Carnival cruiser with a few Holland America questions?

[cwn]

If you have never sailed on HAL, but have sailed on another Carnival owned line, contact HAL Mariner department by email (found on HAL website ) or call and give them your criuse history (loyality #) with the other Carnival line and you will be given a Mariner # and become a One Star Mariner before you ever sail on HAL and will be entitled to all perks that come with being a One Star Mariner. There are a few perks, you can find out about them on the HAL website.

 

We have sailed on Princess (elite) and Carnival and did this for our Sept sailing on HAL. The best thing for us was that we were able to eat in the MDR on embarkation (we don't like the Lido, period) and were also entitled to attend the Mariners lunch later in the cruise which was a nice lunch. We enjoyed our cruise in Aug on Carinval...much to our surprise....and we enjoyed the HAL cruise in late Sept. The age range was much wider on Carnival with both very young and old where as there were only a handful of children on HAL (time of year and a long cruise) and the age range was late 20's to 80's. We actually found more activities that we enjoyed on HAL...more like Princess where as the food on HAL is more like Carnival. Princess has an Italian kitchen and HAL has a more Dutch Indonesian kitchen

 

Shop around with various TAs, you will often find a better price and/or some really nice OBC and dinners in the Pinnacle offered from the TA's. The price may not be better than dirrect from HAL, but the perks are. I don't know if actually being a Mariner ever gives you a price discount, but we shopped our Sept cruise and found differences in price and perks offered between HAL and TAs.

 

We have sailed on Carnival, NCL, Princess, Celeberity, HAL, Cunard, Seabourn and SilverSeas and have enjoyed every cruise. There are things we love about each of the cruise lines. We would sail on any again for the right size ship, itinerary and price. The lines vary a little but are more alike than different. We have found we can always find things we like to do. For us HAL, Princess and Seabourn have the best mix of activites and entertainment. The food has always been good, but each line has a little different kitchen and so far we find we like the Princess kitchen the best, but we still enjoy the food on the other lines also.

[Mary Ellen]

Mary Ellen maybe you can clarify what I said above:

Originally Posted by lettienets

I have never heard that if you sail in the other family lines of Carnival Corp like Princess or Costa etc that you get any discount on Hal. Some info on here is misleading or needs clarification. I get lots of advertising from the Carnival Corp lines.

Where or how do you get a discount on Hal if you have cruised with Princess, Costa, Carnival etc? Thanks

lettienets - I can't clarify what you said. You need to do that.

 

If one has sailed one of the lines owned by Carnival Corp. - they are entitled to any (pitiful as it may be) past passenger pricing offered by any of the other lines. That is quite clear on the website I quoted and provided the link. The lines are noted there, along with the links to their web sites. All one needs to do is notify their TA. I've seen on some of the MAJOR on-line booking sites where they ask what lines you've sailed when looking at prices. I've seen some where the savings is clearly noted as for 'past passengers'. Having noted HAL, when looking at Princess (whom I've never sailed) I see two prices for some categories, one being the discounted price.

 

I had to call the Mariner Society once about FIL's Mariner status. He had taken several HAL cruises over the years. They only showed the Mariner number given to him because of a recent cruise he'd taken on Princess. One does get a 'HAL number' due to cruising the other CCL lines.

[lettienets]

...........We have sailed on Carnival, NCL, Princess, Celeberity, HAL, Cunard, Seabourn and SilverSeas and have enjoyed every cruise. .........

Thanks for the explanation. I always wondered. I usually sail Hal and Carnival (with a couple of RCI). I did not want to be on the bottom of the pile if I wanted to try Princess or Costa in the Carnival family, so it looks like I could call and get a number with them too and have a first level number and maybe get a discount. Good to know thanks!

[PROCRUISE]

Look for a quieter, calmer atmosphere on HAL. Have a great cruise.

 

This is exactly right. Not much going on after 9-10 p.m., but otherwise, very enjoyable. Enjoy your cruise!

[schoolinmy3]

I purchased a future cruise credit for friends of ours who had never cruised before while aboard the Westerdam in 2008. They were given Mariner numbers and have Mariner status and their first cruise (on any cruise line) was just booked for next June. They were also able to use the FCC as the deposit and receive on board credit so it worked out well for them.

Diane:)

[msmayor]

If one has sailed one of the lines owned by Carnival Corp. - they are entitled to any (pitiful as it may be) past passenger pricing offered by any of the other lines. That is quite clear on the website I quoted and provided the link. The lines are noted there, along with the links to their web sites. All one needs to do is notify their TA. I've seen on some of the MAJOR on-line booking sites where they ask what lines you've sailed when looking at prices. I've seen some where the savings is clearly noted as for 'past passengers'. Having noted HAL, when looking at Princess (whom I've never sailed) I see two prices for some categories, one being the discounted price.

 

I actually asked my TA about this as I'd read about being able to apply my Carnival history to obtain some HAL benefits. She told me she didn't know how this information was going around and was not aware of any ability to 'cross' lines.

 

If you have never sailed on HAL, but have sailed on another Carnival owned line, contact HAL Mariner department by email (found on HAL website ) or call and give them your criuse history (loyality #) with the other Carnival line and you will be given a Mariner # and become a One Star Mariner before you ever sail on HAL and will be entitled to all perks that come with being a One Star Mariner. There are a few perks, you can find out about them on the HAL website.

 

 

Went ahead and sent an email this afternoon. We'll see what happens...

[Mary Ellen]

I actually asked my TA about this as I'd read about being able to apply my Carnival history to obtain some HAL benefits. She told me she didn't know how this information was going around and was not aware of any ability to 'cross' lines.

I would point her to the Carnival Corp. link in my earlier post and then find a new TA. The only 'benefit' you would receive would any 'past passenger pricing' - IF available.

 

I first became aware of this when it appeared on the back of HAL brochures.

[cruisin crazy in Michigan]

HAL has passengers sneak around and drop the anchor of a ship but Carnival is a "non-stop college fraternity party"?:rolleyes:

 

Um........OK

 

 

LOL..good one!

 

On the Ryndam, we were one of the last few people in casino at midnight. They told us just a couple more hands of poker and they were closing up for the night. The Eurodam was a blast and plenty of late nighters on the ship.

[jtl513]

I purchased a future cruise credit for friends of ours who had never cruised before while aboard the Westerdam in 2008. They were given Mariner numbers and have Mariner status and their first cruise (on any cruise line) was just booked for next June. They were also able to use the FCC as the deposit and receive on board credit so it worked out well for them.

Diane:)

Ditto, almost. In our case it was not friends, but relatives. :)

[NvCruisers]

If you sail on HAL, you do not get past guest rate on Carnival. Although they are owned by the same corporation, they are independent.

[Mary Ellen]

If you sail on HAL, you do not get past guest rate on Carnival. Although they are owned by the same corporation, they are independent.

:confused: So, Carnival Corp. doesn't know what they are doing when they have a web site that says:

Only World's Leading Cruise Lines offers you our unique Vacation Interchange Privileges®. Once you’ve traveled on any of our six world-famous lines, you’re entitled to currently applicable past guest savings offered by whichever cruise line you choose.

[msmayor]

:confused: So, Carnival Corp. doesn't know what they are doing when they have a web site that says:

 

Not sure what to make of this. While it certainly states on that site that there are privileges available, it doesn't appear to be a "mainstream" type of site that regular folks would stumble on. Most everyone goes to the individual cruise line sites, and when poking around on the other links attached to the web site you reference, nothing seems to GO to the cruise lines' sites.

[Mary Ellen]

While it certainly states on that site that there are privileges available, it doesn't appear to be a "mainstream" type of site that regular folks would stumble on.

:confused: The web site is on the back of two HAL brochures that are right beside me - the Europe 2010 and the Exotic Voyages 2010-2011. Not what I'd consider obscure locations.

[VioletHorse]

:confused: So, Carnival Corp. doesn't know what they are doing when they have a web site that says:

 

DD and I took our first Princess Cruise this past June. We have 9 HAL cruises under our belts, and I asked our TA about their advertised pricing on the Princess Cruise since I was unable to get it on-line just to get a ball park total before I called to book. MY TA said the price was only for prior Princess passengers, not Carnival Corp. past guests. Our pricing was $50 more pp.

 

We did not get invited to the Captains Circle cocktail party for past passengers, and we did not get our Captains Circle member numbers until the last night of the cruise.

 

Also, I was not allowed to purchase a future cruise deposit for my DH as he was not on the cruise.

 

So, no matter what Carnival Corp. says, each of its cruiselines operate independently and do not have the same policies.

[msmayor]

:confused: The web site is on the back of two HAL brochures that are right beside me - the Europe 2010 and the Exotic Voyages 2010-2011. Not what I'd consider obscure locations.

 

I'm not doubting that. But I've honestly never seen a HAL brochure before to even find that information. Most folks today are using the internet for research instead of hard-copy information. I wonder if there isn't a link somewhere on HAL's website to direct you there as well. I've honestly never looked that deep.

 

I don't know if it is HAL's policy to mail brochures out.

[cwn]

I found the info on the HAL website when I was looking for general info piror to booking our Sept HAL cruise. We DID get past passenger treatment (benefits of a ONE Star Mariner) baesd on our other Carnival lines history, so it DOES work for HAL as HAL states on line (think it is in the Mariner section on the website) and in their brochures. You can get br0ochures from your TA and I think you can reguest one from HAL on line. They have them on the ships, but of course, you are tnen a one star.

 

I know that, at least in 2009, that Princess didn't give you first level status based on sailing a Carnival or HAL ship, but you could get extra OBC if you had Carnivsl stock.

[NvCruisers]

We sailed on Carnival first and then did a Hal to Alaska. They did not give us a past guest rate on Hal. Don't know what to think!

[Mary Ellen]

I'm not doubting that. But I've honestly never seen a HAL brochure before to even find that information. Most folks today are using the internet for research instead of hard-copy information. I wonder if there isn't a link somewhere on HAL's website to direct you there as well. I've honestly never looked that deep.

 

I don't know if it is HAL's policy to mail brochures out.

Yes, HAL will mail out brochures and they are available at your TA. There are also e-brochures on the HAL site. The back cover is there, complete with a click-able link that says "To find out more, visit www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com"

 

I am curious as the source of your statement that "Most folks today are using the internet for research instead of hard-copy information."

 

For those who haven't received past passenger discounts, as I said before, I haven't seen them available for every cabin on every sailing. Either they weren't available or your TA was uninformed about the possibility.

[ccruisequeen]

 

 

I agree HAL night life is poor on most sailings compared to Carnival. Piano bars are frequently the saving grace of the evenings. There are fewer onboard planned activities in the day as well. Team trivia is my daily highlight. Make a point to show up for it THE FIRST DAY, and see if it's for you, too. Trivia is harder with a team of 6, not easier, and IMO alcohol and amusing team members makes the occasion a cruise memory.

I've played Team Trivia on my last 2 cruises & our team won both times! You just have to get into the right "team" & so far, I have. Looking forward to HAL next month! What prizes do they give? My specialty is 60's-80's pop culture.

[ccruisequeen]

I found the info on the HAL website when I was looking for general info piror to booking our Sept HAL cruise. We DID get past passenger treatment (benefits of a ONE Star Mariner) baesd on our other Carnival lines history, so it DOES work for HAL as HAL states on line (think it is in the Mariner section on the website) and in their brochures. You can get br0ochures from your TA and I think you can reguest one from HAL on line. They have them on the ships, but of course, you are tnen a one star.

 

I know that, at least in 2009, that Princess didn't give you first level status based on sailing a Carnival or HAL ship, but you could get extra OBC if you had Carnivsl stock.

 

We've sailed many times on Carnival- I just contacted the mariner site with our Carnival Member # to see if we can get an up-grade.

[Mary Ellen]

We've sailed many times on Carnival- I just contacted the mariner site with our Carnival Member # to see if we can get an up-grade.

:confused: Up-grade??? Mariners (who have actually sailed on HAL) don't get up-grades as perks.

[cwn]

We've sailed many times on Carnival- I just contacted the mariner site with our Carnival Member # to see if we can get an up-grade.

 

Mary Ellen, they didn't read my post very well...never said anything about an "up grade"...but we did get the few perks that come the way of a One Star.

 

On Princess we have gotten a little better price or sometimes an up grade, but it was usually in conjunction with a promotion for that specific cruise itinerary.

 

Now that I think about it, we got a good deal on the 14 HAL Alaska cruise we booked while on our Sept cruise.... maybe being a past passenger was part of it or.... probably it was because I was booking on board. I know that some of the OBC came from booking on board, the rest came from my TA when she got the record of the booking.

[fann1sh]

I've played Team Trivia on my last 2 cruises & our team won both times! You just have to get into the right "team" & so far, I have. Looking forward to HAL next month! What prizes do they give? My specialty is 60's-80's pop culture.

 

 

The daily prizes aren't very exciting - luggage tags? It does also seem to vary by cruise director. Some dig deeper in the "freebie-promotional-bag" than others. But the very nicest prizes, like a HAL logo mag light (which on reverse reads "dam dark") were years ago.

 

To pick my team I always listen to voices, and seek out people in a group who all have different accents. International teams are good. I also look for smiles. There are more losing than winning teams, so it's good to have laughing companions.

 

Every team needs a joker. I remember some of the naughty "answers" my team mates have called out better than the real ones (and no, I can't quote them on a family board!)

 

With apologies to non-drinkers, I usually look for people with a beverage glass in front of them. IME, they are there for fun as well as to win.

 

My "dream team" of some years ago was a New York City book editor (martini) ; Aussie engineer, who was also our comedian (beer); Oxbridge science "tutor" = professor (neat whisky); a young guy who played every sport known to man...and had memorized names and statistics for all of them (rum and coke); and a senior lady who knit, had a "fluffy cat" manner, and a steel trap mind (think Miss Marple - and no, she didn't drink sherry. IIRC, she drank bourbon and water!) I guess my strengths would be film, pop culture and geography ( and my ability to make white wine disappear).

 

The only competition was for second place. :)

[Mary Ellen]

Mary Ellen, they didn't read my post very well...never said anything about an "up grade"...but we did get the few perks that come the way of a One Star.

Thanks - I was thinking: Where in the world did up-grades come into this????

[msmayor]

Yes, HAL will mail out brochures and they are available at your TA. There are also e-brochures on the HAL site. The back cover is there, complete with a click-able link that says "To find out more, visit www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com"

 

I am curious as the source of your statement that "Most folks today are using the internet for research instead of hard-copy information."

For those who haven't received past passenger discounts, as I said before, I haven't seen them available for every cabin on every sailing. Either they weren't available or your TA was uninformed about the possibility.

 

Source? No specific source, I guess I should have clarified that as my opinion.

 

The internet is pervasive in our lives. Companies are scaling back on paper mailings as a way to cut costs. Nowadays I would guess that anyone with access to the internet can do far more research and get far more details (from various sources - not just individual cruise line sites) than they ever could by sitting and reading a brochure.

 

As a point of information, I did indeed request a brochure from a HAL representative who phoned me about three weeks ago, probably because I was on their website and registered as I was doing research. The agent assured me my brochure would be in the mail right away. I'm still waiting for it.