A question to all TAs, esp LAFFNVEGAS :-)

[ariawoman]

I've been reading numerous threads regarding cabins, noise, etc and it got me wondering.

People often take the stance that the TAs should have warned the person booking that their cabin was placed under a kitchen, above an entertainment venue, etc. So - my question?

How well do you guys really learn the ships you're placing people on? I'd think it would extremely difficult for any TA to be able to keep straight all the "bad" areas of each class of ship, on each cruise line but maybe I'm wrong.

So, how much research do you guys do in order to keep your clients away from potentially sleepless cabins? For example, I'm sure that LAFFNVEGAS is a wealth of knowledge for several lines, considering her presence here on CC and all that she probably learns from each thread. I wouldn't presume many TAs do the same, however.

So, weigh in everyone. TA or not, what do you think?

[Storylady]

There is a good article on CC about choosing a cabin. One of the headings is Noisy Cabins:

"http://www.cruisecritic.com/images/star2.bmp Noise: For some reason, most cruise lines assign their highest level of cabins to the highest decks, usually just below the Lido Deck (most likely because if you have a window or balcony, you have a more sweeping vista). Still, it's the Lido Deck that often causes the most noise problems, so if you don't want to hear scraping chairs at the crack of dawn or yee-hawing pool parties until the wee hours, go down a level. In fact, when it comes to noise, the best bet is to select a cabin that is both above and below other cabins. Other pitfalls? Service areas adjacent to or above your stateroom; show lounges or bars adjacent to, above or below your stateroom; and those that are either low and aft (because of their proximity to engine noise, vibration and anchor), or low and forward (bow thrusters). "

When I used a TA in the town where we worked, we were booked into cabins that were nice. Don't ever remember my TA warning me about cabins that have noise, but that could be because I decided that I wanted a Verandah or an Oceanview D on the Main Deck. Since I have used Internet TA's, I have never been warned about a cabin I have selected. But again that could be because I usually choose an Inside K as far forward as I can get one.

[innlady1]

When we're planning a cruise, I find that a huge part of the fun is perusing the deck plans for whatever ship we plan to cruise on, check the HAL website, see what's available, and go from there. Once I've found what's available on whatever cruise we plan to do, I email our TA (who happens to be active on CC ;) ) and she books it for us. And takes care of all the details.

Since I've already chosen the stateroom I want, there's no reason to hold her responsible if I've made a mistake. So far, so good! :cool:

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Well for me, I know HAL ships inside and out. When I first started two years ago the others in the office would test me by giving me a HAL ship cabin number and saying where is this, what deck and what category is it lol I knew every time.

Unfortunately most on-line agents have never been on a cruise so it really is up to the person purchasing to know what they want.

If you are concerned about where the cabin is and need advise I think the key for anyone purchasing a cruise is to ask that agent they are dealing with if they have cruised before and what ships. Even if you are talking to someone that is looking at a deck plan if they have not cruised they may not really understand the ship and the best locations.

Although you would be very surprised at the number of people that really do not care where they are on the ship. Most are more concerned about price and it is not till they get hooked here on CC that they start to question things like locations and prices. Even many seasoned cruisers who do not come to cruise chat boards really do not care.

[jer_l]

Well for me, I know HAL ships inside and out.

Yes you do!!! :)

[ariawoman]

I'm like the other posters. I have already picked my cabin before I even call the cruise line, or a TA. I just wondered, based on other posts, why everyone seems to think the TAs should be "saving" these folks from themselves, so to speak. A lot of people seemed to be in the "it's the TAs fault", esp in instances where it was a new cruiser.

Me, I've only done this on my own twice, as my 1st cruise was planned for me. So far, so good. Cruise critic has proven invaluable, and well, my obsessive nature doesn't hurt matters LOL

[sargemrs]

Since you know Hal inside and out, please tell us about our choice of SS8084 on Oosterdam. This is our first cruise and we're "green" but CC has taught us alot. We're hoping for an upgrade being available, but don't know if it's sold out or not for Aug. 28, 2011. Any info you could give us on our room choice and your suggestions of upgrading. Thanks for your expertise!!

[tcook052]

I'm a longtime TA but fairly recent convert to cruising both for myself and in terms of sales. Part of the reason I came to CC was for those insights that help make clients cruises as enjoyable and informed as possible and in return I'll offer insights where and when able. :)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Since you know Hal inside and out, please tell us about our choice of SS8084 on Oosterdam. This is our first cruise and we're "green" but CC has taught us alot. We're hoping for an upgrade being available, but don't know if it's sold out or not for Aug. 28, 2011. Any info you could give us on our room choice and your suggestions of upgrading. Thanks for your expertise!!
Being in a Superior Verandah Suite is Great. It really is the perfect size of stateroom with out breaking the bank. If you want to be able to go to a Deluxe Verandah Suite then I would contact your TA or HAL and say that you want to be offered Upsells when they become available. Usually these are offered between 14 to 21 days before the sailing. I would never ever hope for a Free Upgrade. The Upsells for your sailing should cost between $299.00 per person to $199.00. The beginning of the season was the $199 but you are toward the end so it could be $249.00 or even the $199.00 But contacting your TA or HAL should start at about 25 days before the cruise :) Hopefully you are not booked with a large on-line agency unfortunately this is when you may not get the personal service because they will not know the number to call at HAL or will bother to call (yes it is a special number regular agents do not know if upsells are being offered) Sometimes there are only 3 or 4 Deluxe Suites available so then there is not the blast mass email to all Superior Verandah Suites for the offer to upsell but rather to only the agents that know to call in for clients or if your reservation is marked that you would except and upgrade.

The next bit of information is just my personal opinion but on the Vista Class ships I usually steer clients away from the SS on the Navigation Deck and have them select a cabin on deck 6 Upper Verandah Deck in the category SY. These are the exact same cabins but have less potential for a noisey cabin. Your cabin is under the Lido Buffet which is better than being forward under the Lido Pool. You should be fine. HAL learned that passengers prefer the SY on deck 6 even though the SS is to be a higher category which is why the made changes on the Signature Class.

[sargemrs]

Oh, thanks so much, Lisa! I've already put in a call to my TA, so hopefully she'll remember. I'll contact her periodically to remind her and we would gladly pay the upcharge but afraid there's no availability, but maybe I can check.

Thanks, again!

[sassyredhat]

Once I've found what's available on whatever cruise we plan to do, I email our TA (who happens to be active on CC ;) ) and she books it for us. And takes care of all the details.

LOL we probably have the same TA. :p :D

We also do this. If she has a better idea, she will let me know. She knows her stuff !!

Pat

[Catalina56]

Hi,

I love all your posts and indeed you are the HAL expert. I have a question for you. If you had to choose between a category J or category I (Insides) on the Nieuw Amstersam for a roomy cabin, which one would you select.

PS: Glad you enjoyed the Celebrity experience as did I. I am a 4 Star Mariner, but still loves HAL. Thanks

Catalina56

[more cruises]

Although I'm not a TA anymore I did work as a PCC for a major online cruise wholesaler. We received a full month of training before we started booking cruises but it never covered cabin selection. I learned all that here. There is so much to know about each cruiseline and each ship and each itinerary it is nearly impossible to be on top of all of it. That's what's so great about CC. We can be our own experts.

Even though it took extra time to help choose a great cabin for my clients I always tried to - unless there were only bad cabins left. Then I kept my mouth shut. Who wants to lose a sale. Our company allowed us 12 1/2 minutes as a call average. Hard to do much besides get passenger details and a credit card in 12 1/2 minutes.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Hi,

I love all your posts and indeed you are the HAL expert. I have a question for you. If you had to choose between a category J or category I (Insides) on the Nieuw Amstersam for a roomy cabin, which one would you select.

PS: Glad you enjoyed the Celebrity experience as did I. I am a 4 Star Mariner, but still loves HAL. Thanks

Catalina56
In all honesty I would choose the J cabins on Main Deck over the I category. The lay out is a lot roomier. But I also would consider category K toward the aft on Main Deck. Those three Starboard side Insides toward the aft are extremely large. Right now I am trying to remember the cabins numbers but I think they are something like 1115 and 1119 and there is another. I think there is also one or two on the Port side as well.

[luvcruisn']

Since you know Hal inside and out, please tell us about our choice of SS8084 on Oosterdam. This is our first cruise and we're "green" but CC has taught us alot. We're hoping for an upgrade being available, but don't know if it's sold out or not for Aug. 28, 2011. Any info you could give us on our room choice and your suggestions of upgrading. Thanks for your expertise!!

I had SS8084 on the Westerdam recently on a one night cruise. Although it was only a one night cruise, I didn't hear any noise. I loved the room - great size, and lovely balcony area.

[innlady1]

LOL we probably have the same TA. :p :D

We also do this. If she has a better idea, she will let me know. She knows her stuff !!

Pat

I'd guess you're "spot on"! ;)

[jhannah]

I tend to believe most travel agents know squat about staterooms. As already noted, many of them have never been aboard ship. (Same for HAL reservation agents ... but I digress.) Because of the wide variety of cruise lines, deck plans, cabin configurations, etc., it would be virtually impossible for a TA to know all possible pro/con scenarios for each stateroom.

Besides -- While there are a few very knowledgeable TAs who also take their clients "under their wing" and look out for their best interests, MY OPINION is that the majority are out for numbers ... sales ... and are not going to potentially miss a sale by telling you your cabin is right under the lido pool or next to the Hawse pipe.

[solocanadian]

Once again, I'll mention an upgrade I got from HAL which placed me in a cabin from hell on the Ryndam. Paid for FF & was very happy with my selection. Ended up with an E cabin which was right above a glass recycling depot. Was woken every morning at 6:30 to the sound of smashing glass. There is no way in the world a travel agent can be aware of such cabins unless they had an unfortunate client like me & keep notes. These kinds of depots don't show on deck plans.

[swin26]

Laffnvegas, Thanks for your insight. Any thoughts about 1104 on the Eurodam. I like being near the stairs and elevator, but an a bit concerned about what is above this cabin. Thanks so much

[innlady1]

Laffnvegas, Thanks for your insight. Any thoughts about 1104 on the Eurodam. I like being near the stairs and elevator, but an a bit concerned about what is above this cabin. Thanks so much

It appears to be the galley. But that's just a guess from having been on a similar ship, the Noordam. And the "galley" is never denoted on the deck plans as such.

[Tampa Girl]

There is a website that allows you to view your cabin's position in relation to the deck above. I think there is a nominal charge to join the site. Does anyone have the site? I apparently did not bookmark it.

[malibu2]

[QUOTE=LAFFNVEGAS;29509366][SIZE=3]Well for me, I know HAL ships inside and out. When I first started two years ago the others in the office would test me by giving me a HAL ship cabin number and saying where is this, what deck and what category is it lol I knew every time.

Laffnvegas,

After reading this thread I began to wonder what is across the hall from the room we booked on Westerdam 5053....Since it is 15 day Panama Canal, I'm hoping it isn't something to
loud. Still time maybe to change rooms if need be......

Thanks

[Tampa Girl]

Just found the website. It is cruisedeckplans.com.