So.....what would you do?

[holomuku]

My DH and I are booked on the Statendam for the very short 4 night repo cruise that leaves San Diego on May 13th, stops in Victoria, ends in Vancouver. We wouldn't normally do such a short cruise, but we are still working (and these days feel grateful for that!) and this is what works with our actual wedding anniversary date and work schedules.

Our 25 year anniversary is May 15th. I have already booked (and paid for) a dinner reservation for two at the Pinnacle Grill on the 15th.

Much to our delight, long time friends (we're talking 40 years here) are going to be joining us on the cruise. I mentioned to them that we were going on this to celebrate our 25th, and gosh, it would be great if they could join us- but didn't really expect them to. Since we only had 14 people at our wedding (including the priest) and they were two of the 14- we are are delighted that they will be with us! We've traveled with them before and throughly enjoyed it. We respect each other and the space we might need, but also have a great time together.

Here is my dilemmea- I had booked the Pinnacle for 2 for the night of our 25th anniversary. When I found out our friends would be joining us, I called HAL special services and was told they couldn't change the reservation for 2 to 4- something about computer limiations?

So- I booked yet another reservation for 2 at the same time as our current reservation - thinking 2 + 2 equals 4? That is what the HAL rep suggested. I just don't want any issues and/or problems with this. These folks are spending their time and money to join us (and I'm sure they will enjoy it!) but it would be a real shame if the special night doesn't go as planned.

I'm a little concerned- will someone look and see 2 reservations for 2 (same name- we wanted to host them) and possibly cancel one? And you can't book, as far as I can tell, with another name and your credit card info so how else could I have done this?

We are celebrating by booking the higher class of cabin that includes a concierge. Should I wait until we are onboard and then ask her/him to take care of the 2 reservations for 2 -to make into one reservation for four-- or should I contact someone "higher up" at HAL now to make sure we get what we need?

Now that I think about it-- perhaps I should have purchased this as an onboard gift for them. However, I don't know how that would link up to our reservation.

We have, like many, had our trials and tribulations over 25 years and a dinner reservation is quite small compared to many other things. With that said- I really want this to go well for all four of us.

Any thoughts appreciated.

And I must share- compared to what many people in our universe, particularly those in Japan, are experiencing right now- I'm almost emabarresed to post this.

[vbmom87]

Can you cancel Pinnacle reservations just like you can cancel excursions? If you can, I would just cancel both reservations and rebook for 4. If not, I am sure someone more in the know will help you out.

Have a wonderful anniversary celebration!!!!

[Spinner2]

When we eat breakfast Sat am before we leave the Oosterdam I'll ask the staff there for advice; I know it'll be a different Pinnacle manager and the rules might be different but it would give you an idea.

[holomuku]

Spinner 2-

Thank you SO much. This is a really importnat day/evening to us - we appreciate your help.

Cheers!

[brucory]

Congratulations on your 25 years!!!

What a wonderful way to celebrate.

If I were in your shoes (and I wish I was as I would LOVE to see the Statendam), I would be sure to print out the record of both bookings and go directly to the Pinnacle when you are on the ship to sort it out.

My crystal ball is telling me you will not have a problem getting your table of 4 from your 2 prepaid bookings!!

Have a wonderful cruise!!!

[RAYSAN11]

You would have to email or call shipboard services to cancel the reservation. Then make a new reservation online for 4

[Krazy Kruizers]

there is a way for you cancel those reservations on line -- but you run the risk of not being able to get a table for 4 -- as it stands right now -- you have 2 tables for 2

so you could call ship services at 1-800-541-1576 and try to cancel the 2 reservations but you must make certain that there is still a table for 4 at the time you want

or you can wait until you get on the ship and have the concierges take care of it for you

[kazu]

Personally, I think you will be fine with your reservations as they are if you either visit the Pinnacle (or talk to the concierges if you are in a suite).

But since you are probably like me (wanting everything to be just right), ;) you might want to call shipboard services to see if there is a table for 4 if they know - and have them change it.

by the way, I did the same thing last year, booked for friends and it showed as 2x2 and we had a table for four no problem. I think because it was hooked to my booking? have a great cruise and a great anniversary:)

[KirkNC]

The risk is that they have you for two tables of two so they could not seat you together. I would follow KK advice.

Kirk

[crusinbanjo]

I wouldn't worry to much. Getting it changed prior to boarding is best, of course, but if you cannot resolve the situation prior to boarding, go and see the PG manager ASAP when you get aboard. Even if they are "sold out" for the night, they generally keep a few seats for last minute changes. Explain your situation and I am sure they will help you out, if at all possible.

On our last cruise we were able to add 2 friends to our reservation only hours before and on a "sold out" night. When we spoke to the PG manager, we explained our situation to him and told him that if they could do nothing we would understand. They fit us in just fine. I'm not saying that they can Always fit you in, but if you ask nicely and are willing to work with them, they will do all they can to help you!

[mamaofami]

Congratulations on 25 years of marriage. A very nice accomplishment. I would want to get this straighted out before getting on board. Did you book with a TA? If so, they can take care of this for you. If not, call either ship's services or customer relations. I think they are two different departments and see what they can do. Computers have glitches but humans should be able to over ride them. In either case, do print out your credit card bill with the charhes on them so you don't get charged twice and so you have a record when you get on board.

[AZNative2000]

Congratulations on your 25th!

Have you considered booking a Renewal of Vows ceremony? It is a wonderful shipboard experience!! And includes dinner at the Pinnacle.

The last night we ate at the PG we (party of two) were seated at a window table for four and the other place settings were removed. Lots of room and this would solve your problem if it happened to you. OF COURSE I understand you want to clear all problems before you board but (as was said) a quick visit to the concierge and/or the PG MGR will solve any issues.

Have a great cruise!

[trvlcrzy]

Two experiences to share that might alleviate your worries about this one...

On the Ryndam (July 2009), DH and I had booked PG for 2 to avoid the Master Chef's Dinner. We met a lovely group of CC'ers and developed friendships through our cruise. Three of them had book PG as well. A quick call to the PG to combine the bookings... at which time the group of 3 was told that our group of 2 would have to confirm the wish to combine. DONE. Table for 5. (This was the day before our scheduled night.)

On the Ryndam (April 2010), my parents had a 'separate' reservation (by purchasing the booking online under their own booking number). DH and I had reservations for the same night/same time. On boarding day, all four of us stopped by the PG with our reminder cards from the cabins. Quick change for the guy at the podium... DONE. Table for 4.

If you wait until boarding day, you don't risk losing all of the reservations because someone else was on the waiting list.

[sail7seas]

I would try through Ship's Services to see if they can't change your two reservations into one table for four. If they cannot do that before you board and provide you with written confirmation, I would leave the reservations as they are and speak with Pinnacle Manager immediately after boarding.

I would not necessarily leave this to the Concierge to take care of but would do so myself.

I definitely would not cancel the two reservations you have without getting the booking for four.

Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary.
We celebrated our 25th Anniversary on Statendam in Europe. We traveled with another couple (friends) and were all very surprised when we boarded to find four others on board we knew from home. We had wonderful celebration when we added in new friends we made while aboard. Fabulous memories we carry with us still.

We celebrated our 30th and 38th, 39th, and 40th on Maasdam. Those were celebrated with friends in Pinnacle and more wonderful memories.
I wish for you the same..... to happily celebrate your 25th and many future anniversaries aboard a beautiful HAL ship. :)

[holomuku]

Thanks to all for the suggestions and well wishes. I hope we see our 35th, 40th-- well, that's probably max as we got married relatively late in life!

I'm going to print out both reservations and go see the PG manager when we board. If for some reason they can't get us a table for four (which I don't think she be a problem) we could change times ....or something. We don't have a cabin assignment yet so they may not even realize it's the same person doing two reservations.

I'm going to try and put it in perspective and not stew over it. When you consider the other things going on right now, it's pretty minor stuff. If we end up eating in the Lido we'll still have a great time and have $80 more for bingo!

As for the renewal of the vows suggestion- I think it's a great idea but DH isn't going for it. Quote: "I meant what I said the first time- why should I repeat it?" Not much of a romantic but then that's okay as well.

Thanks to all again.