Shipping extra luggage prior to cruise

[pasander]

Hi, all,

I am hoping to book a 69-day Seattle to San Diego cruise on the Amsterdam this fall. I will be obtaining my own air transportation (from Key West, FL).

My question is: is it possible to ship extra luggage to HAL in Seattle ahead of time? I see that extra bags (over two) are $100 each if I bring them with me on the plane, so it would be great if I could FedEx (or similar service) a box or two out to be waiting for me!

Thanks so much!

[arzz]

If you are looking at the 69 day Grand cruise, I would think that you would still be in time to book with the early booking extras -- which include (among other perks) the shipping of two 50 lb bags pp (more if you book the suites) -- we did this in 08 and HAL paid fedex to pick up and deliver the bags at each end of the cruise. Worked like a charm.

I suspect if you are past the early booking window you could still arrange to do it, as a large portion of the passengers on board will be shipping bags ahead.

[pasander]

Thanks, Arzz,

The price I got doesn't include any perks, so I'm on my own for shipping. But it sounds like I can contact HAL and get an address from them to ship extra bags to, even if make my own arrangements?

Thanks so much!

[Mary Ellen]

There are some TAs that Specialize in the Grand Voyages. They have (lower) group rates and include the perks that Arzz mentioned. One I know even offers their own shore ex on Grand Voyages. They are lower cost than the HAL tours and add to the variety of options. You can't book their shore ex unless you've booked the cruise with them. They also host events (cocktail parties) onboard.

[mescat4]

There are some TAs that Specialize in the Grand Voyages. They have (lower) group rates and include the perks that Arzz mentioned. One I know even offers their own shore ex on Grand Voyages. They are lower cost than the HAL tours and add to the variety of options. You can't book their shore ex unless you've booked the cruise with them. They also host events (cocktail parties) onboard.
how does one find TA's such as you've described- I know you can't name them here- but is there some site one cols go to to find the info-
thanks much
Ev

[Mary Ellen]

The Specialists I'm thinking of have advertised here in the past. If you read the thread from those on the Grand Voyages, you can usually discern from them. The name is pretty much an open secret here, we just can't come out and mention the name of these Cruise Specialists.

Yes, Google can be your friend.

[bishop84]

HAL has a link on their website for a luggage forwarding service. It's located in the For Booked Guests / Cruise Preparation section. It looks like they have an agreement with the company as Holland America is listed in the link.

[pasander]

Perfect! Thanks, all!

[PirateShark]

Another option for you would be to see what FedEx ground charges. Example: We shipped two suitcases, each approximately 25 lbs from Northern CA to Miami, FL pre cruise. The princely sum was just $73. So if you are organized enough to send your luggage ahead about 7 days prior to arriving in Seattle, I think you will be pleased. We were very delighted in the whole process and the time spent in the airport (and attendant headaches when shleping luggage around) made it worth every penny. I'd do it again in a heart beat!