As usual, HAL keeps guests in mind!

[Cruz'n Couple]

We were on the MS Ryndam in May on first cruise to Alaska from Vancouver. It was very nice, and then we took the land tour to Fairbanks. Being a seasoned HAL cruiser, we knew that there were some things that were falling short of HAL standards. I wrote a letter to Seattle, not all critical, because I complimented when warranted, but also offered some suggestions on ways that we saw that things could have been improved.

I didn't expect anything, except an answer to my letter. Imagine my surprise today when the letter came from Seattle. Next cruise we will be receiving a bottle of wine and dinner at the PG. Such a nice surprise, when I wasn't asking for anything.

[Kween Karen]

Go HAL!!!

[ldog]

I'm glad that you got a good response from Hal.

A philosophical question follows...

That's all well and good but.... those of us that just appreciate things and don't 'rock the boat' get zip. Should we all turn into squeaky wheels?

I always wonder when I read reviews and blogs about people getting wine or other rewards when they complain... should we all complain more?

We've had issues on cruises that we've reported to the front desk and they were resolved. We never get anything for that. Should we complain more vociferously or what?!

[Jo-Bob]

I'm glad that you got a good response from Hal.

A philosophical question follows...

That's all well and good but.... those of us that just appreciate things and don't 'rock the boat' get zip. Should we all turn into squeaky wheels?

I always wonder when I read reviews and blogs about people getting wine or other rewards when they complain... should we all complain more?

We've had issues on cruises that we've reported to the front desk and they were resolved. We never get anything for that. Should we complain more vociferously or what?!


Ahhh....but isn't it better to be the kind of person who 'appreciates things', than the type who doesn't? And I'm not suggesting for a second that the OP is that kind of person. Admirable that they chose to comment in an attempt to improve, and were nicely gifted for their efforts.

Only you can choose if needing to get something someone else did, is a big enough motivator to complain "more vociferously" than you might have otherwise.

Me? It's very beneficial to me to be with people for whom Gratititude is a way of being. I struggle with it, but I'm much happier when I just accept that things could be so, so much worse. I'm on a cruise! I am often awed by people who's outlook is consistantly optimistic and grateful: their health is good and they have a lot of love in their lives.

But...we should also recieve value for our dollar spent.

End of sermon:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Good for you -- enjoy your Pinnacle dinner and wine.

[Cruz'n Couple]

Believe me, I know the difference between a letter of complaint and an honest, thoughtful letter that explains a situation and then offers some constructive criticism. (I spent 30 years working in customer service!) I also have written some letters in my life that I wanted some sort of compensation, but this letter wasn't that type at all

I simply pointed out some situations that occurred that could have been handled a little differently. I was complimented by HAL in the way the letter presented the "problems." And I was very sincere in saying on here that I asked for nothing. I was totally surprised by the response from HAL. As I said, I only wanted a letter in reply! (So, I feel that my comments were taken out of context, because I was simply commenting).

Most of the situations addressed were not things that the Front Office could have handled, because they were situations that occurred mainly during our land portion of the trip.

[LOGHL]

We were on the MS Ryndam in May on first cruise to Alaska from Vancouver. It was very nice, and then we took the land tour to Fairbanks. Being a seasoned HAL cruiser, we knew that there were some things that were falling short of HAL standards. I wrote a letter to Seattle, not all critical, because I complimented when warranted, but also offered some suggestions on ways that we saw that things could have been improved.

I didn't expect anything, except an answer to my letter. Imagine my surprise today when the letter came from Seattle. Next cruise we will be receiving a bottle of wine and dinner at the PG. Such a nice surprise, when I wasn't asking for anything.

GOOD FOR YOU !!!!! When I am annoyed or have a problem I aLWAYS write to the powers that be.... AND ...when something is done that I feel is good or above average I ALWAYS send a letter of kudos.. Nothing is ever expected, but I am satisfied that I have let them know how a customer feels either yea or nay......
It always annoys me when there is a glitch on a cruise through no fault of the line.. & folks are always expecting some sort of recompense... Thanks for letting me spout off :)

[3rdGenCunarder]

GOOD FOR YOU !!!!! When I am annoyed or have a problem I aLWAYS write to the powers that be.... AND ...when something is done that I feel is good or above average I ALWAYS send a letter of kudos.. Nothing is ever expected, but I am satisfied that I have let them know how a customer feels either yea or nay......
It always annoys me when there is a glitch on a cruise through no fault of the line.. & folks are always expecting some sort of recompense... Thanks for letting me spout off :)

You're right about some passengers wanting compensation for the tiniest things (I don't mean the OP here). Friends were on NCL in Bermuda a number of years ago when the ship lost power while they were docked in St Georges. There was emergency lighting, but no AC. Most people were off the ship when it happened, but our friends saw a lot of people at the purser's desk asking for OBCs or FCCs as compensation. It was a nice day, and they had plenty of options for fresh air, but they ranted and raved as if they had been tortured.

[Hflors]

We were on the MS Ryndam in May on first cruise to Alaska from Vancouver. It was very nice, and then we took the land tour to Fairbanks. Being a seasoned HAL cruiser, we knew that there were some things that were falling short of HAL standards. I wrote a letter to Seattle, not all critical, because I complimented when warranted, but also offered some suggestions on ways that we saw that things could have been improved.

I didn't expect anything, except an answer to my letter. Imagine my surprise today when the letter came from Seattle. Next cruise we will be receiving a bottle of wine and dinner at the PG. Such a nice surprise, when I wasn't asking for anything.

The same thing happened to us on our last trip on Statendam. Had some problems. Complained to the front desk and they did, to their credit try very hard to fix the problem (no a/c on a Panama Canal cruise) We were shocked that on the last day we received a very nice letter appologizing for our inconvenience and a very nice obc! I couldn't believe it. We had not asked for anything. I mean we were on a cruise, how bad could it be?????

HAL had never been our favorite cruise line, but after the treatment we received on Statendam they get our next booking for a 30 day Hawaii & Tahiti cruise next year!