NEW HAL Mariner Program NOW on website

[RevNeal]

DID NO ONE READ MY POST ON PAGE 2???????????

 

Yes, I am shouting. Her wording was very measured and very specific - not just chat. What does this mean? Maybe someone with mega days should call and may find out more. Or, maybe nothing more will be said. Maybe it did not have any meaning, just a strange use of words IF it did not mean anything IMHO.

 

I really find it difficult to believe HAL would simply say "tough" to folks who have many, many days.

 

from my previous post: The response was that 200 days is the highest level for PUBLISHED recognition. (caps mine)

 

I really wish others would call and inquire, particularly some with many days beyond 200.

 

I read your post. I had to call HAL today about something else to do with my booking on my upcoming cruise aboard the Rotterdam. I had them transfer me to Mariner services and asked them about it.

 

Their response was that the new program is all there will be. In other words, there will be no more official recognition for any levels above 200-days. Be one at 201 days or or 701 days ... a 4-Star Mariner is a 4-Star Mariner. Oh, they admitted that there will be still sometimes be receptions and special VIP parties and other such "perks" for "whales" -- Mariners with high day counts -- but, beyond that, I was told not to expect anything in the way of even symbolic recognition.

 

I would guess that they'll give out the hard-wear until it runs out. Those who were supposed to get a copper or a silver on their next cruise ... ASK. The GRM might have some on hand. You never know.

[hammybee]

And on many of our cruises about 90% of the passengers have sailed quite a bit on HAL -- the majority of them would now be 4-star just like us.

 

And now they will qualify for free laundry -- so about 1600 people sailing on a Vista class ship are now entitled to free laundry -- that is going to be a NIGHTMARE!!!! People will be sending everything out and the turn around time of 48 hours will no longer be!!

 

Still have to maul this all over.

 

The majority of HAL cruises are 7 day sails from domestic ports. I cannot imagine that 90% of passengers on the the majority of HAL cruises are at the 200 day mark.

 

You do however, raise an interesting point about contention for laundry on longer cruises where it far more likely that the majority could have some serious number of days, sailed with HAL.

 

Maybe (only half joking here) the laundry turnaround will vary by cabin category and number of days sailed.

 

Would a deluxe suite guest's landry trump all others?

Would a guest paying for laundry trump a reward guest?

Would a 500 day passenger's laundry be given priority over a 250 day passenger?

 

Oh the possibilities ! ;)

[ekerr19]

You do however, raise an interesting point about contention for laundry on longer cruises where it far more likely that the majority could have some serious number of days, sailed with HAL.

 

Maybe (only half joking here) the laundry turnaround will vary by cabin category and number of days sailed.

 

Would a deluxe suite guest's landry trump all others?

Would a guest paying for laundry trump a reward guest?

Would a 500 day passenger's laundry be given priority over a 250 day passenger?

 

Oh the possibilities ! ;)

 

No kidding!!! I still want to know how they're going to be able distinguish between levels... honor system? Highly unlikely, lol!!! :cool:

[fun_seeker]

How are the Explorations Cafe folks know if you are 1, 2, 3 or 4 star? Do you think they will be issuing different colored key cards? :confused: Same with the priority tenders... they'll have to have a way to distinguish.

From the HAL website FAQ page:

How will my Star status be recognized at the pier and onboard?

Your card key and onboard charge card, personalized with your name, will also display your Star level. 2-Star, 3-Star and 4-Star Mariners will also receive lapel pins.

 

Originally Posted by Kween Karen

Yesss.....I hope they include the pre-purchase. I purchase as much as possible ahead of time. I have already paid for my shore excursions, unlimited laundry, a 1000 minute internet package and phone cards. Adds up and I am not even on board yet.

Are any onboard charges excluded from the onboard purchases bonus?

All casino charges are excluded. The Hotel Service Charge, Beverage Service Charge, taxes, prebooked shore excursions and gift items all count toward bonus Cruise Day credits.

 

We hope that everyone realizes that it is the HAL quality that makes the cruise :) and doesn't get too bent out of shape by the new program. :eek:

[LoveHAL]

Well thank you very much HAL. We have been looking for our next cruise that would take us to or over the 100 days to get the medallion and now it is NO MORE. So after our next cruise we will now just look to all cruise lines for our next cruise. There is no incentive for us, because will never cruise enough to reach the 200 cruise credit level. Out TA had already recently suggested another cruise line to us and but we said no because we wanted to get the 100 day medallion besides the fact that we very much enjoy cruising on HAL. I am really disappointed, I know thing is a little childish, but so am I. Princess, RCCL, etc. watchout here we come.

Good grief.... a piece of colored plastic is a decision maker. Have fun on RCCL.

 

By the way, I contacted Ship Board Services and found out something interesting. These discounts (on wine packages/specialty restaurants) are only available on board the ship. At this point at least, you have to pay full price if you pre-book your Pinnacle Grill meal. No 25/50% discount.

[ekerr19]

Thanks fun seeker! That's what I was looking for! :)

[catl331]

How are the Explorations Cafe folks know if you are 1, 2, 3 or 4 star? Do you think they will be issuing different colored key cards? :confused: Same with the priority tenders... they'll have to have a way to distinguish.

From FAQ:

How will my Star status be recognized at the pier and onboard?

Your card key and onboard charge card, personalized with your name, will also display your Star level. 2-Star, 3-Star and 4-Star Mariners will also receive lapel pins.

 

I understand, but I still think they still work for a lot of other folks though... in addition to the PG the specialty restaurants can also be Canneleto's or Silk Den, I am assuming?

Tamarind yes, but Silk Den is not a restaurant, and the Canaletto is free.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

:) I knew this would be the Hot Topic today :D

 

I had the chance to call into HAL today here at work and the Customer Service Rep I talked to was actually quite excited and said that almost all the clients she has dealt with are thrilled.

I have to admit for the most part I too am happy with what HAL is doing. Of course they know giving the discounts in many different things will help generate sales for them for on board spending.

 

I admit I will miss not getting our Silver medallion but we were only half way there at 161 days and with the change in my life this past year I knew we would be spending our cruise days with other cruise lines and not just HAL so it really does not bother me.

I think in the end all is good and it still is more perks than Mariners have ever had before :)

[JimVrhovac]

NOT IMPRESSED

 

Since we always travel in a suite we really do not get anything worth speaking of.

 

There are no real benefits for us that are in the upper eschelon of medalions.

 

Overall we will see how everyone else reacts to it.......

 

Not a very happy set of campers....

 

Ruth & Jim

[pipedreams62]

I keep thinking,I always remember reading "I Want Real Perks,Not Just Cheap Tin Pins"

 

Now it appears the perks are coming and people are still complaining. Maybe it's just a bad deja-vu

[Krazy Kruizers]

The majority of HAL cruises are 7 day sails from domestic ports. I cannot imagine that 90% of passengers on the the majority of HAL cruises are at the 200 day mark.

 

You do however, raise an interesting point about contention for laundry on longer cruises where it far more likely that the majority could have some serious number of days, sailed with HAL.

 

Maybe (only half joking here) the laundry turnaround will vary by cabin category and number of days sailed.

 

Would a deluxe suite guest's landry trump all others?We stay in an SA -- maybe???

Would a guest paying for laundry trump a reward guest?

Would a 500 day passenger's laundry be given priority over a 250 day passenger? We have way over 500 days -- maybe??

 

Oh the possibilities ! ;)

 

My only concern about the laundry is if they ask for a forwarding address. :D

[pms4104]

Yesss.....I hope they include the pre-purchase. I purchase as much as possible ahead of time. I have already paid for my shore excursions, unlimited laundry, a 1000 minute internet package and phone cards. Adds up and I am not even on board yet.

Maybe I read things too literally, Karen, but I think your answer is from the Overview on HAL's site:

 

"Onboard Spending Bonus You may think you’re just enjoying all of the amenities Holland America Line is known for. But in fact, you’re earning valuable bonus Cruise Day credits. For every $300 in onboard purchases you make over the duration of your journey, you’ll earn one bonus Cruise Day credit ..."

Seems there's little enticement to pre-buy some things offered on HAL's website or by phone.

[momatibm]

Maybe I read things too literally, Karen, but I think your answer is from the Overview on HAL's site:

 

"Onboard Spending Bonus You may think you’re just enjoying all of the amenities Holland America Line is known for. But in fact, you’re earning valuable bonus Cruise Day credits. For every $300 in onboard purchases you make over the duration of your journey, you’ll earn one bonus Cruise Day credit ..."

 

Seems there's little enticement to pre-buy some things offered on HAL's website or by phone.

 

If I understand the new system correctly -- it's $300 per day, either on board or pre purchased, not just $300 per cruise. I know someone will correct me if I mis read the new stuff.

[ekerr19]

It reads to me that every $300 in purchases = 1 day credit. So, spending $2500 (onboard) for the entire cruise, we should get 8 days credit from that cruise...

 

By booking a Deluxe Verandah Suite does that give us 1.5 days credit for each $300 spent?

[G&G]

Has anyone read or been told that HAL will be discontinuing the medals/pins or the Mariner's lunch.

 

I like the new program but I agree with many of you that capping the program at 200 days makes no sense ! We were on a 30 day cruise in January 2008 on the Ryndam; there were over 320 passengers with +100 days and over 80 passenegers with +300 days.

 

I was looking forward to free internet service like Princess' program offers. After 58 days on Princess my wife & I get a combined 500 free internet minutes on our Nov 09 cruise on the Ruby Princess.

[pms4104]

It reads to me that every $300 in purchases = 1 day credit. So, spending $2500 for the entire cruise, we should get 8 days credit from that cruise...

 

By booking a Deluxe Verandah Suite does that give us 1.5 days credit for each $300 spent?

Deluxe Verandahs get 2 points rather than 1 point for each day onboard ... 10-day cruise in deluxe = 20 points plus, if I understand correctly, 1 point for each $300 spent onboard.

[pms4104]

If I understand the new system correctly -- it's $300 per day, either on board or pre purchased, not just $300 per cruise. I know someone will correct me if I mis read the new stuff.

My interpretation is that you can earn 1 cruise day credit for each and every $300 spent while onboard. I do not believe you need to spend $300/day to earn anything ... it is over the duration of the sailing. Unless I missed it, HAL does not address the issue of prepay anything ... HAL discusses the $300 spending in terms of onboard spending.

[fun_seeker]

If I understand the new system correctly -- it's $300 per day, either on board or pre purchased, not just $300 per cruise. I know someone will correct me if I mis read the new stuff.

This is what is posted by HAL:

 

Onboard Spending Bonus Effective with cruises on or after September 18, 2010(?), one bonus cruise day credit will be granted for each $300 in onboard purchases. This is calculated on the combined folio charges for all guests on the booking, regardless of who signs each charge and who pays the bill. There is a limit of one bonus day for each day sailed

We take this to mean the total charges are divided by 300 to arrive at the cruise bonus days. The only limit is that you can't get more bonus days than the number of days you sail. Example: you can't get 8 bonus days on a 7 day cruise.

[Harry1954]

They have duplicated Suite benefits for Four Star Mariners:

 

Complimentary laundry and dry cleaning

Priority Tendering

Priority Check In and

Priority Disembark

Two hundred points or days really is not that much which means many people now qualify for things we pay for in Suites. Will we get double dry cleaning? :D Maybe they'll wash the t-shirt twice? :D

Maybe Suite amenities we have bought will 'trump' Mariners 4 star perks. Perhaps Suite guests go still to a Suite check in line which is different than the Mariners 4 Star Priority check in line? There are going to be a whole lot of folks with 200 points on every cruise.

Whatever......

It's all fine by me. :) ;)

I had been impressed in the past with HAL's recognition of everyone's days accumulated. Unlike our other favorite line, Crystal where number of cruises is the only measure, this approach was continuing to celebrate those who love cruising ...

Now two things have happened .. a)as you mention, those of us who normally are fortunate enough to be able to book suites already have most of what is offered and b) nothing occurs after 200 days.

 

Looks to me as though they have emasculated the essence of a fine program.

harry

[ekerr19]

This is what is posted by HAL:

 

Onboard Spending Bonus Effective with cruises on or after September 18, 2010(?), one bonus cruise day credit will be granted for each $300 in onboard purchases. This is calculated on the combined folio charges for all guests on the booking, regardless of who signs each charge and who pays the bill. There is a limit of one bonus day for each day sailed

 

We take this to mean the total charges are divided by 300 to arrive at the cruise bonus days. The only limit is that you can't get more bonus days than the number of days you sail. Example: you can't get 8 bonus days on a 7 day cruise.

 

Ok, got it now, thanks. :)

 

However, if I'm at 4 stars already, there's nothing further to be gained correct? I can't use my "points" for any type of reward or FCC, right?

[pms4104]

Has anyone read or been told that HAL will be discontinuing the medals/pins or the Mariner's lunch.

 

I like the new program but I agree with many of you that capping the program at 200 days makes no sense ! We were on a 30 day cruise in January 2008 on the Ryndam; there were over 320 passengers with +100 days and over 80 passenegers with +300 days.

 

I was looking forward to free internet service like Princess' program offers. After 58 days on Princess my wife & I get a combined 500 free internet minutes on our Nov 09 cruise on the Ruby Princess.

The new benefits include an Embarkation Mariner brunch as well as a Mariner Champagne Brunch for all levels of Mariners ... sounds like the new pins (Star up to 4-Star) replace the previous pins and medallions.

[JimVrhovac]

I agree with you that HAL is finally giving some real perks for those that are cruising now.

 

But if you travel in a suite you already get most of the perks. By giving 1 point for every $300.00 spent on the ship we will hit 10,000 days in no time (you have to consider how Ruth spends money on the ship........ I just say YES DEAR and shut up as she is responsible for 1/2 the monies in our retirement accounts and she is making a concerted effort to spend our kids inheritances.....).

 

My first impression is that there are no real benefits for those of us that have a lot of days already and with the new system we will be over 1,000 in about 1-2 years.....

 

Just one person's opinion

 

Ruth & Jim

[DFD1]

I can't see much new to get all excited about. Looks like an insignificant monetary benefit at any level.

 

These programs are more about emotional stroking of passengers than anything else, IMO.

 

We'll continue to sail HAL because we like the way they run their ships. That's reason enough for us.

[YeaYeaYea]

This is just another way for people to stick their nose in the air.........it almost sounds like people are more worried about some pin then a vacation..................look look I have more stars..................who cares that you did the same thing over and over again............I want real perks for being a LOYAL SAILOR..................how about you let me bring on 1 bottle of Jack Daniels for every name I give you of a person you can market the cruise experiance to ...............that could lead to alot more then the $42 you made off me selling the bottle at 500% markup...................or have a cabana party for all of us prior HAL loyals at HMC..........free shots party...........how about wrist bands at the sports bar ALL YOU CAN DRINK FOR $20 KEG PARTY........ free wings and weinnies at halftime..........give US the winning BINGO card for once............

[momatibm]

I agree with you that HAL is finally giving some real perks for those that are cruising now.

 

But if you travel in a suite you already get most of the perks. By giving 1 point for every $300.00 spent on the ship we will hit 10,000 days in no time (you have to consider how Ruth spends money on the ship........ I just say YES DEAR and shut up as she is responsible for 1/2 the monies in our retirement accounts and she is making a concerted effort to spend our kids inheritances.....).

 

My first impression is that there are no real benefits for those of us that have a lot of days already and with the new system we will be over 1,000 in about 1-2 years.....

 

Just one person's opinion

 

Ruth & Jim

 

Ruth and Jim,

I agree with you. I, being the Ruth half of our partnership agree completely. Besides, I choose to cruise because I don't have to worry about planes, trains, hotels, etc. If I get 'perks' so much the better. I first sailed on HAL when we were in our early 40's -- have sailed with them ever since. Love the 'Dam Ships'. What sold me on the Dam's , was the second night on the ship -- at the Captain's reception -- the waiter we had in the bar the previous night said -- Here Mrs. Elaine -- you will like this bottle of champagne and left an entire bottle with us -- what else could you ask for. Such service -=- and then it continued -- when we were in the bar the next night he had our drinks and hors' dourves ready for us. That's HAL.

 

Elaine