level is off the charts with only a few months left before sailing. I hate the thought of going into a a week-long cruise with the feeling that I'm unhappy and regretting my decision to pick Holland. I'd really appreciate any words of advice that folks may be willing to offer to get me into a better headspace. Thanks. 

 

 

Feel your pain. We were on Westerdam to AK when they still had BB Kings and it was great. We actually booked a cruise on Nieuw Statendam primarily for the live music (BB Kings/ RS Lounge) and I am hoping this does not get torpedoed. That said HAL is a strong prescence in AK and I would not recommend any other line for music so unless their is a compelling economic reason or better ports (Glacier Bay is a must) would enjoy what you have.

Not to be too critical but if I recall BB Kings was dropped from several ships many many months ago?

Go for the T/A and grab some cash. It is unlikely you will receive much if any knowledge from

PCC or T/A unless you are really fortunate. More disheartening is when you receive and act on incorrect information which has happened to us several times. During recent booking I made on MSC with a three decade TA who was experienced with the line I asked some general opinions on YC cabin locations and could not even generate a recommendation. 

Bottom line is to educate yourself through CC and internet and not rely on advice from PCC's or T/A's unless you find that rare gem.

Our current program is to book with cruise line when we know what we want and then transfer to box store TA. We will usually check fares with a big internet agency but have been amazed how stingy they are in benefits.

Note: in fairness to T/As unless they specialize in a cruise line it is virtually impossible to stay abreast of the many changes in the Industry.

3 minutes ago, Sayuil said:

I actually have this offer on 3 of my card and was hoping to use all three.

 

so what you are suggesting is, at the time of booking. Make the payment to meet threshold. That sounds like a solid advice

 

I also wanted to pay gratuities , do you know if those can be added at time of booking. TA made it sound like it cannot and have to be done after booking went through. 

Wow, three of your cards.... high finance. First of all not sure why you are 'worried' about tips since you can add them later. I assume you do not want the inclusive package that includes tips.

If it was me (assuming a new booking with HAL)  would probably book initially with best offer paying deposit and at that point you can add additional deposits on other cards. Since they would be dated the same day this may work (who really knows?). If these additional deposits do not create bonus(s) you can transfer booking to T/A and add an additional deposit there which SHOULD be processed. Frankly, if it was me I would be happy with the initial bonus at booking which should be clear and immediately processed and then try to add to deposit with T/A after transfer (another topic). As poster pointed out above this could 'hide' the fact that this was not a deposit upon booking. A third bonus (getting a bit greedy here) .... well at that point you could add dining, excursions, etc to existing cruise and roll the dice.

Geez, from my perspective I would be happy that one bonus coincides with intent to book a cruise and I would move on. I mean you could move to another state that has a 'special' offer, or lie about your age or military service but does going through these gymnastics for a vacation really make sense? Good luck.

4 minutes ago, Sayuil said:

Anyone who have used this current or past HAL offer, appreciate if you can help me below question. First time using AMEX offer on HAL.

 

1) Unlike other cruise lines (RCL or Carnival), HAL doesn't allow adding Prepaid gratuities to the initial reservation. So do you know if paying prepaid gratuities after the reservation qualify for the credit?

 

2) Are there other purchases other than cruise fare and taxes that I can add to my booking to reach the $ threshold to trigger the discount. I am currently $57 short of the said amount.

Assuming you are making a new reservation I would simply instruct the T/A or PCC to make a deposit of the amount needed to qualify for the promotion.  I know this could tie up a few more dollars but in my mind makes life easy and you can deal with all the other stuff, excursions, tips, etc. etc. later.  If you have a current res. my reading of the terms are that it does not qualify for promo but of course there are apparently exceptions. My terms for Blue Card 700/300 (there are several offers out there) state:

  Valid only for reservations and any additional purchases booked at the time of initial reservation purchase.

If you have an existing reservation things are more interesting. In a previous promo I added to my deposit for an existing booking to meet the $$$ and I did not receive immediate confirmation from AMEX (what should happen) and contacted them. They said they would do an investigation and ultimately provided promo (even though I cannot argue that I was within the terms).

I usually only go into these things if there is total clarity that I qualify but like many things the reality can be as clear as mud. So if you are contemplating a HAL cruise this can be a nice add on but for some others it is a dangling fruit that can be a hassle to claim.

2 hours ago, NotLikeBelleRosen,IHope said:

Double check with them. I'm pretty certain that while you can't use AMEX in store, you can use for travel

Negative. Not accepted. May do Retreat Cabana but according to AMEX terms I do not think this will qualify. As I stated earlier these offers can be a pain and life is too short to engage in things that will likely turn into a hassle.

4 hours ago, LAX said:

My reservation was made directly with HAL and subsequently transferred to the big box TA, so I have yet to make any payment through the TA. I think you are right that it most likely works as I don't think the payment is made to the TA who then in turn pays HAL, but I thought I would check here first before calling.

 

LAX

 

I think you are correct. I got excited about the credit and then realized my well known big box TA doesn't take AMEX. Not worth rebooking with club orange and everything involved and I believe price has gone up a bit. Toying with adding a cabana and a booked excursion. Actually my AMEX offer on blue card was 300 back on 700. Hope everyone can take advantage of this offer.

5 minutes ago, Mike B Landlubber said:

I just used my Green card with the AMEX offer ($350 off $1200 for me) to make payment on an existing reservation with a prominent online cruise agency. A few minutes later, I got an email from AMEX congratulating me on using my HAL offer, which is usually what happens when I redeem an offer. I will watch for the payment to post. My Vacation is ready to go…

That's what you want to see.... immediate confirmation of your credit. Otherwise you have to call and 'roll the dice'.

I don't think this should be a problem but the terms are 'confusing'.

 Valid only for reservations and any additional purchases booked at the time of initial reservation purchase.

Based on these terms I think you would be excluded. That said I had added a payment after initial reservation some months ago (similar offer), did not get credit, but went back to AMEX and they eventually applied a credit even though by my reading of terms ????? I guess you could argue additional money was for reservations?  Frustrating as they only offer to certain cards (I was years with Platinum and Gold and never got any). One year with Plat I called and they said no worry we rotate the offers and you will get it soon- never happened.

So I will probably add an additional 1000 payment (through big box TA) and see what happens. 

These offers in my mind are a hassle. There is enough money involved that you want to take advantage but if you don't qualify it is frustrating. Not sure the offer (intention I am sure) would cause me to make a new booking so what does it accomplish?

EDIT I should add that my offer on Blue Card was 300 for 1000.

3 minutes ago, QuestionEverything said:

Greetings chisoxfan:

I do not know of any CC equivilent for bus tours; googling came up with many sites with reviews, but the sites were affiliated with tour sales. Rick Steves is a more neutral source of reviews.

Have not done a River cruise, will do so in the future. Will sail in June when the water levels are lowering from their peak spring runoff. Will try one and see, all one can do.

One of the greatest land trips I have done was the Mighty Train, the Glacier Express, up to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn. Working on a River cruise with a land trip with the Glacier Express and then over to north Italy.

 

I agree with you that if you want to Really see a place, the land tours are great for that. Cruising has its place but it is a drive by - AND - with the cruising priority to shorten ports for "environmental" reasons and the seeming increase in cancelled ports - cruising is not a priority for my family or friends now. 

Hoping you wonderful travel experiences ahead.

Blessings.

 

Thanks for the kind thoughts. Cruising has become an 'all inclusive' resort for us and maybe we are getting a bit 'lazy' in our old age but as you said it is less of a tool to really see other cultures. Cruising is 'easy' and being on the water is always a joy.  As much as we (I) complain about pricing it can be an enticing value. I don't see us travelling (as Mr. Steves espouses when he is not on his private plane) with three pairs of shorts and one khaki pant in a backpack for three weeks but hoping to compromise with some adventure and creature comforts (which most of us have become accustomed to).  That said,  despite complaining about air travel/TSA (my pet peeve), no butlers in the suites, excluded wines on packages, etc. etc. we are a blessed generation to have this unique travel opportunity and shame on us if we do not take advantage in ways that appeal to each of us.

37 minutes ago, QuestionEverything said:

Greetings Gracie115.

I have not get used Insight tours, but looking that their offerings for next year. Your tour for Switz, Bavaria and Austria sounds Fab. Hoping they include a trip on the Mighty Train, the Glacier Express, up to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn.

The said poster who is scoffing at land tours appears to be a cheerleader, maybe paid, for Celebrity. Rather sad to have such a closed mind to river cruises, land tours; there is a big world of travel options out there - I have done most.

Safe travels and I hope the sun is out on the Matterhorn - I only got a 3/4 view!

 

We are considering a land based tour(s) also just because it offers the ability to see more of a country ie. want to spend more time in UK and cruises seem to just hit the same ports.  With all the talk of tour companies just wondering if there are sources (ie. cruise critic for tour companies)  for info as I find the discussion interesting.

Just a comment on river cruises... had intended to do one but on researching just don't think it is for us. Ship too small (personal preference), regimented dining times, limited bars and restaurants, and my biggest fear... water levels that can massively change the intended experience.  Just reasons we have ruled it out for now.

The Alps is a great case in point for a land tour, such beautiful scenery, and quaint towns and inns... We had a Holy Land cruise set for last year (cancelled of course) and I had been dreading long bus rides back and forth to ship and limited days to explore this amazing area. We vowed then that when (hopefully) we finally go there it will be doing a land based tour.

21 hours ago, C4HCG said:

What’s “bad music”? All very subjective, you like Rolling Stones, not for me at all. We just got off the Edge and a house band there, Essence Quartet, absolutely brilliant, you would probably hate them, your loud bad music.

I was responding to poster who suggested someone found the E class 'loud' and implied it was because he was old. My response (as a senior) was that I like good music that can be loud and cited the fact that I booked HAL precisely because of good live music in BB Kings and Rolling Stone (a venue not 24/7 RS music).  Every cruise is different but on Apex and Ascent the house bands played 'live' through a mixing station (with full time operator) and (I believe) recorded backing. The sound was flat and sounded more like processed music. When we went to a jazz performance with the house band it was a totally different vibrant sound that live music should provide. There was an amazing performer on Apex doing Billy Joel in the atrium (he only performed twice) and I would gladly go every night to see him if offered. I like rock , blues, classical, and folk and if it is good it can be loud and enjoy music enough that I would pick a cruise partially based on it. It's difficult to find live music on land and it is a treat when cruising to find it which is why I am so dissapointed (subjective of course) to see marginal artists regardless of music category.JMHO

12 hours ago, cue881 said:

As I understand it, the two vloggers were asked to stop filming because a guest in the Yacht Club didn't want to risk being filmed on the cruise.   It immediately made me think someone was cheating on their spouse and didn't want any evidence being recorded!  Who knows?  There are plenty of videos on YouTube recently so I do not believe MSC had banned filming.

Suspicion always haunts the guilty mind.William Shakespeare 

2 hours ago, phoenix_dream said:

It will be interesting.  Right now the ships are filled, but future bookings into next year?  Maybe not as much.  Credit card debt is at an all-time high.  But even more important - the delinquency rate on credit card payments is also going up considerably.  So can people keep continuing with the attitude of live now as tomorrow is not guaranteed?  That's fine if you can afford it.  Apparently many people actually can't but are spending wildly anyway.  Sorry folks, but if you're looking for that debt to be eliminated by the government I think you will have a very long wait.  It has to catch up to them sooner or later.  I'm hoping for sooner!  

Agree totally with your assessment and share your thoughts on a debt driven economy but..... some of us oldsters (a significant cruise segment) who have saved for a lifetime and have provided for our grown children look to travel in our retirement.  Don't really need a new Rolex or more jewelry for the wife but the chance to travel is as they say 'priceless'.  Interesting thought also is that higher current interest rates (no thanks to the central planners just a return to historical norms) are generating some returns for savers with cash. So I can see a continuing demand from cruisers who are older and have some funds and want to fill their retirement with travel. I would agree that mainstream cruising will see a downturn soon based on the economy, disposable income, and debt.

While we will look for relative value when cruising we will likely do more while we can and like you (without wishing ill to anyone) look forward to more aggressive pricing in the future with additional cruise capacity and need for cruiselines to satisfy debt loads.

On 5/17/2024 at 9:08 AM, RMac713 said:

I've been on Beyond and Ascent with another Beyond this summer.  I have been in suites so I really enjoy the E class.  My suite trip on Equinox was not so special because there is no retreat pool deck.  I've booked Reflection 4 night in a concierge this fall so I will see how that goes.  But if I travel in Retreat again it will have to be E class.

 

Agree Retreat is a decent product on E Class. But a terrible value on X currently and inconsistent service/ ammenities. Am going back to MSC YC next year and will try new Princess Sphere class suites also. It will be interesting how things shake out in the large ship suite world.

11 hours ago, avonlady6390 said:

My cruise on the sun is this November 30th and I just checked and could make a reservation for spellbound although we're not planning to do it but for those that are make sure you check different days because if you just look at the first day it was not available.

I check the app occassionally and no dining or Spellbound yet for early Jan 25 cruise.  As stated my frustration is that corporate (one rep and a supervisor) say they will not be availale for 90 days and posters have had a different expererience. My only conclusion is that there is no clear communicated timetable for release of dates (somebody at Princess must have a clue but they aren't telling) and it will be incumbent on the passenger to dutifully check the app.