GatorMomInNC Posted July 30, 2023 #1 Share Posted July 30, 2023 So I booked a HAL Alaska Cruise, solo, for a good price, on a whim. This was not a vacation I budgeted for, and I am traveling solo and feeling guilty since my family can't go. So I decided not to spend the extra $$ for the HIA...and now I am kicking myself! I already would have used the $100 excursion, and I figure even with just coffee and one or two drinks a day I would probably have been better off with the HIA. My question is, can you purchase the HIA on the ship? Or just the drink packages? I tried to do it on the website and it doesn't show a price and just spins when I click on it. The cost of the drink package alone is about what it would have been to get the HIA, so I don't want to do that. Do they ever offer any discounts on drink package when you board? I was just on this same ship (Noordam) for 2 weeks earlier this year but I had the HIA so didn't pay attention to whether they were selling it on board. I think I will be stuck with just adding GCs from AARP to my account and buying the non-alcohol drink package and then a drink or two a day and hope I don't spend that much. I think I will be okay without the wi-fi - all of our stops are in Alaska so I can use my phone at port - but it would have been nice to get it basically free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted July 30, 2023 #2 Share Posted July 30, 2023 Sorry, but no you can’t add HIA on board. It has to be done pre-cruise. If the website is not co-operating I would call and see if it can still be added for you. Price on the website is good and solos don’t get dinged with double charges 😊 You can buy the beverage packages on board. They are not discounted. They are actually cheaper if you pre-purchase them (or were the last time I looked). 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellencruise Posted July 30, 2023 #3 Share Posted July 30, 2023 I would keep trying for online add on of HIA. Or call 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorMomInNC Posted July 30, 2023 Author #4 Share Posted July 30, 2023 You know, I booked through a travel agent, so maybe that is the issue. I will call them on Monday and see what they say. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorMomInNC Posted July 30, 2023 Author #5 Share Posted July 30, 2023 Also, I paid in full when I booked as cruise is only a few weeks away, hopefully that won't be an issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellencruise Posted July 30, 2023 #6 Share Posted July 30, 2023 3 minutes ago, GatorMomInNC said: You know, I booked through a travel agent, so maybe that is the issue. I will call them on Monday and see what they say. Your TA will be able to get it for you. Website is always finicky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mary229 Posted July 30, 2023 #7 Share Posted July 30, 2023 I have bought HIA up to a few days before the cruise by phone. Being me, I had to negotiate the price😉 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Haljo1935 Posted July 30, 2023 #8 Share Posted July 30, 2023 Doesn't matter if you booked through TA or PIF at time of booking - the HIA price just sometimes doesn't show. You will have to call in or have your TA do it. No, you cannot add HIA once onboard and also cannot add it (or anything) within 3 days of sai!ing. Drink packages can be purchased first 2 days onboard and are higher than if you purchase in advance. Safe travels - enjoy your cruise! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted July 30, 2023 #9 Share Posted July 30, 2023 17 minutes ago, GatorMomInNC said: You know, I booked through a travel agent, so maybe that is the issue. I will call them on Monday and see what they say. I use a TA and didn’t have to use them to get HIA added on one sailing. I did have to call IIRC. Paying in full should not be an issue - you are far enough away from your sailing date. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorMomInNC Posted July 30, 2023 Author #10 Share Posted July 30, 2023 Does anyone know - if I call to add the HIA, can I use gift cards to pay when I call? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted July 30, 2023 #11 Share Posted July 30, 2023 You can add HIA or anything else for that matter, until 3-4 days before sailing. You can do it yourself from the website. Log in. Click on my account and then your cruise booking #. You should be on a page that says Welcome & your name. On the left side of the screen you will see a link to buy packages. HIA will be under packages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare VMax1700 Posted July 30, 2023 #12 Share Posted July 30, 2023 Did you try on the Navigator App? Sometimes it shows on the App and not on the website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorMomInNC Posted August 1, 2023 Author #13 Share Posted August 1, 2023 Thanks everyone for your input. I was unable to purchase it online (or do just about anything, I think that is an issue with their website, has been incredibly frustrating to use lately). But I called, added the HIA, rebooked my shore excursion to get the $100 credit, so the HIA only ended up costing (after the shorex credit) $250 for the internet, drinks and one specialty dining. I think that I will get my money's worth with that.... 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted August 1, 2023 #14 Share Posted August 1, 2023 12 minutes ago, GatorMomInNC said: Thanks everyone for your input. I was unable to purchase it online (or do just about anything, I think that is an issue with their website, has been incredibly frustrating to use lately). But I called, added the HIA, rebooked my shore excursion to get the $100 credit, so the HIA only ended up costing (after the shorex credit) $250 for the internet, drinks and one specialty dining. I think that I will get my money's worth with that.... Yippee. So glad to hear you succeeded 👏 👏 👏 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Haljo1935 Posted August 1, 2023 #15 Share Posted August 1, 2023 18 minutes ago, GatorMomInNC said: Thanks everyone for your input. I was unable to purchase it online (or do just about anything, I think that is an issue with their website, has been incredibly frustrating to use lately). But I called, added the HIA, rebooked my shore excursion to get the $100 credit, so the HIA only ended up costing (after the shorex credit) $250 for the internet, drinks and one specialty dining. I think that I will get my money's worth with that.... Congrats! I think the math was certainly in your favor. I have not been able to add via app or online to any of my current bookings. 2 of them, when I call in, I'm told are not eligible. Usually when I don't see a price for the HIA package (just a $), I know it's not going to let me add it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorMomInNC Posted August 1, 2023 Author #16 Share Posted August 1, 2023 22 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said: Congrats! I think the math was certainly in your favor. I have not been able to add via app or online to any of my current bookings. 2 of them, when I call in, I'm told are not eligible. Usually when I don't see a price for the HIA package (just a $), I know it's not going to let me add it. Wow!! That is what I was seeing (just $) so I am glad I was able to add it when I called in!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare electro Posted August 2, 2023 #17 Share Posted August 2, 2023 I have also booked a solo cruise on a whim. Does anyone know if the HIA ever goes below $65 CAD? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted August 2, 2023 #18 Share Posted August 2, 2023 1 hour ago, electro said: I have also booked a solo cruise on a whim. Does anyone know if the HIA ever goes below $65 CAD? No, never seen it. It’s a good exchange rate with the current market. If it appeals I would do it before the contract is up and the pricing changes. (HAL buy future contracts which enables them to “hold” pricing and if get changed every 3-5 months) At least we solos don’t get charged double for it like our rooms 😊 😉 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nodakboiler Posted August 2, 2023 #19 Share Posted August 2, 2023 We just boarded the Nieuw Statendam and in our room was a flyer that you can buy the HIA package on board. It is $60 per person per day not including gratuities for staff. It says you need to go to guest services before 9 PM to put it on your account so maybe there is a change! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare electro Posted August 2, 2023 #20 Share Posted August 2, 2023 On 7/30/2023 at 10:41 AM, Mary229 said: I have bought HIA up to a few days before the cruise by phone. Being me, I had to negotiate the price😉 How do you negotiate the price of the HIA? Do you just ask your PCC or is there a special number to call? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mary229 Posted August 2, 2023 #21 Share Posted August 2, 2023 46 minutes ago, electro said: How do you negotiate the price of the HIA? Do you just ask your PCC or is there a special number to call? being me, I just ask. Who knows what they have available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare electro Posted August 2, 2023 #22 Share Posted August 2, 2023 6 minutes ago, Mary229 said: being me, I just ask. Who knows what they have available. but who do you ask? your PCC, do you use a travel agent or just the general Hal costumer service agent? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mary229 Posted August 2, 2023 #23 Share Posted August 2, 2023 1 minute ago, electro said: but who do you ask? your PCC, do you use a travel agent or just the general Hal costumer service agent? Thanks I just call the general number. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare electro Posted August 2, 2023 #24 Share Posted August 2, 2023 1 hour ago, Mary229 said: I just call the general number. Thanks, maybe I'll try that, the worst they can say is no. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aulanis Posted August 7, 2023 #25 Share Posted August 7, 2023 I have another HIA query. HIA is included in our package and we have 3 excursions. We dont go until november but want to book in case they fill up. Question is how/ when is the HIA credit applied? As far as I can tell when booking an excursion it says your credit card will be charged straight away. I have not actually tried a dummy excursion booking so it may be obvious when I get in there but dont want to book something and find they only apply the credit if booked on board.( it is less than the $100 so I know we will only get say $80 but does it get credited to the on Board account or the credit card? and if the latter presume not until after the cruise. TIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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