Impressed with HAL's customer service....

[jodster]

I don't sail on my first HAL cruise until January of 2007 but I have to say I am really impressed with the customer service in the excursion department.

After all the talk lately about HMC cabanas I thought I would suprise my DH with one. They hadn't been released for my sailing yet so I couldn't book on-line. I called the excursion department on Monday and the nice lady I spoke to took all my information and said as soon as they released the cabanas she would secure the one I requested and send me a confirmation.

I have to admit that I really didn't believe it would happen, but sure enough I got my confirmation e-mail from HAL today stating the cabana I wanted was mine!

Way to go HAL!

[Frogs]

Congratulations! That's pretty impressive after all if the negative feedback I have heard about HAL customer service lately!

Enjoy your cabana! Cruise Critic really does help doesn't it! It's thanks to CC we got our cabana as well!

Blessings!

[earl_m]

I have been on four HAL cruises and my fifth cruise nov12 on
the westerdam. I have never been disappointed with the service.
They have been also so polite and they go out of there way to help you.
There is always a smile and a hello from them.





westerdam eastern nov 12 20006

[MeOhMy]

I/m not. I have been trying for days to register my immigration information via their web site. No go. I even tried in the middle of the night. Customer service extends to having that thing up and running and from reading other posts, it has not been stable for some time now.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Congratulations on getting the cabana that you wanted. Glad to hear that you had a good experience with customer service.

[debjo]

For jodster...
I'm so happy for you, and glad you had a good experience with customer service. My "story" is similar to yours...I've been trying to secure a cabana since last November (2005) with no avail. I spent 1 1/2 hours on the phone "waiting" for the Shore Excursion Desk this past Monday too! The representative I spoke to (whom I'd had many previous conversations with) remembered me and, although she couldn't "book" my cabana at that point, she DID take my name, phone number, & email address and told me she would contact me when the Cabana bookings opened up.

Well, thanks to these Cruise Critic boards, I learned on Monday night that I could book my cabana "on-line", which I did! Once I received my email confirmation, I let out a BIG CHEER in the wee hours of Tuesday morning before going to bed!

I haven't yet received a phone call or email from HAL stating that I could "now" reserve my cabana. Did that "not" happen because I'd already secured one "on-line" and the representative noticed that???? I'll never know! The GOOD NEWS is, I've got that little bit of real estate secured on Half Moon Cay for our day in paradise...now I am just praying that we'll be able to "tender" to the island!

Debjo

[Mack704]

I'm a little confused. DW and I have been on several cruises -- RC, Carnival, and Celebrity. This coming October 17, we're taking our 1st HAL cruise - the Maasdam, 11 day So. Caribbean. One of the Island stops is Half Moon Cay. Is that where one books a cabana? What exactly is a cabana and why would one want to book it? Is it part of an excursion? It it it's own excursion? Sorry to appear so ignorant. Please enlighten me. Thanks!

Harvey

[jhannah]

Good deal. I'm glad they were responsive to your request.

[jodster]

Harvey,

I am not an expert but I will give as much information that I can......if any of the information that I have given is incorrect, someone please jump in.

Yes, they are listed under Half Moon Cay Excursions. You can book a cabana on HAL's website under booking excursions or you can also call their excursion department like I did. They go really fast.

I can't remember how many cabana's there actually are (I'll guess and say 10 to 12) but they are small wooden structures that have three sides, thatched roof and a deck that opens onto the beach/ocean. So you can basically be in the shade or out on the sun deck. If you do a search or read some other threads on cabana's others have posted pictures. The cabana's have their own table/4 chairs, loungers, AC, small refrig and a outdoor shower. The cost is $219 and you can have up to 4 people share it. Included in the cost is chips/salsa, veggie's/dip, water/soft drinks and fruit. You also get snorkel equipement, floating mats and priority tendering to the cay.

I rented one as a surprise for my husband and I thought it was a little slice of luxury. I'm sure there are many other reasons why other's rent them.

Sorry this is so long......I hope this helps.

jhannah - the customer service rep that I spoke with was so nice and was very patient in answering all my questions. I know people would say that it is her job, but I still felt that she made sure to take care of my request. I can't wait to go on our first HAL cruise.

[Mack704]

Thanks, Jodi. After posting my questions about cabanas, it occured to me I might be able to get some info on HAL's web site. So I went there and to the excursion page of HMC, and there it was. However, one more question arose. The "Private Cabana Package" is listed 7 times, with 7 different color designations -- i.e. purple, orange, turquoise, etc. Is there any significance to the colors -- maybe location?

That is very sweet of you to surprise your husband with the booking. I guess they're hard to score, since there's a limited number. I guess you and others feel the $219.00 is worth it. Are there umbrellas and chairs to use and/or rent on the same beach? And a snack bar or HAL provided snacks or lunch even on HMC? I thought I read somewhere they give you lunch there.

An opinion from me about HAL or any customer service: Just because a person is a customer service rep, they do not automatically give good service. Kudos to HAL and the rep that helped you, Jodi.

Harvey

[jodster]

Hi Harvey,

It could mean that there are 7 cabana's left to rent since you do rent them by color. They are located all down the beach in a row. Some are more private (further down the beach) while others are closer to say the restroom.

I've never rented one before so it should be interesting to see if I think it was worth the money. I have never been to Half Moon Cay so I don't know if there are table and umbrellas. I would assume so. I know that you can rent "Clamshells" for some protection from the sun. HAL provides a full picnic lunch.

I totally agree with your last statement. Hope this helps.

[FoxyTerrier]

I/m not. I have been trying for days to register my immigration information via their web site. No go. I even tried in the middle of the night. Customer service extends to having that thing up and running and from reading other posts, it has not been stable for some time now.

MeOhMy, What kind of problems are you having. I recently entered my data, but have not printed it yet. The instructions said once you print it you can not make any changes and I wanted to have a chance to review it making sure there were no errors.

I have done this and am now ready to print.

I believe all you need is the booking number and last name to get started.

If the problem is at the printing stage maybe I just haven't encountered it yet.

Can you give us more details of exactly what is happening?

[nanashirl]

You can make corrections and print as many times as you want. I have printed mine to see if room had been assigned. Never had a problem printing it.

[cruznon]

Congrats on getting a cabana! It is a great experience. We had the turquoise one It's aterrific location--close to restrooms and a short walk up to BBQ area. I do think one of the cabanas further down the beach would be pleasant also--more private--fewer people--but quite a walk.
We loved being able to get out of the sun and the cool air conditioning PLUS the shower on your front porch to rinse off the saltwater and to cool down. What a beautiful palce and a wonderful day!!
HMC is an incredible place. You'll love your cabana experiences.

[jodster]

Cruznon,

I think out of all the ports we are going to visit I am most excited about HMC.

I just hope the sea cooperates so we can tender ashore. I have cruised on Princess on several occasions and have yet to get to their cay. It's too bad that either cruiseline doesn't have a dock like Disney.