Hotel Managers Conference

[Barocl]

In June the HAL Hotel Managers had a conference in Vegas. One of the topics was suppose to be "Mariners Perks". Has anyone heard anything about the results from that conference. Take care.

[RedmondCruiser]

Most likely they decided on new items to take away. ie. raise laundry from $12 to $25 a bag. or charge a 400% mark up for liquor delivered to the cabin. or eliminate flambe in the dining room. or eliminate the HAL canvas bag. or eliminate hot hors d'oeuvres --- maybe restrict one glass per customer at the Mariner Party. or make the bronze - silver - gold and platinum medals smaller. --- or replace with a hearty hand shake.

Lets face it Caviar is long gone - and the cabin stewards now have 15 cabins to look after rather than 12. ---- Asst waiters now carry stacks of dinners that would make Arnold Swartneger sweat.

Moral or the Story --- you stretch the product too far and you loose the product that commands such loyal cliental. Most of us would gladly pay more to maintain the quality service and special treatment that HAL has been touted for.

Treat Loyal Mariners with some degree of respect rather than cater to the newbe ( ie. provide them with upgrades and leave the rest of us with none)

I just wish someone at HAL cared about their loyal customers rather than constantly show such disrespect. Looks like the meeting of the hotel managers has produced nothing but more of the same. Its really sad.

[Sea King]

Don't believe things are as dismal as all that

there have been changes over the years but overall IMO the level of service has been consistent and the comfort level of the ships has increased

HAL itineraries, however, have changed; more emphasis April-October on Europe and Alaska .. Carribean basically is now out until the fall

also think you're crediting the hotel managers with more power than they actually have

the cutbacks (and there have been some) don't come from the ship; they come from Seattle

likewise, hotel managers don't run the Mariners program ..

instead of focusing on the HMs, it is more important IMO to let Seattle and the Mariners Society know how you feel

the Hotel Managers are "high up" on board .. their bosses however are on the west coast

[Krazy Kruizers]

A couple of new things that we all now know that came out of that conference:
suite luncheon now only on cruises longer than 7 days - just effects some of us.

many reporting that hot appetizers are not being served in the longes on all ships - effects everyone.

[grandsix]

It is a smart move to review and revise Mariner benefits. Most of the other lines have enhanced their programs in recent years. HAL would be wise to do the same so they can be competitive.

[Sea King]

FYI: Hot appetizers have been eliminated

there was a thread by Mariner on that topic

discussion about a "rewards program" for Mariners should IMO be directed to the head of Mariners Society

don't know what other lines are doing since I sail on HAL almost exclusively

my worry is this: the frquent flyer programs have no many "ifs, ands or buts" that you have to be a lawyer to figure out when you can and when you can't use them:mad:

really wouldn't in favor of something similar to that:eek:

suppose the real question is: what do you want?

what would be your proposal(s) including rewards

as importantly, how would you determine who got what?

would you use #of days only?

what about number of cruises instead?

what about category of room booked?

what about a point system?

is it fair for Suite Passengers to receive the same benefits/rewards as someone who is in an inside cabin on A deck?

would like to see some responses

this is "sort of" off topic but ok by me:)

[sail7seas]

A couple of new things that we all now know that came out of that conference:
suite luncheon now only on cruises longer than 7 days - just effects some of us.

many reporting that hot appetizers are not being served in the longes on all ships - effects everyone.

KK.....

I'm not sure what ship has stopped Suite Lunch for cruises of only 7 days but, as you know, we just returned from Maasdam back-to-back.......each a seven day cruise.

On both cruises, there was Suite Lunch.

[sail7seas]

Why would HAL have to offer anything more than they presently do for Mariners. They have 5 million of us. On any given cruise, there are usually in the range of 70% or more Mariners aboard. They must be doing something right.

If people are consistently returning and are happy, why would they feel it necessary to provide other perks?

I remember being specifically asked what I thought of free Internet for Mariners with a certain number of days. My response: Personally, I'd love it. I buy an Internet package almost every cruise. BUT, I responded that while I would love it I hope they don't do it.

Sometimes the computers are so slow as it is. There isn't always one available. If they started giving free Internet, whoa........it would end up being worth little if it was excrutiatingly slow and some people sat for hours at a computer not freeing it for others to use.

I don't want to lug my laptop with me.

[jhannah]

I still think some sort of discount program would be wonderful. They could award one point per day of sailing. The airlines give you extra if you're in business/first class. A ship could do the same.
Inside - 1 point
Ocean View - 1.25
Verandah - 1.5
Superior - 1.75
Deluxe - 2
PH - 2.5

Or something like that. Then come up with a discount scale. For instance, once you accumulate 50 points you get a 5% discount on your next cruise above and beyond any and all other incentives offered. (Those points are then gone, and you start over.) With 75 points you get a 10% discount. And so forth. Something like that would provide a tangible benefit for all, and it would be commensurate with the dollars you've spent over time.

[Copper10-8]

Probably just me but I didn't know Mariners were being disrespected

[Copper10-8]

Sorry echo

[Bill S]

I had the honor and privilege of having dinner with Mr. James Deering, along with several other local CCers the week of that meeting. Mr. Deering is the HM on the Oosterdam and he is class gentleman all the way.

While he was able to share insights with us, he could not divulge everything about the conference. Suffice it to say, however, that at least he would like to see improvements in the Mariner program and my understanding was that enhancing the Mariner program was one of the agenda items. He did explain that any proposed improvement would have to be looked from a cost perspective and by giving us some examples of commonly suggested improvements, it became clear that implementing any given improvement would be thoroughly analyzed by the HAL "bean counters" amongst others.

I think most of us agree that the Mariner program could stand some improvements-- count me in on that score---but the harsh reality is that if we want more, expect to see a price impact, whether small or large. Remember also that the cruise industry is pretty competitive,. so pricing has to remain competitive. HAL does not exist in a vacuum and they are well aware of what other lines are doing for their repeat customers.

Mr. Deering gave us a good example of issues at play for one commonly suggested improvement: free internet access for Mariners or some amount of free time. That sounds great but, there is only so much "bandwith" available at any given time and the crew is also authorized internet access. So, if HAL started giving away free time, there is a real prospect that internet accessibility will be diminished for everyone due to so many people trying to be on the internet at the same time. Result: unhappy guests . . . . and crew!

I, too, hope that HAL can and will make some improvements in the Mariner program, but I doubt it is solely in the HMs' power to implement the changes. I sincerely believe that we have a true advocate for improvements in Mr. Deering. I guess time will tell.

[Krazy Kruizers]

On our last several cruises, many times when we passed through and stayed in the Explorations Cafe, there may have been 4 people at the most using computers - the other 7 or 8 computers had no one at them.

I think it would be a great perk for those of us who have sailed many, many times on HAL to be able to have free Internet service.

Princess does it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

It is in the new brochures and on HAL's web site that suite luncheons will only be on cruises longer than 7 days.

It sounds as though that it will begin soon - probably when the ships return from Alaska and Europe and begin their 7 day Caribbean schedules.

[kryos]

In June the HAL Hotel Managers had a conference in Vegas. One of the topics was suppose to be "Mariners Perks". Has anyone heard anything about the results from that conference. Take care.
I got an email survey from HAL regarding the subject ... oh, maybe about a month or so ago. It suggested some perks and then asked if those perks appealed to me. It also provided a blank area for written comments.

Apparently they want to give Mariners destination-related gifts ... pertaining to the specific area of the world one traveled.

I personally told them I'd rather see cold, hard cash ... in the way of future cruise discounts based on number of past cruises ... similar to the Frequent Flyer programs the airlines have. Discounts would be based on the same level of accommodations one normally booked on their cruises. The travel gifts ... HAL can keep as far as I'm concerned.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

So, if HAL started giving away free time, there is a real prospect that internet accessibility will be diminished for everyone due to so many people trying to be on the internet at the same time. Result: unhappy guests . . . . and crew!

Exactly. Especially since HAL has so many Mariners onboard most cruises.

I think what they could do, however, is give Mariners SOME free internet time ... based on their days sailed ... but definitely not UNLIMITED for anyone.

Some free internet time would probably be appreciated as it would allow folks to check their email for free ... but would discourage them from wasting those minutes on stupid stuff ... like working on their ebay stores from the ship ... while others around them wait a half an hour for the screens on their computers to refresh. That's the situation on Princess and one of the main reasons I don't want to sail the line anymore. Princess is giving free internet to their Elite Princess Circle members, but guess who's paying for it? Me and all those other passengers who do NOT get the unlimited free internet. I sure hope HAL doesn't start doing that.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[sail7seas]

I still think the mere numbers of us Mariners sends the message we'll keep coming back with or without 'gimmes'.....

There are so many of us what can they realistically give that will have true value?

If they give an additional discount.......come on, folks; do any of us think it won't bef front loaded into the price to begin with? Ten percent off what? An inflated (by ten percent) price? Where's the bargain?

I've already expressed my negative thoughts re: free internet. I'd love it if it really had value but how can it. Number of Mariners x number of computers x bandwidth.......where's the bargain?

Location related gifts can be fun but something else we need to jam into suitcases and give the airlines a chance to lose.

Sorry to be negative but I wouldn't count on all sorts of yummies being handed out to 5 million Mariners.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

In all honestly I have to agree with Sail 110%:) I definitely do not want free interent UNLESS they can change the bandwidth to accomidate far more users. I often bring my laptop and enjoy posting my "Live" reports. If it slowed down (which it would drastically) I definitely would not be doing a whole lot of posting. I definitely do not mind paying for having the speed on the interent. I already think HAL does a fairly good job and feel that we would not all be repeating cruise after cruise if we were not happy. I like the Deft Tiles because I am now collecting them and they are easy to pack when going home. I also agree that the discount would work against all of us. Discount off what price??? The prices are already rising plus there are nunerous different pricing already out there on any given cruise based on what travel agency has worked out group pricing. So you know that the discount you receive would be off Rack Rate. Some how I doubt that would be a bargin of any kind.

One of the things they did for Mariners in 2005 was to offer ship board credit. Possibly they can do something like that again based on number of days. But as said it will all be up to the bean counters. I personally would rather they leave as is and keep quality of food and service as they are and if I have to pay a small amount more for inflation, so be it. Adding more freebies in the way of junk I pack to bring home will just add to the over cost.

I think HAL offers a very good product for the price and they have already sold me and have us returning. Why should they spend a whole lot of money to then charge me for it:confused:

[bepsf]

The only reason airlines and hotels offer repeat perks is to generate customer loyalty. It's typically budgeted as advertising, and is cheaper and more effective to offer a glass of champage and a cookie to an existing client than pay for hugely expensive TV spots and magazine ads that may or may not appeal to your client base.

HAL already has the highest customer loyalty index in the cruise industry - so spending more money on already super-loyal customers would be a stupid waste of money.

(It's kinda like asking why Toyota/Lexus doesn't offer cash rebates on their cars: 'Cause they don't need to!!!)

As to internet bandwith aboard ship: The only way to get more bandwidth is to add more of those big golfball-on-a-stick thingies on top of the ship - and they're not cheap...

So IMHO - free internet for HAL Mariners just ain't gonna happen...

[grandsix]

Do not agree with Bepsf. Not sure HAL does either. HAL must stay abreast with their competitors and they are smart enough to know that competive perks are a helpful tool in attracting and expanding their guest base.

[RedmondCruiser]

If band width is the governing factor then how is it that Princess does not have band width problems ?? Its a brush off answer. Reminds me of a former boss. I told him I needed a raise due to the cost of living. He replied that the company did not give out cost of living raises due to the fact that "what if we had a deflation ?? then we would have to reduce your salary". I told him that I'd take that bet any time --- got a blank stare. ---- the issue remains -- HAL needs to stay on top of their game and never rest on their laurals.

[sail7seas]

IMO.....Providing us with the cruise experience we expect and have become accustomed to is what HAL does best. They do not rest on their laurels and have not stagnated. They keep up with the times and evolve as necessary. Extra little 'thingees' given to Mariners is not a priority for us. Having the cruise we 'expect' is our priority.

They must be doing something right. It isn't as though they took away benefits they Used to give Mariners but no longer do. All of us Mariners keep coming back for the cruise experience not for some 'perceived "gimme" '.

There are so many Mariners they don't NEED to do anything or for it to be practical. I'm sure someone who thinks more creatively than I do can come up with idea that may WoW us.....wouldn't that be fun??!!! :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Sure wish HAL would send us one of those surveys - either by e-mail or regular mail!!

We have yet to ever get one!!

[sail7seas]

KK.....Why wait (or hope) for a survey?

Write to HAL. Send them your comments. Address them to every office you can think of. If I had something I really wanted HAL to know about our experience(s) or hopes re: the ships, you can be sure I'd be writing or calling.

[Aussie Gal]

We were on the Regal Princess in January for 21 days and I used the internet most days even down in Antarctica. I could always get a computer - they had about 12 - and most times it worked. There were a lot of us getting free internet and yet I never had to wait. Just a thought.

Princess also have a lot of loyal followers and once you get to Platinum which is 6 cruises you are entitled to free internet. Apparently a cruise of only one night counts towards the 6 cruises to qualify for Platinum which to me seems unfair.

Jennie

[sail7seas]

I hope that if HAL does decide to institute some extras for Mariners, they make our 'count' retroactive and begin with the number of cruises we have taken vs. starting at --0--. :(

[Aussie Gal]

I hope that if HAL does decide to institute some extras for Mariners, they make our 'count' retroactive and begin with the number of cruises we have taken vs. starting at --0--. :(



Sail,

I totally agree. It wouldn't be fair on everyone if we all started at zero. :mad:

Jennie

[kryos]

We were on the Regal Princess in January for 21 days and I used the internet most days even down in Antarctica. I could always get a computer - they had about 12 - and most times it worked. There were a lot of us getting free internet and yet I never had to wait. Just a thought.

Then you were extremely lucky.

I've been on two Princess cruises now, and both times I gave up in disgust using the internet. It would take an inordinate amount of time just to get a screen refresh ... forget about even thinking of going onto Cruise Critic. Checking email boxes was trying enough. True, you could always get an empty computer station ... that wasn't the issue. The issue was the bandwidth clogged up because so many people were getting free internet and therefore were using it to the max.

I have no problem with people getting free internet while I still have to pay for it. I say all the power to them. But when a cruise line gives someone free internet access that, in essence, I am being made to subsidize due to how long it takes me to perform the simplest tasks ... then that is no fair.

Give people free internet, but not unlimited. This way they won't waste the time surfing the net, working on their ebay stores and doing all other manner of crap that they should just wait until they get home to do.

I honestly doubt the free internet benefit was ever intended for those purposes.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Aussie Gal]

Rita,

I actually sent a type of diary to all my friends every couple of days which let them know where we were at. It was a great boon to us as we were away from home for over 7 weeks and it was great to be able to just go to a computer and read the emails regularly.

I heard very few complaints about the computers. A couple of days the internet was slow but we were miles from anywhere and we had been warned by the Captain that we probably would be out of range. I was amazed that we were out of contact only a few hours altogether. I remember when we were going through a Force 11 gale in Drake''s passage and sitting at the computer which was next to the show lounge at the front of the ship. Quite a few times I wondered if we would survive to tell the tale.

Jennie

[hammybee]

There is enough about the HAL brand to distinguish it from other cruise lines. So long as HAL gives me value for my cruise dollar, I do not need perks or recoginiton to return. That's just me. Works for me.

[bepsf]

Do not agree with Bepsf. Not sure HAL does either. HAL must stay abreast with their competitors and they are smart enough to know that competive perks are a helpful tool in attracting and expanding their guest base.

Grand--

Ever notice that HAL doesn't have huge splashy TV ads like a few other lines do? For the same reasons that they don't have major incentives for repeat passengers: They don't need to because they're already far superior to all their competitors in the statistic that matters most in the industry after bottom-line profits: the percentage of repeat passengers.

Following your argument, Toyota/Lexus oughta give rebates and incentives to customers buying their cars simply because Ford and GM do when Toyota is outselling both (and making money). That's just crazy-bad business!

Micky A would fire the president of HAL in a red-hot second if he threw away $$$ on needless incentives while already enjoying the industry's most-envied percentage of repeat customers and sold-to-capacity sailings. Incentives and gimmicks may indeed be a necessary part of the business for other lines, but it's simply bad business to give things away and spend money when you don't have to. IMHO, it's more appropriate that HAL invests in making real improvements where they count like the bedding, food, updating facilities and maintaining the ships in tip-top condition, etc.

Providing a quality product that people want is the real value, not the freebie. Having been on a line that spends their money on advertising & gimmicks instead of a quality product - I'll pass on the gimmicks, Thanks.

[fcorey]

I have to agree with Brian here. I found HAL purely by word of mouth, not from a TA, but from others who have been passengers. In fact our TA discouraged us because we didnt fit the demographic. The more I looked into it the more it appeared to offer exactly what we are looking for. So I chose HAL, and another TA.
One of the best moves Carnival made was to purchase HAL, and Princess IMO. Its better to win loyal customers with quality, class, great friendly service, spacious accomodation etc than trivial freebies

[grandsix]

Bepsf, are you saying that giving your most loyal guests PRIORITY TENDER TICKETS, PRIORITY DINNER RESERVATIONS, PRIORITY EMBARKATION FROM A DESIGNATED LOUNGE OR AIR DEVIATION would be a financial hardsip on HAL?
We were on the Noordam shortly after your cruise. There was a young lady with her mom who had over 800 days on HAL (yes over 800 days). They could not get early dining.

[sail7seas]

Bepsf, are you saying that giving your most loyal guests PRIORITY TENDER TICKETS, PRIORITY DINNER RESERVATIONS, PRIORITY EMBARKATION FROM A DESIGNATED LOUNGE OR AIR DEVIATION would be a financial hardsip on HAL?
We were on the Noordam shortly after your cruise. There was a young lady with her mom who had over 800 days on HAL (yes over 800 days). They could not get early dining.

As to Priority Tender Tickets: There are so many Mariners on most cruises that they number in the 70% range. A priority ticket with those numbers is meaningless AND........

Guests who pay a lot of extra money to buy some extras in addition to their larger cabin are BUYING Priority Tender Tickets. Suite Pax expect that benefit they have purchased to have real value. To have to stand in line with 70% of the other guests on the ship takes away a benefit they have paid for.

Unless HAL intends to drop the prices for the Suites (which, no one expects is going to happen), Suite guests do not expect to have benefits taken away from them.

While it does seem rather obvious that a Mariner with 800 days should have had her dining time of choice, at what count do you begin to promise a Mariner gets their dining hour of choice? Again....the numbers are so large that it isn't possible for every Mariner on the ship to have the dining time they want in some cases. If 70% of the guests (all Mariners) want 8:00 seating, clearly that cannot happen. So, it would have to be after a certain number of days.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Sail, I think this is the big thing that many keep forgetting. First off HAL ships have amuch smaller passenger load especially on the S Glass ships. It is not a uncommen happening that far more than 70% are Mariners with Many Days. If what is being suggested to give to Mariners was actually done then it would be an advantage to NOT be a Mariner. I can see it now, we are at a tendoring port and every one wants off the ship, the stair way is lined up thre decks with Mariners getting their Priority Disembarkation:mad:

I also agree with the Suite Thing, it breaks down to a simple fact if you want these goodies you just have to pay for them. While I do agree that a Mariner with 800 days should have been accomidated her Dining Time, the question would be when did she book this cruise? Was it just a few weeks before sailing? If you booked this cruise a year in advance wanting a specific dining time only to be bumped because someone who decided last minute that they wanted to cruise and wanted Your dining time How would you feel?

[grandsix]

On our last several HAL cruises we did did come across that many guests with a 100 or more days.

[sail7seas]

Of course, the best way to know how many folks have how many days is at the Mariners Parties.

[kryos]

I heard very few complaints about the computers. A couple of days the internet was slow but we were miles from anywhere and we had been warned by the Captain that we probably would be out of range. I was amazed that we were out of contact only a few hours altogether.
Well, I guess to be fair, I should mention that my last Princess cruise was in April 2005. So maybe they made some major improvements in their broadband since then. All I can relate are my own experiences ... and they were horrid.

By the way, I sailed the Sun and the Island Princess. Can't speak about the situation on any of the other Princess ships.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

Sail, I think this is the big thing that many keep forgetting. First off HAL ships have amuch smaller passenger load especially on the S Glass ships. It is not a uncommen happening that far more than 70% are Mariners with Many Days. If what is being suggested to give to Mariners was actually done then it would be an advantage to NOT be a Mariner. I can see it now, we are at a tendoring port and every one wants off the ship, the stair way is lined up thre decks with Mariners getting their Priority Disembarkation:mad:

This is why I responded to that survey by saying that Mariner perks should be discounted future cruises ... nothing more. But those discounts should be meaningful ... and based upon the number of days you have as a Mariner. Obviously, someone with 800 days would get a better discount than someone with a hundred days. Maybe the discounts would go up to perhaps 10% of whatever rate you are paying for the cruise ... not rack rate.

Then, the other perks ... priority for requests for dining room seating, priority tender passes, and all of the other good stuff ... should be strictly suite perks ... reserved ONLY for those who stay in the higher priced accommodations.

HAL has a lot of Mariners. It is just a line that draws many, many repeat passengers. If you gave those other benefits to every Mariner onboard, well ... they wouldn't really be benefits any longer, would they? Just about everyone would be getting priority tendering, meaning everyone would be standing in line waiting for a tender just as they would be if they did not have the benefit. Everyone would have priority for dining requests ... meaning again, everyone would be accommodated based on when they booked ... in effect, the way things are done now.

No, give Mariners cold, hard cash for their loyalty to HAL ... in the form of future cruise discounts ... meaningful ones. Then keep the perks restricted to the suite passengers, so that those perks will truly be meaningful for them.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Barocl]

Well my question was ...Did anyone hear the results of the Hotel Managers conference, reference Mariners Perks. Except for one person that spoke with a Hotel Manager , (tho that HM couldn't relay the information discussed at the meeting) I assume no one has heard anything to date. If someone should actually receive some info regarding this subject, please let us know. Tks and take care.

[Cruising Boomer]

I just found this thread thanks to Aussie Gal on our Veendam 9/22 Roll Call. The comments are interesting. When it comes to HAL loyalty, I question whether the number of Mariners is really indicative of loyalty. We took our first cruise in June 2005, a seven day to Alaska. We got our Mariners Number right after that 7 day cruise. Since then, we have taken three other cruises and at the end of our upcoming 4th cruise we will have 83 days on HAL in 17 months. Although we are certainly now loyal HAL cruisers, I wonder if the total membership numbers are really indicative of "loyalty" if everyone gets a Mariners Number after a 7 day cruise. Since we are newbies at cruising, I may be missing something???

It seems to me that benefits could be scaled to the level in the Mariners. I certainly do not think that having sailed once for seven days and being a Mariners Member is enough for anything - (They can also skip the tiles if they want to save money! How many Rotterdam tiles can I use anyway!) If they provided an hour of free internet, for example, after reaching 100 nights I would think that would limit the problems outlined by others. They could provide 2 hours after reaching the next plateau...or something similar?

On our recent back-to-back cruises from Valparaiso to Rio to Lisbon we could not carry over our internet minutes from one cruise to the next. This was a small matters but frustrating. They could at least fix that for Mariners. I submitted several comments on this so will be interested to see what happens on our next back-to-back summer of '07.

I know...maybe they should offer a HAL affinity Visa card to earn rewards! :D

Cruising Boomer

[sail7seas]

In the past, we experienced the same as you in that we could not carry over the balance of our internet minutes to the next segment. This August, on Maasdam, doing back-to-backs, the few minutes we had left were carried forward for us. We were very surprised and certainly pleased.

However, under the new system being used on Maasdam (I assume on all the ships?), we got no warning our minutes were running short. In the past, we'd get a message window giving us the option to buy more minutes and notifying we were almost out of minutes. This time, DH was in the middle of writing an e-mail and we were 'booted off' and his e-mail was lost.

[kryos]

Well my question was ...Did anyone hear the results of the Hotel Managers conference, reference Mariners Perks. Except for one person that spoke with a Hotel Manager , (tho that HM couldn't relay the information discussed at the meeting) I assume no one has heard anything to date. If someone should actually receive some info regarding this subject, please let us know. Tks and take care.
Only thing I heard/received on the subject was the email survey HAL sent out about a month or two ago requesting my input specifically on this subject. So, apparently, the big wigs at home office are taking the subject under advisement and querying a cross-section of Mariners about their thoughts on the subject. So, apparently something new is afoot ... or will be probably in the coming year.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Cruising Boomer]

I am really glad to know that they fixed the carry over minutes issue. I found myself almost wasting minutes on one cruise since I did not like the idea of giving them back.

Crusing Boomer

[Copper10-8]

.......However, under the new system being used on Maasdam (I assume on all the ships?), we got no warning our minutes were running short. In the past, we'd get a message window giving us the option to buy more minutes and notifying we were almost out of minutes. This time, DH was in the middle of writing an e-mail and we were 'booted off' and his e-mail was lost.





We had that happen to us on Prinsendam also, S7S. It would have been nice to keep the two or five minute early warning message (seems like an easy thing to do). Now, I've got to set my stop watch and time my last post.

[capnjoe]

I think maybe an idea is for HAL to give past mariners, coupon books like other lines do. The coupons can be a percentage off say spa treatments, casino credits,some internet time,maybe some discounts in the shops on board. I dont think that will cost HAL alot of money, it may actually increase their revenue do to people buying more things in the shops and getting more spa treatments.......good idea?????:rolleyes:

[kryos]

I think maybe an idea is for HAL to give past mariners, coupon books like other lines do. The coupons can be a percentage off say spa treatments, casino credits,some internet time,maybe some discounts in the shops on board. I dont think that will cost HAL alot of money, it may actually increase their revenue do to people buying more things in the shops and getting more spa treatments.......good idea?????:rolleyes:
Anything like coupon books, gifts, etc. do not benefit everyone and thus only represent a reward to a few. Believe it or not, there are people who cruise frequently and do not frequent the spa or the shops, the casino or bingo games. Many "seasoned" cruisers ... i.e., Mariners ... cruise for the relaxation, the good food, the ambience of the ship. They really don't go in for all that other stuff. Then ... they get off the ship at the end of their cruise with an onboard bill consisting pretty much of their auto-tips and maybe a few drinks ... that's it. Many long-term Mariners would lose out with the coupon books since little offered in them would be of interest. Let's face it, many of these people have sailed HAL for years. They've bought all that logo crap years ago and have more of it sitting in their drawers at home than they possibly know what to do with. They'd be unlikely to want to go into the shops and buy more just so that they can take advantage of some Mariner discount.

That's why I say a cash discount ... cold hard cash ... based on Mariner level (number of days) on future cruises. That's something EVERY Mariner can use because they are already booking their cruises anyway ... might as well get them cheaper. The other stuff many won't use and they may even be annoyed that to claim their already earned "reward" requires them to spend money that they ordinarily would never spend. And, the future cruise discount too would encourage people to spend money with HAL since it would encourage them to book more cruises with a dollar that will stretch farther now. Coupon books, good for all the discounts you refer to, would actually be a more appropriate gift for first time HAL cruisers ... especially those booking the more popular seven to ten-day cruises ... encourage them to sample HAL's offerings in order to enjoy a more pleasurable cruise experience and thus be encouraged to book another.

Just my humble opinion ...

Blue skies ...

--rita

[capnjoe]

I agree whole heartedly with you on the "cold hard cash theory" however as previously stated, HAL would probably raised the price of the cruise and give you what you may think is a discount. I have over 250 days with HAl and would love to see a "real " discount. The coupon book I was thinking of should be in comparison of how many days at sea you have with HAl thus giving the more expeirence mariner more than say a mariner with just 14 days.
Perhaps over say 300 days at sea you might get a 10% discount or a few catagory upgrades, something like that.
Anyways just a thought I had:)
Capn

[sail7seas]

I totally agree with Rita...... I NEVER go to the Spa and never will (but that is a long story). I don't care about Casino credits. We play a few slot machines from time to time but that is it. A coupon book for us would not be of much value. Actually it would annoy me as I would look at it as marketing and not as a 'thank you'. An attempt to sell massages or the therapy pool or whatever.

Shipboard Credit would be real money. People could spend it on what they want: a bottle of wine, a shore excursion, a photo, something from the shop or the spa. We would have the choice and, therefore, it would have value to all. Everyone can find something aboard they'd like to have a little extra cash to purchase.

[gizmo]

I am not into the coupon book either. I think many of these coupons would be worthless to many people.

Give me "cold hard cash" or on board credit.

A real discount would be nice, but they always pull the "not combinable" crap.

Knowing how bean counters and marketing think, my guess is they would go for the coupon book to try and get people to buy things they normally wouldn't.

You open the coupon booklet and see "10% off the Inches of Gold". :rolleyes:

[bepsf]

The last thing I wanna do on vacation is the "Hausfrau at the mall" schtick: digging through coupons for a $1 discount on a glass of wine someplace.

Thats just too RCCL!

Don't even bother wasting the paper on me...

[serendipity1499]

Shipboard Credit would be real money. People could spend it on what they want: a bottle of wine, a shore excursion, a photo, something from the shop or the spa. We would have the choice and, therefore, it would have value to all. Everyone can find something aboard they'd like to have a little extra cash to purchase.


Excellent Idea Sail:) :D :)

Happy cruising everyone!:)

[sail7seas]

All WE really want is for them to continue providing the cruise experience we have come to expect.

I really don't care about gimmicks or coupon books or any of it. I simply want to keep loving our cruises.

[RedmondCruiser]

I do agree with Sail7Seas and with Brian, but if they provide nothing then I would even accept the coupon book --- at least it would be something.

How about.

At bench mark days -- ie 100/200/300/500 etc -- provide a free night at the Pinnacle ??

Or a $50 cruise credit at bench mark levels.

Free internet or cleaning on that cruise where you pass these limits ??

The point is do something. --- the bean counters should not totally control the company.

[RuthC]

I think maybe an idea is for HAL to give past mariners, coupon books like other lines do........good idea?????
I'd put that idea right up there with the vouchers we got from the lawsuit a few years ago.
How many of us ever used those, either? :rolleyes:

[capnjoe]

That is exactly my point Redmond.

[sail7seas]

I do agree with Sail7Seas and with Brian, but if they provide nothing then I would even accept the coupon book --- at least it would be something.

How about.

At bench mark days -- ie 100/200/300/500 etc -- provide a free night at the Pinnacle ??

Or a $50 cruise credit at bench mark levels.

Free internet or cleaning on that cruise where you pass these limits ??

The point is do something. --- the bean counters should not totally control the company.

Not to come off being totally negative, but free Pinnacle..... Those restaurants aren't very big. For some cruises, it is hard enough for everyone who wants to dine there to get a booking. TA's have started giving free Pinnacle as booking incentives. I don't think it's practical to think they can give free Pinnacle and for anyone getting those 'coupons' actually being able to get a booking.

Free Laundry........ Suite guests already have that included in their fare. It isn't free; it is included. So to start giving it to others starts taking away benefits Suite guests have paid for. If I already have it included, what benefit do I derive as part of a Mariners' 'Thank You'? Instead of making me a happy Mariner, you would be making me an annoyed Suite guest by devaluing what I bought and paid for.

If we are running into these 'snags' trying to agree on something worthwhile we'd all like to get as a Mariners benefit, I have to imagine any corporate conversations have come up with the same difficulties and probably way more that we haven't even thought of yet.

[jhannah]

If we are running into these 'snags' trying to agree on something worthwhile we'd all like to get as a Mariners benefit, I have to imagine any corporate conversations have come up with the same difficulties and probably way more that we haven't even thought of yet. I don't doubt that one bit! It's almost a no-win. However, a tiered discount based on number of days would be accessible to all who achieved those levels. It doesn't take anything away from anyone. Over time, prices are going to increase. That's the way things are. But at least we could get a bit of a break by being Mariners. Even a modest discount that would cover the auto-tips would be a wonderful offset to the cost of the cruise.

[grandsix]

We believe HAL agrees with MOST of their Mariner family guests that benefits should be improved.

[sail7seas]

We believe HAL agrees with MOST of their Mariner family guests that benefits should be improved.

Suggestions?? I really enjoy reading the various ideas everyone has. What would you value?

[kryos]

Shipboard Credit would be real money. People could spend it on what they want: a bottle of wine, a shore excursion, a photo, something from the shop or the spa. We would have the choice and, therefore, it would have value to all. Everyone can find something aboard they'd like to have a little extra cash to purchase.

Shipboard credit would probably work too. If nothing else, it can be used to offset some of the auto-tips ... so everyone would have the opportunity to use it. I just thought discounts on future cruises would work best because some TA's are able to negotiate shipboard credit for their clients anyway, and if you're not a big spender onboard, a lot of shipboard credit could go to waste as I don't think any unused credit is refundable at the end of the cruise.

I'm with you, by the way, regarding the spa. I have a "thing" about strangers putting their hands all over me. The mere thought of it just freaks me out. I have, however, gotten my hair done onboard, so I guess shipboard credit could always be used for that purpose.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

I don't doubt that one bit! It's almost a no-win. However, a tiered discount based on number of days would be accessible to all who achieved those levels. It doesn't take anything away from anyone. Over time, prices are going to increase. That's the way things are. But at least we could get a bit of a break by being Mariners. Even a modest discount that would cover the auto-tips would be a wonderful offset to the cost of the cruise.
That's always the problem with giving incentives. You have to work it out so that no one appears to "lose" benefits. If you give incentives to Mariners that only duplicate those things people in suites already get, you've now degraded the benefits of being in a suite. If you give the benefit to too many people ... such as Princess does with the free internet ... then everyone loses because the value of that "benefit" is degraded since everyone gets it.

That's why HAL has to be so careful to give Mariners benefits that are completely different than what suite passengers would be getting anyway. That's why something of a financial incentive, that the suite passenger can enjoy IN ADDITION to the other benefits they are already enjoying ... and that passenger in the inside cabin can enjoy as well ... would seem to work best. While I prefer discounted future cruises, onboard credit would probably work just as well.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[RedmondCruiser]

Sail7Seas --- Granted I have 35 HAL cruises but I have not attended the Mariner parties for several years ( It's 90% of the boat ) the line looks like the immigration line in St Thomas.

I do not think that there are that many people getting their silver, gold or platinum medals on any given cruise. Maybe I am wrong but I don't think it would over burden the Pinnacle. My laundry and internet suggestion was to provide this service ONLY on the cruise were they pass bench mark levels.

Possibly a $50 account credit (only when they pass 100-300-500-750) would be a viable option.

All ideas have positive and negitive aspects but we should all try to arrive at some measure of agreement. ---Seems the hotel managers and the bean counters could'nt--- so its up to us ??

We prefer HAL as our cruise line of choice but they can always improve on the product. New market conditions ( ie - higher fuel costs ) will cause disruptions in the income stream but thats when innovative thinking should enter the picture. My fear is that they will continually errod the produce and eventually produce a backlash that they will not see coming.

[sail7seas]

Now I can agree with your laundry suggestion and I more than agree it's a good idea for the free laundry to apply for the cruise during which the guest is receiving their new medallion. That's a nice benefit.......for people who are not in a Suite.

Also good idea, now that I understand what you mean, about Pinnacle for that cruise when someone receives a medallion.

Still, though.......what I want most is a great cruise; the cruise experience we have come to love and if they continue to provide that, I'm a happy Mariner.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I just want to get on a ship and find that everything we have arranged for, paid for, and are suppose to get (Amex Plat & Carnival) have all been taken care of.

THEN I WILL BE A HAPPY CAMPER!!

[RedmondCruiser]

sail7seas --- Thank God we finally concur -- I hope that we can meet on some future sailing. --- I have arranged a CC party on a 9/24 Westerdam PC sailing (have done this before) and It's great to meet fellow CC members. Cruising is in my blood -- I love it and have been a loyal HAL fan since 1986 and want to see them prosper and succeed.

[sail7seas]

I'd enjoy sailing with you, Redmond. Hope some day we are on the same ship at the same time.
Have a great time on Westerdam......Hope the party is fun!!

You're into Very short Countdown territory. :)

[AirGorilla]

Since we're discussing rewards for repeat guests, here's a link to how Crystal does it. Notice that the bennies occur only on "milestone" cruises, but they are very significant.

http://www.crystalcruises.com/soc_rewards.aspx

[Cruising Boomer]

On our rollcall for the upcoming cruise on the Veendam, a new cruiser commented that he had gotten his Mariners Number by email before sailing even one night with HAL. This is not an exclusive group and is not an indication of HAL loyalty...in my opinion.

Crusing Boomer

[jhannah]

Since we're discussing rewards for repeat guests, here's a link to how Crystal does it. Notice that the bennies occur only on "milestone" cruises, but they are very significant. Yes, they are significant. But there's no such thing as a free lunch. Look at the cost difference between Holland America and Crystal for similar itineraries. I'm sure a portion of the Crystal fare is being banked to pay for the free cruises handed out later on.

[AirGorilla]

Yes, they are significant. But there's no such thing as a free lunch. Look at the cost difference between Holland America and Crystal for similar itineraries. I'm sure a portion of the Crystal fare is being banked to pay for the free cruises handed out later on.

Well, I'm sure that Crystal's internal accounting practices have factored in the cost of the loyalty program. IMO, the loyalty program actually works, also.

Of course, Crystal has higher fares. It is a more upscale experience, in terms of dining, entertainment, etc.

[BruceMuzz]

So let's insist that HAL raise their rates to match Crystal Cruises and then provide the same wonderful loyalty programs for all of us.

[RedmondCruiser]

So let's insist that HAL raise their rates to match Crystal Cruises and then provide the same wonderful loyalty programs for all of us.

It's best not the give the bean counters in Seattle any bright ideas.