Can I transfer booking from HAL to Online TA for $$ savings?

[bdmidd]

I have a direct booking with HAL for summer 2005 Europe cruise. Just found a credible online TA selling the same cabins for a 15% savings. Can the booking be transferred or will I have to cancel, get my credit card deposit refunded, and start all over again. Anyone with this experience?

[slineberry528]

Yes you can. Some TA will discount even more off the HAL price.
Susan

[jhannah]

You can ... but I'd make sure the online enterprise is legitimate and trustworthy. If you end up with a bad service experience with the online guy, then the savings wouldn't be as attractive.

[localady]

You will need to contact HAL and authorize your transfer of booking. Before you do that, talk to the online agent and get a price in writing, etc. Any TA worth their salt will be able to easily walk you through the transfer. Good luck!:cool:

[HeatherInFlorida]

Yes, reputable online TA's give you very specific directions for transferring the booking. You may even want to run it by HAL to see if they'd like to give you the same rate.

[Cruiseoften]

Yes, reputable online TA's give you very specific directions for transferring the booking. You may even want to run it by HAL to see if they'd like to give you the same rate.

First off I'd want a print out of my booking with detailed costs from the online TA - that in hand I'd talk to HAL - no way would I cancel anything before then.

Without justification I admit, I'm very wary of online agencies JMHO
:)

[HeatherInFlorida]

First off I'd want a print out of my booking with detailed costs from the online TA - that in hand I'd talk to HAL - no way would I cancel anything before then.

Without justification I admit, I'm very wary of online agencies JMHO
:)
I've booked my last 3 cruises with the same online TA and have been very happy with them all way 'round. Still, you do have to know who you're dealing with. When I worked with mine, I called HAL just to make sure they were legit. Good luck:). Let us know what happens!

[JaniceB]

I was wondering the same thing. I have the opposite situation. I checked HAL's website and a cabin we booked for a March 2005 sailing is now cheaper on HAL's website. We have booked 2 cabins. One cabin is a balcony and we wanted an inside for our children. I noticed that the inside cabin door was on a different side of the ship. I called my TA to switch the cabin and informed them of the price decrease. He wouldn't do anything about it. I was given a $100 Shipboard credit for each cabin. He said I would lose the credit and that this was given to me to offset any price decreases. Any way, the inside is now $150 less. I would be making money. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have until the 24th to pay my balance due. :confused:

[jhannah]

I'd go with the way that would best benefit you. Your TA's apparent lack of interest in working with you to get you the lower rate just might be a harbinger of things to come.

[JaniceB]

I think I will call and talk to Customer Service. I just wasn't sure if I could get a lower rate once I had paid my deposit. This is a very reputable agency. I have used them before. I think he was not happy having to resolve problems, probably keeps him from answering phone and making more commission. When I booked he was very helpful, even told me to go to message boards.

[JaniceB]

Thank you. I called my travel agency today and spoke with a person higher up. My cabin was upgraded to the next level and I was moved right across the hall from the other cabin. I am happy for that.