Booking - rates and promotional perks.

[Wishing on a star]

I am looking at an Alaskan Cruise. And, the best itineray fit for us may be the Amsterdam next May. (sounds great!)

Most all places are listing the same rates. $1049.00 per person for cat.C - the best ocean view.
(can't afford a balcony, but would die for an upgrade!!!)

One of the BIG national online broker/agencies (you will know the name) is offering a package that includes:
$75.00 shipboard credit
$40.00 dinner at the Pinnacle Grille
$50.00 beverage cards
$50.00 soda cards (which we would not really use much)

That adds up to $225.00 in perks.

They incur a $15.00 booking/processing fee.
So, that is a net $210.00

Here are my questions...

I do not want to wait till next year for any possible last minute deals, limited cabin location/availability etc.. We ususally plan well ahead. SO...

1. Would this be the way to go if we book this cruise on HAL??? I am assuming that no other special rates will be offered until the last minute deals.
They usually begin when the cancellation window closes, right????

2. Also, does anybody know what the heck a 'beverage card' is. Apparently it is different than a soda card... So, is this a credit towards extra 'alcoholic' beverages?

Thanks!

[lvtotrvl1]

Sounds like the agency you are referring to has a group on the sailing...those are group perks that you mentioned.. Ask if you will be entitled to any price discounts when they become available.

[fann1sh]

I found an online discount agency with a price of $806.16 pp for a C on Amsterdam May 10, plus $150 onboard credit, plus dinner for 2 at the Pinnacle. Total 1,886.20 with all taxes, plus $29 booking fee, less $190 in freebies.

I'd keep shopping.

P.S. - Unless you're talking about the 14 day itinerary? But that's much more than $1049 for a "C'. Sorry, guess I'm confused...

[Wishing on a star]

No, if that price is correct, it would be better than the others I am seeing!!!
I was searching on May 3, as both dates seemed to run the same prices....
Maybe I will keep doing some searching.
Maybe the agency you found is sponsoring/brokering on the 10th?

I guess there's no way that you could contact me with the lowdown???

I wouldn't mind giving my email address.....

[Wishing on a star]

Well, I just found one at $834.19 plus $136.94 taxes&fees... $971.13 total
With $150.00 shipboard credit....

I'll keep looking for the one you found!

[Wishing on a star]

Thought I would go ahead and post that my email is kilmer@citlink.net

[allentownahoy]

I sure hope someone can tell us what a beverage card is. We are also being given them for a cruise we just booked on the Noordam in January. I just assumed it was a soda card (don't drink much soda) but would be thrilled to learn it is actually a cocktail card.