Questions about Grand Voyage booking perks

[wanderinggirl]

Hi there. I've been looking at some of the Grand Voyages, mainly on the Prisendam as we live in Florida and there are a couple that are RT from there. I've read a number of blogs of those who have been on different Grand Voyages (loved them all!!) and was wondering about the booking perks. One had huge booking perks (early booking) from Holland America. Others have mentioned the perks through the TAs.

I can't find anything on the HA website about early booking perks for a Grand Voyage. Maybe I'm blind :p How early in advance are we looking at--and I'm assuming that includes full payment early to get the deals?

I'm probably a few years away from a Grand Voyage, but I plan, plan, plan our vacation schedule very carefully and was hoping some of you helpful people would have some info and tips for me. Thanks!!!

[Mary Ellen]

The perk for paying early in full is 3% savings off the fare IIRC.

I would suggest getting a brochure for the Grand Voyages (they are probably down-loadable on-line). The HAL perks are in there.

There is a TA who specializes in the Grand Voyages and has a group on them. For the World Cruise this group is several hundred. The TA has group rates, escorts, special events on board, and shore ex that only group members can book.

[rkacruiser]

It really is quite worthwhile to shop for a travel agent who specializes in the longer voyages. Often, while the perks HAL offers for early booking are good, the additional perks that come from a particular agency make the Grand Voyage that much more "grand" at no additional cost. (Plus, you may get a better price as well.)

Something not discussed much are the often nice and useful gifts that HAL provides for Grand World Voyagers. One usually receives a very nice tote that is larger than the usual canvas bag, which one also receives. Travel alarms, slippers, a tie (for the gentlemen), travel journal, robe, et al are among the items that I have received. I bought so much stuff and received so many gifts on one voyage that I had to buy an extra bag in order to get the stuff home.

[wanderinggirl]

Thanks for the replies!! I did find the info in the HA World Cruises and Grand Voyages book that I picked up from our cruise in November--just had never seen that part before.

Now, as to the TA's who specialize in longer cruises, where would I find that info? I know we are not supposed to post names here, so if you could point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it:)

Oh, and I didn't win the lottery last night, so I still can't book, but I'm doing my homework now.

[Mary Ellen]

Google can be your friend. I also suggest reading the 'live from' threads of the Grand Voyages. There is usually a clue in them.

[wanderinggirl]

Thanks! Found one, but I have a question---the perks through HA seem better for the basic outside room than through the travel agent. For example, HAL gives you $300 pp OBC, free air or $500 price reduce on cruise pp, prepaid gratuities, 100 lbs baggage per person and bottle of champagne. Travel agency offers $600 OBC per couple, prepaid gratuities, luggage delivery and a bottle of champagne. Do they actually double up HALs perks, or am I missing something :confused: Thanks for being patient!

[Mary Ellen]

Checking the web site for the TA used by many CC'ers on the Grand Voyages, for the 2011 GV cruises they say: "(TA name) amenities will be available soon. You can look forward reduced fares, escorts, exclusive shore tours, parties and gifts. Check back often for more details."

For a 2010 GV this fall they have the HAL perks, as you've listed, and then at the bottom have: (TA name) Added Value:
* Professional escorts, (name) and (name)
* Pre-cruise hotel in Seattle and gala Bon Voyage Dinner
* Exclusive Tour Program with Tour Dollars for full-cruise passengers
* Onboard parties
* Commemorative Gifts
The 'Tour Program' IMHO is a BIG perk. As an example, IIRC, their tour to Agra and the Taj was $1000/pp less than HAL's and I also thought the way the tour was planned (itinerary and schedule) was better.

[ironin]

This lurker thanks you for the info, Mary Ellen!

[wanderinggirl]

Ok, I think I get it---they offer the same perks as HAL, PLUS a few extras, which they don't post on the website (you have to call). I'm assuming these perks might include: wine/soda card, internet time, extra OBC, special shore excursions that are probably better and cheaper than HAL, extra credit towards those special shore excursions----am I close?

Since we are a few years away yet, I realize things could change, but I'm trying to wrap my mind around how much it would cost us to do this trip, using the GV of the Med and Africa on the Prisendam next March as an example to plan by.

Mary Ellen, thanks so much for being patient with my questions--I do appreciate it!