Do you think it is odd that I haven't received confirmation from ***********?????

[FlorenceItaly]

after booking a cruise last evening(Alaska, 8/22). I did get an auto reply saying they received my booking request but due to high volume they expected to have it processed in the morning. It's now the afternoon. I am not overly concerned, just curious. In fact, I am having a bit of cruise buyer's remorse, LOL. I am beginning to think I need some serious counseling with all the cruising I have coming up, LOL. Dh is a doll, but I think I am driving him a bit crazy too....well, I am rambling....

Marie

[hdawson]

Not too long ago I read on these boards that CQ was not currently booking any cruises on Holland America. Not sure of the reason but makes me wonder. Actually, it was a posting by CQ.

[FlorenceItaly]

I remember that posting, but then I think later, they re-instated with HAL.

Although, it is odd, I have not heard from them by now with my booking confirmation. They gave me a quote, and I followed the link and booked the cruise. I then received an auto response that I spoke of in my original post.

I just emailed them because now my sis is contemplating joining me and I wanted to ask them how it would affect my reservation, and the cost for her.

I'll keep you posted. If for some reason they can't book the trip for me, it may be best that I don't go.

Marie

[hdawson]

Marie. I know many are happy with spending their money with an impersonal computer screen. For me, I insist on a real person that enjoys cruising as much as I do and will go to bat for me if and when something goes wrong. If I can't talk with them, they don't get my hard earned money. Personal service is a great value to me, even after 14 cruises. And I get good prices.
Just my personal and humble opinion.

[FlorenceItaly]

hdawson - I understand, AND I agree. I did find a TA I really like, but I was trying to cut corners on this trip with the fare(since I just returned from the Maasdam, and am cruising in Sept and Oct), and got an incredible quote from ***********, so thought I would go with it.

As I mentioned, if they come back and say they are not booking HAL cruises at this time, I can live with it, and won't go.

Marie

UPDATE :hdawson received my booking # etc, am good to go!

[hdawson]

I recently booked Zuiderdam for Oct 2nd. Cat BC balcony gty for $699 including PC. Maybe you're on that sailing and we might meet up.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Marie, I have used *********** 3 times and have nothing but praise for them. I have a cruise on HAL booked with them for November. In fact, a couple of weeks ago when I suddenly saw a better price elsewhere (that had not been available when I booked in April), they matched it.

Frankly, I've been happier with them than brick and mortar because I can get to them pretty much 24/7. Maybe they are just backlogged with their confirmations.

P.S. Update! Whoops! Just saw you heard from them after all, but figured I'd post this anyway just so you know someone who has used them and been happy :)

[FlorenceItaly]

I have heard back, and I am set.

I am sailing on the Veendam Aug 22-29.

hdawson - There are some awesome deals on the Zuiderdam right now, and it appears you got one of them :). I am cruising Eastern Carib. with the Hounds in Sept(CC group cruise). My sis is coming accompanying me, and dh and I are cruising W. Caribbean on the Rhapsody of the Seas in October.

I will be anxious to hear all about the Zuiderdam.

Heather, thanks for your feedback on ***********. I got an awesome deal and I am very happy.

Marie

[MortgageChick]

I just booked again with ***********. Hands down they are the fastest response on the net. Best pricing 95% of the time too!

[1cruiselvr]

Marie, don't worry about CQ. We have booked many cruises both past and future with them, no problems experienced at all. We used TAs in the past and I can say that CQ answers faster via email than the TA did by phone. They also have the best pricing we have been able to find each time.
Happy Sailing!

[FlorenceItaly]

Yes, just waiting to do the doc dance, and hoping my cruiseline flights are good ones :). Does HAL typically use a certain carrier?

Marie