NEW HAL Mariner Program NOW on website

[RevNeal]

DFD1, I am leaving for seattle early on Thursday. I had this trip planned to celebrate my birthday with a friend who lives there. I have never been to Seattle and had asked to see the Hal headquarters. I now plan to not only see them but stop in and talk to someone I've been in contact with before there.

 

Good for you, Adele! And Happy (upcoming) Birthday! :D

You'll love Seattle ... it's a lovely city. And tell Scotty "hi" for me!!!!!!! :D

 

Start checking your mailbox tomorrow.

[HalFan]

We were to go over 100 days on our next 20 day cruise and are disappointed in this change. It's not the medals so much, but the lack of recognition between the 75 day and 200 day levels. Now that we're retired, we'll be doing more cruising and will get to 200 quicker under the new plan. Our wish would be for some credit for on-line time and discounted laundry on longer cruises on the Vista and Signature ships which don't have self-service laundries.

[Route6A]

WOW...havoc with laundry, Torn clothing, 50% discount making intoxicated guests, long lines, crowded Pinnacle, change in cruising experience for the worse, less enjoyable...:rolleyes: Do you have a crystal ball? :rolleyes:

 

We have over 130 days on HAL on different ships & always send our laundry out..Have never had torn, clothing, holes in shirts, grey underware etc..Can't believe your entire post is so negative! Guess you should never go on another HAL or any other premium lines cruise if your expectations are so low! Perhaps you should consider booking on one of the elite (6 star) lines & paying much more for your cruises!

 

I'm in total agreement with Lisa & a few other posters... This new program is fine with us..Let's give it a chance instead of making such blanket statements of doom & gloom..

 

HAL is in business of making money..Their fares for non-suite passengers are still low enough & the only way they can survive is by increasing the on board spending.. HAL really is not looking to please those who have a high Mariner count or those who book suites & enjoy the fact that they are known by & catered to on board..Most of us will always come back to HAL, because we love the staff the ships & enjoy our cruises..

 

The fact is, there are many of us will not be able to cruise much longer due to illness or may not be around in the next 10 to 15 years HAL is looking to the future, & their goal is to get the younger people/ families (mass market) to book more & spend more $$$ on board..

 

The copper medal actually means nothing to DH & me.. Agree with Laura that it could be embarrassing when wearing it, except at the Mariners brunch..We'll keep them home for the time being, but will certainly never wear them on board.. Other passengers don't care if we've been on board 100 days, 200 days, or 500 days..

 

I don't know how long we're going to be able to travel, does anyone else know except maybe Rev Neal..:):)

We're just taking it month by month & year by year as I understand that sometime in the future we will no longer be fit, so we'll enjoy our cruises & the new Mariner perks, while we can..

 

Good job HAL!:):)

 

JMO...Betty

I am sorry if I offended you, Betty or any of the other posters. I assure you that was not my intention.

 

We do enjoy HAL, but we did indeed have the laundry problem I described, and I do not envision in these economic times that HAL will add staff to deal with the increased work load free laundry will produce. Additionally, I was simply reacting to what I have seen on other lines we cruise who have these incentive programs, which often have unintended consequences. We love the HAL crews as you do and enjoy the HAL ships. I do hope that the new program produces positive experiences for passengers.

[sail7seas]

I'm having a 'stupid day' but I can't see where it makes any difference to count days at all once you reach 200? :confused:

 

If you are already at or over 200, there is no reason to count anything, is there?

 

[ekerr19]

I'm having a 'stupid day' but I can't see where it makes any difference to count days at all once you reach 200? :confused:

 

If you are already at or over 200, there is no reason to count anything, is there?

 

 

Correct sail. ;) I was having the moment myself earlier - thinking of all the ways I could accumulate "days" LOL!!!

 

Now, if they decide to give some SBC for all those new "days", well - then I'll start counting! :D

[GmaPajama]

Since this thread first appeared yesterday afternoon, I've carefully followed all 205 posts. I've also spent a couple of hours pouring over the details at HAL's website. I'll admit, at first I was crushed to realize we'd never get a medallion - we were SO looking forward to that, and it was coming up soon.

 

BUT, now that I've had time to digest all the changes ... I don't think the new program is so bad after all. For someone who is notoriously "change-resistant", I'm amazed that I actually like what I'm seeing.

[RedmondCruiser]

Since this thread first appeared yesterday afternoon, I've carefully followed all 205 posts. I've also spent a couple of hours pouring over the details at HAL's website. I'll admit, at first I was crushed to realize we'd never get a medallion - we were SO looking forward to that, and it was coming up soon.

 

BUT, now that I've had time to digest all the changes ... I don't think the new program is so bad after all. For someone who is notoriously "change-resistant", I'm amazed that I actually like what I'm seeing.

 

Though they say that it has all changed I really believe that they will reinstitute the medals. The medals really don't cost them much and too many people look forward to receiving them. It produces a goal for some people. They should have kept the 100-300-500-750 and provided benefits as they go up. You have to wonder how many things are thought through down at 300 Elliott Ave ? Possibly this came from the same person who conceived of the retreat wading pool ?

[pipedreams62]

Long lines to board the ship

 

Pinnacle restaurant jammed to capacity

 

No crew members left on the decks,They're all doing laundry (all 600 of them)

 

This is only the beginning,let's not forget

 

being boarded by pirates

 

 

Hitting an iceberg

 

 

and then sailing right off the edge of the earth

 

 

 

Seems like it's best to stay home:confused:

[Jade13]

Though they say that it has all changed I really believe that they will reinstitute the medals. The medals really don't cost them much and too many people look forward to receiving them. It produces a goal for some people. They should have kept the 100-300-500-750 and provided benefits as they go up.

 

I was going to post the same thing. I think they should give the medals at 100, 500, 750, 1,000 or whatever days since its so important to some and doesn't cost them that much...

[CowPrincess]

Since this thread first appeared yesterday afternoon, I've carefully followed all 205 posts. I've also spent a couple of hours pouring over the details at HAL's website. I'll admit, at first I was crushed to realize we'd never get a medallion - we were SO looking forward to that, and it was coming up soon.

 

BUT, now that I've had time to digest all the changes ... I don't think the new program is so bad after all. For someone who is notoriously "change-resistant", I'm amazed that I actually like what I'm seeing.

 

What I know is that DH will be even more open to cruising, to get us to a level (3 star) that will give us some discounts on things :) It'll be a LONG while before we are there, but he immediately commented on the discounts for 75+ day mariners.... and seeing as both people in the cabin share the level of the higher person, he'll get to benefit from my previous cruises. And might even think me taking a cruise or 2 without him is okay, too, to accummulate days :D

 

Personally I like it, think it may have been to HAL's benefit to have something for people who've done more than 1 cruise, but not yet at 30 days, and another level around 110 or 120 or something.... not necessarily something HUGE, but a recognition.

 

But this is all just my opinion.

[bcd2010]

I just called Seatlle (Mariner Society department) and asked some specific questions:

 

1. If I pre-book ShorEx and PG, does that count towards Onboard spending?

Yes, anything prebooked, except casnio-related counts towards it. I forgot to ask about spa but I did ask: so all pre-cruise spending except casino is included and they said yes (and spa-related is shown on the website).

1a. Specifically, PG pre-booking counts?

Yes

 

2. Only pax 1 & 2 get the bonuses - can I specifiy (change) who that is (there are 3 on my booking)?

Yes - they did this and sent me a confirmation.

 

3. Do both pax 1 & 2 get each bonus day or are they divided (e.g., on a 7 day cruise we spend $900 which = 3 bonus days).

Pax 1 & 2 get 3 bonus days each (then I saw this on the web site as well).

I think they would have done well to allow those who have already cruised to continue accumulating towards the medallions (but new cruisers maybe not, e.g., have a cutoff date and then they could phase this out if they chose to), even if there are no additional perks. That adds a "specialness" for people who have been loyal for a long time. Eliminating them "takes away" while the rest of the new program "adds to" (more or less, because so many of the perks are designed to "incenitivize" additional spending, a typical business decision). It seems shortsighted and while I understand that they are looking at rewarding future income (call it loyalty if you prefer) rather than past, they have often chosen to go the extra mile to set themselves above.

 

As I said before, with only 28 days (another 15 coming early next year), I can see this program for the increased benefits it gives me (qualified by the probable increase in competition for the PG and laundry), but it is not all about me (!) and I certainly understand why people who have > 200 days and/or wanted to achieve the next medallion are disappointed. I would suggest a letter writing (or email or phone call) campaign to HAL to try to get them to take another look at this aspect of it.

[CowPrincess]

bcd2010, thank you for all that info! Much appreciated.

[RedmondCruiser]

What is the 50% off on specialty restaurant SURCHARGES ? I know what the cost of my meal in the Pinnacle is but what exactly do they mean by surcharges ?

[bcd2010]

bcd2010, thank you for all that info! Much appreciated.

 

Glad to contribute -- that's what these boards are for, and I have certainly received FAR more info than I'd ever be able to give! I really appreciate those who use this forum for that purpose.

[Copper10-8]

.....................well to me, wearing the medallion is worse in some ways. I've had people approach me and ask to touch it,ask me how long it took to get it, is it real, etc. and frankly, it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. .....................!

 

1. Take a pic of you and hubby wearing the medals

2. Have a supply of glossy 8x10's made

3. After the show, set up a table outside the show lounge

3. Sign autographed copies of said 8x10's and give them away

4. Give any surplus pics to the sundries gift shop and request they give them away with any purchase over $1.05

 

5. Life is good!:)

[sail7seas]

Thanks, bcd. Good information.

 

 

 

 

 

What is the 50% off on specialty restaurant SURCHARGES ? I know what the cost of my meal in the Pinnacle is but what exactly do they mean by surcharges ?

 

The surcharge is the $20 we pay to dine in Pinnacle. That is the only added expense to dine there unless you choose to tip.

[ekerr19]

1. Take a pic of you and hubby wearing the medals

 

2. Have a supply of glossy 8x10's made

 

3. After the show, set up a table outside the show lounge

 

3. Sign autographed copies of said 8x10's and give them away

 

4. Give any surplus pics to the sundries gift shop and request they give them away with any purchase over $1.05

 

5. Life is good!:)

 

Ah, John... You're killing me!!! :cool:

[Barocl]

Happy Globetrotter

 

I agree with you. We were looking forward to becoming PC members too. It didn't gives us anything extra (perks), but it was a personal goal we were working towards. If I remember correctly it was 1400 days or 1500 day to reach the PC status. We had hoped to reach that plateau in 2015. Now we need something else to shoot for. Take care.

[RevNeal]

I'm having a 'stupid day' but I can't see where it makes any difference to count days at all once you reach 200? :confused:

 

If you are already at or over 200, there is no reason to count anything, is there?

 

Under the new system, NADA.

Forget about 'em. You're 4-Star Mariner (think full Admiral) ... there is no 5-Star with the new program, so there's no reason to accumulate days or even bother to keep track of 'em.

 

One more aspect of the new program that is meaningless. I've ignored most of the discussion on how to accumulate days to attain more perks because I've already gone as high as they care.

[jtl513]

Though they say that it has all changed I really believe that they will reinstitute the medals. The medals really don't cost them much and too many people look forward to receiving them. It produces a goal for some people. They should have kept the 100-300-500-750 and provided benefits as they go up.

We'll be at 89 days by the end of December, and were considering a Feb/Mar cruise just to get us the Copper level. Now we're not interested in that any more. :(

[RedmondCruiser]

We'll be at 89 days by the end of December, and were considering a Feb/Mar cruise just to get us the Copper level. Now we're not interested in that any more. :(

 

I assure you that the HAL Mariner Group will read over this thread with a fine tooth comb and hopefully they will come to the quick conclusion that they need to continue the medals. All they have to do is make a quick correction to the program and all will be well.

[RevNeal]

The hyperbolic prognostications as to how the laundry will be overrun simply are not realistic. On the Vistas the difference will probably be quite minimal: after all, the only difference will be that some people won't be PAYING to have their laundry done, whereas before they were paying for the service. A FEW will send out more laundry, but not enough more for that to matter; and, since most of the Vista sorties are shorter cruises in mass-market regions where 4-Star Mariners are more rare, the cumulative impact will be nearly invisible.

 

On the R and S ships the situation will be a bit more nuanced and will depend, in large part, upon the kind of cruise it is. On the shorter-runs in the mass-market (i.e., think "Alaska" and "Caribbean") the numbers of 4-Star Mariners will be tiny. Based upon what I was told this last May aboard the Amsterdam, we would have had about three 4-Star Mariners who would be due the perk (and I was one of them)! I doubt that we could have over-taxed the system even if we had tried!!!! Even on longer cruises and cruises in the more exotic markets -- where more 4-Star Mariners are going to be found -- the increase in the volume of laundry will probably not be significant. Remember, these ships still have the self-service laundries and some people, like RuthC, refuse to send their undies out for service. Others (like me) have long sent some things out for laundry and have done a few things themselves (like undies). I will probably be less likely to do any of it myself and will send it all out to be done ... but the increase in volume of laundry over what I otherwise would have paid for having done, won't be great. Oh, sure, there will be some who will take advantage of the program to an extreme, but they will be rare. Most people will use the laundry under the free option just as they used it when they were paying for it. Hence, the only appreciable impact will be in the ship's revenue. :eek: I think the bean-counters can be trusted in this department: if they're not concerned about there being so many of us that the bottom line is harmed, they wouldn't have offered this perk.

 

The ONLY place where I can foresee a "problem" will be on those Mariner Appreciation Cruises and other sailings where the density of whales and other 4-Star Mariners will be far higher than average. And, I would imagine that they'll have provided for that by anticipating the increase in volume and shifting staff to enable it.

 

In other words ... I'm not too concerned about that aspect of the new program.

 

Indeed, I like the basic concept of the program and much of its implementation scheme; I'm only disappointed that those who were looking forward to Medallions on upcoming cruises are not going to get to experience that ceremony. And, additionally, I'm saddened that there's no further recognition beyond 200 days in the new system. I cannot fathom why they removed the hardware part of the program ... it could have operated entirely commensurate with the new program, without causing any problems, and would have given those working up toward 4-Star a symbolic recognition when they were half-way there, and then those above 4-Star would have something further to shoot for. True, it's entirely symbolic ... but symbols mean things to quite a few people, as the disappointment here-expressed should illustrate. If someone in Seattle is reading this particular thread, please consider re-instating the Medallion portion of the program.

[Mary Ellen]

Indeed, I like the basic concept of the program and much of its implementation scheme; I'm only disappointed that those who were looking forward to Medallions on upcoming cruises are not going to get to experience that ceremony. And, additionally, I'm saddened that there's no further recognition beyond 200 days in the new system. I cannot fathom why they removed the hardware part of the program ... it could have operated entirely commensurate with the new program, without causing any problems, and would have given those working up toward 4-Star a symbolic recognition when they were half-way there, and then those above 4-Star would have something further to shoot for. True, it's entirely symbolic ... but symbols mean things to quite a few people, as the disappointment here-expressed should illustrate. If someone in Seattle is reading this particular thread, please consider re-instating the Medallion portion of the program.

Greg sums up my feelings nicely. The new program is better than before, where we received basically nothing more than medallions. Yes, some of the 'perks' don't mean much to us, but what we don't care for I'm sure others will appreciate.

 

I'm deeply saddened for friends who were very near milestones that won't receive their medallions. One is 50 days away from her 700-days. It took her decades to accumulate so many days and have a dream suddenly ended.... Sad.

[ekerr19]

I'm deeply saddened for friends who were very near milestones that won't receive their medallions. One is 50 days away from her 700-days. It took her decades to accumulate so many days and have a dream suddenly ended.... Sad.

 

That is the one thing about it that bothers me too. Not for myself, but because I know it's important to others and they really look forward to it.

 

My DH got his copper medallion with Greg and it was fun to have friends there sharing in the experience. :)

[happyglobetrotter]

We were to go over 100 days on our next 20 day cruise and are disappointed in this change. It's not the medals so much, but the lack of recognition between the 75 day and 200 day levels. Now that we're retired, we'll be doing more cruising and will get to 200 quicker under the new plan.

 

What about the complete lack of recognition for people over the 700 days and people with 1,000 days and more. I know a lot of people who are disgusted by this decision. I am thinking of cancelling a cruise we just booked for next summer.