Marriott

[Spender Nui]

Has anyone used Marriott points to take a Holland America (or any other line for that matter) cruise? If you have what are the details?

[ssimba95]

We just booked a cruise using Marriott points. This was our first time doing this and it was pretty easy. On the Marriott Rewards site it explains what type of cruises are available (such as 7 day Alaska, etc)and the number of points needed. Then you call the special Holland America rewards phone number. If the room catagory you choose is different than it states in Marriott rewards (or not available ) you pay the difference to upgrade. Then you send your Marriott certificate to Holland America. Hope this helps. It is hard to tell how much your upgrade will cost, but the Holland America people will let you know even if you are just thinking about booking. Paula

[sammiedawg]

We did Alaska a few years ago on points. Not the best value but we had lots to get rid of, fearing another devaluation. very easy to book, we called the 1800 # on the web site. One glitch I didnt expect, we had to pay applicable taxes and maybe the port fees, cant remember. We enjoyed the cruise

[Spender Nui]

Thanks for the interesting information. How far did you explore the possibility of upgrading? We'd like to move up to at least a verandah cabin. Everything considered, from what you've said it's too big a deal. Do I understand that taxes & port are above and beyond? I have all these points and need to do something.

[iceman93]

I've done this twice (Alaska and Baltic), and thought the process almost couldn't be smoother. Ssimba explained it perfectly. The upgrade prices are VERY reasonable, as are the taxes and port fees. If you've got hundreds of thousands of Marriott points burning a hole in your pocket, this can be a very good use of them.

[cstrick]

We did an Alaska cruise with points last year. Used Marriot points for the cruise and the pre and post hotels and Delta points for the airfare. It was very easy and we paid for an upgrade to an S suite. Next year we are paying for our cruise and it hasn't been anywhere near as easy. Use your points and enjoy your cruise.:)

[ssimba95]

Holland America quotes you the cruise price then adds the port charges and taxes to that. Such as a cabin on their website might be $2500 then they add the taxes. That 2500 includes the port fees I believe. So when you upgrade (after using the Marriott Rewards Certificate) they quote you let's say $640 for the cruise, then add the port fee (lets say $220) then add the tax (let's say $41). Works something like that. I had my booking with an upgrade after talking to them for about ten minutes. Thought they were great.

[iceman93]

I had my booking with an upgrade after talking to them for about ten minutes. Thought they were great.

Yup, I agree. All I can think is that Marriott must pay HAL quite handsomely, because the HAL reps always seem eager to work with these bookings.

[Spender Nui]

Holland America quotes you the cruise price then adds the port charges and taxes to that. Such as a cabin on their website might be $2500 then they add the taxes. That 2500 includes the port fees I believe. So when you upgrade (after using the Marriott Rewards Certificate) they quote you let's say $640 for the cruise, then add the port fee (lets say $220) then add the tax (let's say $41). Works something like that. I had my booking with an upgrade after talking to them for about ten minutes. Thought they were great.

Thanks for your response...but I need to check my math. Assuming we're talking about a 10 day cruise. Am I correct that in addition to my 265,000 points I am charged ($640+$220+$41) $901 per person? And what does this upgrade me to? Is this a verandah or an S suite?

Again thanks to all for their input.

[sammiedawg]

We didnt seek to pay for an upgrade but got a couple category bump just before sailing, still an outside cabin on the Zaandam in mid July Alaska. I followed prices and the sailing didnt go below $1250/pp on discount web sites for outside cabin. An OK use of points, we've seen Marriott devalue the point system a few times over the years .Zaandam was a lovely smaller ship, an easy walk to sit outside on the promenade deck. We had done balcony in Alaska on other sailings. HAL customer service was exceptionally nice to work with, no problems of any kind

[Spender Nui]

We've sailed the Zaandam too and agree it's a nice ship (aren't they all?). At this stage I think my wife would think/wish/do bad things to me if she didn't have at least a verandah.