Port tax games

[Caribbean Chris]

I usually handle our bookings direct with the line. DH took care of our next cruise booking after he got a promo email from a major airline's "cruise department." So far, so good, I'm cruising in Feb so I am NOT complaining.

 

BUT... I would never book again through an airline. Yes, we are getting a small ($50 PP I think - amount isn't spelled out in confirmation) on board credit and frequent flyer miles for the cruise purchase amount. Plus some kind of vague discount coupons on spa, casino and shop.

 

However, based on HAL's current sale, I figure we are now paying $200 extra so far for those benefits, plus a $24.99 "processing fee." Also, DH did not realize that the $238 we paid for insurance is the airline's choice of company.. not HAL's program. Not the same cancellation options.

 

The airline "cruise department" turns out to be a mega-company that apparently has a call center handling all sorts of online travel & cruise company brands. My first clue was when I went on HAL's web site to my reservations and had never heard of my travel agency's name.

 

The thing that is bothering me is the pricing structure of our booking. The documents show $656 for "taxes and port charges." HAL's port charges on this cruise are $176 for two. This seems deceptive, and our tour operator claims those are the actual amounts and that HAL just includes them in their cruise fares. It makes it impossible to ask for a fare adjustment during a sale period. (By design, no doubt.)

 

DH called HAL to inquire and the res agent said they are not allowed to discuss pricing when we book through someone else.

 

I am sure we'll have a wonderful time but this fishy tax pricing on the part of the airline's tour operator bothers me. Anyone else have similar experiences?

[eh2zed]

It is what it is. Don't worry about it and enjoy the cruise.

[Caribbean Chris]

It is what it is. Don't worry about it and enjoy the cruise.

 

You are right! I'm just too much of a control freak! Cruise will be great.

[sail7seas]

I agree.

You seemingly are locked into the booking as it has been made.

You can drive yourself nuts fretting about this and that but it won't change anything. The chances of you getting out of that booking in order to get a 'better deal' are probably slim to none.

 

Take it as a learning experience and roll with it.

You have great cruise to look forward to and if you didn't get the best possible deal, it isn't the end of the world.

 

We all have done such things in the past and will do so again.

[bigeagle12]

The TA's split out fares between commissionable and non-commissionable. So if advertised price thru cruiseline and TA both show $599/pp. The TA will show it on your receipt as $499 + $100 taxes + $149 port charges.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Sorry this happened to you.

 

But I know that you will have a great cruise.

[Caribbean Chris]

 

We all have done such things in the past and will do so again.

 

That made me feel better.

 

Bigeagle, thanks for the explanation re commissionable vs non price breakout, interesting. I worked in the cruise industry and later was a travel agent for a few years, but that was before the days of huge, anonymous online travel agencies.

 

It's a small amount of money and I know the trip will be great. Never had a bad one yet on Holland America Line.

[ASIWISH]

That made me feel better.

 

If it's any consolation, I've always wanted to purchase a cruise through my favorite airline, so I could get points. Reading your post makes me feel better about sticking my current process... you saved me some money, and stress.

 

Thank you...

[Caribbean Chris]

If it's any consolation, I've always wanted to purchase a cruise through my favorite airline, so I could get points. Reading your post makes me feel better about sticking my current process... you saved me some money, and stress.

 

Thank you...

 

That is a BIG consolation. I have been helped in many ways by reading other posts, but have rarely (if ever!) started a thread myself. So I appreciate your reply.

 

Now I'm entertaining myself with fantasies that the mega online tour operator books so many cruises with HAL that the Upgrade Fairy will wave her magic wand.

 

Come what may, it's a happy time when I'm basking in anticipation of the next cruise.

 

Chris

[tcook052]

Also, DH did not realize that the $238 we paid for insurance is the airline's choice of company.. not HAL's program. Not the same cancellation options.

 

The devil is always in the details and it's incumbent upon the consumer to invest the time before booking so they know exactly what they're getting. Lesson learned for next time and we've all made those kinds of errors.

 

BTW the only thing stopping this airline point hound from having done as you have is I live in Canada and most will only sell to U.S. residents.

[bet410]

It's so hard to second-guess something once the die is cast! The small amount you may have saved isn't worth the worry. When it's all behind you, I'm sure you will have had a wonderful cruise, no matter what the bottom line was! It will be your memories of the trip that are important, not whether you spent a little more than you might have. Those airline miles might come in handy when it's time to book another cruise. (Think free flight!!! :D)

 

I used to tell my students that everyone makes mistakes. The important think is to learn from those mistakes. Not only did you learn something, but you shared your experience, which will help others.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[MandB]

 

It's a small amount of money and I know the trip will be great. Never had a bad one yet on Holland America Line.

 

Never had a bad cruise on HA either, although we came close one time. They indicated their supply of my favorite ice cream was running low toward the end of the cruise :eek:! Luckily it held out until the end (although that last night I thought I was going to have to steal a scoop from the next table, when they were not looking, so I could have my normal 3 scoops).