How soon before cruise does HAL send the docs?

[BigDave]

I have a cruise booked Jan 2 thats a inside guarantee.

I haven't been on HAL before, never booked a inside, or booked a guarantee, so I'm not sure when to expect paper work.
I suspect that it might be later because of the guarantee, or come without a assigned cabin.

I'm thinking early December for the paperwork, but thought I'd ask for input from those more experienced.

[Minybear]

I just got my docs in last week and we sail on 8/28. Expect about 4-6 weeks prior to get your docs.

[Esme]

I doubt that you will get them 4-6 weeks before you sail because you have booked a Guarantee. It could be more like 2-3 weeks.

[RevNeal]

I doubt that you will get them 4-6 weeks before you sail because you have booked a Guarantee. It could be more like 2-3 weeks.

It all depends upon how booked the ship is. If the ship is fully booked by the 70 day point it is very possible that his Guarantee will be assigned and his documents mailed by the 40-day point. If, on the other hand, the ship isn't sold-out, chances are he might not get his documentation until about 2 weeks prior to sailing ... and, even then, he might not be assigned a cabin until he gets to the pier.

Both have happened to me. :)

[Lois R]

:) Hi Rev...I have a guarantee for the Z....hoping to get the docs sooner but realistically knowing they will be arriving later;) . Sailing 9-11...so I am guessing between August 21st and Sept 4??

[RevNeal]

Hi Rev...I have a guarantee for the Z....hoping to get the docs sooner but realistically knowing they will be arriving later . Sailing 9-11...so I am guessing between August 21st and Sept 4??

That sounds about right, on average. If you have your booking number you can sign on to HAL's website, go to the online-purchase-shore-excursions section, and put in your booking number. If your cabin has been assigned, it will list it. If it hasn't, it'll say 000. Check it that way and, eventually, you'll see if they assign you, and where. :)

[the2ofus]

We have actually booked a guarantee a few years ago. The docs arrived about six weeks ahead but with 000 as the assigned cabin. Our TA checked with HAL about a week before the sail date and our cabin number was available then.

[Lois R]

No cabin listed.....but I was able to book 2 excursions anyway! Maybe I will get lucky...LOL noo, no way...hahahaha...inside is always good;)

[Minybear]

I booked a guarantee and I got my room number assigned. I just got my docs in last week We sail on 8/28.

[RevNeal]

No cabin listed

Once you get into August start checking it every week or so. Eventually, it will show you a cabin number.

Also ... don't forget to fill out the on-line Immigration form and print out a copy. It will expedite your sign-in process. You can also keep checking for your cabin number by visiting there there.

[Lois R]

:) I am ahead of you.....already filled out my docs on-line...printed them out...and went shopping for some new clothes last too:D .....Oh no....don't want to start about the clothes LOL....I love to dress up....there~I said it;) !
Got new silk slacks...in gold with gold embroidery in the silk...with a black silk top to match....that is an informal outfit for me...but that is probably more than you wanted to know LOL!

Oh, I will be sure to keep checking for a cabin number..thank you:) !!!

[Minybear]

:) I am ahead of you.....already filled out my docs on-line...printed them out...and went shopping for some new clothes last too:D .....Oh no....don't want to start about the clothes LOL....I love to dress up....there~I said it;) !
Got new silk slacks...in gold with gold embroidery in the silk...with a black silk top to match....that is an informal outfit for me...but that is probably more than you wanted to know LOL!

Oh, I will be sure to keep checking for a cabin number..thank you:) !!!

Lois

I now just completed my immigration doc's on line. I have (hopefully) completed with my all shopping for formal/informal wear. Now we just have pack for our cruise which comes up at the end of August. Wow we are all set to wait for our cruise.

Minybear

[BigDave]

Thanks for the help! :)

[kryos]

I doubt that you will get them 4-6 weeks before you sail because you have booked a Guarantee. It could be more like 2-3 weeks.
Two to three weeks sounds about right. I booked a b2b ... August 28 and September 4 sailing on Zuiderdam. The August 28 is a guarantee, but I was too late for a guarantee on the 9-4, so I got an assigned inside cabin.

My TA told me that he has my docs in hand for the 9-4 sailing, but not yet for the 8-28. He's waiting for them before overnighting everything to me.

So, yes, a guarantee could hold up your docs. Not to worry. Just keep in touch with your TA or with HAL if you went direct through them.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Nebraska Admiral]

I just received an e mail from my TA She advised that my travel docs were just shipped 2nd day express for my 8-14 cruise on the Zui
Dick

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

Whenever we book our own air, we usually get our documents 6 - 8 weeks before we leave.

But there have been times when we had to use HAL because embarking and disembarking ports were different. And because we pay for air deviations, there have been times when we got those documents 2 weeks before our cruise.

With some of the airlines cutting back more and more on flights, the cruise lines are now waiting 30 days before making the final air flight arrangements for some of the destinations.

:)