$50.00 per person shipboard credit

[Nasmas]

We're booked on the 09/04 Zuiderdam and we got the $50pp shipboard credit. We are in a "S' and still only got $50. I think its higher only for the longer sailings, but I don't know that for sure. There are so many promotions going on, you never know for sure. But, I asked for it after we paid the final installment, and they gave it to us anyway. I think I'd check again if I were you. Of course, once before we booked thru AMEX and thought we were getting $100 and then they told us it didn't apply to that certain cruise. So, who knows how they determine who gets it and who doesn't.

[MandyGirl]

[color=darkorchid]We received confirmation from our online agency, along with a rewritten invoice to depict the onboard credits. This came about two weeks after emailing to ask, so I am glad to receive a reply! I had also taken someone's advice and emailed HAL directly and received a reply from HAL two days later. :)[/color] [color=darkorchid] Talk about good Customer service on HAL's part! Yea HAL! I'm still tickled about the onboard credits - thanks again for sharing!![/color]

[big richard]

I wasn't as lucky as you. I e-mailed HA 8 days ago and still havn't received a reply. I sent again this morning. Am on the Veloedam Oct 2 -Panama Canal.

[ecoxwhite]

Sailing the Volendam 12/26 Outside room. Booked with Travelocity. Said I couldn't get it because the rate for my cruise was so low ($999 total). Dissappointed. Seems like everyone else got the credit.

[FlorenceItaly]

ecoxwhite - Not everyone...I didn't get it either :(. But, I am happy with the rate I got on the cruise.

Marie

[kelelmel]

Hey, thanks a lot. I booked through CVC and they just informed me that they have posted the credit to my account, hopefully this will prove true when I get on the ship. That ought to buy me my first night of drinks ;o) Cheers!

[Rstaud]

For any who may be interested -- we received $50pp shipboard credit on the Zuiderdam 10-9-04 sailing. Then decided to check on our 3-14-05 South American cruise on the Amsterdam. Got $75pp on that. Thanks to all who posted about this.

[Suezieq]

I called my online TA after I had paid in full regarding my cruise , after reading about the promo code 7031,7032. I got a credit of 50.00 p.p for a 7 day cruise , and my parents recieved a 175.00 p.p credit for thier 21 day cruise.

[big richard]

[quote name='big richard']I wasn't as lucky as you. I e-mailed HA 8 days ago and still havn't received a reply. I sent again this morning. Am on the Veloedam Oct 2 -Panama Canal.[/QUOTE]
GUESS WHAT-- I sent the second e-mail to HA and they indicated they had replied to my first e-mail.Since I hadn't received it they sent another indicating I was receiving a $75 per person shipboard credit. This is after a month ago when I asked my TA to check and she indicated one wasn't available for my cruise. Keep on trying -- forget your TA go direct to HA via their web site.

[divinggirl]

[quote name='kelelmel']Hey, thanks a lot. I booked through CVC and they just informed me that they have posted the credit to my account, hopefully this will prove true when I get on the ship. That ought to buy me my first night of drinks ;o) Cheers![/QUOTE]
Kelelmel,

FIrst, it's tough to type your name correctly the first time :D
Second, I booked with them as well, and was also told it would appear on my account, but am a little worried, I admit. KK and S7S are both correct when they say it's your word against HAL's if it's not there, and not having ANYTHING to back you up is, shall we say, bad. I sail next Sat so I will let you know what happens when I get back.

[RCT]

[font=Arial]Congratulations[/font] to all those who got shipboard credits one way or the other. I tried, both thru CVC and HAL and had no luck, getting different reasons each time. Below is my last correspondence with HAL after their denial and their reply.

My email to HAL:
>Thanks for the reply.

Frankly, the inconsistencies in the information we have received is very poor public relations on HAL's part. First we were told through our TA (per HAL) that shipboard credits were only for new bookings, although others were receiving them after they were booked long before us. Then, in your email, you state shipboard credits are not combinable with the "fantastic rate" that we got. However, I found at least one travel agent that is offering a rate about $100 per person less, PLUS a shipboard credit for the same type of stateroom. So that does not seem to be true. Application of your policies in this regard seem to be arbitrary and just depend on who you happen to talk to. Please forward this communication on to the proper management so they can know that they have a problem with customer satisfaction, even before we take the cruise. Getting or not getting a shipboard credit is not going to break us or ruin our vacation. It's just the principle. We do look forward to our cruise and hope for an exceptional experience on board. Thank you.<

HAL's Reply:
>Thank you for your most recent correspondence with Holland America regarding the ms Zaandam departing September 4, 2004.

Most of our promotions, including 7031, have terms and conditions that apply to the combinability of the rate you are paying for your cruise. Travel agency's sometimes have their own promotions that offer a ship board credit or different discount for the same sailing. For instance, some Agency's have blocked group space and negotiated a rate with us and are able to pass the savings along to their clients. They might include a ship board credit that comes from their funding, not Holland America's. Not all Passengers sailing will be able to secure a ship board credit. Holland America sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience or misunderstanding this may have caused.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you on board!<

Anyone else get this kind of response?

Rick

[kelelmel]

[quote name='divinggirl']Kelelmel,

FIrst, it's tough to type your name correctly the first time :D
Second, I booked with them as well, and was also told it would appear on my account, but am a little worried, I admit. KK and S7S are both correct when they say it's your word against HAL's if it's not there, and not having ANYTHING to back you up is, shall we say, bad. I sail next Sat so I will let you know what happens when I get back.[/QUOTE]
Divinggirl,
I am interested to see what transpires. I have booked through CVC previously because their rates are excellent. Let's hope they do the right thing. I got my confirm from them via email, if you got yours the same way, you might want to bring a copy with you. It might help you, the cruiseline may honor it. It's a long shot, but better safe than sorry.

Where are you headed? I am curising to the E. Carib. on 11/6/04, first with HAL. Any advice? Hope you have a great trip. Thanks for the info.

[Keith B.]

This brings up a good point. Why do I have to contact my TA?

OK the reason is that HAL is paying the commission to the TA not me. So who do they have a responsibility to protect? The one who is paying them or the one who is buying? You got it... the one paying the commission.

Now why do I need a travel agent? I walk into their office, tell them where I want to go, when I want to go, how I want to get there, etc then they tell me how much I am to pay and they collect their commission. The next time I hear from them is if there is a problem or to tell me my documents are available.

Except, before I went into the TA I did some research (love the internet) and find a price 20% below the price they quote me for the cruise, 42% lower price for a train for which they want to charge an additional $20 each ticketing fee. Total savings so far $796.

Then some kind person tells me about a promo which will provide a $100 shipboard credit. TA informs me this is for new bookings. I tell them, I will contact HAL personally, thank you very much. (We have a S category Suite on the Zaandam 11/6 which allows us a $50 per person credit)

So I ask, how do I save myself another 15% (TA comm.) seeing as I do all the work anyway? Or do I just have a inept TA and search for a new one?

[Southall]

After learning about the $50 shipboard credit last Saturday on this board, I emailed my online TA about it. I had booked (and fully paid) Oct 23, Zui. only a week ago. $1252 for two of us. I know it is a faux pas to discuss actual prices, but I ain't got much cooth anyway. Besides, someone mentioned that the credit wasn't available for discounted cabins.

He responded today with a $25 pp ($50 pc) credit from HAL and a revised invoice. I'll take it. It will probably be contributed back to HAL in the Casino. Thanks to those who posted the info. So it seems the credit can vary considerably from booking to booking.

[divinggirl]

[quote name='kelelmel']Divinggirl,
I am interested to see what transpires. I have booked through CVC previously because their rates are excellent. Let's hope they do the right thing. I got my confirm from them via email, if you got yours the same way, you might want to bring a copy with you. It might help you, the cruiseline may honor it. It's a long shot, but better safe than sorry.

Where are you headed? I am curising to the E. Carib. on 11/6/04, first with HAL. Any advice? Hope you have a great trip. Thanks for the info.[/QUOTE]
I'm headed to the Western Caribbean this Saturday, my first with HAL as well. I did get my credit confirmed by Christine, and thanks for the idea, I will print out that email and bring it along, can't hurt!!

Thank you for your kind wishes, now everyone just say a little mantra in their heads: Stay away Earl...stay away Earl...:o :rolleyes:

[kelmac]

ecoxwhite,

My wife and I are also on the Volendam 12/26. I tried to get the promo code 7032, ship board credit, directly from HAL with no luck. I tried once again through the CVC (my online agency) and received an email from an agent stating that they had added, not $25 pp, but $50 pp. I booked the lowest rate of an inside guarantee @ $888.03 pp. I would try one more time and see if a different person may come through for you. It seems, in this game, it's "who" you talk to, and at what time you talk to them.
Good Luck! Kel

[Lise]

Hi, We're on the Westerdam on 30th August - after reading this board I contacted my TA - and gave them 3 codes - 7031/7032/267 (as I didn't know which code was the right one for our cruise), and got $100 credit per cabin! So thanks alot for the info!
Lise

[stanjj111]

I saw a thread on this board and my agent got me (in theory) a $100 per person on a 10 day cruise over New Years (Dec 26-Jan5)

[auradain]

I'm sure many people know about this, but I'm just mentioning it for those who don't. HAL is still offering their $50.00 per person shipboard. It's promo 7031. Even if you're already booked have your TA call HAL. They should still honor it. I also believe that it's a larger credit for suites.

Let me know if this helps anyone.:)

 

I am booked on the Seattle R/T (HAL Amsterdam), departing on 8/29/04 for a 7 day Alaskan cruise. Because of what I read here, I called my internet TA inquiring about promo codes 7031 and 7035(AAA members) - I was on hold for just a few minutes while she apparently spoke with HAL. I am so pleased to report that though I was not eligible for 7031 (was told that this was for new bookings only), I was, in fact, given the $50 per person shipboard credit for promo 7035. Wow. How simple was that! You guys are the best, and I am so glad to have found this message board (YAY for Orcrone!!), especially since I am new to the cruise world (this one being my first). I'll also mention that the credit is being granted to just the first two in the cabin (we are three, total, in a Deluxe Verandah) - but heck, it's still great!

If anyone cares to respond with suggestions for a first-timer (I am travelling with my 82 year old mom and 11 year old daughter, whoah) I would be more than appreciative....it's coming right up!

Anything in Seattle as a "must see"? We are flying into SeaTac the evening before the cruise and staying one day after the ship returns.

Again - thank you so much.

[ecoxwhite]

Rick,

I rec'd the exact same email response from HAL. Must be a form letter. I have yet to receive the on-board credit from either HAL or Travelocity. I will take the advice of others and keep on trying. It may be who you speak to and I am persistent!

I wish someone had the exact details of the promo. Haven't seen the T's & C's of it posted anywhere. It would just give us more ammunition.

Elaine

[Nasmas]

When I first read about the 7031/7032 promotions, someone said they got the discount because they were AAA members. I e-mailed our online TA and she told me that she had gotten us the $50pp credit. I then read that 7031 was for mariners and 7032 was only good if you booked thru AAA. Someone else said one was for 10 day and one for 7 day. I still dont' know how we got it, but when the documents arrived, there wasn't a voucher. I didn't know if there should have been or not. But, I e-mailed HAL thru their web site and got a reply the next day that said yes we did have the credit and I could use the e-mail for confirmation. There are so many promos going on that one never knows what is correct. We are mariners and get e-mails and brochures all the time but I have not seen anything about credits. Thankfully, someone tipped us off. I'd contact HAL about it if you can't get it thru your TA. Someone said HAL wouldn't talk to them directly if they used a TA but I've found that to be incorrect. They confirmed our dining time and also answered questions we had about paid upgrades. Maybe it depends on who answers the phone or gets your mail. I've had more luck going thru the mariner desk than anything else.

[ecoxwhite]

Sailing on the Volendam 12/26. I've talked with Travelocity 2x and HAL 2x. Keep saying that this promo cannot be applied because of the negotiated rate that Travelocity has with HAL. Though it is a good rate, others have a good rate with other agencies and have still rec'd the credit. Travelocity says that the only way to get this promo is to cancel with them and book with someone else! Of course, they give me this option now that all the rates have gone up.

I have 2 cruises booked with them right now- 9/11 (3 cabins) & 12/26. You would think they would do more. Guess they want my business......

[dakrewser]

[quote name='ecoxwhite']Sailing on the Volendam 12/26. I've talked with Travelocity 2x and HAL 2x. Keep saying that this promo cannot be applied because of the negotiated rate that Travelocity has with HAL. Though it is a good rate, others have a good rate with other agencies and have still rec'd the credit. Travelocity says that the only way to get this promo is to cancel with them and book with someone else! Of course, they give me this option now that all the rates have gone up.

I have 2 cruises booked with them right now- 9/11 (3 cabins) & 12/26. You would think they would do more. Guess they want my business......[/QUOTE]

It evidently has nothing to do with the price you paid, but with the TA you use - that's what (evidently) both HAL & Travelocity have told you. Have you confirmed that someone else got the same (or better) rate than you and still got the credit?

[RCT]

Well, this is probably my last posting on this subject. After getting nowhere with HAL and CVC, I noticed another TA had a better price AND $100 shipboard credit for our 9/4 cruise for the same grade cabin. So I wrote CVC one more time to see if they would match it. Their response:
"You are currently paid in full and sailing on a holiday sailing. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can for you about pricing at this late date."

I don't know what a holiday sailing has to do with it. Their competitor price is for the same sailing. This is our first cruise and I am getting an education. Next time (assuming we enjoy this cruising thing), I will be much more aggressive cutting my deal up front or finding a more cooperative TA. Thanks to all for the information and feedback.

Rick

[kelelmel]

Rick,

If you have one more try left in you, here is the person that I had contact with that agreed to give me the credit at CVC . His or her name is Bolaji and his/her direct email is [email="bayiloge@cruisevalue.com"]bayiloge@cruisevalue.com[/email]. In my original email to the company I just told them that I had spoken with HAL and that they indicated that I qualified for the promo, however, I would need to contact my TA and that they would be able to take care of it for me. They agreed to it with no argument ([i]we'll see[/i]). Worth a try! Good Luck!

Just curious which TA you discovered that had a better rate than CVC? I have been unable to beat their prices. Thanks!

Kelly