View Full Version : Shipboard credit
mfanderso
February 23rd, 2005, 08:41 AM
I received a brochure in the mail from Holland America concerning their View and Verandah sale to Canada/New England. It also said if you booked either May 21 or 28 you would get a $50 shipboard credit per person. Well I booked directly through Holland America for May 28. When I asked for this shipboard credit they said I didn't qualify because I got a better rate than was advertised. Does this sound right?
jhannah
February 23rd, 2005, 11:33 AM
Look carefully at any "fine print" on the printed piece. If there is no mention of the credit being tied to the specific fare advertised, then press the issue with HAL.
dakrewser
February 23rd, 2005, 12:37 PM
In the "View & Verandah" promo sheet for Canada/New England that I've seen (here (http://crm.hollandamerica.com/broadbaseema/HA3129/email/02-04-05/cne_us.htm)) I don't see anything about shipboard credits. Was the one you saw talking about promo #20?
mfanderso
February 23rd, 2005, 04:14 PM
The fare for View & Verandah says it is Promo 20. On a separate place on the brochure it says "Receive a $50 shipboard credit! Book the May 21 or 28 Montreal to Boston (and reverse) itinerary and receive a $50 per person shipboard credit in addition to your View & Verandah Sale special pricing!......."
Did I make a mistake by not going through a travel agent and booking straight with Holland America? Now I don't have anyone to help with things like this.
dakrewser
February 23rd, 2005, 04:49 PM
Not a mistake, but you could (if you wanted) move the reservation to a TA. HAL is very obliging with that.
Was there a promo number on the "credit" blurb?
mfanderso
February 23rd, 2005, 06:07 PM
No, there was no promo number on the "credit" blurb
dakrewser
February 23rd, 2005, 07:50 PM
Take it to a Travel Agent, then, and ask them about it. Be prepared to move the reservation to them (no additional charge) if you need to - the $50/PP is certainly worth it.
mfanderso
February 23rd, 2005, 08:04 PM
Thanks. I will give that a try.
shipcafe
February 24th, 2005, 09:45 AM
Is the mailer itself from an agency? Sometimes they will look as if they are coming directly from HAL but actually sponsored by an agency with their contact information on it . . .
mfanderso
February 24th, 2005, 06:04 PM
no, the brochure is from HAL. I finally got a response from HAL today. They said this shipboard credit is only good if I booked at the View & Veranda rate which would be a 42% discount. They said the rate I received was much better and was discounted 67% so I was not eligible for the credit. The brochure really doesn't sound like that but I am tired of trying.