Holland America Line Launches Onboard Credit Offer for AARP Members

[Mary229]

1 hour ago, Nodakboiler said:

Congrats to Mary229-As a 5 star I contacted my PCC to try to get the AARP benefit added to our Fall TA and was told via email from consumer programs it is only available for new bookings. Congrats to those who have been able to get it for existing bookings.

When did you register.  I registered before the rules were codified.  I think that may have more to do with it than anything else.  I followed the instructions and HAL knows it.  I certainly wouldn’t have bought an AARP membership without this offer.  I didn’t press it but I think this is the crux of the issue. 

[Nodakboiler]

I have been an AARP member for 10+ years and applied for the HAL benefit the day it was announced and got my verification immediately. Guess it's another hit or miss option.

[Nickelpenny]

11 minutes ago, Nodakboiler said:

I have been an AARP member for 10+ years and applied for the HAL benefit the day it was announced and got my verification immediately. Guess it's another hit or miss option.

It seems to be a problem only if you just applied for membership, not if you have been a member for a while.  I also have been a member for about 7 years and had no problem what-so-ever.  JMHO.

[rodndonna]

Reading through this topic (bits and pieces of the 10 pages) I am a bit unsure if it is valid for just 1 cruise a year or not. I see some folks stating that but have not read it in T&C (which may be in flux since this is so new)

 

Not a big deal for us (have joined AARP as it appears worth is for even 1 cruise a year) but just wondering if we should be putting some forethought into which cruise to apply it to (potentially) if there is a limit.

[Mary229]

2 hours ago, rodndonna said:

Reading through this topic (bits and pieces of the 10 pages) I am a bit unsure if it is valid for just 1 cruise a year or not. I see some folks stating that but have not read it in T&C (which may be in flux since this is so new)

 

Not a big deal for us (have joined AARP as it appears worth is for even 1 cruise a year) but just wondering if we should be putting some forethought into which cruise to apply it to (potentially) if there is a limit.

I have it applied fo 2 2024 cruises so far 

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

15 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

I have it applied fo 2 2024 cruises so far 

On our Holland America accounts it shows up as a $50 Future Cruise Credit?

[Mary229]

23 minutes ago, Gail & Marty sailing away said:

On our Holland America accounts it shows up as a $50 Future Cruise Credit?

My TA called yesterday and immediately had the full amount applied to two cruises.  She was tirading for the other 2 non-casino cruises when I told her I was satisfied.   She said she wasn’t and will pursue the other two, smaller amounts Monday 

[Let It Go]

It is posted on your account as 'Onboard Credits' .... listed below Future Cruise Deposits.  Expiry date and amount are indicated.

[LabMom57]

I have two HAL sailings -- a 7-day to Alaska in 2 weeks and a 14-day around Japan next April. In looking at my account, it looks like the Japan sailing had the OBC increased from $350 to $400 for the 2 of use but nothing was added for Alaska.

 

Is anyone seeing an increase that indicates stacking of original OBC (not military or teacher) with the AARP? It looks to me like I got the higher of the two options in each case.

 

Thanks.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

9 minutes ago, LabMom57 said:

I have two HAL sailings -- a 7-day to Alaska in 2 weeks and a 14-day around Japan next April. In looking at my account, it looks like the Japan sailing had the OBC increased from $350 to $400 for the 2 of use but nothing was added for Alaska.

 

Is anyone seeing an increase that indicates stacking of original OBC (not military or teacher) with the AARP? It looks to me like I got the higher of the two options in each case.

 

Thanks.

It would not be due to the AARP because a 14 day would have a minimum of $100.00 based on stateroom category. 

I have 3 cruises booked first one in 5 weeks, then December and a 14 day Japan in March of 2025, none of mine have any additional SBC. I have personally called several times now to get the SBC added on existing full fare reservations and they will not add them. But they do tell me that the availability of AARP is added to my husbands Mariner number if we would like to reserve a new voyage.

[BermudaBound2014]

11 minutes ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

It would not be due to the AARP because a 14 day would have a minimum of $100.00 based on stateroom category. 

I have 3 cruises booked first one in 5 weeks, then December and a 14 day Japan in March of 2025, none of mine have any additional SBC. I have personally called several times now to get the SBC added on existing full fare reservations and they will not add them. But they do tell me that the availability of AARP is added to my husbands Mariner number if we would like to reserve a new voyage.

 

That's a bummer. Just out of curiosity (trying to identify why some are getting the AARP applied and others aren't); Did you apply for the AARP credit the day it was announced?

 

It's looking to me like those that applied immediately after the announcement have been awarded the credit, while those that applied once the terms listed were corrected to read 'new bookings only'; are being denied.

 

[LabMom57]

59 minutes ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

It would not be due to the AARP because a 14 day would have a minimum of $100.00 based on stateroom category. 

I have 3 cruises booked first one in 5 weeks, then December and a 14 day Japan in March of 2025, none of mine have any additional SBC. I have personally called several times now to get the SBC added on existing full fare reservations and they will not add them. But they do tell me that the availability of AARP is added to my husbands Mariner number if we would like to reserve a new voyage.

That's weird. Somehow we have an extra $50 in OBC for the Japan cruise.

 

Just to clarify, my understanding was that for 10 days or more in a balcony cabin or higher the OBC is $200. I might have misread the info though.

[Roz]

On 7/24/2023 at 12:19 PM, zelker said:

Actually you don't.  When you click on the link on HAL's site,  click on Verify Your AARP Membership, then fill out the few things they ask for and click to submit it.  It immediately said it was confirmed and sent us each an email confirming it as well.  The person I talked to at HAL said to give it 4-5 days for it all to migrate into our Mariner accounts and then call back and have them applied to all our existing bookings.  So we'll see.

 

Exclusive AARP Member Offer | Holland America Line

 

 

 

I just applied and I was required to send a copy of my AARP membership card to a company called SheerID.  What did I do wrong?  I'm waiting on the confirmation email.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

49 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

That's a bummer. Just out of curiosity (trying to identify why some are getting the AARP applied and others aren't); Did you apply for the AARP credit the day it was announced?

 

It's looking to me like those that applied immediately after the announcement have been awarded the credit, while those that applied once the terms listed were corrected to read 'new bookings only'; are being denied.

 

I had my husbands card number verified on Monday just after the annoucement, I have been a member of AARP for 19 years which is how long it shows I also have the Hartford car insurance through AARP. It verified immiediately after doing it. Later that day I called HAL I was told then it would be for New bookings ONLY.

I recalled again on Wednesday and Thursday, I did not bother yesterday or today since the answer has continued to be the same. I have no idea how others are getting this but there are many also stating the same as me they are not getting the SBC. I was told by last Rep that even rebooking it would not apply since I was previously booked for that voyage.

[zelker]

Just now, Roz said:

 

I just applied and I was required to send a copy of my AARP membership card to a company called SheerID.  What did I do wrong?  I'm waiting on the confirmation email.

Did you just sign up for AARP?

[Roz]

1 minute ago, zelker said:

Did you just sign up for AARP?

 

I've been a member since 2003. 😁

[BermudaBound2014]

1 minute ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

I had my husbands card number verified on Monday just after the annoucement, I have been a member of AARP for 19 years which is how long it shows I also have the Hartford car insurance through AARP. It verified immiediately after doing it. Later that day I called HAL I was told then it would be for New bookings ONLY.

I recalled again on Wednesday and Thursday, I did not bother yesterday or today since the answer has continued to be the same. I have no idea how others are getting this but there are many also stating the same as me they are not getting the SBC. I was told by last Rep that even rebooking it would not apply since I was previously booked for that voyage.

 

Uggh.  I'm sorry you aren't getting this applied easily. What a mess. The rule isn't being applied consistently, that's for sure :(*. 

[LAFFNVEGAS]

10 minutes ago, LabMom57 said:

That's weird. Somehow we have an extra $50 in OBC for the Japan cruise.

 

Just to clarify, my understanding was that for 10 days or more in a balcony cabin or higher the OBC is $200. I might have misread the info though.

No, you did not misread it which is why my guess is that extra $50.00 is definitely not from AARP SBC. There might have been something else. Are you booked with a Travel Agency, that Agency may have just added Group amenities to your reservation.

[Roz]

I just received the following email:

 

Congratulations!   We have verified your eligibility on this special offer you requested.

Redeem Offer   Please allow 2 days before booking to receive your AARP member onboard credit offer.

Kind Regards, Holland America Line

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

12 minutes ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

No, you did not misread it which is why my guess is that extra $50.00 is definitely not from AARP SBC. There might have been something else. Are you booked with a Travel Agency, that Agency may have just added Group amenities to your reservation.

I agree with you. I bet it is GAP.

[zelker]

deleted 

Edited July 29, 2023 by zelker

[Boatdrill]

1 hour ago, Roz said:

 

I just applied and I was required to send a copy of my AARP membership card to a company called SheerID.  What did I do wrong?  I'm waiting on the confirmation email.

SheerID is the third party marketing and handling the AARP offer.  They provide the OBC under the AARP name.  

[TGCRUISEO]

So if the OBC is showing in your online account do you have to call to have it applied to the reservation?  I have $50 showing online under my profile. 

[LAFFNVEGAS]

37 minutes ago, TGCRUISEO said:

So if the OBC is showing in your online account do you have to call to have it applied to the reservation?  I have $50 showing online under my profile. 

It should be automatic when you book a new cruise, existing cruises are not considered new cruises. So for the most part you most likely will be denied when attempting to have it added to an existing booking. But if  you book a new cruise under your Mariner number it should automatially populate based on the category and length of the cruise.

[Reagan0712]

Just read through all ten pages, and though I may have missed it, I didn’t see my question.

 

Does anyone know if this AARP OBC will be applied in addition to the Carnival Stock OBC or is it one or the other?

My AARP lapsed and I’ve been debating whether or not to renew. This plus the gift cards are pushing me toward renewal.