Advice on room assignment

[LaurelCove]

Hi All,

I have just received my room assignment for an upcoming cruise and discovered that our veranda is just a viewing veranda (VT on the Eurodam), with no room for a chair. What is the most respectful way of trying to get a room change to a space with a true veranda? Sitting outside on my on veranda is one of my favorite parts of cruising. This is my first HAL cruise, and I have been so excited reading these boards as it seems as if HAL is a responsive and positive organization. It would just make the vacation so much more pleasurable.
Thoughts?

Alison

[catl331]

That's the chance you take with a guarantee. I think your best bet is to call your TA and try to buy an upgrade to a VE.

[LaurelCove]

Thanks,
I put in an email to my TA. We'll see.

[lorekauf]

This post could have been written by me. I had no idea that I could be assigned such a room with a VH. I paid a lot (single supp) to upgrade to a balcony and sitting out on the balcony is HUGE to me. I called HAL and explained how I was bothered by it. I really didn't think they would do anything but I was very nice aout it and they did change my room. I have well over 200 days with HAL so I don't know if that played into it. If you don't ask you won't get. If you book thru a TA you will probably need them to call. I will never book at VH guarantee again on the Eurodam because I don't want a repeat performance. Good luck and let us know how it works out.

[lorekauf]

That's the chance you take with a guarantee. .
That comment gets pretty tired. On the HAL website it certainely isn't clear that a VT is an upgrade from a VH. It's not a nice surprise.

[OVgirl]

That comment gets pretty tired. On the HAL website it certainely isn't clear that a VT is an upgrade from a VH. It's not a nice surprise.
The letter designations are very confusing on the Eurodam and NA. Following the pattern for the other cabin categories, you would expect the VT,VQ,SQ to be in a lower and less expensive category. VT and VQ really give you less space than the other verandahs. What made them think that the smaller verandah was worth more?:confused:

[lorekauf]

The letter designations are very confusing on the Eurodam and NA. Following the pattern for the other cabin categories, you would expect the VT,VQ,SQ to be in a lower and less expensive category. VT and VQ really give you less space than the other verandahs. What made them think that the smaller verandah was worth more?:confused:
No kidding. They see it as higher up is better. Not in my mind. I've heard one poster on this site say they don't use the balcony so they like these types of rooms. Why not get an oceanview room then? If they want to book that room good on them. In that case that's one less chance for me to end up with it:D.

[jtl513]

The letter designations are very confusing on the Eurodam and NA. Following the pattern for the other cabin categories, you would expect the VT,VQ,SQ to be in a lower and less expensive category. The VA to VH scale was established on the Vistas before the existance of three new cabin types on the Eurodam. What else could HAL do except create new suffixes and then arrange them as they saw fit? It's quite clear to me from this diagram, which appears in paper catalogs, how HAL sees their value. Price should be a pretty good clue too.


http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/47600/2560340440099632937S425x425Q85.jpg

[tcook052]

A question to OP is whether their TA mentioned at time of booking the possibility of receiving this category? Had you researched the various categories before booking? Just curious as I agree with jtl513 that the way HAL explains the VT verandah is clear enough to me and perhaps were you able selecting a specific category rather than a guarantee might've been the better choice if you wanted a particular verandah type.

Now you've found CC and the HAL forum it'll come in handy with helping to fill out lots of details about the company, it's ships, etc. so here's hoping your TA & HAL are able to find a good solution and you can keep sailing HAL. :)

[jkrislc]

That's the chance you take with a guarantee. I think your best bet is to call your TA and try to buy an upgrade to a VE.

Normally I would agree and have said so many times. However, in this case I think the complaint is warranted. A similar thing happened on Disney as they had four obstructed view balconies. They ended up reclassifying them. In this case, HAL should condisider doing the same, perhaps their highest category of oceanview which will then offer an extra perk when people book them. At the very least, they should remove them from the guarantee assignment and/or place a disclaimer on the invoice that you may get a no balcony balcony cabin.

[tcook052]

At the very least, they should remove them from the guarantee assignment and/or place a disclaimer on the invoice that you may get a no balcony balcony cabin.

The first part of your solution would IMHO do more than the second as you can't force people to read things such as deck plans or disclaimers.

[bozemanman]

HAL can try to "dress" them however they like and try to charge for them, but it didn't work and they recognized it (bravo) by the new design on the NA. They need to either upgrade these balconies to something usable, or not claim they are a balcony...period. BTW, thanks for the condecending "lesson" on real life!

[lorekauf]

HAL can try to "dress" them however they like and try to charge for them, but it didn't work and they recognized it (bravo) by the new design on the NA. They need to either upgrade these balconies to something usable, or not claim they are a balcony...period. BTW, thanks for the condecending "lesson" on real life!
Totally agree.

[san diego sue]

People book the lowest category balcony guarantee because they can't afford to pay for the higher costing ones.They hope for an upgrade but
most think all balconies are the same so it doesn't matter. Those of us that are experienced cruisers with HAL know that isn't the case.
We have to be more tolerant of those that chose guarantees. ON Princess most of the balcony cabins are similar (except the Caribe deck large balconies) so doing a guarantee is not a big risk. In my experience on Princess, if you book very early you get your cabin assignment quickly and usually an upgrade.
I have learned on HAL that I don't like the long wait to find out. Also
the sizes of balconies vary, as well as the view from them. So we always book the cabin and category we like on HAL.
:D

[tcook052]

ON Princess most of the balcony cabins are similar (except the Caribe deck large balconies) so doing a guarantee is not a big risk. In my experience on Princess, if you book very early you get your cabin assignment quickly and usually an upgrade.

PCL has it's foibles too; the Island Princess has one category AF that is a mini-suite but without a balcony, though the deck plan does call it an ocean view mini-suite. Point is however if you were only seaching for mini-suite pricing it would show this cabin category as the lowest option and it would then be incumbent upon you to investigate further.

To me this Eurodam quirk is the same and if a certain type of balcony or verandah is important to you investing a little time examining it isn't too much to ask, at least IMHO.

Agree that HAL swapping out these Eurodam balconies for the type as on its sister ship would solve the problem.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Booking a guarantee cabin is risky as you have found out. I wonder if your TA even knew about the size of that balcony.

In any event. I hope your TA can work out something better for you even if you do have to pay a little more to get a regular balcony.

Do come back and let us know what happens.

[LaurelCove]

As I speak to my TA, just what is the next category up from a VT? He says I can buy an upgrade, just want to make sure I am buying the right thing. I will be talking to him later today.
Thanks

[jtl513]

As I speak to my TA, just what is the next category up from a VT?VE. They're on deck 5 and have just a 4 ft deep balcony ... but they have two chairs, a footstool, and a small table.
Agree that HAL swapping out these Eurodam balconies for the type as on its sister ship would solve the problem.Except that anyone booking any level veranda guarantee can still get a balcony that's not what they expected and don't like, namely a VQ that's just 4 ft deep.

[LaurelCove]

Thanks- That is very helpful.

[RMLincoln]

The VA to VH scale was established on the Vistas before the existance of three new cabin types on the Eurodam. What else could HAL do except create new suffixes and then arrange them as they saw fit? It's quite clear to me from this diagram, which appears in paper catalogs, how HAL sees their value. Price should be a pretty good clue too.


http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/47600/2560340440099632937S425x425Q85.jpg

This is very confusing to me. They could use numbers! How is one supposed to know that VT, with the T being further down in the alphabet, is higher than a VH? But it is a called a SPA room so I guess that makes it more special.

Can you open the "balcony doors" and sit in the room chair and enjoy the air, the wind, the ocean sounds and the sunshine? Oh, but then you'd have the balcony door open and that will screw up the AC system and you're not supposed to do that.

Or are these really floor to ceiling windows, in which case they should be OV not balcony room, IMO.

LaurelCove, I wish you well, but remind you that it's still a cruise and hope you can enjoy it. For myself, I'll be in an Inside and loving being on the ship! m--

[oaktreerb]

How narrow is the VT verandah on the Eurodam? Is it obstructed or does it have plexiglass? I would have never expected to be offered a verandah that I cannot even relax on! Can you go outside to stand on the verandah? Has anybody experienced one of the cabins?

[jtl513]

This is very confusing to me. They could use numbers! How is one supposed to know that VT, with the T being further down in the alphabet, is higher than a VH?You know now! :) Originally these cabins weren't supposed to have any balconies, just floor-to-ceiling windows, and be designated as TI. When they decided to stick on the balconettes the "T" carried over to VT. Don't you think that using VT and VQ is a little less confusing than if they had used VI and VJ and then put VJ at the top and VI between VE and VF? Or if they used numbers, would it be any more apparent that a V11 (for deck 11) ranks higher than a VF, and a V10 outranks all others?

How narrow is the VT verandah on the Eurodam? Is it obstructed or does it have plexiglass?Two people can stand on them for viewing.

http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Eurodam/sm-VT-11008-Spa-Stateroom-3.jpg http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Eurodam/sm-VT-11008-Spa-Stateroom-9.jpg

[travel123456]

great photos...but what where they thinking...why not add another foot and a half and be able to have a small chair????

[jtl513]

great photos...but what where they thinking...why not add another foot and a half and be able to have a small chair????They learned their lesson, and on the Nieuw Amsterdam they have 4 ft deep balconies like all of the VQ on deck 10, with two chairs, a footstool, and a small table. Maybe someday the Eurodam will be corrected. This is one of about 6 or 7 large mistakes that have been corrected on the N.A.

[LaurelCove]

Hi Folks,
Thanks for all your valuable suggestions. Unfortunately, my TA did not explain the VT category well enough, and now I learn that all verandas are sold out. I am disappointed- buyer beware I suppose. As a last recourse, I will email HAL directly and indicate my desire to upgrade should there be any last minute changes.
The irony is that at the time, we were told we needed to book one category up to get a guaranteed veranda. Had we known, we would have booked up at least another category.
I am sure we will still have a fabulous time, but mornings will not be as nice as they were on the last ship we sailed on with a full veranda.
Best,
Alison

[innlady1]

This discussion is precisely why, in the planning stages of a cruise, I pour over the deck plans and choose a specific stateroom. No surprises...and we haven't been disappointed yet.

[RMLincoln]

Hi Folks,
Thanks for all your valuable suggestions. Unfortunately, my TA did not explain the VT category well enough, and now I learn that all verandas are sold out. I am disappointed- buyer beware I suppose. As a last recourse, I will email HAL directly and indicate my desire to upgrade should there be any last minute changes.
The irony is that at the time, we were told we needed to book one category up to get a guaranteed veranda. Had we known, we would have booked up at least another category.
I am sure we will still have a fabulous time, but mornings will not be as nice as they were on the last ship we sailed on with a full veranda.
Best,
Alison

Let's hope something opens up for you. Have a great cruise and enjoy what you have. Remember, it's hard to have a bad day on a cruise ship.:)

[jtl513]

As a last recourse, I will email HAL directly and indicate my desire to upgrade should there be any last minute changes. HAL probably won't deal with you directly because your TA "owns" your booking.

[tcook052]

The irony is that at the time, we were told we needed to book one category up to get a guaranteed veranda. Had we known, we would have booked up at least another category.

So your TA told you you may not get a balcony with this kind of guarantee and despite feeling a balcony was something you felt important you went ahead anyway? Why?

[BR47]

How do you know what type balcony (and how large) it is and where do you go to find out? We will be in 5097 on the Zuiderdam and I sure hope that is a balcony with chairs.

Thanks.

[SwissMyst]

I see these similar type "balcony" cabins called "French" or Juliette" balconies on other ships.

Great, if you can keep your doors open you can make the whole cabin feel like a portico balcony, but since that is not allowed I agree these highly unique offerings need to be highlighted better for what they actually are --- French Balconies. :rolleyes:

[jtl513]

How do you know what type balcony (and how large) it is and where do you go to find out? We will be in 5097 on the Zuiderdam and I sure hope that is a balcony with chairs.

Thanks.Since that is a VE, the balcony will be 9 ft wide by 4 ft deep, and will have 2 chairs, a footstool, and a small (12") table.

I didn't get the footstool in this shot:

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/20229/2182071020099632937S200x200Q85.jpg

[travel123456]

Making a little lemonade out of lemons...

I was just thinking...you could take a couple of extra pillows out there and make a little window seat....