HAL Cruises with Marriott Rewards

[bobchico]

Planning on taking a HAL Caribbean cruise in March or Feb of 2006 using Marriott points. Has anyone out there done this? I know the procedure to apply the reward points to a cruise, but are there any tips you can share on this?

Also, how far out were you able to book you award cruise? Did you have a good selection of dates, ships and cabins? I plan to pay to upgrade from the Category G or H outside cabin that the award gives me.

[cstrick]

We just finished booking an Alaskan cruise using our Marriott points. We upgraded to an S cabin from the one allowed with the certificate. The special accounts desk handled the transaction ( you need your certificate number ) We booked 6 months out and had good choices. Also had free air through Delta and free hotels for before and after through Marriott. This was a great deal....:)

[bobchico]

We just finished booking an Alaskan cruise using our Marriott points. We upgraded to an S cabin from the one allowed with the certificate. The special accounts desk handled the transaction ( you need your certificate number ) We booked 6 months out and had good choices. Also had free air through Delta and free hotels for before and after through Marriott. This was a great deal....:)

How much was the upgrade charge per person?

[cstrick]

I think that it was about $1200 per person. I know that it is a lot but this is once in a great while for us.

[jhannah]

That's cheap for an S stateroom. Congratulations! Sounds like the Marriott points are fairly easy to redeem. Airline miles, OTOH, can be problematic. The limited frequent flyer reward seats go quickly, and it can be hard to use them when you need them. The one program that works like a charm is the one Southwest Airlines has. If you have points for a seat, and there's a seat left on the plane ... even last minute ... you've got it!

You will really enjoy being spoiled by the S cabin. Enjoy!