Have it all package drink questions

[Haljo1935]

15 minutes ago, rodndonna said:

 

Did you get other perks within that deeply discounted rate or is it just a deeply discounted fare?

 

A free cabin is about as much of a "discount" as you can get, and even with those, we (and others) have been able to add HIA. I really don't get the stance "you gave us so little money for this cruise, we have decided we don't want more of your money by selling you HIA". It is a weird stance ..🤔

 

Maybe your particular cruise has some other overriding element that disallows HIA.

 

The mystery continues ........

 

Mystery indeed. No other discounts, doesn't even have OBC. And I even gave them additional monies by way of adding CO. So, it's a very straightforward deal.

Maybe that's my reward for making 4*, lol.

[erdufylla]

I know you added CO, but did you upgrade the room category at all, or stick with the $0 inside cabin? I’ve never gotten one of these offers, so I don’t know how it works, or what other people’s experiences have been, but I wonder if the $0 fare is incompatible with additional promotional credits, but if you upgraded that to an oceanview or verandah, whether that might reset whatever flag in the system is blocking it? It could either be an intentional setting (“free” rooms don’t qualify, but $100 rooms do) or an unintentional computing glitch (null values in a database can sometimes have weird unintended effects, depending on whether that field is filled in as 0 or is simply blank). 
 

Not saying you actually have to commit to upgrading the room, but if you haven’t, maybe try calling and seeing if they can price quote a stateroom upgrade, and then see if that fare is eligible for the HIA package?

[Haljo1935]

9 minutes ago, erdufylla said:

I know you added CO, but did you upgrade the room category at all, or stick with the $0 inside cabin? I’ve never gotten one of these offers, so I don’t know how it works, or what other people’s experiences have been, but I wonder if the $0 fare is incompatible with additional promotional credits, but if you upgraded that to an oceanview or verandah, whether that might reset whatever flag in the system is blocking it? It could either be an intentional setting (“free” rooms don’t qualify, but $100 rooms do) or an unintentional computing glitch (null values in a database can sometimes have weird unintended effects, depending on whether that field is filled in as 0 or is simply blank). 
 

Not saying you actually have to commit to upgrading the room, but if you haven’t, maybe try calling and seeing if they can price quote a stateroom upgrade, and then see if that fare is eligible for the HIA package?

We did upgrade to a VS aft balcony - paid to go from free inside to verandah. So, they got the money from us on the cabin upgrade plus the CO.

And now to add to my frustration, I just read on another thread where @DaveOKC was able to use a Welcome Back promo on a booking w/other perks. We couldn't use that, either.

[erdufylla]

8 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

We did upgrade to a VS aft balcony - paid to go from free inside to verandah. So, they got the money from us on the cabin upgrade plus the CO.

And now to add to my frustration, I just read on another thread where @DaveOKC was able to use a Welcome Back promo on a booking w/other perks. We couldn't use that, either.

Ugh. That’s got to be so frustrating! I’m sorry. 😞 I guess it just sounds like whatever promotion this was, when they were setting it up in the system, they unticked the box that allows combinations with other promos. The only other thing I can think of, besides just accepting it, is to try going full Karen mode and threaten to cancel the entire booking if they’re not able to add the HIA for you or escalating it to someone who can. (To be clear, not advocating being abusive and yelling at anyone. Just threatening to cancel.)

[DaveOKC]

15 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

We did upgrade to a VS aft balcony - paid to go from free inside to verandah. So, they got the money from us on the cabin upgrade plus the CO.

And now to add to my frustration, I just read on another thread where @DaveOKC was able to use a Welcome Back promo on a booking w/other perks. We couldn't use that, either.

Just to clarify - the booking I was able to use the other perks on was NOT with a free cabin, but I did use a casino discount of about 20%.

Also, I have upgraded from Inside all the way to Neptune and still could not combine with other perks.  Further, I had to stay with a guarantee, even in a Neptune.  On two of the past three cruises this worked out well with great cabin locations, but the third time I ended up in a poor location (IMO).  Now I am avoiding booking casino deal guarantees and instead going a notch lower (that way I at least have a chance for an upsell plus I can use Club Orange to lock in a decent location.  It really does depend on the ship I am booking though.

 

[Haljo1935]

20 minutes ago, erdufylla said:

Ugh. That’s got to be so frustrating! I’m sorry. 😞 I guess it just sounds like whatever promotion this was, when they were setting it up in the system, they unticked the box that allows combinations with other promos. The only other thing I can think of, besides just accepting it, is to try going full Karen mode and threaten to cancel the entire booking if they’re not able to add the HIA for you or escalating it to someone who can. (To be clear, not advocating being abusive and yelling at anyone. Just threatening to cancel.)

During the last call, I was told the discount/rate code attached to the booking is DE8 (maybe DEA, but sounded like 8 not A). Maybe someone with knowledge of HAL booking codes knows what that code is.

Makes no sense that they're accepting HIA money from passengers who didn't upgrade free cruises, so they're adding it to more deeply discounted bookings than mine, but won't take my money for it when they made money from me for the upgrade (from inside to VB balcony) and CO. Then they'd make money on the HIA package, as well. Not a solo cruise, so everything added is x2.

I haven't threatened to cancel, bit do remind them I'm4* and desperately looking for reasons to stay loyal. Have even had guest 2 on a couple of the calls and let them know she's a refer looking for reasons to stay w/HAL as well as bring people with her. So loss of revenue on sale of one package could cost them considerably more, but here we are...again.

[Florida_gal_50]

27 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

During the last call, I was told the discount/rate code attached to the booking is DE8 (maybe DEA, but sounded like 8 not A). Maybe someone with knowledge of HAL booking codes knows what that code is.

Makes no sense that they're accepting HIA money from passengers who didn't upgrade free cruises, so they're adding it to more deeply discounted bookings than mine, but won't take my money for it when they made money from me for the upgrade (from inside to VB balcony) and CO. Then they'd make money on the HIA package, as well. Not a solo cruise, so everything added is x2.

I haven't threatened to cancel, bit do remind them I'm4* and desperately looking for reasons to stay loyal. Have even had guest 2 on a couple of the calls and let them know she's a refer looking for reasons to stay w/HAL as well as bring people with her. So loss of revenue on sale of one package could cost them considerably more, but here we are...again.

I really don’t think they care for the higher star Mariners.  They read from a script that they do but I’m not seeing any evidence that they do.  While I was talking to someone at hal while my pcc was away she told me she doesn’t see too many 5 star Mariners.  Maybe it’s because you do things like this. It’s shouldn’t be so hard to give them money.  I’m sure threatening to cancel will do zero.  They aren’t losing anything but you are even with insurance.  I know it wasn’t you but I really wish people would stop using “Karen”. While my name isn’t Karen I feel like it’s super rude to those who have that name.

[Haljo1935]

@Florida_gal_50My lifelong (since 7th grade and I'm 60+) best friend legally changed her name once "Karen" became a "bad" thing; some people don't like that.

[Florida_gal_50]

3 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

@Florida_gal_50My lifelong (since 7th grade and I'm 60+) best friend legally changed her name once "Karen" became a "bad" thing; some people don't like that.

It really triggers me and makes me sad that people have to do that (change their name),

 

Edited July 1, 2023 by Florida_gal_50

[Haljo1935]

5 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

It really triggers me and makes me sad that people have to do that. 

 

Funny story, though, she had wanted to change her last name for quite some time. So, when she got divorced, she used that opportunity since it was "free" with the divorce filing. Flash forward, she said, "too bad being a Karen only recently became a bad thing, I would have changed it then and saved the money, had I known. I could have gotten my entire name changed for free." 

So she does have a little light-hearted humor associated with it.

Edited July 1, 2023 by Haljo1935
Typo

[OCJayGuy]

3 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Thanks - did all that, then had to explain to my husband why the screen was dark and what incognito mode was, lol.

Thats too funny 😅😂. I'll be a very happy camper if its this difficult to give them my money in their casino. 

[DTtravelers]

Sidetracking here a bit, but in keeping with the OP, it has been a while since we sailed HAL and they have an extended itinerary that is appealing.  

 

Looking at the HIA list from post 5, can you even get a Maker's Mark Manhattan?  It doesn't seem to be included, even at the Elite level.  Same for any single malt Scotch...

 

Also, since the introduction of HIA, do they still offer separate wine packages so that you could have wine with dinner, even if you don't buy the HIA package?  40 days x Elite HIA  is almost $6K...  a scarey thought.

 

Thanks! 

 

 

Edited July 1, 2023 by DTtravelers
correction

[erdufylla]

1 hour ago, DTtravelers said:

Looking at the HIA list from post 5, can you even get a Maker's Mark Manhattan?  It doesn't seem to be included, even at the Elite level.  Same for any single malt Scotch...

I’m not a whiskey/Scotch drinker, so I haven’t paid close attention to those prices. But even if they’re above the $11 price point (or $15 if you have the Elite package), you only pay the difference + 18% gratuity on the difference. So if the single malt you want is $20, and you have the elite package, you’d only pay $5.90 for that drink.

 

1 hour ago, DTtravelers said:

Also, since the introduction of HIA, do they still offer separate wine packages so that you could have wine with dinner, even if you don't buy the HIA package?

 

To the best of my knowledge, yes.

 

 

[rodndonna]

6 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

During the last call, I was told the discount/rate code attached to the booking is DE8 (maybe DEA, but sounded like 8 not A). Maybe someone with knowledge of HAL booking codes knows what that code is.

 

 

 

I just checked promo codes for our recent Casino offers- the last "free cabin" offer was a "UYV" code.

 

Our most recent "discount" cruise offer  (30% off select sailings) has a promo code "DE" (no third letter).. so close.

 

In the past we have had no issues adding HIA to either of those types offers.

 

Maybe that "A" or the "8" at the end of your "DE?" is the problem 🤔

[Haljo1935]

18 minutes ago, rodndonna said:

 

 

I just checked promo codes for our recent Casino offers- the last "free cabin" offer was a "UYV" code.

 

Our most recent "discount" cruise offer  (30% off select sailings) has a promo code "DE" (no third letter).. so close.

 

In the past we have had no issues adding HIA to either of those types offers.

 

Maybe that "A" or the "8" at the end of your "DE?" is the problem 🤔

The flyer we got with the email offer has UYW, but she clearly said DE something. Maybe I'll call and ask exactly what that code is and what it means.

[Florida_gal_50]

5 hours ago, DTtravelers said:

Sidetracking here a bit, but in keeping with the OP, it has been a while since we sailed HAL and they have an extended itinerary that is appealing.  

 

Looking at the HIA list from post 5, can you even get a Maker's Mark Manhattan?  It doesn't seem to be included, even at the Elite level.  Same for any single malt Scotch...

 

Also, since the introduction of HIA, do they still offer separate wine packages so that you could have wine with dinner, even if you don't buy the HIA package?  40 days x Elite HIA  is almost $6K...  a scarey thought.

 

Thanks! 

 

 

Here is a list of wine packages from Roger Jett’s site.  He has lots of great info.  That said wines may or may not be available.

 

https://rogerjett-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sommelier-Suite-2022.pdf

[AllTheSun]

14 hours ago, erdufylla said:

I know you added CO, but did you upgrade the room category at all, or stick with the $0 inside cabin? I’ve never gotten one of these offers, so I don’t know how it works, or what other people’s experiences have been, but I wonder if the $0 fare is incompatible with additional promotional credits, but if you upgraded that to an oceanview or verandah, whether that might reset whatever flag in the system is blocking it? It could either be an intentional setting (“free” rooms don’t qualify, but $100 rooms do) or an unintentional computing glitch (null values in a database can sometimes have weird unintended effects, depending on whether that field is filled in as 0 or is simply blank). 
 

Not saying you actually have to commit to upgrading the room, but if you haven’t, maybe try calling and seeing if they can price quote a stateroom upgrade, and then see if that fare is eligible for the HIA package?

I have a $0 + taxes & fees inside cabin casino offer, did not upgrade and was able to add on HIA for $50 by calling. It’s the base HIA I think, crew gratuity not included and the low level drinks and internet.

 

I was able to add it by calling. Internet said not eligible, I felt their were 2 phone tree selections that might work, 1st one the person said not eligible, 2nd time through I did the other and they got it added no issues a few months back.

Edited July 2, 2023 by AllTheSun
More details

[Florida_gal_50]

9 hours ago, AllTheSun said:

I have a $0 + taxes & fees inside cabin casino offer, did not upgrade and was able to add on HIA for $50 by calling. It’s the base HIA I think, crew gratuity not included and the low level drinks and internet.

 

I was able to add it by calling. Internet said not eligible, I felt their were 2 phone tree selections that might work, 1st one the person said not eligible, 2nd time through I did the other and they got it added no issues a few months back.

I’ve yet to see the crew gratuity on the $50 hia.  The only time I have seen that is when you pick that fare. Even at that it’s rare.

[Mary229]

7 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I’ve yet to see the crew gratuity on the $50 hia.  The only time I have seen that is when you pick that fare. Even at that it’s rare.

Up until this current promotion, which I haven’t reviewed, the HIA with gratuities was only for early bookings

[Florida_gal_50]

19 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

Up until this current promotion, which I haven’t reviewed, the HIA with gratuities was only for early bookings

That's been my experience as well.

[julieannerelph]

We just booked the HIA on our Mariner Naviator application on our phone.  Could not book on the website...  

[Haljo1935]

Was not able to book HIA again today on free cruise (paid to upgrade free inside to verandah and added CO). Started in app then moved to website when prompted. 

Typically, indication it's not going to work are when there's no price displayed and no drop down to select names.

 

Edited July 4, 2023 by Haljo1935
Typo

[julieannerelph]

20 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

Was not able to book HIA again today on free cruise (paid to upgrade free inside to verandah and added CO). Started in app then moved to website when prompted. 

Typically, indication it's not going to work are when there's no price displayed and no drop down to select names.

 

Had to use my husband's navigator app on the iphone.