We Are Important to HAL.

[jhannah]

I posted this on one of Ziggy's "who is traveling ..." threads but thought I'd make it an item unto itself. Maybe it's no big deal, but it struck me as being amazing.

When you look at the lists Ziggy7 so graciously posts for us you can't help but realize that us folks on Cruise Critic are important to HAL from a cash flow standpoint. There are about 300 listings on the list that starts with February and goes through the end of the year. While there are a number of solo travelers, if you assume each listing shown represents two passengers, then that's approaching half the capacity of the Maasdam, for instance. I know it's a small percentage of total pax in any given year ... but I would say that the number is reasonably impactful.

[sail7seas]

I think when calculating, you might also want to consider that many of us cruise more than once a year. Some of us cruise 4-5 times and some of those cruises are back-to-backs....which represents 2 cruises.

[Oceanwench]

This year my postings represent 6 on the 5/14 cruise and 4 on the 11/13 cruise!

Good post -- I am glad you gave it a separate thread.

[jhannah]

I think when calculating, you might also want to consider that many of us cruise more than once a year. Some of us cruise 4-5 times and some of those cruises are back-to-backs....which represents 2 cruises. Excellent point, Sail. We average twice per year. If the truth be known, we would probably entirely fill the ship once.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Jim, we should also take into consideration all the folks who come on these boards looking for information and advice as to whether to book HAL. I can't tell you how many times I've seen posts saying something like ... "I've decided to book HAL because of all I've learned here!".

These are often people who don't post here on a regular basis. So who knows how many people are cruising HAL because of the reviews and information we've provided. I think we provide excellent PR for HAL.

So, now ..... hmmmmm .... what do you think we should get for the free advertising we provide as spokespeople for HAL? How about a CC cruise at a special low group rate just to say "thank you"? That would be so much fun!

[localady]

Jim, we should also take into consideration all the folks who come on these boards looking for information and advice as to whether to book HAL. I can't tell you how many times I've seen posts saying something like ... "I've decided to book HAL because of all I've learned here!".

These are often people who don't post here on a regular basis. So who knows how many people are cruising HAL because of the reviews and information we've provided. I think we provide excellent PR for HAL.

So, now ..... hmmmmm .... what do you think we should get for the free advertising we provide as spokespeople for HAL? How about a CC cruise at a special low group rate just to say "thank you"? That would be so much fun!

That would be the best cruise Heather!!!:D
It would be a cruise with so many of my day to day "good friends". What an adventure it would be!! :cool:

[OCruisers]

Heather .... We wanna go too! :D

Also NOTE that in addition to the folks who actually post there a LOTS VISITORS to this board!!!!

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[RevNeal]

Yeah ... and I should get special on-board credit for all my reviews and photos!!!!! :D

Naw ... I won't hold my breath. But I WOULD go on a cruise discounted for us. :D

[jhannah]

Count me in! But if all HAL board posters went on the same cruise, we'd have no one to report to and no one to read about us because no one cares but us. So no one would be posting at all. We'd create an electronic ghost town here. They'd have to lay off Doug and Laura because no clicks = no advertising revenue. Oh my. Maybe this isn't such a good idea!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Oh, Jim, I wouldn't worry about that. I think there's quite a few folks on these boards whose choice it would be not to join us;) .

And of course when we return and write our reviews and post our pictures, the site would likely crash and burn! But it sure would be interesting to see all of us interpret the exact same cruise!:D

[localady]

Oh, Jim, I wouldn't worry about that. I think there's quite a few folks on these boards whose choice it would be not to join us;) .



Heather-
Say it isn't so!!!!!:eek:
I would be on board with my shopping bag as fast as Slinkie can spend money in Hong Kong!!! :D

P.S. My apologies to poor Slinkie, she sure has become notorious!;)

[stanford's girl]

Count me in too!!! But I think that we should give HAL fair warning about this motley group.;)

[localady]

Count me in too!!! But I think that we should give HAL fair warning about this motley group.;)

But of course HAL will have adequate notice as it's been reported that many at HAL read this board, if for nothing else than shear amusement!!:rolleyes:
I am sure they would have to hire additional security for a CC cruise....;)

[Emmie]

I have to say, I started looking at these boards after I had picked HAL. This board made me VERY comfortable with the cruise my DH and I have chosen, and with HAL overall. It's lovely to talk with people who have had such great experiences, and can share so much information.

For those who have shared not-so-great expereinces.....well, it helps all of us to learn something. Maybe it gives you a tip about who to talk to when something goes completely wrong. (Call the HM!) Maybe it helps make sure you don't take your good cruises for granted. (Trust me, after reading about toilets overflowing daily, I will be happy with just about anything as long as it doesn't include THAT!) And maybe....it teaches you what posts to ignore ;)

I want to know if this board ever gets a group together to go on a cruise. I think we could all chip in together for a HUGE internet access package and keep Doug and Laura VERY busy!

Take care,
Emmie

[debblue]

whose in charge of the booking for this cruise i bet we could have no problem in booking the ship....cont me in i'll take an outside cabin anywhere on any hal ship just let me when and how much :) :) :)

[Travelbug 2]

I do not post often but I read almost every day. This is a great board for info', laughs, some tears, excitement shared, etc etc. What a wealth of knowledge from people all over the world. Just imagine being able to meet the person behind the name-----the mind boggles!! Would we all wear a name tag with our board name??-------------Food for thought eh?

See you on board.

Happy cruising.

[Ziggy7]

ok my bags are packed ... when do we leave ???? :p


Also just a side note, there are many more people on the cc boards but dont choose to be on the list, or they dont know about them, so I say multiply those totals by 10 :)

[ERsecurity]

OK lets get the bags packed and fill a ship. Someone needs to forward this thread to the office of the President.

If we need extra security, I have my SLED card.

[sail7seas]

We would have SUCH a GOOD TIME!!!


How do we even begin to see if we could make this hypthetical become a reality?

Wouldn't it be fun to at least TRY to pursue it??!!

[sail7seas]

If we need extra security, I have my SLED card


John: What is a SLED card?

[jbhcw]

Great thread! I don't post a lot, have in years past on the Carnival and RCI sites but look mostly now. We have not cruised HAL yet but love the HAL section of Cruise Critic! We are scheduled on the Maasdam in November and looking at the Osterdam for next year. A group cruise would be a good thing!

[localady]

S7S-
I am all for it and would be willing to help organize it! The question is when and where ?? Seems to me the Carribean would probably be the most obvious. Then the question is when, we'd need to shoot for spring 2006 or later. Anyone have any ideas here??:cool:

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm so glad we're all in such agreement on this idea!!!:D We've talked about it off and on, but the truth is it would be such a great time. I wouldn't know how to even begin such a project ... maybe a committee needs to be formed (not my field of expertise:o ... I'm more of an "idea" person;) ).

I think it would be best if we planned it way in advance (a good year at least) with a sensible itinerary and number of days that all who would like to participate could afford both financially and time-wise.

Does anyone have any ideas? Because I just can't imagine a more fun event than all of us getting together on one ship at one time and finally seeing the faces and hearing the voices of all the friends we have come to know here. My mind literally boggles at the thought:D ... they might need to pump in extra oxygen!!!

Ziggy! As our "official list" maker, how about starting a thread for all CCers who are seriously interested in such an EVENT to post. We'd get an idea of how many people we might be talking about who would seriously want to come. That would be a start. Then we could contact HAL and see what they might be able to do for us.

What does everyone think? (Localady, we posted at the same time ... )

[localady]

Heather-
That sounds great!!! I think we are all thinking along the same lines!:)
I'm happy to help the cause anyway I can!:cool:

[TylerRose]

While I have only linked up with a few CC cruisers on each cruise, they have undoubtedly become friends! We have the advantage of getting to know each other a bit before the sailing! We have shared tours, DH has joined other CC's for fishing trip, and even if we have little in common but this board... We still share that!
Must worn ya'll about cruising with Ziggy however... She is like the energizer bunny! Rest in advance!:D
In our case, we hold 3 cabins this simmer and represent 8 people... So I think far more of us are represented on Ziggy's list than realized!!!:)

[HeatherInFlorida]

When we post to Ziggy's list we would say how many would be cruising in our party and how many cabins we would need. I think it would be a good start. At that point they could also post if they're interested in being a part of the planning stage.

[TylerRose]

Ziggy! As our "official list" maker, how about starting a thread for all CCers who are seriously interested in such an EVENT to post. We'd get an idea of how many people we might be talking about who would seriously want to come. That would be a start. Then we could contact HAL and see what they might be able to do for us.

What does everyone think? (Localady, we posted at the same time ... )


I would love to join ya'll but am limited by time frames. We cruise every summer, and are locked into a school schedule. So while I would definately be interrested... We will probably only be with you in spirit.:rolleyes:

[HeatherInFlorida]

I emailed Ziggy and she'll be happy to do the list but is having trouble posting right now. She'll get on after she returns from church.

Localady, Ziggy thinks you would make an excellent Chairman of the committee. She thinks it would be a good idea to first start a thread about time frames for people (such as Tyler Rose) who are locked into certain times they're able to cruise. Would you like to start that thread? Do you think it's a good idea to start there?

[Travelbug 2]

This could lead to the best sail away party ever.
We need warm sunshine and calm waters, lots of lobster tails and bread pudding!!! Mmmmmmm, sounds good to me.

Happy cruising.

[localady]

Heather,

I think I'd better defer on the Chairman idea, I think a committee would be a better idea with you and others as committee members!!:)
I am happy to post the "when" thread. Then we will try to please most of the people!:cool:

[trubey]

Just a thought: I noticed that one of the CC forums is called something like "CC Member Cruises". A number of cruises are scheduled—none of which are on HAL. Does anyone know who sponsors/administers these or if they are just independently organized? S.

[localady]

Just a thought: I noticed that one of the CC forums is called something like "CC Member Cruises". A number of cruises are scheduled—none of which are on HAL. Does anyone know who sponsors/administers these or if they are just independently organized? S.

That's a good question for Laura , Walt, Doug or one of the other CC hosts...possibly they will see this and let us know!:cool:

[trubey]

Although I probably would not be interested in going myself, I am posting some stuff I found:

Become a Cruise Critic Group Leader

How would you like to gather a group of your fellow Cruise Critic members and do the thing we all love best…take a cruise? It's easy to start planning and promoting your own Cruise Critic group cruise. Just follow the instructions and advice we provide below and you'll be sailing away with a few (or a few hundred) of your fellow Cruise Critic friends! We'll even make it easy to find your group onboard by giving the group a special discount on all Cruise Critic gear. And, you can earn yourself a free cruise by becoming a group leader! Just follow our ten easy steps below to get started.

1. Pick a Ship and Itinerary
See how many people are interested in joining you by posting on our Group Cruise Board (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24) and on the specific cruise line forum (official cruises only).

Hint: New ships tend to attract the most takers.

2. Select a Month to Travel
Once you have a ship and itinerary selected and an initial group that's interested, attempt to select a month that all can agree to travel.

Hint: The best group deals are offered in May, June, September, October and early November.

3. Contact our Cruise Critic Community Manager
Once you have an idea of how large your group will be initially and the month and ship of sailing, contact Laura (groups@cruisecritic.com) and let her know that you are interested in leading a new Cruise Critic group cruise. She will explain the process to you and will contact three Preferred Cruise Agencies to obtain your official quote. After you receive your proposal, and checking with your initial group members, it is full speed ahead! Our Community Manager will create a web page for your group as well as designate your own message board forum in our community.

Hint: Being flexible in sailing date may mean a better price and more amenities!

4. Contact Your Preferred Cruise Agent
Contact your personal cruise specialist at the Preferred Cruise Agency provided to you to introduce yourself as the official Group Leader. At this time your personal cruise specialist can offer additional advice, information and expertise on your choice of cruise.

5. Promote Your Group Cruise
Once you have a Cruise Critic group started, we will create a special page for your group cruise listing all of the information about the cruise including prices and booking information and a message board within our Cruise Community just for your group but open for all to see how much fun you are planning! This is the perfect place to talk about the cruise and get to know each other before sailing, make onboard plans to meet (wearing your Cruise Critic gear of course!), and keep your group informed of important details like deposit and final payment information.

Hint: We'll help you link your message board in your Cruise Critic Member signature, a great way to promote your Cruise Critic Group Cruise. If you create your own Cruise Critic Group Cruise Web site, you can also link that in your Cruise Critic member signature.

6. Remind Group Members to Send in Deposits
Once you have decided to reserve a new group, the Preferred Cruise Agency will make the initial deposit required to hold the allotted cabins. Full deposits for each cabin booked need to be made no later than five months prior to sailing. At that point any cabins which do not have deposits on them will be released. After these cabins are released you may have difficulty obtaining additional cabins if others want to join your group, so remind members to send their deposits in. In some categories availability may be limited, plus, on some cruises all group members will receive additional perks if a certain number of cabins are booked in the group. Encourage your group members to send in their deposits as soon as they have decided to cruise with the group.

Hint: If prices for Cruise Critic sailings come down after booking the group, the Preferred Cruise Agency will make adjustments to the payments even after final payment has been made. If there are no price adjustments available, the group is guaranteed the original negotiated price for the initial allotment of cabins.

7. Encourage Purchase of Travel Insurance
It's important to remember that there are penalties on a group starting at 70 days prior to departure so please get your group to buy third party travel insurance such as Access America or Travel Guard.

Hint: Third party insurance offers more comprehensive coverage than your average cruise line package. Insurance is based on price per person of actual cruise fare.

8. Plan Some Fun
Plan some group activities during the cruise, or make arrangements to go on some shore excursions together. Decide if you want the group to have a pre-cruise party at a day early to get to know each other before the cruise. If so, the Preferred Cruise Agency can help you plan it at a local port hotel and include transfers to the port the next day, and other amenities.

Hint: This is a great opportunity to wear your Cruise Critic gear and meet all your online friends and take a group photo for our Community Center!

9. Order Your Cruise Critic Gear
All Cruise Critic group members are entitled to receive discounts off any bulk ordered Cruise Critic logowear. Laura Sterling, our Community Manager, (groups@cruisecritic.com) can help you with the details and ordering.

10. Final Payment
Final payments will be paid directly to the Preferred Cruise Agency. Some groups may require the prepayment of gratuities. Individuals can contact your Preferred Cruise Agency directly to make all payments to protect their credit card information. Passengers that are purchasing an air/sea package will have their transfers included from the airport to and from the ship.

Hint: For those that are booking their own air, transfers are available to purchase from about $25 round-trip per person.

Replace first paragraph of Group Leader Perks with:

Group Leader Perks
All Cruise Critic groups must have a minimum of 8 cabins booked to be considered a group and receive all of the group perks. As group leader you will receive one free net cruise fare if at least 8 cabins are sold, and two free net cruise fares if at least 16 cabins are sold. Group leaders will need to pay for their cruise upfront, but will be rebated the equivalent rate per berth for the category which has the largest number of cabins booked. Group leader is responsible for all port charges, taxes and fees. In addition, all group leaders will receive the group amenities and an additional perk program created specifically for our group leaders. Please note that the contract for these group cruises is between Cruise Critic and the Preferred Cruise Agency. Final decisions regarding group cruise amenities, perks etc. are the responsibility of Cruise Critic.

Group leaders will also be given details on bulk quantities of discounted Cruise Critic gear for their group members. If 10 or more of any Cruise Critic logowear item is purchased, the group leader will receive that item free.

Cruise Critic reserves the right to refuse permission to be a group leader for any reason. http://www.cruisecritic.com/images/pixel.gif

[Ziggy7]

Wow, are we actually going to do this! It sounds like great fun, but I think in order to make it possible to as many cc'ers, we need your input. Where too ??? Where from ??? When is the best time ??? How long ???? We also would need to form a committee and divide tasks, such as finding good group rates, looking into group rates for airlines, contacting ship services when the time comes, and general help in making decissons. Anyone willing to help ?????


Truby, great info! Thanks so much I'm sure it will help us out!

As Heather said I am willing to make lists.

localady, at least consider being on the committee :)

TylerRose, you are too kind, I sure had a fun time meeting you and your family and the fate that brought us together in more ways than one hehehehe. Have a wonderful time in Alaska! brrrrrrrr I do have to see it one day :)

Now for the main stuff!
All those in favor of Heather and Ekerr co-chairing this cruise say "AYE" :p

AYE! :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ziggy, thanks for the thought but as I said earlier I'm truly not a leader. Never was, never could be. but you're most kind. We need to consider this futher when more people are online like during the week.

I still think as a start we need to get an idea of how many would be really interested in going. I know we all want to, but how many actually would take it to the next step. We need to find that out first.

The truth is, that as much as I would want to go, there is no guarantee that I could since DH's schedule is very tight.

[Ziggy7]

Ziggy, thanks for the thought but as I said earlier I'm truly not a leader. Never was, never could be. but you're most kind. We need to consider this futher when more people are online like during the week.

I still think as a start we need to get an idea of how many would be really interested in going. I know we all want to, but how many actually would take it to the next step. We need to find that out first.

The truth is, that as much as I would want to go, there is no guarantee that I could since DH's schedule is very tight.
Ok I agree , one step at a time :)
I think your wrong about yourself but will respect your wishes :)

[richnorto]

This all sounds like great fun! I think the hardest part may be in finding a ship that's half suites!!!;) Laurie

[Sinbad37]

The suggestion was New ships attract the most takers, and best deals are May, June, September or October.

How would that work timewise for our posters here? Where is the new Noordam then?

[ERsecurity]

Sorry,
Sled - South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

Lets go - I will be on the Zaandam on April 16 just to get warmed up to the idea...