Wondering about upgrading at the pier for a fee??? Any feedback, is it done?

[FlorenceItaly]

I notice there are still rooms available on my sailing next Saturday. I would love to be able to contact my TA at bpc's but I am fairly confident she will be of no help, and don't want the added frustration at this point. Actually, she should be commended because I now have realized the value of a good, live TA, and will be using my new TA from now on, but it's too late for this one. I appreciate your feedback.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England
RCI - Mariner of the Seas,
Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)
RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas
October 2004


RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005
Celebrity Mercury, April 2005
Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005
(CC Group Cruise)

[cruise freak]

We were in a Cat S and our friend was in a Cat A. Upon boarding we went to the Neptune and asked about him upgrading to an S. They did have one available and he paid quite a bit to upgrade but really enjoyed it. The suite he got had been occupied by some one on the staff and they vacated when he purchased that cabin. Good luck as it never hurts to ask but expect to pay the going rate.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;02;28;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500  Till the Big Z
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;12;05;21;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800  Till Infinity and Beyond

[PoohUnderstands]

It is very common to see at check-in a sign that is apologizing for being a fully booked sailing and that there would be no upgrades available(this is my luck on all my HA cruises); anyway, therefore it makes sense that if you don't see that sign on check-in, make sure to ask then and there if you are interested.

[ekerr19]

Marie-

On our 4/3 Maasdam sailing there were still a number of Suites left a few days before sailing too. I asked at the pier, they said they were all sold out. I guess alot of people booked at the last minute... You can always ask - I've heard you can get a good deal on one if the are available, but I've also heard people paying the going rate.

Noordam 1984
Veendam 1999
Amsterdam 2000
Noordam 2001
Statendam 2001
Noordam 2002
Zuiderdam 2003
Maasdam 2004.
Noordam 2004

[iluvcruzin]

Can I ask a question?

Why would someone wait and buy an upgrade at the ship? Why not just get the cabin they want from the get-go? I would think it's not saving any $ as there's always promotions on most cruiselines.

Maureen

MS Maasdam 10/30/2004
Princess Sun 2/27/2005
Mariner of the Seas 10/16/2005

[FlorenceItaly]

Maureen - I understand your question. I booked an inside guarantee which I am VERY happy with. In retrospect, I probably should have booked the outside, as it was just a little more(at the time but not now), but since I am traveling solo, was just trying to cut expenses.

My only reason for possibly thinking I would prefer an outside is I am afraid I might oversleep in the morning.

Although, I am leaning towards keeping my inside and not even pursuing an upgrade since I do like the location...it is very forward, BUT, near the laundry room which is a plus. I have never been this far forward, but don't anticipate any problems and do like the thought of being near the laundry room should I need it.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England
RCI - Mariner of the Seas,
Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)
RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas
October 2004


RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005
Celebrity Mercury, April 2005
Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005
(CC Group Cruise)

[Bill S]

Maureen-I think I have one explanation: a couple of times we have booked a cabin that isn't the category we really wanted because that category is already sold out. Things do change-people do cancel bookings. So, in two instances we have been able to pay for an upgrade at the last minute to get the category we really wanted in the beginning. But, I do agree with you and we try book the category and cabin we want, from the get-go, if it is available!

Bill S
-------

[hotspur]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ExaltHim:
My only reason for possibly thinking I would prefer an outside is I am afraid I might oversleep in the morning.

Marie
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Not to worry, Marie. Dial 58 on your phone and then key in the time you want to be awakened (e.g., 0715 for 7:15) and you won't ever miss breakfast.

The inside cabins on Maasdam are only slightly smaller than outside, have three closets instead of four, and have a shower instead of a small tub-and-shower. Else only the absence of a window makes the inside cabin different. I'd stick with the inside and spend the difference on tours, lobsters, etc.

[lknick]

If the category is sold out, wait list for that category. If the category opens, you can either accept or reject the offer, which may or may not be less. In my case, one day before sailing, it was considerably less and all I lost was the name on the 'personalized stationery' was not mine.

40 cruises: mainly Cunard, Carnival, HAL, NCL, RCI, Starclipper, Seabourn. ~511 days total, ~325 on HAL

[FlorenceItaly]

Thanks for all the great info. Perhaps if I had a different TA for this cruise, I would pursue it further, but will stay put where I am at and dial 58 http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif. I got such a fantastic rate on this cruise, especially sailing solo, I feel like I should be sleeping in the public spaces, LOL.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England
RCI - Mariner of the Seas,
Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)
RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas
October 2004


RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005
Celebrity Mercury, April 2005
Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005
(CC Group Cruise)

[Lynn&Wayne]

I just returned from a Med. cruise on the Prinsendam. We had booked a AA category room, and the day before we left, were upgraded to a SS cagetory suite. In talking to other passengers, HAL upgraded a lot of people at the last minute. Cross you fingers, maybe you'll be upgraded.

Lynn & Wayne

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;5;17;17;0;00&timezone=GMT+0000
Prinsendam May 17 - Can Hardly Wait!

[FlorenceItaly]

Lynn&Wayne - just curious, were you showing a assigned room number before your upgrade occured? Thanks.

Actually, I am very happy with my location, but am curious about your situation. Thanks for posting.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England
RCI - Mariner of the Seas,
Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)
RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas
October 2004


RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005
Celebrity Mercury, April 2005
Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005
(CC Group Cruise)

[F5Loar]

I've never understood the reason behind charging regular book rate for an upgrade at the pier. First off why would anyone be so stupid as to pay book rate for an upgrade and why does HAL think they should get it? At this point at the pier I would think any extra they can get would be better than nothing. Like the 5 fast pennies instead of one slow nickel theory. You are more likely to go for a great deal than full price last minute decision. If the rooms are empty at that point it's pretty likely they will remain empty. They should treat Mariners with more repect than full rate at the pier.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2003;07;19;13;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Till we sail on the Zuiderdam

Til we sail on the Mariner of The Seas RCL
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2004;3;7;12;01;00&timezone=GMT-0500
until we sail on the Disney Wonder
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2003;10;09;12;01;00&timezone=GMT-0500
til we sail the ms Maasdam
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2004;05;29;11;30;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[FlorenceItaly]

I agree F5Loar. You'll love this....on our cruise in November, my husband and I wanted to PAY to be upgraded to first class, and they would not let us!! The agent said we didn't have the right class of ticket. We were willing to PAY, there was room, and they turned us down..turned away $$. And, they wonder why the airlines are losing $$$.

On the prior leg, we had been ugraded to first class for nothing, but as I said, we weren't even asking to be ugraded for free, we wanted to pay, and no go! LOL.

On a more pleasant note, just checked the forecast and it looks like I should have pretty good weather next week on the New England route. Haven't checked Halifax, and Saint John yet.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England
RCI - Mariner of the Seas,
Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)
RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas
October 2004


RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005
Celebrity Mercury, April 2005
Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005
(CC Group Cruise)

[jayjo]

Don't know if you are still around, Marie. I called Hal directly today to ask about upgrades at the pier, they told me that there were VERY few cabins left mostly inside. I think she said they had 2 ocean view and NO balconies. Sorry I have been absent... I have been out straight with no time. Hope we can meet....
Becki

[FlorenceItaly]

Thanks, for the information Becki. Would love to meet you too. I leave Friday a.m.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England
RCI - Mariner of the Seas,
Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)
RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas
October 2004


RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005
Celebrity Mercury, April 2005
Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005
(CC Group Cruise)

[jayjo]

Oh, somewhere in posts I got the impression that you were leaving earlier. My documents are pier pick ups. I have never done that before... lots of new experiences. I plan to be at the pier at 11:30. I want to enjoy the ship as much as I possibly can. We live about 40 minutes away from the pier so as long as I actually get packing done, I will have a very easy morning. What are your plans for Boston?

[FlorenceItaly]

Hi Becki - I am staying one day pre-cruise, and one day post-cruise. I get into Boston around 1:30, staying at the Hyatt Regency in the Financial District for my precruise...I'll be doing tourist stuff, LOL. My plan is to also get to the pier around 11:30. Email me and I will give you my room number, just don't feel comfortable posting it on the boards since I am soloing it.

Marie
ExaltingHim@cox.net

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England
RCI - Mariner of the Seas,
Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)
RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas
October 2004


RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005
Celebrity Mercury, April 2005
Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005
(CC Group Cruise)

[F5Loar]

Exhalthim: Were you able to get the $40 per night fee at the Hyatt that weekend?
Parking the car was $26 per night.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2003;07;19;13;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Till we sail on the Zuiderdam

Til we sail on the Mariner of The Seas RCL
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2004;3;7;12;01;00&timezone=GMT-0500
until we sail on the Disney Wonder
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2003;10;09;12;01;00&timezone=GMT-0500
til we sail the ms Maasdam
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2004;05;29;11;30;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[FlorenceItaly]

F5Loar - I am paying $45 through priceline(Friday, the 18th). I am sure I could have gotten it for $40, but am thrilled with $45, it was my first bid. I am flying in.

Post Cruise I am staying at the Omni Parker House. I booked it through Orbitz.

Both hotels I called ahead and asked for early check in and they said they would do there best to accomodate me.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England
RCI - Mariner of the Seas,
Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)
RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas
October 2004


RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005
Celebrity Mercury, April 2005
Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005
(CC Group Cruise)

[FlorenceItaly]

F5Loar - Yes, I am staying at the Hyatt(through priceline) for $45. I bid $45, but probably could have gotten it for $40, but I am thrilled(Friday, June 18).

Post cruise I am staying at the Omni Parker House. I heard Saturday check in's were difficult in Boston through priceline, and wanted to have more control over where I stayed. I booked early, and got a very good rate.

I called both hotels and requested early check-in and both said they would try to accomodate me.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England
RCI - Mariner of the Seas,
Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)
RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas
October 2004


RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005
Celebrity Mercury, April 2005
Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005
(CC Group Cruise)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Marie, Have a Great Cruise!! Hope the weather is also very good.
I would love to someday do that cruise we have never been to that part of the U.S.

Lisa L

Monarch of the Seas-March 2002 West. Carib.
MS Zuiderdam-April 2003 East.Carib.
Monarch of the Seas-December 2003 Baja Mexico
MS Oosterdam-May 2004 Alaska

Till we set sail on the MS Ryndam-Sea of Cortez-November 2004
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;11;13;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800<center>

Till We set sail on the MS Westerdam-Western Caribbean March 2005
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2005;03;13;13;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800<center>

href="http://www.escati.com/counter98/free_time_codes.htm">
http://escati.linkopp.net/logos/time98.gif</center>

[FlorenceItaly]

Thanks, Lisa. I have never been to that part of the U.S. either, or any canadian provinces, so I am thrilled. I have a feeling this is going to be the first of many, LOL. After this, I will surely have to go during fall foliage sometime, LOL.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England
RCI - Mariner of the Seas,
Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)
RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas
October 2004


RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005
Celebrity Mercury, April 2005
Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005
(CC Group Cruise)

[FlorenceItaly]

Sorry for the double post. The system told me the first post didn't go through, and no it's been more than 30 minutes http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England
RCI - Mariner of the Seas,
Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)
RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas
October 2004


RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005
Celebrity Mercury, April 2005
Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005
(CC Group Cruise)