Maasdam Collector Canada/NE cabin query

[fann1sh]

I'm looking at possibilities for summer 2012, especially June 9, Montreal round trip.

At the moment, both HAL/travel agencies are offering guarantees, rather than specific cabins.

I've confirmed the cabin I want is available for both segments.

I thought this was more likely to happen the other way around - cabins being held for collector's itinerary! But, I'm looking at a lower prom J.

So....book them as 2 separate trips, and pay a bit of a premium? Ask my travel agent to talk to HAL about releasing the cabins for the collector's itinerary?

If I book as 2 separate legs, what price drop challenges might I face in future?

Suggestions, please? Thanks in advance.

[sail7seas]

We book far out in order to get the cabin we want and on a number of occasions, we have booked as regular b -to-b in order to have the cabin we want. In almost all the cases, at a future date HAL converted the booking to a Collector's. They refunded the second set of FCD's we had used as deposit and we got a small additional discount. If you book directly with HAL, it will be done (seemingly) automatically. If you book with a TA, they may have to follow through on it for you.

In any case, you will be able to book the cabin you want for the whole cruise.
We do it b-to-b every summer and have already booked for 2012. It's Great cruise. :)