HAL air

[onthegogirl]

First let me say that this will not change my plans but when I was booking the 20 day Nieuw Amsterdam TA cruise I went with the HAL air. I happen to be lucky to be close to JFK, La Guradia, Newark and Hartford airports. The only air they would book was from Hartford. This means AirCanada. Not a problem except they have a one bag limit on their international flights. Why HAL would not book flights out of NYC and then use an airline that limits luggage so severely is beyond me. Really strange. :confused::mad::mad:

[mudscraper]

First let me say that this will not change my plans but when I was booking the 20 day Nieuw Amsterdam TA cruise I went with the HAL air. I happen to be lucky to be close to JFK, La Guradia, Newark and Hartford airports. The only air they would book was from Hartford. This means AirCanada. Not a problem except they have a one bag limit on their international flights. Why HAL would not book flights out of NYC and then use an airline that limits luggage so severely is beyond me. Really strange. :confused::mad::mad:
Not strange. HAL found the cheapest ( their cost) tickets to your destination for that cruise months ago. They resell them to you, usually at an inflated price and pocket the difference. Probably Consolidator Tix with severe restrictions if things go south with your particular flight.


Rich

[ocngypz]

They booked BDL air because you are in the system as being from the area. CT

If you wanted New York or Newark air, then your booking would have to have been coded JFK or EWR.

The cruiselines do not consider BDL to be an interchangeable airport with JFK or EWR.

[onthegogirl]

They booked BDL air because you are in the system as being from the area. CT

If you wanted New York or Newark air, then your booking would have to have been coded JFK or EWR.

The cruiselines do not consider BDL to be an interchangeable airport with JFK or EWR.

When I checked the HAL site prior to booking, no air was available from NYC. That's why I had to choose BDL.

[CtheW0rld]

if you haven't made final payment yet, you can cancel the air without penalty.

[onthegogirl]

if you haven't made final payment yet, you can cancel the air without penalty.
Thanks for that info.

[E-500]

if you haven't made final payment yet, you can cancel the air without penalty.

CAUTION: If you unbundle the air from the package it might affect your cruise fare.

We are on the same cruise as you (the OP) and also concerned about air arrangements. Our PCC indicated if we cancel the airfare the cabin price will increase to the original price we were quoted when we booked. Before any changes, confirm all the details and impact on pricing.

[ethan1171]

Also make sure that you work with a knowledgeable travel agent. a good TA would have advised you accordingly about the limitations and disadvantages of booking air with the CL.

For my clients I have found out that there are very few corner cases where getting air via the CL makes sense. having a good control of your itinerary, dates, connections, airline preferences, airports, and the add-on costs, ability to upgrade, etc etc might be factors that your TA can control so that you can have a very enjoyable flying experience. vs booking with the CL and having to deal with unfavorable airports, dates, long connections, bad airlines and such. And believe me the price for the air your TA can get you can be hundreds of dollars less than what the CL charges. Believe me I know ;)

cheers
--e

[Jade13]

First let me say that this will not change my plans but when I was booking the 20 day Nieuw Amsterdam TA cruise I went with the HAL air. I happen to be lucky to be close to JFK, La Guradia, Newark and Hartford airports. The only air they would book was from Hartford. This means AirCanada. Not a problem except they have a one bag limit on their international flights. Why HAL would not book flights out of NYC and then use an airline that limits luggage so severely is beyond me. Really strange. :confused::mad::mad:

When we used HAL air we paid the deviation fee and told them which airline and exact flight times we wanted and they were able to get them. They were not consolidator and we could get airline points.

We saved money plus the advantage is that the air was covered under HAL's insurance plan yet pricing based on stateroom only.

[iancal]

We asked for cruise air on our last eight cruises-various cruise lines. In all cases cruise air was more expensive, usually 40-50 percent and with NO indication of routing. We were not about to pay extra for deviation air when we were already paying considerably more for the ticket...and there is a 50/50 chance that the cruise line ticket would be a consolidator ticket.

[Jade13]

When we used HAL air we paid the deviation fee and told them which airline and exact flight times we wanted and they were able to get them. They were not consolidator and we could get airline points.

We saved money plus the advantage is that the air was covered under HAL's insurance plan yet pricing based on stateroom only.

Additionally their fare for our upcoming cruise was in line with what we could get on our own. Had we known that they were changing their policy to allow insurance at final we would have gone with HAL air as it would covered by their insurance at no additional cost.

[gkny]

I'm a Travel Agent and I always tell my clients not to choose the Cruise Lines air. They will give you the worsts flights with either very short connection time between planes and that also means lost luggage because they can't get the luggage on time for your next flight. Or they give you a very long connection time. For the most part I can get my clients better prices so I recommend not going with the cruise lines air dept.

[tooalto]

FWIW we are doing our own air from JFK to Rome via Aer Lingus. They also have baggage restrictions plus a $25 per bag charge. I'm sure you'll find most international flights have made some modifications to the "2 free checked bags per person" rule which was in place for our first two ed cruises.

[CtheW0rld]

CAUTION: If you unbundle the air from the package it might affect your cruise fare.

We are on the same cruise as you (the OP) and also concerned about air arrangements. Our PCC indicated if we cancel the airfare the cabin price will increase to the original price we were quoted when we booked. Before any changes, confirm all the details and impact on pricing.

that would be highly unusual. was this a special offer/package as opposed to just 'checking the box' to include airfare?

[PROCRUISE]

I'm a Travel Agent and I always tell my clients not to choose the Cruise Lines air. They will give you the worsts flights with either very short connection time between planes and that also means lost luggage because they can't get the luggage on time for your next flight. Or they give you a very long connection time. For the most part I can get my clients better prices so I recommend not going with the cruise lines air dept.

I'm not a travel agent, but certainly agree with this excellent information. On our two Mediterranean cruises and Baltic Sea cruise I booked our own airline tickets and saved a bundle of money. It takes some time to research and compare but the end result is getting what you want and you'll always save money compared to what the cruise line air would cost.

We use a TA often, but his own advice to us has always been-book your own airfare! This also applies to land trips. We're headed to Egypt for two weeks the latter part of September. The tour company gave us their air price quote and stated it was a real deal. I spent several weeks on line, found, booked and am happy with our round trip airfare to Cairo at $300.00 pp less than the tour company quote.

[iancal]

We often save enough by doing our own air, own transfers, own precruise, and some of our excursions thru private operators to more that pay for our pre cruise and/or post cruise vacation. It really depends on what you are comfortable with. Some people like the ease of having the cruise line do everything. The only part of 'everything' that I would not include (if I was so inclined) is cruise air-not because of the price but rather the value. You have a high probablility of ending up with a poor choice of flights and/or travelling on a consolidator ticket which is not where you want to be if things start to go pear shaped.
Some years ago we got stuck on a Delta consolidator ticket post cruise from Rome to Vancouver. We had terrible flights. Routed from Rome-Altanta-Somewhere else-Portland-Vanouver. Everything was bad and nothing could be changed because to the class of ticket. It took hours. Our normal route would be Rome-YYZ-Vanouver or Rome-ORD-Vancouver, or even Rome-LAX-Vancouver. Never again.

[Jemima]

We used HAL air for two transatlantic cruises and also had it for a transat that we had to cancel. HAL's air was much less expensive for all three of these. The routing was as good as what we would have gotten on our own and that is without any deviation.
We've also had HAL air once or twice for open jaw flights for North American cruises. The price here was about the same as we could have gotten ourselves and the routing was similar. More recently we've been able to do better on our own for North American open jaw flights.
We had a horrible flight home from one at the transats in terms of routing and connection times and compounded by the plane being very late and missing a connection. However, we'd have had the same experience if we'd booked ourselves as it was the best routing available. There aren't good route choices from many European locations to many US cities.

[E-500]

that would be highly unusual. was this a special offer/package as opposed to just 'checking the box' to include airfare?

Short answer is yes to your question.

Here are the facts. Booked this cruise while onboard our last HAL cruise in March of 2010. Chose a specific cabin. Price was $2599 pp plus $999 airfare pp. Large brick and mortar discounter advertised a special for this cruise, called HAL and asked them to match it. HAL came back at $2139 pp plus $677 airfare pp, a savings of $680 pp. Was advised if we dropped the airfare portion the cruise fare would revert back to $2599.

Now this is not my first rodeo, traveled 3 million business air miles during a 35 year career. I looked at every possible option to get close to the $999 airfare let alone the $677. To get to BCN from DTW and back to DTW from FLL was not possible for less than $1200 pp.

These options included direct one ways, round trips discarding the returns, open jaws, multi-segments within Europe, changing carriers, starting in Canada,Chicago, Cleveland, playing with departure and return dates etc.

I would challenge anyone to to beat a $677 airfare pp for this trip in Oct./Nov. going from Detroit to Barcelona and returning to Detroit from Ft. Lauderdale.

I wil be talking to our PCC tomorrow to find out what our schedule is and who our carrier will be, and then decide if we need to do a deviation and pay the $75 pp fee to get comfortable with the trip.

[ethan1171]

Short answer is yes to your question.

Here are the facts. Booked this cruise while onboard our last HAL cruise in March of 2010. Chose a specific cabin. Price was $2599 pp plus $999 airfare pp. Large brick and mortar discounter advertised a special for this cruise, called HAL and asked them to match it. HAL came back at $2139 pp plus $677 airfare pp, a savings of $680 pp. Was advised if we dropped the airfare portion the cruise fare would revert back to $2599.

Now this is not my first rodeo, traveled 3 million business air miles during a 35 year career. I looked at every possible option to get close to the $999 airfare let alone the $677. To get to BCN from DTW and back to DTW from FLL was not possible for less than $1200 pp.

These options included direct one ways, round trips discarding the returns, open jaws, multi-segments within Europe, changing carriers, starting in Canada,Chicago, Cleveland, playing with departure and return dates etc.

I would challenge anyone to to beat a $677 airfare pp for this trip in Oct./Nov. going from Detroit to Barcelona and returning to Detroit from Ft. Lauderdale.

I wil be talking to our PCC tomorrow to find out what our schedule is and who our carrier will be, and then decide if we need to do a deviation and pay the $75 pp fee to get comfortable with the trip.


One thing to keep in mind is that the Travel Agent you use to book the cruise with would probably have access to consolidator fares and special consolidator fares for cruisers which are not available to the public on the internet.

The advantage of working with an agent (assuming he or she is knowledgeable) is that you can keep all the details sync-ed up and if something goes wrong or needs to change you go to one source.

I can tell you for a quick check i did on your cruise dates and airfares that a (good) TA can match's HAL's pricing (and even do better :rolleyes:) with your choice of airline, dates etc and of course a lot a lot is depending on the size of your party, category etc... also throw in some add on amenities ....

My advice: work with a TA regarding airfare, if you are booking the cruise with him/her there will be incentive to tap into private air that is not visible to you, and let them do all the research and work ...this is what I do for my clients :).

[kazu]

Just a quick note, especially to E500 and onthegogirl, and anyone else, remember if you are a 3 star mariner, there are no deviation charges. check your status and see about fixing it if it means a difference in your cruise price.

Looking forward to seeing you both on board:):):)

[epixx]

Short answer is yes to your question.

Here are the facts. Booked this cruise while onboard our last HAL cruise in March of 2010. Chose a specific cabin. Price was $2599 pp plus $999 airfare pp. Large brick and mortar discounter advertised a special for this cruise, called HAL and asked them to match it. HAL came back at $2139 pp plus $677 airfare pp, a savings of $680 pp. Was advised if we dropped the airfare portion the cruise fare would revert back to $2599.

Now this is not my first rodeo, traveled 3 million business air miles during a 35 year career. I looked at every possible option to get close to the $999 airfare let alone the $677. To get to BCN from DTW and back to DTW from FLL was not possible for less than $1200 pp.

These options included direct one ways, round trips discarding the returns, open jaws, multi-segments within Europe, changing carriers, starting in Canada,Chicago, Cleveland, playing with departure and return dates etc.

I would challenge anyone to to beat a $677 airfare pp for this trip in Oct./Nov. going from Detroit to Barcelona and returning to Detroit from Ft. Lauderdale.

I wil be talking to our PCC tomorrow to find out what our schedule is and who our carrier will be, and then decide if we need to do a deviation and pay the $75 pp fee to get comfortable with the trip.

Your challenge is really easy to beat. Here's just one example, but I encourage you to visit the Cruise Air board of this website to ask people who really know something. I'm just an amateur.

October 16: Aer Lingus has a flight that departs DTW at 1605, arrives ORD at 1625, and connects to a flight leaving ORD at 1815 and arriving DUB the next day (Oct 17) at 0750. The cost for that segment (all inclusive) is $440 pp. In DUB, connect to Aer Lingus flight, departs at 1815 and arrives BCN at 2200 Oct 17. The cost for that segment is 44.3 euros (equals $54.84) pp. Note that if you link the 2 reservations, you will still have the full transatlantic baggage allowance for the DUB to BCN segment.
On the return, November 8th, take WN flight to DTW, leaves FLL at 0815 and arrives DTW at 1340 (flight changes at MDW). Cost pp for this segment is $80.40.

Thus, the total cost pp ($440 + 54.84 + 80.40), or $580.24 is substantially lower than your cruise air. I'm not saying that this is the best choice, I'm just saying it's cheaper than cruise air. There are probably lots of other routes that are cheaper, too. It's your decision about how to spend your money.

[EGG]

Purchase a few 28 or 29 inch suitcases. Learn to pack light. Plan to do a wash - I assume the ship has a laundry like the other HAL ships. It is very liberating to be able to handle your own luggage and not to need porters and assistance from your car to the counter, to the hotel room, etc. We had to do this on our first European cruise when we were taking the railroad from one city to another. Best thing we ever did. We've never looked back. One piece of checked luggage plus a carryon each.

By the way, that first trip was 21 days.

[EGG]

OOps. Double post.

[iancal]

Could not agree more on the luggage...we typically take land trips that combine various modes of transportation and sometimes add a cruise. I take a 20 inch roller, DW a 24 inch roller, plus 1 small carry on between the two of us- actually a small backpack for daily use when we sightseeing. So much easier than carrying around a pile of suitcases and as you say, depending on others for assistance. DW is about to downsize to a 21 inch. Especially so when you are boarding trains or carrying lugguge up three flights of stairs.

[E-500]

Your challenge is really easy to beat. Here's just one example, but I encourage you to visit the Cruise Air board of this website to ask people who really know something. I'm just an amateur.

October 16: Aer Lingus has a flight that departs DTW at 1605, arrives ORD at 1625, and connects to a flight leaving ORD at 1815 and arriving DUB the next day (Oct 17) at 0750. The cost for that segment (all inclusive) is $440 pp. In DUB, connect to Aer Lingus flight, departs at 1815 and arrives BCN at 2200 Oct 17. The cost for that segment is 44.3 euros (equals $54.84) pp. Note that if you link the 2 reservations, you will still have the full transatlantic baggage allowance for the DUB to BCN segment.
On the return, November 8th, take WN flight to DTW, leaves FLL at 0815 and arrives DTW at 1340 (flight changes at MDW). Cost pp for this segment is $80.40.

Thus, the total cost pp ($440 + 54.84 + 80.40), or $580.24 is substantially lower than your cruise air. I'm not saying that this is the best choice, I'm just saying it's cheaper than cruise air. There are probably lots of other routes that are cheaper, too. It's your decision about how to spend your money.

I stand corrected. Well done! Not times or routes we would choose to fly but you demonstrated a lower airfare using my details. It pays to hang out on these boards, you can always learn something. Will follow-up on your suggestion to review the cruise air forum. Thanks for you imput. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

[50cruiser]

I just booked a last min. deal on HAL.Rotterdam Alaska for july. I use my cruise personaliser, who Ive used before on other HAL trips . I looked a few sites myslf and checked 3 on line sites . By booking a package directly with HAL I got better flights and Prices plus I got a good room upgrade . Hal used 3 diferent airlines to get us good flight times . I could find air out but not back . Hal used Canadian air which I hadnt tried. My Rep at HAL got roundtrip Air from TVC rd trip to SEA for $669 and got me upgraded from a BE to an A suite $1316 totaling $1985.00 PP . Complete With air and airport transfers . Im sure someone can get a better deal but I personally like to call HAL directly if I have a problem or want to change something HAL will take care of it .By booking directly HAL will take care of you if something did go wrong. Last year one of our flights were late HAL sent a rep to airport and held ship for 15 min while they rushed us to ship . My agent tells me if your late by HAL booked air, HAL will pay to get you to next port no charge . I had a booked cruise with a company 2 years ago go out of busness and no one got refunds . They never paid our fares only a deposit . After that Ill never use a booking co. I cant drive to . CARL

[onthegogirl]

Thank you everyone for all the information. I double checked with HAL and I can cancel the air without penalty since it is before the final payment is due.:) Using the internet I was able to get flights out of LaGuardia to Philadelphia and on non-stop to Barcelona for $473 on a major US carrier. Then booked non stop from FLL for $209. Total cost $682 versus HAL $899 is a savings of $217 and no baggage costs. :):)
That savings is going towards 2 days in Barcelona and a no stress embarkation.:D:D:D

Carole

[kazu]

Thank you everyone for all the information. I double checked with HAL and I can cancel the air without penalty since it is before the final payment is due.:) Using the internet I was able to get flights out of LaGuardia to Philadelphia and on non-stop to Barcelona for $473 on a major US carrier. Then booked non stop from FLL for $209. Total cost $682 versus HAL $899 is a savings of $217 and no baggage costs. :):)
That savings is going towards 2 days in Barcelona and a no stress embarkation.:D:D:D

Carole

Good for you. Enjoy Barcelona. With two days prior you are fine. And Barcelona is a tremendous city. You will have a blast and money left over!

[greatam]

I just booked a last min. deal on HAL.Rotterdam Alaska for july. I use my cruise personaliser, who Ive used before on other HAL trips . I looked a few sites myslf and checked 3 on line sites . By booking a package directly with HAL I got better flights and Prices plus I got a good room upgrade . Hal used 3 diferent airlines to get us good flight times . I could find air out but not back . Hal used Canadian air which I hadnt tried. My Rep at HAL got roundtrip Air from TVC rd trip to SEA for $669 and got me upgraded from a BE to an A suite $1316 totaling $1985.00 PP . Complete With air and airport transfers . Im sure someone can get a better deal but I personally like to call HAL directly if I have a problem or want to change something HAL will take care of it .By booking directly HAL will take care of you if something did go wrong. Last year one of our flights were late HAL sent a rep to airport and held ship for 15 min while they rushed us to ship . My agent tells me if your late by HAL booked air, HAL will pay to get you to next port no charge . I had a booked cruise with a company 2 years ago go out of busness and no one got refunds . They never paid our fares only a deposit . After that Ill never use a booking co. I cant drive to . CARL

WHOA!!! You overpaid by at least $120.00pp. Delta flies Traverse City to Seattle for $541 for all of July. AND if you are willing to spend the night and get on the early plane the next morning, those flights are $441 for all of July. Taxi from the port to the airport is about $30 for the entire taxi, not pp.

PLEASE don't believe HAL (or any cruise line) will "take care of you". Check out the HAL cruise contract, specifically Part A, section 4, subsection C and Part C, section 4. http://www.hollandamerica.com/legalAndPrivacy/Main.action

HAL is merely acting as a travel agent, booking your flight on their bulk booked consolidator class tickets with all the severe restrictions. While they may "try" to get you to the next port, lots of downfalls with this theory. Some ports have no airports (private Caribbean islands), some ports the cruise lines will NOT allow you to fly into and board the ship (Haiti and Jamaica specifically, Belize and Cartegna at certain times plus others) and some ports you will be prohibited from boarding the ship due to the Jones Act (generally Alaska cruises-wasn't it on a HAL cruise last year- a whole bunch of people missed their flight out of Texas and ended up spending 4 days in Juneau because that was the only place HAL could get them to and NOT be in violation of the Jones law?)

If you just want the convenience of putting everything in one package, fine. But PLEASE know what you are buying and the heavy restrictions on your airline tickets.

[50cruiser]

Delta didnt have those rates 10 days ago when we checked . BUT With taxes its $598 . Thats almost the same as we paid . We paid $ 669 PP with taxes and airport shuttle . HAL rep meets us at airport and takes luggage to ship for us we dont need porters . Ive personally used HAL SERVICE the last 6 cruises and never had a problem they didnt take care of. Each to his own . But after I got taken by a travelagencey that went out of busness with my money Ill pay a little more to feel peace of mind im being taken care of . 24 hrs a day not having to wait for someone to show up at an office to talk to . Plus we got upgraded from a BE to an A by booking directly. CARL

[kazu]

If your transfers are included both ways then you have a good deal :) peace of mind isn't worth a couple of dollars. Each person has to go with what they like or are comfortable. I have done both HAL and our own. We usually book our own air, but it's mainly because we want to know our itinerary, choose our seats, etc. any savings is a bonus.

[greatam]

Delta didnt have those rates 10 days ago when we checked . BUT With taxes its $598

They did. The prices I posted INCLUDED all taxes and fees. Taxi each way is about $30.00, so you would have saved at least $60.00pp

Ill pay a little more to feel peace of mind im being taken care of . 24 hrs a day not having to wait for someone to show up at an office to talk to . Plus we got upgraded from a BE to an A by booking directly. CARL

The upgrade-who knows. That is not the discussion.

It is a FALLACY to believe the cruise line will "take care" of you in regards to airline issues. They do not have to. It is CLEARLY spelled out in the cruise contract and also in the airline T & C's. The cruise line may try. But just like the large group that missed their Dallas flight on a HAL package in 2009, the cruise line owes you NOTHING except a refund of your air fare. That group got either four days in Juneau and a 3 day cruise or no cruise at all (those that chose not to go to Juneau for 4 days). The "non cruisers" got their airfare back from the cruise line and had to collect on their travel insurance to get their cruise fare back.

Enjoy your cruise.

[kazu]

I disagree (keep in mind I book my own flights). If someone is happy to book HAL's, then $60 is nothing. My flight got cheaper (which I booked myself) last week, but I am committed so there is nothing you can do about it.

Each has to do their own thing and while HAL does not guarantee everything they will do their best to get you there to the nearest port they can. so if someone is happy with that so be it.

I, myself, prefer to book and get there 1 to 3 days in advance, explore the city that you are about to leave and relax before I board the ship

Each to their own. and may we all have great cruises:):)

[50cruiser]

This is my 29th cruise Im not new at this . Im also frequent flier with 4 airlines . I double checked your rates and I cant find the rates you say . July 24th ret. july 31st. What I said is if prices are close Ill go everytime with a package deal with the cruise line . Ive gotten great packages and I like the service . Ive never had a problem booking direct ive had problems booking through travel agents , I left $60 extra tip for my waiters on last cruise for great service . As far as seats I call airline booked and pick my seats if My cruise personaliser cant . each to their own . CARL

[50cruiser]

One thing to add . On our cruise to Europe this spring when we arrived in england the hal rep had already collected our luggage from the plane and escorted us through customs ..I know Its a little thing but its the little things I apreaciate . All the little things add up to a good cruise . Also when I checked United and Delta priceing I got the lower rate till I entered the return flight then it came back higher unless I wanted long layovers or multiple stops . CARL

[greatam]

One thing to add . On our cruise to Europe this spring when we arrived in england the hal rep had already collected our luggage from the plane and escorted us through customs ..I know Its a little thing but its the little things I apreaciate . All the little things add up to a good cruise . Also when I checked United and Delta priceing I got the lower rate till I entered the return flight then it came back higher unless I wanted long layovers or multiple stops . CARL

Did you even bother to read the HAL cruise contract? They OWE you nothing except a refund on your air. They DO NOT have to get you to your cruise. They don't even have to make an effort and they have fulfilled their contract.

You have to be saavy enough to book the SAME fare class as what I posted. You need new "tools". Just going to the Delta website MAY not return the same fares. You have to book both by flight AND fare class.
A good tool to start with is http://www.itasoftware.com. An even better tool is ExpertFlyer (costs $5.00 per month-pay for the months you need). Shows availability for award tickets, upgrades and how many tickets are still left in CHEAP fare classes.

While a consolidator ticket gives you much the same experience as a published fare ticket when things go right, it is when things go wrong that the consolidator (cruise line/tour operator/often travel agent) ticket puts you in deep doo doo. They are generally non-reroutable and ALWAYS non endorsable. They are NO GOOD on another airline. You are essentially STUCK until the originating airline has seats available to move you. NO OTHER airline will accept the ticket.

You may have been on 29 cruises but I am a international logistics planner dealing with airlines worldwide every day of the year. I KNOW the rules. I know the ins and outs of the airline business like the back of my hand. I wouldn't buy a cruise air ticket if it was FREE. There are just too many things that can happen and one of these days............