How do I pay

[Cruising744]

I apologise in advance if the answer to my question is obvious, but this is our first experience of cruising.

I booked our HAL cruise many months ago (on the HAL website) and paid a deposit. Although the balance isn't due until April 9th, I would like to get it paid earlier just to make sure. However, I can't find anywhere on the website that allows me to pay the balance (I was given a usename and password when I booked).

I'd be very grateful if someone could tell me how to pay the balance to HAL online.

Cruising744

PS.....66 days of working life remaining and then the holidays start.

[magictam]

Don't know how much help I can be. I booked mine also through HAL, but by phone. I received an email conformation and I've been sending in (by regular mail), monthly payments to the address on the confirmation notice. Each time I do that, I get another email confirmation.
I also have a user name and password on the web site, but when I log in it tells me I have no bookings. I figured this was because I didn't book actually on line.
Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[Stevesan]

Call the HAL phone number for

A reservation you currently have

http://www.hollandamerica.com/contacts/cmpyList.do

[bepsf]

The reservations folks in the call center will be more than happy to take more of your money prior to the due date.

However, I might suggest waiting till the final payment due date to make the end payoff, for if you've made your final payment and the price drops, you more than likely won't get a price reduction.

[seaisme]

I apologise in advance if the answer to my question is obvious, but this is our first experience of cruising.

I booked our HAL cruise many months ago (on the HAL website) and paid a deposit. Although the balance isn't due until April 9th, I would like to get it paid earlier just to make sure. However, I can't find anywhere on the website that allows me to pay the balance (I was given a usename and password when I booked).

I'd be very grateful if someone could tell me how to pay the balance to HAL online.

Cruising744

PS.....66 days of working life remaining and then the holidays start.
I had the same problem...here's how to finalize payment:
Send to:
Holland America
Attn: reservation account
300 Elliott Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119
Make certain you include your Booking # with payment.
Cass

[Cruising744]

bepsf

Many thamks for your advice. However, I have agreed a price and that is the price that I intend to pay. I wouldn't expect HAL to demand more and therefore I don't want to take advantage of any price drop. I want to pay early as, being a longhaul airline pilot, I will be away from home on the due date and will be subject to hotel phone charges.

I do think it strange that, having booked on-line, there is no facility to pay the balance on-line. Being from the UK the freephone numbers don't work, so I hope that there isn't a long wait for a representative.

We're looking forward to our first cruise (Alaska from Vancouver) although the transition from a career at 550 knots to a vacation at 25? knots will take some getting used to!

Cruising744

[RetiredMustang]

bepsf

I want to pay early as, being a longhaul airline pilot, I will be away from home on the due date and will be subject to hotel phone charges.

I do think it strange that, having booked on-line, there is no facility to pay the balance on-line. Being from the UK the freephone numbers don't work, so I hope that there isn't a long wait for a representative.

Cruising744

Cruising744,

I agree, it seems odd that one cannot pay the balance online for a reservation made online. However, I have found that the HAL reservation specialists on the telephone are very professional and helpful. You will first have to negotiate the "If this, press 1, if that press 2" routine, but it's relatively short.

It's a toll-free call from the U.S., but I understand it is not free from the U.K. If the lines are very busy and you get the "our specialists are busy helping others" notice more than a couple of times, you may want to try later. The booking center is open during the day Seattle WA time, which is about 8 or 9 hours behind Greenwich, so you might try in your afternoon when Seattle is just opening.

You can speed things by having your booking number and credit card in front of you before placing the call, as they will need that information to process your payment. They will process the charge against your card while you are on the line, so you will know straight away that the payment has been made. Oddly, they will speed you an email confirmation of your payment within minutes -- usually a new confirmation form showing zero owing on the balance.

Congratulations on the end of working time -- I hope you adjust quickly to the change in speed from hundreds to tens of knots! It is easy, even addictive! Welcome to the fraternity/sorority of the sea, and Happy Sailing! :D

[jtl513]

For our last cruise we made the reservation by phone, and the confirmation mailed to us said to make payments to:
Holland America Line
P.O. Box C34013
Seattle WA 98124-1013

[Cruising744]

Did it today by phone. Many thanks for all of your help and advice.