Who's the appropriate contact person at HAL?

[elycelynne]

I was extremely disappointed with my cabin assignment. I booked a VD Guarantee (meaning I couldn't get anything lower than that category). I ended up with VA 4054 which was on the same deck as the VDs and which would technically be considered an upgrade, but the hot sun on the overly-exposed balcony made it virtually unusable during the day and the room itself baked, even with the drapes closed and the air-conditioning turned up all the way.

So if any of you have the name of the appropriate contact person in Seattle, what I want to do is express my displeasure at the travesty of this particular cabin's classification and to suggest that the cabin be re-classified and downgraded to no higher than a VD, and probably even lower. I would have proabably been more comfortable in a VE or a VF! I would imagine that someone who paid full VA price for that cabin would feel extremely ripped off.

And this will be the last time that I book a guarantee.

[Boytjie]

Don't book a guarantee then.

The VD cabins have a fair amount of sun too since a similar it also is partially uncovered like the VA cabins on the stern.

[elycelynne]

Don't book a guarantee then.

The VD cabins have a fair amount of sun too since a similar it also is partially uncovered like the VA cabins on the stern.

Thank you for that pearl of wisdom. I said in my original post that I wouldn't book a guarantee again, so there was no need to tell me that.

I've stayed in a VD cabin, and it was NOWHERE as bad as this was. As I stated, this cabin should be classified no higher than a VD and probably lower.

I'm still looking for some useful information.

[localady]

And this will be the last time that I book a guarantee.

Deleted as not useful per poster.......

[elycelynne]

Deleted as not useful per poster.......

????? :confused:

People, all I'm looking for is a name.

[localady]

????? :confused:

People, all I'm looking for is a name.

Sorry, I don't have your name. Not sure how else to delete.

[JDinWA]

Guest Relations
Holland America Line
300 Elliott Avenue
Seattle, WA 98119

[3Boogity]

I have only complained once but it was originally by email and after 5 weeks I sent one by regular post direct to the President Stein Kruse of Holland America.
I was given all kinds of credits and extras but it is all handled by assistants of the president.
Hope this helps
John

[Boytjie]

????? :confused:

People, all I'm looking for is a name.

Well, perhaps most are thinking you don't have much of an issue.

You might not like the classification of the cabins but I am sure it must work for most. and lots of people clamor to get those cabins on the stern, so not such a travesty, just not your cup of tea. I doubt they will change it due to one complaint.

[GeriatricNurse]

I was extremely disappointed with my cabin assignment. I booked a VD Guarantee (meaning I couldn't get anything lower than that category). I ended up with VA 4054 which was on the same deck as the VDs and which would technically be considered an upgrade, but the hot sun on the overly-exposed balcony made it virtually unusable during the day and the room itself baked, even with the drapes closed and the air-conditioning turned up all the way.

So if any of you have the name of the appropriate contact person in Seattle, what I want to do is express my displeasure at the travesty of this particular cabin's classification and to suggest that the cabin be re-classified and downgraded to no higher than a VD, and probably even lower. I would have proabably been more comfortable in a VE or a VF! I would imagine that someone who paid full VA price for that cabin would feel extremely ripped off.

And this will be the last time that I book a guarantee.

Holland America Line Guest Relations,
300 Elliott Avenue West,
Seattle, WA
98119

E-mail: guestrelationsathollandamerica.com

Fax: 208-905-8962

[kazu]

To make this simple, just go to the HAL website and hit the contact us button. You can email them directly. You will get an acknowledgement and answer in about 4 weeks (my best estimate). It works the same whether you send it by fax or snail mail.

I just sent them an email in December and received a reply last week.

Unlike you though, mine was a compliment and to point out key staff who i thought were extraordinary.

[elycelynne]

Well, perhaps most are thinking you don't have much of an issue.

You might not like the classification of the cabins but I am sure it must work for most. and lots of people clamor to get those cabins on the stern, so not such a travesty, just not your cup of tea. I doubt they will change it due to one complaint.

And if most are thinking erroneously that my cabin was an actual stern cabin then yes, I could see how most could think that. However, NOWHERE in my post did I say it was a stern cabin.

This cabin was 4054, on the port side with a lifeboat immediately to the left of it thereby making that side totally unsheltered and the only partition being on the right. It has a very long balcony which would normally be a good thing. Trouble is, the angled overhang provided maybe 3 feet of total shelter if that much, so the rest of the balcony was totally exposed and provided no shelter from the hot daytime sun, making it virtually unusable during the day. The aforementioned hot daytime sun baked the room like an oven, even with the drapes closed and the air conditioning turned all the way to its coldest setting, so the room was pretty uncomfortable in the daytime, too.

I've stayed in a regular VD. I've also stayed in a stern VA. Both were pleasant experiences. This was not. I purchased a VD Guarantee with the assumption that my cabin would at least be on that level in terms of comfort. It was not. This is why I'm saying that this particular cabin and those like it on the Signature and Vista class ships shouldn't be classified as anything remotely close to a VA -- They should be classified even lower than a VD! I purchased a VD Guarantee. People who purchased VH Guarantees got better cabins.

NOW do you see the reason for my displeasure???

[Krazy Kruizers]

When we got home the first week of December we had reason to write HAL a letter concerning our cruise.

I wrote the letter to Guest Relations.

Todate we have only gotten a form letter indicating that they were taking letters in the order that they received them -- we got that form letter last week.

I hope you get a faster response than what we have gotten.

Even our TA has contacted HAL for us and has gotten nowhere.

[sail7seas]

And if most are thinking erroneously that my cabin was an actual stern cabin then yes, I could see how most could think that. However, NOWHERE in my post did I say it was a stern cabin.

This cabin was 4054, on the port side with a lifeboat immediately to the left of it thereby making that side totally unsheltered and the only partition being on the right. It has a very long balcony which would normally be a good thing. Trouble is, the angled overhang provided maybe 3 feet of total shelter if that much, so the rest of the balcony was totally exposed and provided no shelter from the hot daytime sun, making it virtually unusable during the day. The aforementioned hot daytime sun baked the room like an oven, even with the drapes closed and the air conditioning turned all the way to its coldest setting, so the room was pretty uncomfortable in the daytime, too.


<snip>

NOW do you see the reason for my displeasure???

Actually, No, I don't see the ??? reason for your extreme displeasure. Again, it's back to not all of us want the same thing. :)

Some of us would be delighted to have sun all day on our veranda. My DH would be thrilled. He's a real sun lover and our "S" and "SA" verandas only have sun for parts of the day.

Not everyone wants shade all day.

[djhsolara]

I hope you got your answer. You booked a guarantee and got what you asked for. If you didn't want to accept any stateroom in the categories that you could have gotten then you shouldn't have booked a guarantee. HAL has their staterooms classified as such based on their research and knowledge...they are the experts, not us.

On our sailing in February we booked our first guarantee. We carefully perused the deck plans to be sure that there was no stateroom that would be unacceptable to us. We know that we will accept whatever comes about because of our choice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Boytjie]

And if most are thinking erroneously that my cabin was an actual stern cabin then yes, I could see how most could think that. However, NOWHERE in my post did I say it was a stern cabin.

I am sorry, I apoplogize for making a wrong conclusion, I should have checked the deck plan more carefully; I looked for VAs on Deck 4 and missed the 4 of them not on the stern, I never realized those were VAs. (Perhaps I was visualizing the Zuiderdam where those are VD cabins)

I have not seen posts with issue before - and I am not saying it wasn't what you say it was. Just curious that it hasn't come up before.

This is why I'm saying that this particular cabin and those like it on the Signature and Vista class ships shouldn't be classified as anything remotely close to a VA -- They should be classified even lower than a VD!

On the Vistas they are VD cabins.

[elycelynne]

Actually, No, I don't see the ??? reason for your extreme displeasure. Again, it's back to not all of us want the same thing. :)

Some of us would be delighted to have sun all day on our veranda. My DH would be thrilled. He's a real sun lover and our "S" and "SA" verandas only have sun for parts of the day.

Not everyone wants shade all day.




Okay, now I never said that I required shade ALL DAY. But it would have been nice to have a little bit of shelter -- at least enough so my cabin didn't bake like an oven during the day even with the drapes closed and the air turned to its coldest setting. Would that have delighted you as well?

I hope you got your answer. You booked a guarantee and got what you asked for. If you didn't want to accept any stateroom in the categories that you could have gotten then you shouldn't have booked a guarantee. HAL has their staterooms classified as such based on their research and knowledge...they are the experts, not us.

On our sailing in February we booked our first guarantee. We carefully perused the deck plans to be sure that there was no stateroom that would be unacceptable to us. We know that we will accept whatever comes about because of our choice.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you. I don't need another reminder that I booked a guarantee. And there was nothing in the deck plan that said "hey, just warning you that this cabin and veranda are going to be uncomfortable", so even if one peruses the deck plans until the cows come home, there are some things that aren't evident just from that.

[sail7seas]

Oh my......

Please let us know if you reach someone in Seattle who can satisfy your displeasure.
Good luck.

[baggal]

OP: just curious - did you inquire whether another cabin was available once you were on the ship and realized the situation? Did they offer you fans for the cabin or anything else to accommodate you?

[c-cruise]

I've stayed in a regular VD. I've also stayed in a stern VA. Both were pleasant experiences. This was not. I purchased a VD Guarantee with the assumption that my cabin would at least be on that level in terms of comfort. It was not. This is why I'm saying that this particular cabin and those like it on the Signature and Vista class ships shouldn't be classified as anything remotely close to a VA -- They should be classified even lower than a VD! I purchased a VD Guarantee. People who purchased VH Guarantees got better cabins.

NOW do you see the reason for my displeasure???

This cabin is a VA on the signature ships and not a VD like on the vistas likely because of the huge balcony. That alone would make it more desirable than the neighboring VD cabins for many people. You pay for location and square footage and apparently HAL thinks this cabin is worth a premium over the ones around it.

[DAllenTCY]

If you booked with a travel agent, I think that is to whom should address your complaint.
If you booked a guarantee, then you probably received a discount when doing so. At least that has been my experience.
What exactly do you expect from Guest Relations as an acceptable response?
David

[adrift@sea]

This cabin was 4054, on the port side with a lifeboat immediately to the left of it thereby making that side totally unsheltered and the only partition being on the right. It has a very long balcony which would normally be a good thing. Trouble is, the angled overhang provided maybe 3 feet of total shelter if that much, so the rest of the balcony was totally exposed and provided no shelter from the hot daytime sun, making it virtually unusable during the day. The aforementioned hot daytime sun baked the room like an oven, even with the drapes closed and the air conditioning turned all the way to its coldest setting, so the room was pretty uncomfortable in the daytime, too.

I've stayed in a regular VD. I've also stayed in a stern VA. Both were pleasant experiences. This was not. I purchased a VD Guarantee with the assumption that my cabin would at least be on that level in terms of comfort. It was not. This is why I'm saying that this particular cabin and those like it on the Signature and Vista class ships shouldn't be classified as anything remotely close to a VA -- They should be classified even lower than a VD! I purchased a VD Guarantee. People who purchased VH Guarantees got better cabins.

NOW do you see the reason for my displeasure???

I get it---I totally understand your displeasure! I would not consider this an upgrade to a VA. While you get more sq. footage of verandah space, in my opinion, this is not a desirable cabin/verandah. I can honestly say that while we have preferences of where we would like our cabin to be located, we are not that picky. I would be very disappointed with this cabin.

A few weeks ago we were several decks above this cabin (#4054) on the Eurodam. From our verandah, we looked down at this particular cabin/verandah and found it rather odd. Oddly shaped, odd exposure to the elements, a wall on one side and life boat on the other. It was the only verandah that you looked directly down into. We made a point to pull up the HAL Deck Plans to ascertain which cabin this was to avoid it for future sailings.

Were you able to determine exactly how hot your cabin was? Along with plastic baggies, flashlights, etc., a battery operated clock with a built in thermometer has come in very handy in discussions of temperatures while on board.

[hammybee]

All ships, on all cruise lines, have more and less desirable cabins and it's all subjective. When one books a guarantee, one accepts the risk of getting the cabin no one else wanted.

[knitlady037]

I saw on other posts that you asked for and received pictures of the balcony. You knew that it was very exposed before you left. I really do not see and validity to your complaints. Someone has to get the rooms no one else wants. You wound uo with one of them.

[Typhoon1]

I guess you got an education after booking a guarantee.

[hpf]

Thay is precicely why some of us do not book a guarantee. We pay for and get the staterooms we want. Just be thankful you were not on the Costa Concordia.
Helen

[elycelynne]

If you booked with a travel agent, I think that is to whom should address your complaint.
If you booked a guarantee, then you probably received a discount when doing so. At least that has been my experience.
What exactly do you expect from Guest Relations as an acceptable response?
David

I haven't quite figured that out yet. Maybe a small credit for a future cruise and an acknowledgment that putting someone who booked a VD Guarantee in this crappy cabin while those who book VH Guarantees end up with nice cabins isn't quite fair.

I get it---I totally understand your displeasure! I would not consider this an upgrade to a VA. While you get more sq. footage of verandah space, in my opinion, this is not a desirable cabin/verandah. I can honestly say that while we have preferences of where we would like our cabin to be located, we are not that picky. I would be very disappointed with this cabin.

A few weeks ago we were several decks above this cabin (#4054) on the Eurodam. From our verandah, we looked down at this particular cabin/verandah and found it rather odd. Oddly shaped, odd exposure to the elements, a wall on one side and life boat on the other. It was the only verandah that you looked directly down into. We made a point to pull up the HAL Deck Plans to ascertain which cabin this was to avoid it for future sailings.

Were you able to determine exactly how hot your cabin was? Along with plastic baggies, flashlights, etc., a battery operated clock with a built in thermometer has come in very handy in discussions of temperatures while on board.

Thank you for getting it! But no, I didn't bring anything with a temperature indicator.

All ships, on all cruise lines, have more and less desirable cabins and it's all subjective. When one books a guarantee, one accepts the risk of getting the cabin no one else wanted.

As stated above, I think it wasn't right of HAL to put someone who purchased a VD Guarantee into a crappier cabin than those who purchase VH Guarantees.

[bepsf]

While you get more sq. footage of verandah space, in my opinion, this is not a desirable cabin/verandah. I can honestly say that while we have preferences of where we would like our cabin to be located, we are not that picky. I would be very disappointed with this cabin.

Whereas were I in that circumstance and received that cabin, I'd have been thrilled beyond belief! I would have found it fascinating just sitting out there watching the guys go about their business raising and lowering the tender - and more sun & heat is always welcome!

Just goes to show that everyone has a different view of what appeals to them and what doesn't. If anyone is that concerned about what they want from a cabin and doesn't want the risk of getting something undesirable, then a Guarantee simply isn't for them...
...but IMO the OP shouldn't waste the effort telling HAL how unhappy she was - just chalk it up to experience, and book specifics from here on out.

[elycelynne]

I saw on other posts that you asked for and received pictures of the balcony. You knew that it was very exposed before you left. I really do not see and validity to your complaints. Someone has to get the rooms no one else wants. You wound uo with one of them.

Yes, I knew the balcony had a lot of exposure, but I didn't know that the overhang would be so tiny and that the cabin would bake like an oven.

I guess you got an education after booking a guarantee.

You can say that again! :eek:

Thay is precicely why some of us do not book a guarantee. We pay for and get the staterooms we want. Just be thankful you were not on the Costa Concordia.
Helen

Well that much is definitely true!

[DAllenTCY]

Thanks for your reply. I understand. I hope you get a nice discount on a future HAL sailing.
Choosing a "guarantee" is just the same a buying a lottery ticket, rolling the dice, or playing a slot machine. You may have been upgraded to a veranda suite or deluxe veranda.....but alas you weren't. That is the "risk - reward" side of the equation.
I've given up on guarantees, simply because I've only been really lucky once in 3 times.
David
P.S. You would be surprised as to just how many people choose an interior cabin only to hope for a "miracle" upgrade at check-in.

[elycelynne]

Sigh!

Okay -- I just want to make it clear one more time: I wasn't expecting to be upgraded to any kind of suite. I just wanted a balcony that I could spend at least a little time on and a cabin that wasn't an oven during the day from the heat of the sun despite the drapes being drawn and the air conditioning being turned all the way up.

I don't think that these are unreasonable things, but apparently I'm in the minority!

[kazu]

Sigh!

Okay -- I just want to make it clear one more time: I wasn't expecting to be upgraded to any kind of suite. I just wanted a balcony that I could spend at least a little time on and a cabin that wasn't an oven during the day from the heat of the sun despite the drapes being drawn and the air conditioning being turned all the way up.

I don't think that these are unreasonable things, but apparently I'm in the minority!


no - you are not in the minority - but basically, a lot of us - IF we want a balcony that meets our idea of ideal, (I want sun - others want shade) then we book our room number. We don't go with guarantees.

Some people who book guarantees have been 'burnt' or disappointed at some stage and that's why they select their cabins now.

On a transatlantic - depending upon which side you choose and which way you are going - you will have sun or shade - if you have a preference and go with a guarantee, you have a 50/50 chance of being unhappy.

No discounting of your unhappiness from me, but unfortunately, a balcony guarantee carries risks and potential rewards.

I just don't like risks so I like to choose :) As you saw one person at least would have loved this - I wouldn't have -but that's just me.

sorry you were disappointed. Fair seas and following winds

[djhsolara]

Sigh!

Okay -- I just want to make it clear one more time: I wasn't expecting to be upgraded to any kind of suite. I just wanted a balcony that I could spend at least a little time on and a cabin that wasn't an oven during the day from the heat of the sun despite the drapes being drawn and the air conditioning being turned all the way up.

I don't think that these are unreasonable things, but apparently I'm in the minority!

I'm not trying to sound mean or anything like that because that is not how this is intended, but why do you think you are so special that you should not have gotten that stateroom? You got what you paid for (actually you got more than what you paid for since you booked a VD Guarantee and got a VA), whether it was acceptable to you or not. Would I have been happy if this were my stateroom, most likely not because I can't deal with that kind of heat at all...but I wouldn't be trying to "get" anything because I knew that I booked a guarantee.

[Jade13]

This cabin was 4054, on the port side with a lifeboat immediately to the left of it thereby making that side totally unsheltered and the only partition being on the right. It has a very long balcony which would normally be a good thing. Trouble is, the angled overhang provided maybe 3 feet of total shelter if that much, so the rest of the balcony was totally exposed and provided no shelter from the hot daytime sun, making it virtually unusable during the day. The aforementioned hot daytime sun baked the room like an oven, even with the drapes closed and the air conditioning turned all the way to its coldest setting, so the room was pretty uncomfortable in the daytime, too.

NOW do you see the reason for my displeasure???

Nope. We have paid a premium for a VA multiple times because we like these cabins, especially the forward ones.

You definitely should never ever book a guarantee ever again if you can not accept every stateroom in that category or above. Suppose you had been given a HC cabin without a tub? You pay the discount to let the cruise line make the assignment.

Btw, the only guarantees we have ever done were with Suites where the savings were considerable.

[sail7seas]

Fair.... :D
There are still adult people who think there is 'fair' in the world'? :eek:
Nope, I gave up on fair and the tooth fairy long ago. :o

[Jade13]

I saw on other posts that you asked for and received pictures of the balcony. You knew that it was very exposed before you left. I really do not see and validity to your complaints. Someone has to get the rooms no one else wants. You wound uo with one of them.

Where is the link to the photo of this balcony? Someone pointed out that the balcony is large.

[Jade13]

I haven't quite figured that out yet. Maybe a small credit for a future cruise and an acknowledgment that putting someone who booked a VD Guarantee in this crappy cabin while those who book VH Guarantees end up with nice cabins isn't quite fair.



Where is the link to the photos?

I can't see HAL giving you a future credit because you did not like your QTY assignment, but let us know their response.

[IRL_Joanie]

And if most are thinking erroneously that my cabin was an actual stern cabin then yes, I could see how most could think that. However, NOWHERE in my post did I say it was a stern cabin.

This cabin was 4054, on the port side with a lifeboat immediately to the left of it thereby making that side totally unsheltered and the only partition being on the right. It has a very long balcony which would normally be a good thing. Trouble is, the angled overhang provided maybe 3 feet of total shelter if that much, so the rest of the balcony was totally exposed and provided no shelter from the hot daytime sun, making it virtually unusable during the day. The aforementioned hot daytime sun baked the room like an oven, even with the drapes closed and the air conditioning turned all the way to its coldest setting, so the room was pretty uncomfortable in the daytime, too.

I've stayed in a regular VD. I've also stayed in a stern VA. Both were pleasant experiences. This was not. I purchased a VD Guarantee with the assumption that my cabin would at least be on that level in terms of comfort. It was not. This is why I'm saying that this particular cabin and those like it on the Signature and Vista class ships shouldn't be classified as anything remotely close to a VA -- They should be classified even lower than a VD! I purchased a VD Guarantee. People who purchased VH Guarantees got better cabins.

NOW do you see the reason for my displeasure???

These two photos are of the same stateroom, just opposite side of the ship from the stateroom directly above, VF 5051.

Possibly these will help others to understand your complaint. I do and I might be upset as well.

And additionally a quote from CC member ariawoman, who provided the photos: "2 of the photos are views of the verandahs below ours, so, Deck 4, probably 4051 and 4049?"

http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Nieuw_Amsterdam/sm-5051_ariawoman-26.jpg (http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Nieuw_Amsterdam/5051_ariawoman-26.jpg)

http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Nieuw_Amsterdam/sm-5051_ariawoman-27.jpg (http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Nieuw_Amsterdam/5051_ariawoman-27.jpg)

Joanie

[knitlady037]

Here is a link to the discussion of the room

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1534985

[IRL_Joanie]

Hey guys come on, in all fairness to the OP, the photos provided in the other thread did not show wxactly what she needed to see.

If I'd paid more attention to her post in December, I may probably could have posted the photos showing the verandah from above. BUT I did not. I thought the photos provided by others were enough.... That is what I get for assuming.

This stateroom is not acceptable to everyone and we need to remember that and be a little kinder:)

I remember just this past week someone who was highly upset, and rightly so, because they received an SQ as an upgrade. Only problem was none of us knew until they got back that the verandah railing was exceptionally high!!

Joanie

[lorekauf]

I just want to know how the OP knows that those people who booked a VH guarantee got better. On the Eurodam those folks could have been assigned a VT which is WAY worse than what you ended up with. I generally book guarantees and I would say I'm happy with the assignment 90% of the time. I will NEVER book at VH guarantee on the Eurodam unless they are giving it away because I got burnt with a VT. I had no idea this was even a possibily even though I'm a long time poster:rolleyes:.
I know that the OP was on the NA.

OP, in all honesty I don't think you will get a lot of sympathy from Seattle but good luck just the same.

[Boytjie]

Where is the link to the photo of this balcony? Someone pointed out that the balcony is large.

Here is the 4053 balcony on the Eurodam (leftmost on bottom deck):

http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/48968/2288548750102790654S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2288548750102790654hkjthu)

[elycelynne]

I just want to know how the OP knows that those people who booked a VH guarantee got better. On the Eurodam those folks could have been assigned a VT which is WAY worse than what you ended up with. I generally book guarantees and I would say I'm happy with the assignment 90% of the time. I will NEVER book at VH guarantee on the Eurodam unless they are giving it away because I got burnt with a VT. I had no idea this was even a possibily even though I'm a long time poster:rolleyes:.
I know that the OP was on the NA.

OP, in all honesty I don't think you will get a lot of sympathy from Seattle but good luck just the same.

I know of people who booked VH guarantees getting better VA cabins because people on our roll call were posting their guarantee results.

Yes, I've learned my lesson.

[elycelynne]

I'm not trying to sound mean or anything like that because that is not how this is intended, but why do you think you are so special that you should not have gotten that stateroom? You got what you paid for (actually you got more than what you paid for since you booked a VD Guarantee and got a VA), whether it was acceptable to you or not. Would I have been happy if this were my stateroom, most likely not because I can't deal with that kind of heat at all...but I wouldn't be trying to "get" anything because I knew that I booked a guarantee.

I don't think I'm "so special", but something else that I thought would be taken into consideration (but apparently not) is that I booked this guarantee almost a year ahead of time, while others booked theirs much farther in. I thought that would at least get me a normal but decent balcony cabin, but I guess order doesn't count, either. As I said earlier, I would have been happier if HAL just put me in a standard VD, because at least I wouldn't have had to deal with this.

[DizzyDallasDi]

Here is the 4053 balcony on the Eurodam (leftmost on bottom deck):

http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/48968/2288548750102790654S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2288548750102790654hkjthu)

No wonder no one booked that cabin intentionally and it was open for guarantee bookings. That's the risk you take when you book a guarantee. Like the OP said, lesson learned.

[lorekauf]

I don't think I'm "so special", but something else that I thought would be taken into consideration (but apparently not) is that I booked this guarantee almost a year ahead of time, while others booked theirs much farther in. I thought that would at least get me a normal but decent balcony cabin, but I guess order doesn't count, either. As I said earlier, I would have been happier if HAL just put me in a standard VD, because at least I wouldn't have had to deal with this.
I've heard on the CC boards that the earlier you book guarantees the better the assignment. I have no idea where that comes from. I've had a few cruises that I booked over a year in advance and those seem to be the worst assignments.

[kazu]

I've heard on the CC boards that the earlier you book guarantees the better the assignment. I have no idea where that comes from. I've had a few cruises that I booked over a year in advance and those seem to be the worst assignments.

agree Lorekauf - it seems to help sometimes, but let's face it - none of us really know how the upgrade/upsell fairy really works. Sometimes I wonder if she just throws darts;)

[GeriatricNurse]

I've heard on the CC boards that the earlier you book guarantees the better the assignment. I have no idea where that comes from. I've had a few cruises that I booked over a year in advance and those seem to be the worst assignments.

agree Lorekauf - it seems to help sometimes, but let's face it - none of us really know how the upgrade/upsell fairy really works. Sometimes I wonder if she just throws darts;)

I always find that it is less stressful and worrisome to book a 'specific' (interior) stateroom! ;) I would never book a 'guarantee! :eek:

[Boytjie]

No wonder no one booked that cabin intentionally and it was open for guarantee bookings. That's the risk you take when you book a guarantee. Like the OP said, lesson learned.

How do you know it wasn't booked but they canceled?

[pms4104]

Agree with the OP ... that is a pretty crappy cabin for a VA. Except for the aft VA's on that deck, the only VA's on that deck are the ones with the longer verandah overlooking a lifeboat on one side. And the cabins directly above them are VF's.

Apparently, HAL felt that the larger verandah dictated the VA classification ... and perhaps they need to revisit the issue and, possibly, reclassify them as one of the lowest verandah categories, due to the issues raised by the OP. Wouldn't be the first time HAL reclassed cabins ... for a long time, some of the smaller ships had a couple of aft cabins that HAL had classed as insides. And people loved them because they had a window as well as a nearby doorway for aft deck access. A year or so ago, HAL reclassed them as oceanview.

To the OP: suggest that you do contact HAL and define clearly and rationally why you believe those specific cabins on that deck are classed incorrectly and should be downgraded.

Please let us know how HAL handles your communication about these VA's.

[elycelynne]

Thanks to those who could finally see why I was upset. I'm glad to see that the torches and pitchforks have been put away.

Getting back to the original thread about my cabin, the main issue discussed was the lack of privacy. That didn't bother me because I wasn't planning to do anything that interesting on my balcony or greet the sunrise by doing naked yoga or anything else that would have required privacy. I had no idea that excessive heat, both on the balcony and in the cabin, would have been an even bigger issue.

So I guess I'll just communicate my displeasure to HAL (in a calm, rational manner, of course) and if anything comes of it, it will be a bonus. If it doesn't, that's fine too.

I do have a question, though. If I had known how lousy the assignment was, would my travel agent have been able to get my guarantee assignment switched, or was I just stuck with it because of the guarantee status?

Oh, and Joanie -- It really WAS all your fault!!!! (Kidding! Kidding!) ;):p

[lorekauf]

Thanks to those who could finally see why I was upset. I'm glad to see that the torches and pitchforks have been put away.

Getting back to the original thread about my cabin, the main issue discussed was the lack of privacy. That didn't bother me because I wasn't planning to do anything that interesting on my balcony or greet the sunrise by doing naked yoga or anything else that would have required privacy. I had no idea that excessive heat, both on the balcony and in the cabin, would have been an even bigger issue.

So I guess I'll just communicate my displeasure to HAL (in a calm, rational manner, of course) and if anything comes of it, it will be a bonus. If it doesn't, that's fine too.

I do have a question, though. If I had known how lousy the assignment was, would my travel agent have been able to get my guarantee assignment switched, or was I just stuck with it because of the guarantee status?

Oh, and Joanie -- It really WAS all your fault!!!! (Kidding! Kidding!) ;):p
I'm speaking from experience and I was able to get my cabin switched. It doesn't hurt to ask. That said, I am a 4 star so I don't know if that played into it. Not sure what star status you are.

[pms4104]

I'm speaking from experience and I was able to get my cabin switched. It doesn't hurt to ask. That said, I am a 4 star so I don't know if that played into it. Not sure what star status you are.
I don't have experience with guarantees ... but I would think you'd have to request a different room pretty quickly, like within a day of assignment, before they move thru all the guarantees. Would that be right?

[sail7seas]

I don't think you have any 'rights' about which cabin you will receive when booking a guarantee except that it is at least the category minmum for which you paid.

There is a reason the price is lower and that is to permit them to assign you whatever cabin they want.

Others pay more money to be sure they don't get a cabin they don't want.
OP has assured us repeatedly she has learned her lesson. So, hopefully, other reading this thread also will consider paying more and not being in the position OP put herself voluntarily.

Pay more, get more.
Why would anyone pay more than those who get the reduced guarantee rate if they can quibble they don't like the cabin HAL assigned? When they got the reduced rate they agreed to take what they got and to complain is questionable IMO

Compensation...... for what? For being assigned what you bought?
Of course, I know this is not a popular post and I certainly expect to be told off but I am honest as always and, as always, speak 'my' truth. I am certain this post makes me few friends.
I don't see HAL did anything wrong and owes anything including no apology.

They played by the rules but apparently even then some people call them wrong. :rolleyes:

[elycelynne]

Sail -- My main point of contention was that this cabin was not only unfit to be a VA, but in my opinion (although others will most certainly differ) it shouldn't have even been a VD. Regular VDs don't provide an overheated room that wouldn't even cool down much with the AC at its coldest. This cabin should have been classified even lower.

Yes, I know that technically I did get a cabin in a higher category than I paid for, but in this case the higher category was very misleading.

I'm not even saying that HAL intentionally did anything wrong. They could have done better by me, but that's just the luck of the draw. I just want them to know what that cabin is really like, because they may be totally unaware. As I said, if anything comes of it, so much the better. If not, at least I gave them my feedback.

[IRL_Joanie]

.........

Oh, and Joanie -- It really WAS all your fault!!!! (Kidding! Kidding!) ;):p

:D:DThat's OK, I am always to blame!! Or so my hubby tells me all the time:D:D

Joanie

[sail7seas]

Sail -- My main point of contention was that this cabin was not only unfit to be a VA, but in my opinion (although others will most certainly differ) it shouldn't have even been a VD. Regular VDs don't provide an overheated room that wouldn't even cool down much with the AC at its coldest. This cabin should have been classified even lower.

Yes, I know that technically I did get a cabin in a higher category than I paid for, but in this case the higher category was very misleading.

I'm not even saying that HAL intentionally did anything wrong. They could have done better by me, but that's just the luck of the draw. I just want them to know what that cabin is really like, because they may be totally unaware. As I said, if anything comes of it, so much the better. If not, at least I gave them my feedback.


Yes, I have read your main point over and over. Thankfully I still understand the written word and have had no difficulty understanding your main point.

My main point is you had access to a deck plan at the time you booked your guarantee.

Had you looked carefully at that deck plan you would have seen the cabin you were assigned was a possibility in the category to which you could be assigned.

You were assigned it.
If you were not willing to accept each and every cabin that qualilfied, you should not have booked guarantee. IMO

HAL designated categories prior to your booking. They did not go and make that cabin a different category designation than it was at the time you booked.

If you don't like the category they call it, don't put yourself in the susceptible position of possibly being assigned it.

(I mean "YOU" in the generic sense...... everyone. If YOU are not willing to accept ANY possible assignment, spend more and get what you want.)

IMO

[knitlady037]

I totally agree with Sail. BTW to the OP, you never answered the question about making your displeasure known while on the ship and giving them the opportunity to rectify the problem with another cabin if possible or even a fan to help cool the cabin.

[elycelynne]

No, I didn't ask for another cabin because I was under the impression that this was a full sailing. If I'm not mistaken, HAL was offering incentives to some people to switch to another sailing.

And no, I didn't ask for a fan. I should have. My mistake.

[bozemanman]

I personally do guarantees ALL the time. My DW and I always want a balcony so we book VH guarantee...unless it's the Eurodam as we would not like the VT cabins. My point is we will take any balcony - sunny, shady, windy, lots of spray, lots of motion. If a person is going to book a guarantee they need to BE ABSOLUTELY SURE they can handle what is given them or book one category above. This would include doing research on your own as to what you can accept and not accept. I think it is unreasonable to think HAL should change their category of a cabin because it didn't work for (plural) you, as it may be GREAT for the next person (some people complain the whole ship is too cold, an overheated cabin may be perfect for them).

[elycelynne]

My main point is you had access to a deck plan at the time you booked your guarantee.

Had you looked carefully at that deck plan you would have seen the cabin you were assigned was a possibility in the category to which you could be assigned.

You were assigned it.
If you were not willing to accept each and every cabin that qualilfied, you should not have booked guarantee. IMO

HAL designated categories prior to your booking. They did not go and make that cabin a different category designation than it was at the time you booked.

As I said in a previous post, you can't always tell just by looking at a deck plan that a cabin is going to be extremely warm and uncomfortable with a balcony that's virtually unprotected. It's not like seatguru, where they tell you the potential drawbacks of a certain location. In theory, yes, I was willing to accept each and every cabin that qualified.

I never said or even implied that they made the cabin a different category than it was at the time that I booked.

[lorekauf]

I don't have experience with guarantees ... but I would think you'd have to request a different room pretty quickly, like within a day of assignment, before they move thru all the guarantees. Would that be right?
Yes, I asked right way. I wasn't going to but I was urged on by members of cc. My situation was that I was assigned a VT. That is NOT a balcony and HAL should be ashamed of calling it one. I'm new to getting balconies because I couldn't jusify the price and I had no idea I could be assigned that because in my mind it was lower than a VH. One poster on this board felt they needed to rip me a new one because I didn't know that. I work fulltime and that takes me out of the house for 11+ hours a day so I don't read every thread. That was my lesson and I will not do it again on the Eurodam unless they are giving cabins away. I would doubt if I would ever try to get a cabin changed again because that is the risk I am willing to take with a guarantee.

[adrift@sea]

As I said in a previous post, you can't always tell just by looking at a deck plan that a cabin is going to be extremely warm and uncomfortable with a balcony that's virtually unprotected. It's not like seatguru, where they tell you the potential drawbacks of a certain location. In theory, yes, I was willing to accept each and every cabin that qualified.

I never said or even implied that they made the cabin a different category than it was at the time that I booked.

Perhaps I am mistaken, but I think the problem here is not so much about cabin category, upgrades, guarantees versus specific cabin #s, etc., but the excessive heat that you experienced in your cabin during the day. Is that correct? If so, this is what I would focus on in my letter to HAL. Perhaps, I am also mistaken in thinking that you did not report this while on board, is that so?

While I understand the whole guarantee argument, someone with a specific cabin # could have just as easily been upgraded to this cabin from many lower categories and been dissatisfied with this. And I don't recall the OP saying anywhere that she was expecting to get upgraded to the PH.

For the record, we have purchased many guarantees in numerous cabin categories for over 30 years with HAL. We have never been assigned a cabin we couldn't live with nor did we ever expect to be assigned anything higher that we booked. We are able to take many cruises on a few weeks notice and sometimes guarantees are the only cabins we are allowed to book to get on a specific sailing. All in all, we have done very, very well with guarantees but having said that we also know that we are overdue for a less than desirable cabin assignment and that's ok.

[tompeter]

The more and more I hear reiterated that the room was unbearably hot, I think it is unfortunate the OP did not notify someone onboard. There could very well have been something wrong with A/C and or thermostat in the room that could have been rectified...

[elycelynne]

The more and more I hear reiterated that the room was unbearably hot, I think it is unfortunate the OP did not notify someone onboard. There could very well have been something wrong with A/C and or thermostat in the room that could have been rectified...

That's not entirely correct -- I did ask the cabin steward to have someone check the air conditioning and it was in proper working order.

It was fine once the sun went down and it got dark. It was just during the day when the room started to get sunlight that the problem started. Because of the virtually exposed balcony and the sun beating down on it and right through the closed drapes.

[Oceanwench]

Imagine if HAL had to give OBC to people for a future cruise because their balcony was too sunny, too shady, too windy, etc.

It's a ship, it's at sea, weather happens.

[sail7seas]

What is the reason most people book guarantees?
To save money..... (nothing wrong with that, of course.)

OP saved money.
I have yet to read any comment which lays an ounce of blame on HAL for having done anything wrong in this circumstance. JMO.....



** Yes, I understand that sometimes you have no choice but to take guarantee on certain cruises/certain dates but that is not the norm for the vast majority of cruises/ships/cabins.

[Boytjie]

It was fine once the sun went down and it got dark. It was just during the day when the room started to get sunlight that the problem started. Because of the virtually exposed balcony and the sun beating down on it and right through the closed drapes.

Did it change once the ship turned around heading back to Florida? Just trying to figure out how the conditions in the cabin would be the same regardless of which way the ship was facing and the angle of the sun.

[Oceanwench]

My kids have often booked guarantees.
The price for, say, an H guarantee is the exact same as booking an H.
I have never seen a guarantee costing less than booking a cabin of the same category.

We can't book a guarantee, as DH requires a HC cabin.

OP says she booked a long time out - maybe a year? - so it appears she could have booked a specific room rather than a guarantee at that time.

My kids book a guarantee for the fun of seeing what they get.
They went from an HH to a GG or some such thing. No biggie.

[sail7seas]

As I said in a previous post, you can't always tell just by looking at a deck plan that a cabin is going to be extremely warm and uncomfortable with a balcony that's virtually unprotected. It's not like seatguru, where they tell you the potential drawbacks of a certain location. In theory, yes, I was willing to accept each and every cabin that qualified.

I never said or even implied that they made the cabin a different category than it was at the time that I booked.

My kids have often booked guarantees.
The price for, say, an H guarantee is the exact same as booking an H.
I have never seen a guarantee costing less than booking a cabin of the same category.

We can't book a guarantee, as DH requires a HC cabin.

OP says she booked a long time out - maybe a year? - so it appears she could have booked a specific room rather than a guarantee at that time.

My kids book a guarantee for the fun of seeing what they get.
They went from an HH to a GG or some such thing. No biggie.


We have never inquired about guarantees as we want to know exactly what cabin we will be in when we book.

IF the guarantees cost the same as choosing specific cabin, why in the world do most people who book guarantees do so? The only reason I can think of is to get for free more than what they have paid for??? Is that it?

If the price is the same, then it is even more so a matter of playing a 'lottery'.
IMO

If I have it wrong, I'd greatly appreciate being educated.
Thank you.

[adrift@sea]

My kids have often booked guarantees.
The price for, say, an H guarantee is the exact same as booking an H.
I have never seen a guarantee costing less than booking a cabin of the same category.

We can't book a guarantee, as DH requires a HC cabin.

OP says she booked a long time out - maybe a year? - so it appears she could have booked a specific room rather than a guarantee at that time.


I agree, I have never seen a guarantee costing less than a specific cabin in the same category.

Interestingly enough, we recently booked a collector's cruise just about a year from now and there were only guarantees available for the verandah category that we wanted. We booked the guarantee and will be watching until a cabin frees up so that we can move from the guarantee to a specific cabin.

[elycelynne]

Three things:

1. It's one thing if the balcony is too sunny and you're able to retreat to the comfort of your room. The cabin, however, was uncomfortable, even with the air conditioning turned all the way up. It's pretty sad when you can't stay on your balcony OR in your cabin.

2. I brought up the point about others getting better cabins than me because I purchased a VD Guarantee while others purchased a VH Guarantee. You would think it would stand to reason that the person who paid for a higher category guarantee would at least get an equal cabin instead of the least desirable (IMO) one. I understand that it's HAL's business how they assign their cabins, but I don't agree with it in this case.

3. I'm hoping for a little compensation, but not actively seeking it -- In fact I'm not even going to bring that up in my communication. As I've said before, if they want to give me a little something for my trouble, that's great. If not, I'll at least have given them my feedback.

To reiterate: I DO understand the premise of a guarantee. I was perfectly prepared to be all the way forward, all the way aft, right under the lido or the Seaview pool with the accompanying noise, etc. -- In short, things that I would have been able to ascertain from the deck plan. What I WASN'T prepared for was a cabin that was pretty stifling during the day in spite of the maximum air conditioning.

[knitlady037]

We have never inquired about guarantees as we want to know exactly what cabin we will be in when we book.

IF the guarantees cost the same as choosing specific cabin, why in the world do most people who book guarantees do so? The only reason I can think of is to get for free more than what they have paid for??? Is that it?

If the price is the same, then it is even more so a matter of playing a 'lottery'.
IMO

If I have it wrong, I'd greatly appreciate being educated.
Thank you.



Sail, you have it right. It is like a lottery. You don't actually get a discount on the category you book, you pay that price and hope for an upgrade. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Just like the lottery.
We did that for our first cruise as the travel agent recommended it. Never did it again. Did not like the stress of waiting to see where we were going to be on the ship.

[sail7seas]

Thanks, Kinitlady.

I have never given much thought to guarantees but this thread has me 'asking questions'. :)
I wouldn't do well waiting to hear where we'd be located either.

[Desdemona01]

We have never inquired about guarantees as we want to know exactly what cabin we will be in when we book.

IF the guarantees cost the same as choosing specific cabin, why in the world do most people who book guarantees do so? The only reason I can think of is to get for free more than what they have paid for??? Is that it?

If the price is the same, then it is even more so a matter of playing a 'lottery'.
IMO

If I have it wrong, I'd greatly appreciate being educated.
Thank you.



we've only had guarantees two or three times but it was because nothing was available in the category we wanted, and that specific cruise was the best fit for us (usually a last-minute R&R). It would never be our first choice and I was always nervous until we received our assignment because I knew very well that we were rolling the dice.

I also believe that on the longer cruises that are broken into pieces they often only let you book guarantees for booking part of the cruise, holding the assigned rooms open for people who book the entire cruise.

[elycelynne]

Did it change once the ship turned around heading back to Florida? Just trying to figure out how the conditions in the cabin would be the same regardless of which way the ship was facing and the angle of the sun.

Maybe a little bit. Because the left side of the balcony is totally exposed, I was getting a lot of sun on that side in either direction.

[Wakepatrol]

HAL will just have to take this cabin out of commission and turn it into a broom closest. Along with

Cabins under the lido

Cabins under the stage

Cabins by the elevator

Cabins by the rudder

Cabins by the anchor

Cabins under the galley.

Once these changes are made, each ship will only have 200 cabins available,but at least it will have that Seabourn feel

[CowPrincess]

Sorry, but what did you expect when asking this question? Book a guarantee and you get what no one else wants. Lesson learned, I guess???? Why complain, you got what you paid for.

Gee, of the "guarantee" cabins I've booked I've never gotten one that seemed like a "leftover". There are plenty of reasons that a cabin may not be booked, and to insist that it is because "no one else wants" it is IMHO inaccurate. 7 of my last 8 cruises have been booked "guarantee", and all the cabins I've been assigned have been fine.

As a matter of fact, the first time DH and I cruised together, the only cabins for our category were guarantee, and I posted about when we would find out our assignment. Sure enough, somebody had to come into the thread and moan and complain about HER experience with guarantees, and how she got the WORST CABIN EVER and the ONLY cabin we could expect would be ONE THAT NOBODY WANTED. On THAT cruise, we had an awesome cabin, we LOVED it, and tried to book it on subsequent cruises. Too bad that it had been booked by other people on the 3 or 4 cruises I tried to get it on. So that pretty effectively says the cabin WE got on a guarantee was NOT one that no one else wanted.

[LoveMyBoxer]

Gee, of the "guarantee" cabins I've booked I've never gotten one that seemed like a "leftover". There are plenty of reasons that a cabin may not be booked, and to insist that it is because "no one else wants" it is IMHO inaccurate. 7 of my last 8 cruises have been booked "guarantee", and all the cabins I've been assigned have been fine.

As a matter of fact, the first time DH and I cruised together, the only cabins for our category were guarantee, and I posted about when we would find out our assignment. Sure enough, somebody had to come into the thread and moan and complain about HER experience with guarantees, and how she got the WORST CABIN EVER and the ONLY cabin we could expect would be ONE THAT NOBODY WANTED. On THAT cruise, we had an awesome cabin, we LOVED it, and tried to book it on subsequent cruises. Too bad that it had been booked by other people on the 3 or 4 cruises I tried to get it on. So that pretty effectively says the cabin WE got on a guarantee was NOT one that no one else wanted.

Yes, but did you ever want "something" from HAL or anyone else because you didn't get what you paid for??? That is basically what the OP is asking for, thus the request for contact at HAL! You book a guarantee and you will never know what you get, jeez!

[elycelynne]

OP - Your complaint about the cabin was that it was too hot. I guess you would have been satisfied with it if the A/C has worked properly? The only thing you did to try to rectify your situation was mention it to the cabin steward.

Why didn't you talk to the front desk people, the GRM, the Hotel Manager (or whatever that person is called) to try to get resolution? I really don't understand why you suffered under these conditions without going up the chain of command.

Now, after the cruise is over, you want to complain to HAL about something that could have possibly been fixed while you were on your cruise if you'd only talked to the right people and stood up for yourself.

Go ahead and write your letter, if it makes you feel better. But the next time you find yourself in a similar miserable situation, be a squeaky wheel until everything that can be done has been done to fix the problem.

Di, if you go upthread, you'll see that it wasn't a problem of the air conditioning not working. The cabin steward had someone else come in to verify that the air conditioning was working properly. The room was fine at night, after the sun had gone down. It was a matter of the room being too warm because of the sun from the almost totally exposed balcony streaming through the drapes even when they were completely closed.

What else was I supposed to do -- Go up the chain of command until someone installed an awning on my balcony?

[lorekauf]

OP - Your complaint about the cabin was that it was too hot. I guess you would have been satisfied with it if the A/C has worked properly? The only thing you did to try to rectify your situation was mention it to the cabin steward.

Why didn't you talk to the front desk people, the GRM, the Hotel Manager (or whatever that person is called) to try to get resolution? I really don't understand why you suffered under these conditions without going up the chain of command.

Now, after the cruise is over, you want to complain to HAL about something that could have possibly been fixed while you were on your cruise if you'd only talked to the right people and stood up for yourself.

Go ahead and write your letter, if it makes you feel better. But the next time you find yourself in a similar miserable situation, be a squeaky wheel until everything that can be done has been done to fix the problem.
How is it that you can get a meeting with the Hotel Manager? Does he come door to door to ask you if your cabin is ok? You make it sounds like it's something that is easy to do. When I took my last cruise on the Statendam my cabin was always 78-80 degrees IIRC. I know because they measured it several times a day. I think I complained to the front desk probably at least 10 times. They did nothing but take the temp. One day I was in the hallway and saw the guy that works on a/c problems. I asked him if he could come to my cabin. He did. After he came by I think my cabin probably went down at least 4-6 degrees. If I wouldn't have done something myself nothing would have been done. It's not as easy as people make out to get issues resolved. You'd think some people have a direct line up the chain of command.