Ever had this upgrade experience?

[cru1s1ng]

I'm booked, through HAL, and have made final payment for the 3/31/05 Maasdam sailing. I picked a 'C' (large outside) on the verandah deck. It looks like an excellant location. At the time I booked, HAL's prices were comparable to other online TAs.

This morning I noticed a 'BC' (regular verandah) on another TAs website that is several hundred more than I paid but $500 less than HAL's website. I called HAL to see if they would match the price. Reservations told me they could not and referred me to the 'ships inventory' department. I had to fax a printscreen of the website and a letter explaining what I want. This was about 8:00 am CST. Still haven't heard back.

Anyone have any experience like this? Any luck? Was I a fool for booking through HAL?

[jhannah]

I would take a wait-and-see approach. Since you're wanting to upgrade your reservation, they might be willing to negotiate with you. Since it seems they gave you the opportunity to fax them the information, that may be a good sign that they will give you consideration. Good luck.

[sail7seas]

I tend to agree with Jhannah.....


If it was an absolute "NO" .....they would not have asked for you to FAX the info.

I wouldn't get my hopes up too high but you might get lucky.

Good luck.

[KAKcruiser]

This would be a first for me. In all my direct bookings with HAL, I have never been able to get any price other than the official HAL price. Many times I have asked for a discount to stay with them rather than turn my booking over to a travel agent but they say that they can't. It doesn't make sense to me but they explain that 90% of their bookings are made through travel agents and they have to keep them happy.

[cru1s1ng]

I know the next 100% of my bookings will be through a TA. I've never heard of a business turning down more money when offered. Oh well, I'm in one of the 6 best outside cabins, and I'm going on a CRUISE WOO HOO :D