Shore Excursion Question

[Pam in CA]

I've booked HAL shore excursions for my upcoming cruise but after booking and paying for them, I joined a friend and booked private tours in two of the ports. I'm 15 days from sailing; should I cancel them now or can I just turn in the tickets when I board the ship for OBC? Is there any penalty for doing so? I'd prefer to turn in the tickets and have more OBC to cover my onboard costs.

[IheartHAL]

The sooner you cancel, the better. This is from the Holland America website:

"You can easily book shore excursions online up to 5 days before departure using your booking number; changes or cancellations may be made online without penalty until 5 days prior to departure date. All cancellations that are made less than 5 days prior to cruise departure are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. In addition, if you cancel your tour reservation after the booking deadline stated in the Shore Excursions Order Form on board, or if you cancel a Signature Collection private tour, a 100% cancellation fee will apply since transportation and services will have already been arranged."

Happy sailing!

[Big Al B.]

When you cancel, a credit is applied to your card. If you are using that same card to pay for your expenses onboard, it would be the same as an OBC :).

[Krazy Kruizers]

Several times we have booked shore excursions on line and then changed our minds once we were on the ship.

If you turn in the tickets on the first day (cancel the tours) you will not be charged a penality -- just check your daily program for the times of the shore excursion office.

[rjm1cc]

Cancel on line now. It will give someone else a chance to get your spot.
The process is very easy. You will be able to print out a new listing of all of your remaining trips.

[Pam in CA]

Thanks for the help. I canceled my excursion today and probably made someone happy as it was waitlist-only. My friend canceled hers too so that's two people made happy.