Holland America Nightmare

[deck6]

We were booked on the 2007 Fall Panama Canal Cruise, leaving from San Diego on November 20 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving). Usually we would fly out the day before, but because of family obligations of the holiday, we either had to leave on the 20th or not go. We were booked on US Air by HAL, changing planes in Phoenix. Our flight from Phoenix to San Diego was cancelled, and US AIR couldn't rebook us in time. HAL arranged to fly us to Cabo, the first port, where we would be met by there shore ops people and taken to a hotel for two nights until the ship arrived on Monday.

On arrival in Cabo, could find no one representing HAL. Called Seattle again. The HAL representative told me that she was very, very sorry, but she couldn't get ahold of the shore ops people and "I would have to find my own hotel". I said "Are you crazy? This is a holiday weekend. Half of California is down here". Her response: tough - Nothing I can do.

Thanks to a couple of wonderful Mexicans, we found a room at a decent hotel (right over the disco which was open until 3 AM both nights) After arriving on board, the Customer Services Officer treated us with disdain, and argued over every expense except the hotel room. HAL did nothing more.:mad:

[Northshorecruisers]

OK. I'll start.

10 months after this happened and you've now decided to join Cruise Critic to make this 1 post. Wow, I feel priviledged.

[Druke I]

I would apply the duck theory!

[Jade13]

We were booked on the 2007 Fall Panama Canal Cruise, leaving from San Diego on November 20 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving). Usually we would fly out the day before, but because of family obligations of the holiday, we either had to leave on the 20th or not go. We were booked on US Air by HAL, changing planes in Phoenix. Our flight from Phoenix to San Diego was cancelled, and US AIR couldn't rebook us in time. HAL arranged to fly us to Cabo, the first port, where we would be met by there shore ops people and taken to a hotel for two nights until the ship arrived on Monday.

On arrival in Cabo, could find no one representing HAL. Called Seattle again. The HAL representative told me that she was very, very sorry, but she couldn't get ahold of the shore ops people and "I would have to find my own hotel". I said "Are you crazy? This is a holiday weekend. Half of California is down here". Her response: tough - Nothing I can do.

Thanks to a couple of wonderful Mexicans, we found a room at a decent hotel (right over the disco which was open until 3 AM both nights) After arriving on board, the Customer Services Officer treated us with disdain, and argued over every expense except the hotel room. HAL did nothing more.:mad:

Did you have HAL's insurance or any insurance? Even if you book the air through HAL (or any Cruise line) they are not responsible if flights get canceled. They did put you up in the hotel. In any event this is what insurance is for (although some do not cover mechanical problems on air planes and some do not cover weather). Did you have any insurance? Did you have the name of the person at HAL who changed your flight to Cabo and supposely booked your hotel? I always get full name and number (and unlike the Reps at Celebrity/RCCL) HAL always gives names and numbers.

The Reps on board unfortunately would not have authority to reimburse you for expenses (I'm guessing the othrs would have been your food for 2 days) but would probably have to contact Seattle to find out what was going on with your situation.

[Homosassa]

Sorry, folks, but you decided to take a chance and fly out the same day as the cruise.

It doesn't matter if you booked the flight yourself or let someone else do it for you.

HAL doesn't owe you anything.

Next time, if family obligations are more important than cruising, don't cruise.

[Robin7]

Wait....I'm confused. I thought the reason to book your air through the cruiseline was so they would be responsible to get you to the ship if something happened to your flight through no fault of your own. :confused: (We don't book cruise air as we use frequent flier miles to get to port, but we're running out since my DH has quit having to travel so much so I'm wondering for future bookings.)

Robin

[Northshorecruisers]

Although some people feel there is security in booking your airfare with the cruise line, we have always booked our own.
#1 - We always get airfare cheaper than the cruise line is offering it for
#2 - We fly when we want on more direct flights
#3 - I like being the one in control if something goes wrong

[Akheila]

uhoh this is gooing to turn into a hot situation.

I have to wonder too why one would wait so long to comment like this and here. If you were very distressed I would've been looking everywhere for help and advice.
Sorry you didn't get the results you wanted but how would you expect to get them now....a year later?

If its buyer beware, well...thanks...I guess.....

[Northshorecruisers]

Who's popping the popcorn?

[InTheWASide]

I got the popcorn.

Since I'm gone for the weekend, I don't want you all to get mal or undernourished discussing this to death... I want to read pages upon pages in reply to this one when I get back :D

[silleecruiser]

Butter with that popcorn - and perhaps a glass of wine?

This should get interesting. Do not understand waiting this long either - wonder if there will be another post from OP.

[Sprocket]

Seems odd that they would wait almost a year to post their disappointment. But giving them the benefit of the doubt perhaps they only just found out about the CC boards.

But I've got to go to work now, so please save me some popcorn I will check back in later also......

[hammybee]

Flying in on the date of departure is risky. Cruising without trip insurance is also risky. If the ship sails without you, neither the cruise line or the airline is obligated to do anything for you.

That cruise lines use their influence ( buying power) to get you to the next port to meet the ship, is not the same thing as being obligated to do so. Once there, they are not obligated to meet you, console you, feed you or put you up in a hotel.

Passengers who choose to fly in on the date of departure own the consequences.

[cccole]

Even though I agree that it is a bit late to be posting a complaint, I also think that there have been enough posts here recently about the dangers of flying into the port city the day of departure to invite this post. This post might help others know that even if you book air through HAL you are not guaranteed to arrive on time.

We book our air ourselves because of the cost difference but I have to say that I would think that if I paid the cruiseline price for airfare and they are willing to send me the "day of" that I would be fine.

Hopefully those thinking of buying air through HAL will make sure they know what will happen if there are airline difficulties. Cherie

[Krazy Kruizers]

We were booked on the 2007 Fall Panama Canal Cruise, leaving from San Diego on November 20 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving). Usually we would fly out the day before, but because of family obligations of the holiday, we either had to leave on the 20th or not go. We were booked on US Air by HAL, changing planes in Phoenix. Our flight from Phoenix to San Diego was cancelled, and US AIR couldn't rebook us in time. HAL arranged to fly us to Cabo, the first port, where we would be met by there shore ops people and taken to a hotel for two nights until the ship arrived on Monday.

On arrival in Cabo, could find no one representing HAL. Called Seattle again. The HAL representative told me that she was very, very sorry, but she couldn't get ahold of the shore ops people and "I would have to find my own hotel". I said "Are you crazy? This is a holiday weekend. Half of California is down here". Her response: tough - Nothing I can do.

Thanks to a couple of wonderful Mexicans, we found a room at a decent hotel (right over the disco which was open until 3 AM both nights) After arriving on board, the Customer Services Officer treated us with disdain, and argued over every expense except the hotel room. HAL did nothing more.:mad:

Was this the 23 day PanAmerican/Ecuador cruise on the Ryndam???

We were on that cruise.

Guest Realtions Manager -- on that ship at that time -- we know from a couple of other cruises -- he is great!!!

[pms4104]

The answer is insurance, insurance, insurance ... from whomever.

Hal's brochures are very clear that they assume no responsibility for non-HAL services (such as airlines and hotels) even tho HAL may have collected monies for and/or made specific non-HAL bookings on a client's behalf.

So ... if HAL paid the hotel in Mexico (if I understand the end of the OP's post), that was indeed more than they needed to do. HAL owes the OP nothing, nothing, nothing.

[Down-Unders]

OK. I'll start.

10 months after this happened and you've now decided to join Cruise Critic to make this 1 post. Wow, I feel priviledged.


What has one post got do to do with it? The OP may not have been aware of CC. :( :( :( :( :(

[jhannah]

Come on. How many times have we seen someone who just signs up, posts for the first time, and uses the word "nightmare?" And so long after the fact, to boot.

[sail7seas]

Was this the 23 day PanAmerican/Ecuador cruise on the Ryndam???

We were on that cruise.

Guest Realtions Manager -- on that ship at that time -- we know from a couple of other cruises -- he is great!!!


Who is it?

[Paint Horse]

One post + never answers the responses = a troll just trying to wind you up.

[RuthC]

Some lemonade would go nicely with that popcorn. ;)

[eldercruser]

What a hoot! Does the Op really think anyone cares?

[Northshorecruisers]

At least we have our popcorn and wine!!

[SarasMommy]

OK. I'll start.

10 months after this happened and you've now decided to join Cruise Critic to make this 1 post. Wow, I feel priviledged.

One post + never answers the responses = a troll just trying to wind you up.

No wonder there are so many one post wonders with comments like these. It has only been 8 hours since the initial post... do you truly believe that members have no other obligations but to sit on the computer waiting for responses minute by minute?

Even though I agree that it is a bit late to be posting a complaint, I also think that there have been enough posts here recently about the dangers of flying into the port city the day of departure to invite this post. This post might help others know that even if you book air through HAL you are not guaranteed to arrive on time.

We book our air ourselves because of the cost difference but I have to say that I would think that if I paid the cruiseline price for airfare and they are willing to send me the "day of" that I would be fine.

Hopefully those thinking of buying air through HAL will make sure they know what will happen if there are airline difficulties. Cherie

This is at least a helpful discussion regarding the issue at hand of arriving on the same day. We have been fortunate that both our cruises on the opposite side of the globe have been (and will be) preceded with a few days' stay in a city close by. We spent three days prior to our Far East Asia cruise in Osaka, and we will be spending 3 days prior to our 2009 southeast Asia cruise in Cambodia. Even though there is probably nothing more that can be done with the OP's situation, at least their story provides a "heads up" for future cruisers.

[Jemima]

US Airways and Southwest both run lots of flights Phoenix to San Diego daily.

[Alaskabound77]

That's all you got?? BORING............;)

[Thrifty]

I feel very sympathetic towards deck6, the poster who started this thread, because I am unsophisticated enough that something of the same sort could happen to me. I had assumed that when I booked the air with the cruise line, they would take care of getting me to the ship. After all, they choose the airlines and the routing. If I get safely to and from my next cruise, to which I am already committed, I shall feel grateful to deck6 for teaching me to assume less.

[Alaskabound77]

I feel very sympathetic towards deck6, the poster who started this thread, because I am unsophisticated enough that something of the same sort could happen to me. I had assumed that when I booked the air with the cruise line, they would take care of getting me to the ship. After all, they choose the airlines and the routing. If I get safely to and from my next cruise, to which I am already committed, I shall feel grateful to deck6 for teaching me to assume less.

Well said, Thrifty.

[mnport]

I am new, just one cruise and I did see a couple of snobbish folks, now I see them here.

[kryos]

Wait....I'm confused. I thought the reason to book your air through the cruiseline was so they would be responsible to get you to the ship if something happened to your flight through no fault of your own. :confused: (We don't book cruise air as we use frequent flier miles to get to port, but we're running out since my DH has quit having to travel so much so I'm wondering for future bookings.)

Robin
HAL will make more of an effort to help you get rebooked, and they may even hold the ship for a bit if you are running just a tad late due to a cancelled flight, but no ... they make no guarantees. They will only assist you a bit more than if you booked air on your own, but no ... HAL makes no guarantees as to the airlines and their schedules ... especially today.

The only advantage to using HAL's air is that you won't be totally on your own if something goes haywire. They will at least attempt to help you. If you don't use their air, and then have a problem, they basically tell you "tough ... you're on your own."

HAL's air is generally more expensive, though there can be exceptions. Also, unless you want the crappiest routing, you have to pay an additional "air deviation fee" in order to get your choice of flights and routing. Personally, I would sooner get insurance that covers flight delays and only use HAL air when it is advantageous pricewise to do so.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[mikjr]

Come on. How many times have we seen someone who just signs up, posts for the first time, and uses the word "nightmare?" And so long after the fact, to boot.

I'm just curious as to what the motivation would be for someone to make this type of claim and post it on the boards?

Is it just for kicks?

Is it the CEO of a competitor cruiseline?

Is it a rep from Orville Redenbacher?

Or... did it really happen?

[Pete Jackson]

Come on guys and gals, you all missed the main test! Although Thanksgiving was on the earliest possible day (Nov 22) in 2007, then the Saturday after Thanksgiving had to be Nov 24. So OP missed the Nov 20 sailing by 4 days!
I'm feeling too lazy to look up when Panama Canal cruises left San Diego in November 2007, and OP hasn't help us at all by not even naming the ship!



We were booked on the 2007 Fall Panama Canal Cruise, leaving from San Diego on November 20 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving). Usually we would fly out the day before, but because of family obligations of the holiday, we either had to leave on the 20th or not go. We were booked on US Air by HAL, changing planes in Phoenix. Our flight from Phoenix to San Diego was cancelled, and US AIR couldn't rebook us in time. HAL arranged to fly us to Cabo, the first port, where we would be met by there shore ops people and taken to a hotel for two nights until the ship arrived on Monday......

[Jade13]

I feel very sympathetic towards deck6, the poster who started this thread, because I am unsophisticated enough that something of the same sort could happen to me. I had assumed that when I booked the air with the cruise line, they would take care of getting me to the ship. After all, they choose the airlines and the routing. If I get safely to and from my next cruise, to which I am already committed, I shall feel grateful to deck6 for teaching me to assume less.

Thifty, part of what I read here was that the OP expected HAL to pay for more than than the hotel when they arrived at the ship, and then could not get that from ship's staff. So, I'm assuming the OP did not have insurance. It would be interesting to find out what HAL's insurance covers in this instance. At 24 hours prior to departure it's the only one that would have covered a 90% refund on the flights also booked through HAL, but then it kicks in to real insurance through Berkley and we should find out what the insurance would cover regarding a canceled flight within 24 hours. I have always thought that if purchasing air through HAL (which we did do to Alaska) the insurance was a good deal up until 24 hours prior to departure, but not sure what it covers for canceled flights (weather or mechanical once within that window).

It seems for those who must fly in the day of the cruise getting insurance that covers the most in terms of plane delays is important in picking a policy. Different policies also have different delay coverage. 4 hours, 5 hours, or 6 hours could make a difference.

[jhannah]

I'm just curious as to what the motivation would be for someone to make this type of claim and post it on the boards?

Is it just for kicks? Usually, I guess. They never share their motivation.

[Sea Island Lady]

Originally Posted by mikjr
I'm just curious as to what the motivation would be for someone to make this type of claim and post it on the boards?

Is it just for kicks?

mnportI am new, just one cruise and I did see a couple of snobbish folks, now I see them here.

:(

I'm just curious as to what the motivation would be for someone to make this type of claim and post it on the boards?

Is it just for kicks?

Is it the CEO of a competitor cruiseline?

Is it a rep from Orville Redenbacher?

Or... did it really happen?

This is what I think......

Perhaps the OP (and other well meaning people) was doing some research on the net, saw something about HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISES, clicked on the link and saw CRUISE CRITIC. He may have thought this was a board to post a CRITIC, review, warning, or whatever... and he decided to post his HAL cruise experience to warn others. Sort of like Trip Advisor.;)

The OP may not have realized that CC is actually a message and discussion forum. :rolleyes: He post his experience, not expecting that he would get feedback, and that's it for him! I found CC quite by accident and didn't fully understand it's function when I first became a member. In fact, I joined using a different sign in name, made a few post, and didn't come back for several months. When I was on a cruise, I heard someone talking about CC and all the help the board has been, so I once again found the board. Although I had to register using a new name, because I couldn't remember the old, I have been an active member ever since. :)

[Robin7]

HAL will make more of an effort to help you get rebooked, and they may even hold the ship for a bit if you are running just a tad late due to a cancelled flight, but no ... they make no guarantees. They will only assist you a bit more than if you booked air on your own, but no ... HAL makes no guarantees as to the airlines and their schedules ... especially today.

The only advantage to using HAL's air is that you won't be totally on your own if something goes haywire. They will at least attempt to help you. If you don't use their air, and then have a problem, they basically tell you "tough ... you're on your own."

HAL's air is generally more expensive, though there can be exceptions. Also, unless you want the crappiest routing, you have to pay an additional "air deviation fee" in order to get your choice of flights and routing. Personally, I would sooner get insurance that covers flight delays and only use HAL air when it is advantageous pricewise to do so.

Blue skies ...

--rita

Thanks, Rita. That makes sense. I guess we will probably stick with booking our own air and getting insurance. (We're looking at a TA for fall 2009.)

Hey, wait! Aren't you ON a cruise right now????? :D Happy sailing.

Robin

[world~citizen]

Flying in on the date of departure is risky. Cruising without trip insurance is also risky. If the ship sails without you, neither the cruise line or the airline is obligated to do anything for you.

That cruise lines use their influence ( buying power) to get you to the next port to meet the ship, is not the same thing as being obligated to do so. Once there, they are not obligated to meet you, console you, feed you or put you up in a hotel.

Passengers who choose to fly in on the date of departure own the consequences.

We couldn't get out of NYC to fly to New Orleans to meet the Maasdam for a Panama Canal cruise (we were hit with the snowstorm of the century). Although we booked air with HAL to get us into New Orleans 3 days early, the best HAL could do after the storm was get us to the first port of call.

The fact that they did this led me to assume that this was standard procedure - and the only reason that I can think of to book air with the cruise line. Is it really true that the cruise line is under no obligation to get you to the first port - and that what we experienced was just a courtesy that could be revoked at any time?

Even World~Citizen learns things on these boards. :D

PS: even though this cruise started off a little rocky, it was one of the best cruises we ever had.

[jimgev]

[quote=deck6;16330819]We were booked on the 2007 Fall Panama Canal Cruise, leaving from San Diego on November 20 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving). Usually we would fly out the day before, but because of family obligations of the holiday, we either had to leave on the 20th or not go.

When you check the details, it is apparent that this does not add up.
Nov. 20, 2007 was NOT a Saturday, it was a Tuesday and it was not after Thanksgiving, it was before.

With those details misstated it raises a lot of questions about the entire thing.

[Paint Horse]

Troll, who has indeed managed to wind y'all up.

[DAllenTCY]

Ok, my $.02 worth. November Panama Canal Saturday after Thanksgiving was the Amsterdam on the 24th. The Oosterdam was also departing from San Diego that day. USAir has many flights from Phoenix to San Diego, and so does SW. I do recall some stranded passengers in PHX last year, and they were flown directly down to Cabo the next day (never arriving in San Diego). Curiously USAir would have flown them back to Phoenix to connect with their Cabo flight. But NOBODY is going to tell you that a HAL agent will meet them in Cabo, to take them to a hotel.
There is no such an agent.
Once you reach the San Jose del Cabo airport, you are still an hour away from the port....and on your own for transportation and lodging.
If you find yourself in such a "fix" be sure to go to Cabo the very next day of your sailing and stay overnight. Most US flights to Cabo arrive in the afternoon, and it is very "iffy" getting from the airport to the ship on the second day after you missed your San Diego departure.
David

[grannynurse]

One correction. HAL DOES have port agents in every port where HAL ships dock. I suppose that one of their functions could be to arrange hotel rooms for pax that missed the ship's departure in the previous port. The port agent has many duties including being available for passengers with problems before, during, or after the ship arrives (like medical emergencies, missed connections etc) so this statement by the OP is plausible.

The port agent information is printed on the port info sheet delivered to the cabin each evening before arriving in port. We feel that the contact info is important enough to take it with us whenever we get off the ship.
GN

[jhannah]

HAL DOES have port agents in every port where HAL ships dock. I suppose that one of their functions could be to arrange hotel rooms for pax that missed the ship's departure in the previous port.That would be great IF we knew who the agent was. As you note, that info isn't provided until we're on the ship, the night before that port. This might be a good thing for cruise lines to send out with other pre-cruise information -- a list of that sailing's port agents and their contact information.

[hammybee]

HAL will make more of an effort to help you get rebooked, and they may even hold the ship for a bit if you are running just a tad late due to a cancelled flight....... rita

This is misleading.

Ships in domestic ports must now turn over their actual checked- in passenger manifests 60 minutes, before sailaway. If they wait an hour for a few passengers, it becomes 2+ hours due to this requirement. Making up for lost time, means the ship needs to burn more fuel which costs more money.

They no longer have the luxury of "holding a ship" for a few late passengers.

[Roboat]

At least we have our popcorn and wine!!

OK, that's IT!!!!
I can no longer be silent over the horrible responses!

Drinking WINE with popcorn???? :eek:
It' just so wrong.

Beer, yes. Soda, yes. Even lemonade, yes.
But wine?
Have you learned nothing?
Earthlings are doomed.
Sorry I can't save you. My work on this planet is done.
;)

[ekerr19]

:(
When I was on a cruise, I heard someone talking about CC and all the help the board has been, so I once again found the board. Although I had to register using a new name, because I couldn't remember the old, I have been an active member ever since. :)

Weren't you posting as "Familyof4toAlaska" or something like that? If that was you, I recall a bit of drama with your first cruise - an illness or something that was potentially going to prevent you from going on the cruise... I could be wrong though.

[babyher]

OK, that's IT!!!!
I can no longer be silent over the horrible responses!

Drinking WINE with popcorn???? :eek:
It' just so wrong.

Beer, yes. Soda, yes. Even lemonade, yes.
But wine?
Have you learned nothing?
Earthlings are doomed.
Sorry I can't save you. My work on this planet is done.
;)



You are so right

Wine goes with Doritos :)

[Copper10-8]

Was this the 23 day PanAmerican/Ecuador cruise on the Ryndam???

We were on that cruise.

Guest Realtions Manager -- on that ship at that time -- we know from a couple of other cruises -- he is great!!!

Hey Yonnie, congrats! First step in joining the "in-crowd";)

[CDRMark]

We couldn't get out of NYC to fly to New Orleans to meet the Maasdam for a Panama Canal cruise (we were hit with the snowstorm of the century). Although we booked air with HAL to get us into New Orleans 3 days early, the best HAL could do after the storm was get us to the first port of call.

The fact that they did this led me to assume that this was standard procedure - and the only reason that I can think of to book air with the cruise line. Is it really true that the cruise line is under no obligation to get you to the first port - and that what we experienced was just a courtesy that could be revoked at any time?

Even World~Citizen learns things on these boards. :D

PS: even though this cruise started off a little rocky, it was one of the best cruises we ever had.
I just finished going through my Eurodam docs (insert quick jig here!) and the contract specifically states;
""If, however, due to any cause beyond our control, we are unable to arrange...or the air transportation we arrange is unavailable, ...our sole liability will be limited to refunding the air add-on paid or cruise only credit. Our relationship with the airlines is one of an independent travel agent." That is pretty clear, however like many others I have read and heard stories of HAL (and other lines) trying to move Heaven and Earth to help the passenger despite having no contractual liability. It is a customer service thing.
Cheers
Mark

[jhannah]

So what's the benefit of purchasing air through the cruise line? No liability on their part. Crappy connections/flight times. Costs more. (There are exceptions to this, I know.)

Anyone? Anyone?

[Sea Island Lady]

Weren't you posting as "Familyof4toAlaska" or something like that? If that was you, I recall a bit of drama with your first cruise - an illness or something that was potentially going to prevent you from going on the cruise... I could be wrong though.

No, that wasn't me. :confused:

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I believe this is the cruise that the OP was on...

Amsterdam 11/24/07 Sat SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.
Amsterdam 11/25/07 Sun At Sea
Amsterdam 11/26/07 Mon Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Amsterdam 11/27/07 Tue At Sea
Amsterdam 11/28/07 Wed Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Amsterdam 11/29/07 Thu ACAPULCO, MEXICO
Amsterdam 11/30/07 Fri Santa Cruz Huatulco, Mexico
Amsterdam 12/01/07 Sat Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Amsterdam 12/02/07 Sun At Sea
Amsterdam 12/03/07 Mon Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Amsterdam 12/04/07 Tue At Sea, Scenic Cruising Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica,
Amsterdam 12/05/07 Wed Amador, Panama
Amsterdam 12/06/07 Thu Amador, Panama
Amsterdam 12/06/07 Thu Panama Canal, Panama
Amsterdam 12/07/07 Fri At Sea
Amsterdam 12/08/07 Sat Oranjestad, Aruba
Amsterdam 12/09/07 Sun At Sea
Amsterdam 12/10/07 Mon At Sea
Amsterdam 12/11/07 Tue FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, U.S.A.

[Robin7]

So what's the benefit of purchasing air through the cruise line? No liability on their part. Crappy connections/flight times. Costs more. (There are exceptions to this, I know.)

Anyone? Anyone?

Precisely what I was wondering, and as far as I can see, there are no benefits. Maybe I'm missing something???

For our New Zealand/Australia cruise I called HAL about their air. OW! :eek: Plus we would have had to pay the deviation fee (can't recall what it is offhand) to go in early. So really, I do not see using cruiseline air if there are no guarantees.

Robin

[CowPrincess]

So what's the benefit of purchasing air through the cruise line?

We saved a significant amt of $$$ using cruise air for our upcoming cruise. Lousy flights, but worth it for the $$$ savings. YMMV Two of us are travelling for about 25% more than one friend who did her own bookings.

[sail7seas]

Sometimes HAL air prices are better for open jaw bookings than we can get on our own.

[Robin7]

Okay. Saving money is a good reason to use cruise air then. :D

So, since a Transatlantic will be an open jaw flight, I should call HAL to see what their cost is. How far out do you all recommend doing that? I called about our New Zealand/Australia cruise (leaves October 24) in July. The price difference per ticket over buying our own was about $1700, not including the deviation. Did I just wait too long?

Robin

[bepsf]

I think that as long as HAL paid for the hotel in Cabo - They've done their job.

Once again, the point is proven: Come He** or High Water, get to the port of departure at least a day in advance.

[Jab70]

We were booked on the 2007 Fall Panama Canal Cruise, leaving from San Diego on November 20 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving). do.
...................... HAL did nothing more.:mad:

Welllllll.... just finished by beer (agree...not wine):rolleyes: and buttered popcorn LOL! Read 3 pages of "someone really pulling your strings"....Let's see....

Someone goes to the trouble of registering on c.c. and posts a thread about something that happened nearly one year ago? Can't even get the dates straight? Nov 20, TUE...Nov 22, THU, Thanksgiving....Nov 24, SAT?

I'm new to c.c. also...but you don't post without checking for a reply out of curiosity? So if you never hear from "Deck6" and get the truth and/or an explanation.....(or maybe, even an apology) it should have been posted on Apr 1st. No more popcorn (buttered) for me....but will have another beerhttp://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[jcrandle]

Since several posters pointed out that insurance would have possibly eased the financial pain of a delayed flight, I decided to review the travel insurance I purchased for my next cruise. I opted for the Super Saver from TruTravel (the least expensive of the ones quoted on insuremytrip.com. It will pay up to $200 per day up to a maximum of $600 for a common carrier delay of six hours or more. Probably enough to cover a hotel for a night or two, but not, in today's airfare market, nearly enough to cover two, one-way tickets to get us to our next port. When you walk up to the airline counter, they know they have you in the palm of their hands.

While we are flying very early the day of sailing, we are scheduled to arrive at the destination airport at 11:48 AM, and the published sailing time is 5 PM. So it would be possible for us to miss the ship due to a air delay, yet not trigger the $200 per day/$600 total compensation. Just for grins, I checked Expedia for a one way flight to the next port and the cheapest was $770 per person.

Perhaps, I thought, I should have purchased a plan that was more generous, but I looked at several more expensive plans, and the three that I checked all had the same six hour delay clause. They would have upped the compensation to $400/1200, but still leaving a significant out of pocket cost for me.

In fairness, I purchased the insurance to cover illness or accidents that might cause us to be unable to take the cruise, as well as medical/evac coverage if something major happened to us on the trip, but I always had thought that I had significant coverage if a weather event closed an airport on the way. Now I know better (or more accurately, worse).

Even flying the day before might not be a panacea if a hurricane decides to time it's arrival with yours.

Many thanks to the OP, as I'm begining to choke on my popcornhttp://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

[Boytjie]

OK, that's IT!!!!
I can no longer be silent over the horrible responses!

Drinking WINE with popcorn???? :eek:
It' just so wrong.

Beer, yes. Soda, yes. Even lemonade, yes.
But wine?
Have you learned nothing?
Earthlings are doomed.
Sorry I can't save you. My work on this planet is done.
;)

How dare you tell me what I can drink - or not drink - with my popcorn?!

It is my wine and my popcorn and I shall do as I dam please. What's next: telling what I can or cannot wear on formal night?! :eek:

[Boytjie]

You are so right

Wine goes with Doritos :)


And wine goes with chocolates... red with dark, of course. ;)

[ekerr19]

Two[/B] of us are travelling for about 25% more than one friend who did her own bookings.

You said it - "lousy flights" and we just can't do "lousy" anymore.

Our last HAL air experience was awful. We also missed our connection. From FLL we flew to St. Louis, then on to Denver. Well, in enroute to St.Louis, the pilot decided (his words!) to divert to avoid a storm. Well, more than half the plane missed their connections - when we asked the airline agent, she said "too bad - you're at our mercy and you go last because HAL books bulk seats which are basically worthless" and this was pre-9/11 and change fees!

Anymore, our time is premium. We cannot afford to be at the airlines "mercy" - so we book expensive F/C seats, at least we get a decent amount of help from the airlines when we need it.

Personally, I see no reason to book HAL's add-on air. I've never found it to be a bargain except one time to Costa Rica in 2000.

If you have the time to spend at the airlines mercy - I'd go for ir. We don't; and hate wasting time dealing with folks who are not inclined to lift a finger to assist.

[RuthC]

I'm just curious as to what the motivation would be for someone to make this type of claim and post it on the boards?



Is it a rep from Orville Redenbacher?
:D :D :D

[DAllenTCY]

While there is a port agent in Cabo, they could care less about your delayed arrival, last minute hotel reservation, transportation, etc.
The duty of the port agent is to get you OUT of Cabo, if you miss the sailing.
Don't expect to see a "Red Coat" waiting at the airport the if you missed the ship in San Diego.
Delayed luggage is handled by the port agent to get the bags to the ship, after the HAL staff confirms the flight arrangements made by the airline, and this is done my e-mail.
The OP stated that they were told that they would be assisted by a HAL rep in Cabo upon their arrival.
I'd like to apply for that position right now!
David

[RuthC]

And wine goes with chocolates... red with dark, of course. ;)
Hey! :eek: I'm the chocolate queen around here! I'll say what goes with dark. :mad:

Champagne. (the real stuff) Or red. Or white. Or blush.
There's no rules with wine anymore. :D

[Roboat]

How dare you tell me what I can drink - or not drink - with my popcorn?!

It is my wine and my popcorn and I shall do as I dam please. What's next: telling what I can or cannot wear on formal night?! :eek:

No no. You misunderstood.
I am not telling you what you can or can't drink with your popcorn. People should be aware, however, that drinking wine with popcorn is completely wrong (and, possibly, evil.)

Then, if you choose to do it anyway, and thereby demonstrate your complete disdain for all that is good and holy in the universe, well, that's your choice as a card-carrying evildoer, and I cannot be held accountable.

I will, however, include your palate in my prayers.
;)

[cruisinjudy]

Wine with popcorn? But of course! I have wine with popcorn. I might even have some whine with popcorn!

[camrosegirl]

I flew into Rome this past August for a Noordam cruise--3 days early. Our plane had a mechanical problem over Atlantic so we turned around. We arrived in Rome 14 hours late. There were a number of passengers sailing on Princess who missed their ship--they had purchased their air from Princess. Princess reps met our flight, put the passengers up at the airport Hilton and were flying them to Sardinia the next morning. I thought this was the norm, so interesting following this thread.

[Jade13]

I flew into Rome this past August for a Noordam cruise--3 days early. Our plane had a mechanical problem over Atlantic so we turned around. We arrived in Rome 14 hours late. There were a number of passengers sailing on Princess who missed their ship--they had purchased their air from Princess. Princess reps met our flight, put the passengers up at the airport Hilton and were flying them to Sardinia the next morning. I thought this was the norm, so interesting following this thread.

I wonder if they had insurance through Princess? My bet is that most people who book air through a cruise line also take their insurance. My question still to the OP would be info on who they spoke to in (Seattle?) who was supposed to have this all arranged for them?

[rfbdorf]

...Our last HAL air experience was awful. We also missed our connection. From FLL we flew to St. Louis, then on to Denver. Well, in enroute to St.Louis, the pilot decided (his words!) to divert to avoid a storm. Well, more than half the plane missed their connections...You were lucky to have a pilot who placed the safety of his passengers above their inconvenience (and also that he was willing to take on the hassle with his company created by making that decision). You do not want to be in an aircraft in a thunderstorm. There's a saying "It's far better to be down there wishing you were up there than to be up there wishing you were down there."
- Richard

[ekerr19]

You were lucky to have a pilot who placed the safety of his passengers above their inconvenience (and also that he was willing to take on the hassle with his company created by making that decision). You do not want to be in an aircraft in a thunderstorm. There's a saying "It's far better to be down there wishing you were up there than to be up there wishing you were down there."
- Richard

I didn't object to his decision - the fact that the airline didn't support it and help those of us who missed connections was the issue. I probably should have phrased it better.

The airline told us the HAL tickets were worthless and we we at their (TWA's) mercy as far as getting on another flight. They did not have another flight until morning and the next flight was also booked completely; we managed to find an agent who was willing to put us at the top of the stand-by list, but that's all they would do. The airline did give us a $10 voucher for food. The only places open at that time of night were a couple of fast food restaurants.

We also had HAL's insurance. When I contacted HAL's 800 number, we were told to "just wait" until the next flight - even though it meant spending over 10 hours stitting in the airport.

That's when I decided - never again.

[ekerr19]

oops double post!

[rfbdorf]

I certainly agree that, having delivered you to the wrong place, the airline should have done everything they could to get you to your destination ASAP. If they were solidly booked, they should have tried other airlines. On the other hand, if there were no other flights, I guess they weren't a position to do much to help you.
Long time ago, though...
- Richard

[obriendan]

No no. You misunderstood.
I am not telling you what you can or can't drink with your popcorn. People should be aware, however, that drinking wine with popcorn is completely wrong (and, possibly, evil.)

Then, if you choose to do it anyway, and thereby demonstrate your complete disdain for all that is good and holy in the universe, well, that's your choice as a card-carrying evildoer, and I cannot be held accountable.

I will, however, include your palate in my prayers.
;)

We must indeed be card-carrying evildoers! Hooray for red wine and popcorn during the evening so-called news!