Hotel & Air Thru HAL for Europe - Help Me Decide

[Roz]

Part of the fun of traveling and cruising is the planning and anticipation, at least for me. I'm already booked on HAL for December of this year, but I'm looking ahead to 2006. Think I'd like to do a "big" cruise, probably Europe, so here's my question:

Since more than likely I'm going to be traveling by myself, should I book my air and hotel thru HAL? I'm a little concerned about the logistics of doing it on my own, especially getting from the airport to the hotel and then to the pier the next day, given the language barrier. I'm wondering if the security of having HAL reps meet me and using their transfers is worth it. Also, I have no experience booking international flights, and I could be looking at an "open jaw, depending on which itinerary I choose.

I had a good experience in Alaska using HAL, even though lots of people tell you never to use the cruise line's air. It was my first cruise, and even though I was cruising with friends, they were coming from CA and I was coming from TN, so we didn't actually meet up until we were on the ship. It was nice having some hand holding from HAL as far as getting to the hotel in Vancouver and then to Canada Place the next day.

I'd be interested in hearing from those of you who've done European cruises, especially any solo travelers.

Roz

[FlorenceItaly]

There is a group of us women(from CC) planning on a solo Europe cruise for 2006...possibly a transatlantic. We are waiting for more itineraries to be posted, and are considering Princess, but open to ALL cruiselines. We are all women in our 40's and 50's and some of us will post likely room up since this will be a longer cruise and more expensive. We would love to have you join us. I can keep you posted as plans progress.

Marie

[grannynurse]

You know we've done several European cruises. I reall dig to find the best airline and hotel deals. It's always cheaper for us to book domestic on our own, but we've found that flying out of the US to cruise is usually cheaper and more convenient thru HAL. Last summer due our or roundtrip to and from NY, we booked our own. We are looking at some B2B's in Europe for summer 2006. It's cheaper and more fun for us to combine a transatlantic with an in-Europe cruise. Our TA agrees.

For lodging, we look at cruiseconcierge.com first as they usually have more deals for cruisers and list more lodging closer to the port.
I don't know if I've helped you at all,but I'm going from my past experience.

The longest flight has been from Amsterdam to Houston. We left at 4pm and were in daylight most of the way, and arrived in Houston at 7:30pm.
We've never done an eastbound flight so I can't compare jet lag, but we did fine. We had 1 big meal and 2 snacks on board. HAL booked us on Continental.
Happy planning, I agree it's a lot of the fun of cruising.
GN

[jhannah]

I always look at the cost. In all but one occasion, I have saved considerable dollars arranging my own air ... even for open jaws. We have not found any language challenge in getting to a hotel or the cruise dock. If you watch "The Great Race" on TV you can see that even when language issues do come into play that the folks still are able to get where they need to go. English is a universal language throughout the world.

You will not be able to book air until about 300 days out ... give or take a few days. So when that time comes, search for fares. You'll likely find it much cheaper.

Now, going a day early (recommended) will require an overnight hotel stay. It could be that HAL's contracted hotel rate will be so much less than what you would pay as an individual that it more than makes up for the higher cost of their air component.

Bottom line? Weigh your options and don't be afraid of going it on your own.

[DDawson]

While I have never traveled solo for a cruise, I have traveled solo for other reasons. Once you get a little feedback, I think you need to look within yourself for some of these answers. It all depends on your personality and how adventurous you are.

It also depends on where you are traveling in Europe. We have done a Scandinavian cruise and also Mediterranean. We never encountered a language barrier in any of these cities that could not be overcome by a little gesturing. If you are traveling to smaller towns then this might not be the case.

I would suggest doing some pricing homework before making any decisions. First select your trip and find out the prices from the cruise line for air, hotel and transfers. Then go shopping!!! Look on the internet, check with a travel agent, call the airlines direct. Find the best deal out there. Then you can compare with what the ship is charging. If you save $150 by going on your own, you might decide it's worth it to go with the cruise line. If you save $1500 by going on your own, you might decide independent travel could be fun.

Also, most airlines allow an open jaw leg and this usually is not a problem. Tell them you will be on a cruise. When we went to French Polynesia about 6 years ago, we saved enough money by doing our own air (even open jaw) that we could afford to arrive a few days early and spring for a wonderful over the water bungalow.

I guess the bottom line is you. If you enjoy researching a trip, then independent travel might be fun and rewarding. If you would rather just sit back and let someone else plan everything, then going with the cruise line might be more enjoyable.

[jhannah]

We never encountered a language barrier in any of these cities that could not be overcome by a little gesturing. Yeah. We saw a lot of that in Italy! ;)

[elmorejj]

Hi Roz, haven`t seen you on the boards lately. Which ship are you sailing in Dec?.........jean :cool:

[Roz]

Hi Jean. Hope you and your DH made it thru the long Ohio winter. I'm on the Veendam Dec. 10-20 to the Eastern Caribbean. Same ports as the Zaandam E. Caribbean last December, plus San Juan and St. Maarten. I decided 7 days wasn't enough so I'm going for 10 days. I considered the 14-day on the Veendam that leaves Nov. 26, but wasn't sure about leaving job, home, and pets for that long. Lots of folks here at CC are on that one.

Roz

[Roz]

Thanks for all of your responses. You gave me lots of things to think about. Needless to say, I don't have to make up my mind just yet! HAL has some really interesting itineraries in 2006. I was just looking at one on the Rotterdam that includes Romania and Bulgaria. Not your usual European ports.

Marie, yes, please keep me in mind as your cruise planning progresses.

Jim, being half Italian, I'm familiar with "hand gestures", both here and in Europe. :D

Roz

[TedC]

We usually do our own air and hotel in Europe. We often save a little money but most importantly we know what airlines we're on and the schedule, and we have a chance to upgrade to business or first class with FF miles.


It's vital, IMO, to arrive at your port city at least one day early - and preferably two or more days early. It gives you a chance to rest up, explore the port city, and have the peace of mind that if there're weather or mechanical delays you have a day or two cushion to make the ship.

Sometimes, when you have all the figures, HAL air and hotel may work out better. And HAL has some obligation to get you to the ship (and transfers are included).

The Med and the Baltic our some of our favorite cruising areas; I'm sure you will love any European cruise.

[FlorenceItaly]

I will definitely keep you posted. We would love to have you along. The more the merrier :).

Marie

[Stevesan]

Thanks for all of your responses. You gave me lots of things to think about. Needless to say, I don't have to make up my mind just yet! HAL has some really interesting itineraries in 2006. I was just looking at one on the Rotterdam that includes Romania and Bulgaria. Not your usual European ports.
Roz

Roz, booking air thru the cruise line may be priced more than direct booking, but remember that the cruise line provides transfers as a part of the air fare. Transfers in Europe can be very expensive. We don't have a problem with cruise line flight schedules because of our home location which has frequent flights to Europe. We usually are assigned the most direct flights. You can ask the cruise line for an air deviation which may allow you to select your own flights at minimal cost. HAL quoted us $75 p/p for Europe air deviations just this year.

HAL air includes a representative to meet you at the airport, usually at luggage claim. The "hand holding" can be very comforting in foreign ports when you don't know your way around.

Also, it's reassuring to know that if you book air thru the cruise line they are responsible for getting you and your luggage to the cruise ship, at their expense.

[TedC]

Keep in mind that with the $75 deviation fee pp, you also have to pay any difference if the flights and schedules you want cost the cruise line more than it would have spent without the deviation.

[Classynfun1]

Roz, I'm doing a b2b in the Med. from May 29th til June 20th on the Rotterdam. I'm cruising solo AND I booked the airfare (from DFW to Venice and return from London to DFW) and hotel myself. It saved me about $450 which I can put directly to shore excursions and I feel great about my plan. Then again, it could be my 26 year old's sense of adventure that I still have!

Either way, check in with my in June and I'd be happy to let you know how it goes!

[cusyl]

Would love to do a Med. cruise but the schedules and prices arent out yet.

[RuthC]

Roz, I know what it's like to be a woman traveling alone, and can give you my experience.

When I sailed from Copenhagen to NYC I booked my own air, went a day early, but booked the HAL hotel pre-cruise. I'm sure the hotel was more expensive, but that way I had all the transfers airport/hotel/ship included.

It was very nice after a long day and an all-night flight to be met by the friendly HAL representative in the red blazer, have my luggage taken care of and be directed to the bus. I could just collapse and know that all was well. On the bus (I managed to stay awake) I could start to get to know my ship-mates, and maybe find someone to have dinner with.

Hope you find the cruise of your dreams (and that this helped.)

[Roz]

Ruth,

Your experience echoes the one I had in Vancouver when I did HAL air/hotel/transfer. When you're tired, hot, and sweaty, there's nothing like letting someone else do all the thinking. Like you, I met fellow cruisers before we boarded by using the HAL hotel and bus transfers.

Question for you...how were you able to use the services of the HAL rep when you booked your own air and flew in a day early? I assume they had to bring in passengers a day early that booked air thru them. Details, please. :)

When I flew to Vancouver, I paid for an air deviation because I wanted assurance I'd get there a day ahead. Regular HAL air let me open to the possibility of flying in the day of the cruise :( . I ran into a HAL rep by chance; he was at the airport to meet passengers on a ship sailing that same day. He graciously directed to the hotel's free shuttle service. Since I was "deviating", my expectation was to have to go it alone.

So if I understand you correctly, you can book your own air, but be met by a "greeter" and taken to your HAL hotel?

Roz

P.S. Thanks to everyone who posted with ideas, suggestions, etc. That's what makes this board so cool. :cool:

[dakrewser]

There's three things involved, Roz - the flight, the hotel and the airport transfer. You can purchase any one, any two or all three thru HAL. Ruth is saying that she booked her own air but got the pre-cruise hotel and airport transfers from HAL. Most cruise lines offer these same services.

[Roz]

Thanks for your response. Maybe I didn't state my question clearly, so I'll try again. ;)

If I purchased my own air, and arrived a day ahead, why would HAL have greeters at the airport? Would they be there because HAL was flying people in a day ahead of time? Wouldn't their presence be a function of when "their people" were arriving?

Am I making myself clear? Probably not! :D

Roz

[dakrewser]

Thanks for your response. Maybe I didn't state my question clearly, so I'll try again. ;)

If I purchased my own air, and arrived a day ahead, why would HAL have greeters at the airport? Would they be there because HAL was flying people in a day ahead of time? Wouldn't their presence be a function of when "their people" were arriving?

Am I making myself clear? Probably not! :D

Roz

It would depend on a number of factors, so the greeters wouldn't always be there if you only purchase the transfers. But if you choose the pre-cruise hotel package, then someone will be there to greet you.

[RuthC]

Roz, I believe Dave has "got it": purchasing the pre-cruise hotel also purchased the transfer w/meet and greet.

There was a huge group of women arriving at the baggage-claim area about the same time I was; they were from Seattle---I think a different flight. We all spotted the red blazer about the same time. I was more than a bit surprised that he had my name on his list. But he did.
He directed me to the correct carousel and sent someone to take charge of my bags as soon as I pointed them out. Then I waited at a specific point until he was ready to lead us to the waiting bus.

Solo travelers will understand this: I could head to the washroom without toting all those bags, or worrying about their safety. All by itself that's worth a few bucks of extra pre-cruise hotel expense.

[Roz]

Now I understand...makes sense. Boy can I relate to needing to use "the facilities" and having to tote 1 or 2 suitcases, a carry-on, and a purse! :D

Having had a good experience with using HAL in the past (and it sounds like you did, Ruth), I may opt to do their hotel and transfers and then air on my own. It's all going to depend on what itinerary I choose and whether we come back to the same port we embark from. Sometimes you can do better on the open jaws using the cruise line's air.

Thanks again for all your great advice.

Roz

[Bill S]

Roz: imo, it depends on how adventurous you are and if you want to save a few bucks by doing the pre-cruise on your own.

The first time we took a cruise from Europe, we went with HAL's pre-cruise package, including air and hotel: 5-days split between Paris and London. That was in 2001 and the air fare difference was not significant for us then. It was very nice, never having been to France before, to have a gentleman meet us at the airport and to collect our luggage and take us directly to our hotel-hassle and delay-free! We had a great time and the following morning we had a breakfast with all the other cruisers who had opted for the pre-cruise package. We had organized tours and also time on our own in both Paris and London--it was great.

Since then, we have opted to book our own air and hotels for pre-cruise days, because in large part what we have learned from Cruise Critic and Rick Steves' books. This summer we are taking a HAL Baltic cruise out of Amsterdam and we have taken care of all our air and hotel arrangements. I know we have saved a lot on air fare, but not sure about the hotels yet-yikes they are expensive!

Hope this helps you some!

[Pereiras]

Not sure how Europe works, but HOL came back with our air a day before, and a day after.. and told us we had to pay for the rooms ourselves.. and referred us to some documentation which allows them to do that..

Make sure you check the fine print.

[RuthC]

Not sure how Europe works, but HOL came back with our air a day before, and a day after.. and told us we had to pay for the rooms ourselves..
That would be correct. If you fly in to the embarkation city in advance the hotel bill is yours.
Of course, heading east-bound, dealing with jet-lag, flying over-night when you head to Europe, and giving your luggage a chance to catch up if necessary are only some of the many good reasons to go in advance of sailing day.

[jbailey]

I am a 61 year old woman who almost always travels solo, both for business and pleasure, and loves it! In 2003, I flew to London, spent 12 days traveling in England including 5 days driving on the wrong side of the road and then returned via Southampton and the QE2. That ship attracts many single older women because it does have single cabins, by the way.

People were incredibly kind and helpful at all times. I found terrific small hotels and decided that the best food in England is found in hotels not frequented by Americans, except me, of course.

If you want to find your own airfare, you might want to consider using British Air. They have a category which is one step up from coach which costs about $300 more per round trip but gives you a large seat similar to domestic first class. It reclines more and has a foot rest, leg rest, adjustable head rest, and adjustable lumbar support. You get better food and service, also. For me, it is well worth the money.

Also, consider traveling as light as possible. I took only an expandable 24" suitcase and a small carryon. I did bring a small foldable second carryon case for purchases. (My luggage included two formal outfits for shipboard.) Plan on doing laundry every 5 days and you should be fine.

It is quite easy to use cabs from airports to hotels and to docks in almost any port city.

And finally, make sure you arrive at least one day in advance to give the airlines time to find your luggage in case they lose it.

[Roz]

Pereiras,

That's always been my understanding, and I believe it's in the contract, that if the airline schedules are such that it requires an overnight stay, the passenger pays for the hotel. At least that's the way my TA explained it.

Ruth,

I live in a state split between 2 time zones, and I get jet lag on business trips where I drive into the other time zone and have to move my watch up an hour and then back again! :D I found my trips to Alaska to be every bit as exhausting as dealing with European jet lag.

Roz