Thoughts on upsell offer??

[CafeBruno]

Hi, we currently have a guarantee balcony on Eurodam, on 9/19/19 16 night circle Hawaii cruise (round trip from Vancouver). Got what I think is a very good deal on it, $1699 + $203 port charges/taxes per person. We've just been offered an upsell to a Signature Suite for an additional $1150 PP, which is $144 total per night extra for the SS cabin. What are your thoughts? Take it, or wait, knowing that we are still 6 weeks out and we would be fine with the balcony guarantee if a better offer did not come along as we get closer. We've stayed in both types of cabins in the last couple of years and while we loved the SS, not sure I would upgrade unless it was really a smoking deal. Not sure if this offer qualifies. And I've been checking the cabin inventory on the HAL website and it seems like there is still quite a bit of availability in the balconies, SS's and NS's. Thoughts?  Thanks in advance. 

[CruiserBruce]

You can't tell what cabin availability is. That info is not clearly available to the public.

 

In your case, I would probably hold on to your GTY booking. You might get upgraded to a higher level without any cost.

[RocketMan275]

3 minutes ago, CafeBruno said:

And I've been checking the cabin inventory on the HAL website and it seems like there is still quite a bit of availability in the balconies, SS's and NS's. Thoughts?  Thanks in advance. 

There really isn't any way you can check inventory.  I suspect you've looked at the website and have seen a large number of cabins available for sale. Problem is this: you don't know how many guarantee cabins have been sold in each category.  These guarantees won't show as removed from availability.

 

Look at it this way:  Suppose the website is showing 100 balconies available.  What you don't see is that 90 guarantees have been purchased.  All the 100 is available for sale.  But, when 10 more cabins are sold either as guarantee or otherwise, the number of available cabins will go to zero.    Technically, all those 100 are available for sale but once the number of cabins sold plus the number of guarantees are sold, no more are available.

[SilvertoGold]

Sounds like a lot for 16 nights. Not a smoking deal, yet.   $238 vs 381 per diem.  Is this consistent with what you've paid in the past for a Signature suite?

[canadianbear]

I think that’s too high of price for the upsell offer-just my opinion.  I’d wait.

[*Miss G*]

I think it’s high also. You’re sitting pretty with a verandah so you know that’s the worst case scenario.  I would wait and see if the offers become more tempting.  If not... you’re in a verandah! 

[*Miss G*]

Oh.  I should also mention to keep an eye on pricing.  Should the suite and verandah costs drop below the price you paid you should contact your PCC/TA to see what their pricing specialist can do.  You might get a suite for a small increase or no additional cost.

[colonialinnkeeper]

I agree with the others that it seems too much money especially when you have a cabin that you are perfectly happy with.  I would sit tight.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I also think it is too much for a balcony that you may not use much because of weather.

[CafeBruno]

Thanks very much for the replies and the clarification on the remaining cabin inventory, I appreciate it. I think I will wait as suggested and see if a better deal comes along; if not we will be perfectly fine in a verandah. 

 

Silvertogold, we paid significantly more per day for our last SS, but that was a very special occasion...15 days on the Westerdam last year, San Diego to Fort Lauderdale through the Canal, to celebrate my retirement. I am now trying to be more careful in shopping for great deals. Thanks again 

[MISTER 67]

They can take their upsells and pound sand, give me a free upgrade or nothing.

We were offered an upsell and after checking it cost more than if I were to make a new booking. Called HAL and they said " that happens sometimes". HAL is not the only culprit, all the lines do it.

Edited August 14, 2019 by MISTER 67

[DaveOKC]

15 hours ago, CafeBruno said:

Hi, we currently have a guarantee balcony on Eurodam, on 9/19/19 16 night circle Hawaii cruise (round trip from Vancouver). Got what I think is a very good deal on it, $1699 + $203 port charges/taxes per person. We've just been offered an upsell to a Signature Suite for an additional $1150 PP, which is $144 total per night extra for the SS cabin. What are your thoughts? Take it, or wait, knowing that we are still 6 weeks out and we would be fine with the balcony guarantee if a better offer did not come along as we get closer. We've stayed in both types of cabins in the last couple of years and while we loved the SS, not sure I would upgrade unless it was really a smoking deal. Not sure if this offer qualifies. And I've been checking the cabin inventory on the HAL website and it seems like there is still quite a bit of availability in the balconies, SS's and NS's. Thoughts?  Thanks in advance. 

Being a bit of a math nut, I have a formula that I use to determine a good "value" for an upsell.  I look at the difference in the current price of the 2 cabin type (now $2700) and I use 1/3rd of that ($900) as what I think is a fair deal.  Of course, one has to add or subtract from this number based upon your likes/dislikes and how much time time you will spend in the cabin (on this cruise it could be alot - around 10 sea days as I recall).

 

I might be tempted to take the deal, but with 6 weeks to sailing, I suspect that you will get a better offer yet.  HAL likes to start out high and then lower their asking price the closer it gets.  Of course it depends on how many people jump on this deal, but since it is not a "no brainer", I suspect that HAL will get back to you with a better offer in a week or two.

[SilvertoGold]

15 hours ago, CafeBruno said:

 

 

Silvertogold, we paid significantly more per day for our last SS, but that was a very special occasion...15 days on the Westerdam last year, San Diego to Fort Lauderdale through the Canal, to celebrate my retirement. I am now trying to be more careful in shopping for great deals. Thanks again 

 

I thought so.  Considering the going price right now for an SS, your upsell offer is low, in total.  Nevertheless, as many have noted, overall, high upsell pricing.  HAL is, on some itineraries at least, really working hard to fill the ships.  You may get another upsell offer.

 

I am personally watching this cruise, as we do this one often.  The pricing for inside and outside have been slashed lately.  Maybe other categories, too.   You really have to pay attention!

 

Please come back and let know what happens!

Edited August 15, 2019 by SilvertoGold

[DeeniEncinitas]

As others have said I would wait !!

Denise😊

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Some might say that is a lot of money.

[lazey1]

That would depend on your comfort level with the space available in each category.  If you will need a walker or wheelchair in your cabin the offer is good.  If you do not NEED the extra room why not wait and see.