Questions to Clarify

[AlohaPride]

Ok, sooooo....on with the TA saga,

Before this whole cancel/re-book to get the $400 back, I had made and paid for dinner for 2 in the Pinnacle Grill. When I made my reservations, I was told by HAL Ship Services that the Pinnacle would be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (which I understand as it's a holiday and all). I made our reservations for 8:30 pm the night of December 23.

Also, I purchased a Christmas Gift for my DH through HAL services using the order form (http://www.hollandamerica.com/onboard/gifts.do) and in that spot on the form that askes when I would like it delivered I requested 8:30 in the Pinnacle Grill.

NOW, my TA is telling me that the Pinnacle Grill will be closed for the Holiday on the 23,24,25,AND 26 (4 out of our 11 night cruise). She is also telling me that even though I received a confirmation for our reservations on the 23rd that HAL had it in my account for reservations on the 16th (the night we sail). To make things worse, apparantly, you can't request that gifts be delivered at a specific place/time that there will be a "Gift Card" in our cabin when we embark and I can turn it in for the gift.

I'm completely lost and would appreciate ANY clarification regarding these matters....:confused:

[grannynurse]

Unfortunately Mary, Communication between Seattle and the fleet is not HAL's strong suit. Any problems we've had has resulted from lousy communication, even when requests were made a year in advance. We even got a caribbean themed gift on a north atlantic cruise (without a card to let us know who sent it).
I've never heard of the Pinnacle being closed during a holiday cruise, how strange! Maybe it hasn't been used much by pax on holidays lately so they're trying something new?
Why don't you try to arrange something privately with the Pinnacle maitre' D or the HM for delivery of a special gift. Do this in person after you're on board and have gift card in hand. I know that they'll accomodate you, and you know how to network! Very seldom has anyone on HAL told us "NO", they've always bent over backwards to try to please. Just do it in person with your lovely smile.
GN

[AlohaPride]

Unfortunately Mary, Communication between Seattle and the fleet is not HAL's strong suit. Any problems we've had has resulted from lousy communication, even when requests were made a year in advance. We even got a caribbean themed gift on a north atlantic cruise (without a card to let us know who sent it).
I've never heard of the Pinnacle being closed during a holiday cruise, how strange! Maybe it hasn't been used much by pax on holidays lately so they're trying something new?
Why don't you try to arrange something privately with the Pinnacle maitre' D or the HM for delivery of a special gift. Do this in person after you're on board and have gift card in hand. I know that they'll accomodate you, and you know how to network! Very seldom has anyone on HAL told us "NO", they've always bent over backwards to try to please. Just do it in person with your lovely smile.
GN

I knew you'd answer, GN! Thank you! You've always been such a steady, calm, and informative guide for me.

I will definately take your advise. I know my DH isn't the most observant, so maybe I'll be able to get the gift card before he sees it ;) and then work it out that way. Thanks!

[Cruiseoften]

Hi AlohaPride: It's disappointing that the Pinnacle will be closed over Christmas but, having been on several Holiday Cruises I can understand why - HALmakes a big deal of Christmas and there all sorts of special things planned. With cutbacks in staff etc. I guess something has to go.
If you'd planned on having others join you, why not have a small pre-dinner cocktail party in your cabin - you don't have to be in a suite! I know, we've done it!

To make things worse, apparantly, you can't request that gifts be delivered at a specific place/time that there will be a "Gift Card" in our cabin when we embark and I can turn it in for the gift.

That's understandable too......Much depends on the gift you chose.
For Wine for example, you can choose "In cabin" "At Dinner on DATE" or "At Discretion (or words to that effect). My suggestion, why not send the Birthday Boy, on his special day, off to wherever it says to go ".....maybe you can find out what this is all about, dear. I'd like to let my fingernails dry properly..." - you can think of something I'm sure :D

[twoatsea]

[quote=AlohaPride] "When I made my reservations, I was told by HAL Ship Services that the Pinnacle would be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. NOW, my TA is telling me that the Pinnacle Grill will be closed for the Holiday on the 23,24,25,AND 26 (4 out of our 11 night cruise). She is also telling me that even though I received a confirmation for our reservations on the 23rd that HAL had it in my account for reservations on the 16th (the night we sail). To make things worse, apparantly, you can't request that gifts be delivered at a specific place/time that there will be a "Gift Card" in our cabin when we embark and I can turn it in for the gift."

This is just my opinion & don't mean to doubt your TA, but I always double check everything. So, don't know if you did this or not, but I would call HAL Ship Services & confirm that the info your TA gave you is correct. Seems strange that HAL SS said 24th & 25th only. Wouldn't they have said all 4 dates? Also, do they really show you as the 16th? Curious.

While you are talking with them, you might ask for accurate info on having gifts delivered.

Good luck.

[AlohaPride]

[quote=AlohaPride] "When I made my reservations, I was told by HAL Ship Services that the Pinnacle would be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. NOW, my TA is telling me that the Pinnacle Grill will be closed for the Holiday on the 23,24,25,AND 26 (4 out of our 11 night cruise). She is also telling me that even though I received a confirmation for our reservations on the 23rd that HAL had it in my account for reservations on the 16th (the night we sail). To make things worse, apparantly, you can't request that gifts be delivered at a specific place/time that there will be a "Gift Card" in our cabin when we embark and I can turn it in for the gift."

This is just my opinion & don't mean to doubt your TA, but I always double check everything. So, don't know if you did this or not, but I would call HAL Ship Services & confirm that the info your TA gave you is correct. Seems strange that HAL SS said 24th & 25th only. Wouldn't they have said all 4 dates? Also, do they really show you as the 16th? Curious.

While you are talking with them, you might ask for accurate info on having gifts delivered.

Good luck.

I sent an email to ship services through the web site. Hopefully this way I will get in WRITING the policy and Pinnacle hours. Even though i already have in writing my reservation for the 23rd. Sheesh...I almost want to cancel everything, loose the TA, and start from scratch by "my lonesome." I do have vacation insurance, so I might actually be able to just cut my losses and start over....

But would that be worth loosing room 5065? It's mid-ship, and on the Starboard side (so we can see Lady Liberty as we leave NY)...Hmm

[twoatsea]

Oops, be careful & don't lose your money! I can't imagine the insurance would cover such an issue???

[grannynurse]

Hang in there Mary,
Things have a way of working themselves out. Okay we know your TA doesn't have both paddles in the water, is a few ants shy of a picnic etc, you definitely won't use her again.
Don't let all your fun and hard work go to waste. You've learned alot in a few short weeks, you're a pretty savvy first time cruiser right now.
You sound like a great organizer and people person, don't let the idiots trip you up by wearing you down with their stupidity. HAL is not good in communication. The things that appear to be big problems now CAN be handled onboard ship. If a Pinnacle dinner isn't in the cards, do a Pinnacle lunch on a sea day, or a romantic dinner for 2 from the dining room menu in your cabin. This should be fun not a hassle. Planning is part of the excitement of the cruise.... okay, deep breath
Stop micro-managing for a day or 2.
You're doing great,
GN

[AlohaPride]

Hang in there Mary,
Things have a way of working themselves out. Okay we know your TA doesn't have both paddles in the water, is a few ants shy of a picnic etc, you definitely won't use her again.
Don't let all your fun and hard work go to waste. You've learned alot in a few short weeks, you're a pretty savvy first time cruiser right now.
You sound like a great organizer and people person, don't let the idiots trip you up by wearing you down with their stupidity. HAL is not good in communication. The things that appear to be big problems now CAN be handled onboard ship. If a Pinnacle dinner isn't in the cards, do a Pinnacle lunch on a sea day, or a romantic dinner for 2 from the dining room menu in your cabin. This should be fun not a hassle. Planning is part of the excitement of the cruise.... okay, deep breath
Stop micro-managing for a day or 2.
You're doing great,
GN

LOL, Thanks! I really needed to hear/read that!! You are right :o

p.s. I did just take a deep breath :D