Forced to take a Guarantee...

[localady]

DH and I have decided to cancel our upcoming Prinsendam booking and book the 28 day from Venice to Ft. Lauderdale in Oct. 2009. The 28 day Oosterdam cruise is advertised on the HAL website, as well as being available as a 12 day and 16 day cruise.

I am a cruiser that likes to choose my cabin. This time we were unable to as HAL would only allow us to book a guarantee.:o If I had booked the 12 or 16 day portions, I could choose my cabin right now.

It just seems crazy that we would be forced into a guarantee.
Have other CCer's been in this situation and if so, how did it work out??

[jrzebird]

DH and I have decided to cancel our upcoming Prinsendam booking and book the 28 day from Venice to Ft. Lauderdale in Oct. 2009. The 28 day Oosterdam cruise is advertised on the HAL website, as well as being available as a 12 day and 16 day cruise.

I am a cruiser that likes to choose my cabin. This time we were unable to as HAL would only allow us to book a guarantee.:o If I had booked the 12 or 16 day portions, I could choose my cabin right now.

It just seems crazy that we would be forced into a guarantee.
Have other CCer's been in this situation and if so, how did it work out??

We booked through HAL the last time and we were also forced to take a guaranty. I wanted to book a specific room, but I wasn't permitted to.

In the end, we were very happy with what we got, which was exactly the cabin class we booked. (We were advised by many that we should be ready to accept the guaranty we took, because that might be what we got, and it was.) A nice upgrade would have been lovely, but then again, it might not have been as nice as the cabin we got. A few days before we sailed, we DID have an option for a paid upgrade, but decided to keep what we had, as the upgrade was an obstructed view (steel rail) veranda.

The only room I would not be happy with, nor would take as a guaranty, would be an inside room. But, that's my personal choice, for personal reasons.

[Starr Mtn]

It doesn't seem reasonable that you are forced to book
a Guarantee since the cruise is so far out ! Can't
tell if you booked with a TA or directly w/HAL.....
Perhaps trying to book with a local TA would allow
you to book the specific cabin you prefer.

Otherwise, are you able to get on a wait list for the
specific cabin and/or category?

[localady]

It doesn't seem reasonable that you are forced to book
a Guarantee since the cruise is so far out ! Can't
tell if you booked with a TA or directly w/HAL.....
Perhaps trying to book with a local TA would allow
you to book the specific cabin you prefer.

Otherwise, are you able to get on a wait list for the
specific cabin and/or category?

I was told the same thing by the HAL rep as well as my TA. HAL's inventory dept. hasn't released the 28 day cruise that way. This is a HAL issue, not a TA issue unfortunately.:o I suppose I could get on a waitlist, but I am baffled as to why HAL makes it so that I need to.
Thanks for the suggestion, I will ask my TA to put me on a waitlist for a cabin assignment if possible.

[jtl513]

Have other CCer's been in this situation and if so, how did it work out??Oonly once we were "forced" to take a VD guarantee, and were very happy with the VA we were assigned! :)
Perhaps trying to book with a local TA would allow you to book the specific cabin you prefer.No, it won't. :(

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Sher, we were forced to take a guarantee once as well. For our Veendam cruise in September 2006 we were doing the first 4 days of a 34 day cruise. We boarded in Vancouver and got off in Los Angeles but and we were booking a S Suite. The reason was because those that were chosing the full 34 day cruise had first pick of a cabin and we would get what ever cabins were left over from those that were going to board in LA. So what they are telling you seems odd to me. I would have thought it would be in your favor for booking the full 28 days:confused:

[hammybee]

Just curious, when all of you were forced, was someone holding a ( water) gun to your head? :D

[InTheWASide]

(Looks up)

What she said.

The only thing I can think of is if this has to do with the fact it's a post-aft lift sailing, and they may not have it fully built into their system with all the new room numbers and so forth. I think I heard of this last year with the Westerdam (which did the same thing) on these boards, and when I called and did some 09 Europe cruise shopping, they had said the Oosterdam sailings would be released a little later than the rest of Europe

I agree though, it IS odd...

[Moriah]

For my cruise this coming week on the Westerdam I was also given no choice but to take a guarantee. I thought it was because I registered "last minute" (about 6 weeks before sailing). I wanted a suite, but the only thing left were inside cabins and VE Guarantee. I took the VE guarantee, and a few weeks later, I was assigned a VA on deck 7, which I'm very pleased with. I would only take a guarantee if I could be happy with no upgrade. As someone already mentioned, I would not take an inside cabin guarantee and "hope" for an upgrade to ocean view or balcony. As for being "forced", I think HAL allows a certain number of cabins per sailing to be pre-chosen, and then wants to reserve some flexibility in assignments.

[betonic]

Sher - I'm like you and always want to pick my cabin but the last few cruises I've had to take a guarentee and every time I've gotton an upgrade or an up-sell offer. I may have just been lucky but the guarentee thing has worked out well for me.

[cruznon]

Hola Sher!
Yes, that does sound wierd. The two times we had a guar cabin on HAL we got terrific cabin/location upgrades.(FF to a D and then an SY to a terrific SS location)
I do think the waitlist idea sounds like a great way to go. Good Luck...sounds like a wonderful cruise--28 days! :)

[sail7seas]

Sher, I agree it's odd and I'm sorry they have you stressing in this way over what should be a very exciting time for you. You are in the process of booking a GREAT cruise.

Hopefully, it will all work out to your satisfaction and will do so SOON.

[magictam]

Sher

I'm sorry that you're having trouble with getting the cabin of your choice:( . But I'm so enviouse of your Venice to Ft. Lauderdale cruise. :p

I hope the cabin works out for you and enjoy yourself!!!!

Tammie

[localady]

Just curious, when all of you were forced, was someone holding a ( water) gun to your head? :D

No water gun to my head! ;) LOL LOL

I guess forced was a strong word, but there was no other option other than Guarantee.:eek:

My point is that it's strange that HAL won't allow me to book a specific cabin, though if I booked the cruise in 2 segments, I could have the choice.

We have booked an SY guarantee and frankly we don't want an SS. They are located on the Nav Deck and we prefer the SY's on the Upper Veranda deck any day! ;)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Sher, since that sailing is several months from now I would just keep watching it. They may open it up so that you can pick. I also had a simliar thing happened that I forgot about. When I switched our canceled Eurodam cruise to December 13th, all that was available was Guarantees for both SS and S Suite so I just took a SS (better locations on the Eurodam;) ) What I really wanted was a corner aft SC but there were not any. I continued to keep checking and about 3 weeks ago I found they lifted the guarantees and I was able to snag what appears to be the largest corner aft vernadah on deck 4. So my suggestion is to just make it habit to continue to check it on a weekly basis. You may be surprised one day and find cabin numbers and then you can jump in and grab what cabin you want. :)

[docksider21]

Hi Sher

Have your TA see if she can get the room you want on the 12
days. Reserve that, then call back and see if see can
get the same room on the 16 days.

Now book that room on the 12 day and 16 day cruises.
Then right before final payment is due, have your TA
cancell those and flip your 28 day booking into that
room.

The down side is that you will have to put down deposits on 3 cruises.

[catl331]

I am a cruiser that likes to choose my cabin. This time we were unable to as HAL would only allow us to book a guarantee.:o If I had booked the 12 or 16 day portions, I could choose my cabin right now.

It just seems crazy that we would be forced into a guarantee.
Why can't you book the same cabin for both the 12 and 16 day parts? Or if not the same, two that are close enough that a move would be easy? What am I missing here? :confused: :confused:

[cruisinjudy]

Sher,
We wanted to take that cruise based on the 2008 Zuiderdam itinerary, but when it finally came out it was 28 days to do it. That is too long while the grandchild I will be babysitting two days a week is still little. We didn't get to the reserving point as it was not up yet when we were on Ryndam. We put down the deposit and couldn't do more until it showed up. We also would have reserved an SY. It sure seems like they should give preference to those taking the longer cruise!!!:confused:

[localady]

Thanks to all for your great ideas.:D I will follow up as was suggested and keep an eye on the booking on HAL online.

Judy-Sorry you won't be cruising with us this time, but grandkids win! ;)

It still seems to be a strange "glitch" in HAL's booking system and possibly HAL will "fix" this problem with the booking system ! :D :D

[localady]

Why can't you book the same cabin for both the 12 and 16 day parts? Or if not the same, two that are close enough that a move would be easy? What am I missing here? :confused: :confused:

I could, at a greater cost. HAL gives you a bit of a break cost-wise for the longer cruise.

[Dave M]

I could, at a greater cost. HAL gives you a bit of a break cost-wise for the longer cruise. Exactly!

I had the same issue for a B2B Eurodam cruise in July 2009. The cabin I wanted was available for each of the two 10-day segments, but HAL wouldn't give it to me for the 20-day lower price. I didn't have to go the guarantee route that you did, but my choice was to accept a cabin that wasn't my first choice or pay more by booking the two 10-day segments as separate cruises. I opted for the less expensive alternative cabin!

[localady]

Exactly!

I had the same issue for a B2B Eurodam cruise in July 2009. The cabin I wanted was available for each of the two 10-day segments, but HAL wouldn't give it to me for the 20-day lower price. I didn't have to go the guarantee route that you did, but my choice was to accept a cabin that wasn't my first choice or pay more by booking the two 10-day segments as separate cruises. I opted for the less expensive alternative cabin!

So you actually booked it as 2 different cruises to get the cabin you wanted ???

[sail7seas]

I was thinking that might be an option. But it would irk to pay more by having to book it separately in order to get what you want.

On the other hand, whenever we book b-to-b's, we always ask for two separate confirmation numbers. In the event we had to cancel one of the cruises, we still have the option of going on the other.

[Jsipes]

I have booked a balcony guarantee, and was pleased with the room I ended up with, and of course a significant savings too. Just have to be willing to take late dining along with the guarantee.

[localady]

Well at this point I will let the guarantee ride. Hopefully I will be able to select a room later in the game, but if not, how bad can 28 days on the in an SY or better on the Oosterdam in the Med be??
On the bright side, we were able to secure early fixed dining, somethng we prefer!;) :D

[cruznon]

On the bright side, we were able to secure early fixed dining, somethng we prefer!;) :D
THAT is a biggie, Sher. Yea! for getting a fixed dining!!!

[kryos]

Well at this point I will let the guarantee ride. Hopefully I will be able to select a room later in the game, but if not, how bad can 28 days on the in an SY or better on the Oosterdam in the Med be??
On the bright side, we were able to secure early fixed dining, somethng we prefer!;) :D
I am actually shocked to learn about this dumb rule.

I do know that when you book a cruise that embarks in several ports, they will not allow you to select your cabin if you are embarking after the original port. For example, I am sailing on a 35-day Hawaii/South Pacific cruise in September. One can embark either in Vancouver, San Francisco or San Diego. However, if you opt to embark anywhere except Vancouver (the original embarkation point) you have to take a guarantee. That's because HAL doesn't want a cabin sitting idle for anywhere from 2 to 5 days, and I can well understand that.

But refusing to let someone select their cabin if they are doing the ENTIRE cruise ... such as in the case the OP mentions here ... is crazy. I could see if you only booked one segment, you might have to take a guarantee because priority would be given to those staying on for both segments. But if you are doing both, then what's the problem? Why can't you select your cabin?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[localady]

I am actually shocked to learn about this dumb rule.

I do know that when you book a cruise that embarks in several ports, they will not allow you to select your cabin if you are embarking after the original port. For example, I am sailing on a 35-day Hawaii/South Pacific cruise in September. One can embark either in Vancouver, San Francisco or San Diego. However, if you opt to embark anywhere except Vancouver (the original embarkation point) you have to take a guarantee. That's because HAL doesn't want a cabin sitting idle for anywhere from 2 to 5 days, and I can well understand that.

But refusing to let someone select their cabin if they are doing the ENTIRE cruise ... such as in the case the OP mentions here ... is crazy. I could see if you only booked one segment, you might have to take a guarantee because priority would be given to those staying on for both segments. But if you are doing both, then what's the problem? Why can't you select your cabin?

Blue skies ...

--rita

Rita-
Thanks so much for saying what I was thinking....;)
It is a stupid rule, which is why I brought it up here.
Maybe, someday, they will realize that it is important to make folks taking their longer voyages happy.

Many folks find a guarantee "fun". I don't......
I know what type of cabin I want and am willing to pay the price for it, yet I am "stuck" with a guarantee....:o

[mr green]

DH and I have decided to cancel our upcoming Prinsendam booking and book the 28 day from Venice to Ft. Lauderdale in Oct. 2009. The 28 day Oosterdam cruise is advertised on the HAL website, as well as being available as a 12 day and 16 day cruise.

I am a cruiser that likes to choose my cabin. This time we were unable to as HAL would only allow us to book a guarantee.:o If I had booked the 12 or 16 day portions, I could choose my cabin right now.

It just seems crazy that we would be forced into a guarantee.
Have other CCer's been in this situation and if so, how did it work out??

A similar thing happend to es a few years ago on Princess. My wife has difficulty walking, however I knew of one vacant cabin, 'close to everything', so I tried to book it, however all I got was a 'Guarantee'.
After much chit chat, I had my TA book a cruise with HAL, and instructed her to cancel Princess. She booked HAL, with a 48 hour limit to make the downpayment, BUT, she also contacted Princess and told them what I had done. The same day Princess came up with a perfect cabin for us.
It would make for much better relations if Cruise Companies would give us what we ask for when it is available in the first place!

Good luck.

john

[sail7seas]

[B]We are rigid about controlling what cabin we will occupy. If they were to refuse us the ability to select exactly which cabin we would be in, we would not book that cruise.

It's a great cruise and I totally understand your wanting to do it and being willing to let it ride for a while hoping that you will get the cabin of your choice and most people would do that, I think.

I hope it works out perfectly for you,Sher. We just wouldn't take the gamble. Location is too important to us while I know for others it is not.
It is great you have your dining time of choice confirmed!

Let us know how it works out.

[localady]

We are rigid about controlling what cabin we will occupy. If they were to refuse us the ability to select exactly which cabin we would be in, we would not book that cruise.

It's a great cruise and I totally understand your wanting to do it and being willing to let it ride for a while hoping that you will get the cabin of your choice and most people would do that, I think.

I hope it works out perfectly for you,Sher. We just wouldn't take the gamble. Location is too important to us while I know for others it is not.
It is great you have your dining time of choice confirmed!

Let us know how it works out.

I surely will Sails!

I will definitely continue to prod HAL. And I also believe that management would see the irony of a faithful cruiser wanting to take an (advertised) 28 day cruise, putting a deposit down as soon as the cruise was released, and [B]just wanting a room assignment vs. a guarantee.....

Who knows, it may end up being a deal breaker....:rolleyes:

[mountainmare]

I agree this is really unfair--especially for any sailing into or out of Venice where the side of the ship is important. I hope you can get the cabin you want.

[localady]

I agree this is really unfair--especially for any sailing into or out of Venice where the side of the ship is important. I hope you can get the cabin you want.
MM- Which side of the ship do we want?? I've not cruised out of Venice before!
Thanks in advance!!

[sail7seas]

The sailaway from Venice is breathtaking, especially if the weather is favorable. I purposely arose early in the A.M. to watch us sail in and when we sailed out, DH and were transfixed.

If I remember correctly, sailing out, you would want to be port..... or on the bow/Crowsnest. :)

[senator6]

We have booked back to back 10 day cruises on the Nordam for Nov. 2009, we have same situation have to take a guarantee or book 2 separate cruises and pay about $350 per person more for an SY with two bookings. Spoke with our HAL cruise consultant who said he could not get us a room until two or three weeks before sailing.
As others have said we could get a cabin by booking two different segments, doesn't make sense but that the choice we have.

[mountainmare]

Sail is correct--to sail out you want port. We sailed in and watching from our balcony was one of our most memorable cruising moments.

[localady]

The sailaway from Venice is breathtaking, especially if the weather is favorable. I purposely arose early in the A.M. to watch us sail in and when we sailed out, DH and were transfixed.

If I remember correctly, sailing out, you would want to be port..... or on the bow/Crowsnest. :)



Port it is!!
That is truly the side we want as we will get morning sun across the Atlantic also. :D :D

I will figure this out, somehow.....;)
(and with the generous help and knowledge of my CC friends!:D )

[localady]

We have booked back to back 10 day cruises on the Nordam for Nov. 2009, we have same situation have to take a guarantee or book 2 separate cruises and pay about $350 per person more for an SY with two bookings. Spoke with our HAL cruise consultant who said he could not get us a room until two or three weeks before sailing.
As others have said we could get a cabin by booking two different segments, doesn't make sense but that the choice we have.

Frankly I feel like folks that want to sail longer cruises are being penalized.....
What possible benefit can HAL be deriving from such a requirement ? :o If I book 2 segments as a CCL stockholder they will pay me almost that is SBC's, as I will get credit for both cruises, one a 12 day, one a 16 day.

I love the HAL cruise experience, and this forced guarantee just doesn't seem right...
maybe I cancel and rethink this!

[docksider21]

Oh, really, this all makes perfect sense.

Just like the reduced availability of traditional dining.

It's part of HAL's AWW .... as WE wish program. :rolleyes:

[localady]

Oh, really, this all makes perfect sense.

Just like the reduced availability of traditional dining.

It's part of HAL's AWW .... as WE wish program. :rolleyes:

LOL David!!:D
Others HAL cruisers would agree with that !!:p

[Davey Interweb]

We have booked an SY guarantee and frankly we don't want an SS. They are located on the Nav Deck and we prefer the SY's on the Upper Veranda deck any day! The thing is you may ultimately be assigned a SS (or better, hopefully) and the SY guarantee is commanding a premium of $1100 over the SS. That said, as long as the same cabin is available for both sailings your TA should be able to secure you an actual assignment rather than the GTY.

EDIT: Heh, nevermind, I didn't spot the Mariner rate on the SY the first time around :D I too am interested in this sailing now.

[localady]

Well I've spoken with DH and we've decided to try and book this as 2 cruises. It would cost more, but we will step the accommodations down.

This way we have a cabin assignment that I am comfortable that we can live with.

Additionally, we will now receive SBC's for both segments, not much but I'll take an extra $100 in SBC's any day.

[hammybee]

Well I've spoken with DH and we've decided to try and book this as 2 cruises. It would cost more, but we will step the accommodations down.

This way we have a cabin assignment that I am comfortable that we can live with.

Additionally, we will now receive SBC's for both segments, not much but I'll take an extra $100 in SBC's any day.



I think you made the best decision under the circumstances. My guess is that it's easier to sell each segment and therefore HAL is looking for maximum flexibility in cabin assignment and therefore is discounting the longer sail in exchange for flexibility.

Who knows, as times goes on, your price may fall and you can have your cake and eat it too. It's a fabulous intinerary.

[localady]

I think you made the best decision under the circumstances. My guess is that it's easier to sell each segment and therefore HAL is looking for maximum flexibility in cabin assignment and therefore is discounting the longer sail in exchange for flexibility.

Who knows, as times goes on, your price may fall and you can have your cake and eat it too. It's a fabulous intinerary.

I agree Hammybee!

If all works out, we will end up with the cheaper digs with a big balcony! ;)
Who knows what the prices will do with the markets being so precarious? :eek:
But we will have an assigned cabin and Early Traditional Seating, truly "As We Wish!!":D :D :D