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new promises in HAL brochure.

dr.dawg

By dr.dawg,
in Holland America Line

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Langoustine

Langoustine

Posted
Posted
What cruise line doesn't over hype the experience showing glam shots of stylishly svelte people dressed and laughing like you never see actually onboard?

 

Yes, to me, the people in those photos always look like they're on the verge of hysteria. Retirement homes do the same thing, which is even creepier once you've seen a real one.

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sapper1

sapper1

Posted
Posted
Yes, to me, the people in those photos always look like they're on the verge of hysteria. Retirement homes do the same thing, which is even creepier once you've seen a real one.

 

LOL, that is funny. I have often wondered who they think they are fooling. :D

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NMLady

NMLady

Posted
Posted
Actually I agreed with what you said. It was sad that you had to preface your remarks with a blanket insult. So, since Ruth cannot answer for me I will answer and say that I was offended. Insulting in advance is never a good idea. It takes away from what you have to say.

 

I also agree.

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mamaofami

mamaofami

Posted
Posted
I don't understand why you put so much effort into belittling HAL at every opportunity. I get it that you don't like HAL anymore. Fine. Please just go elsewhere and leave the board in peace.

 

Where is the like button on CC ?

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holacanada

holacanada

Posted
Posted

Even if I received this brochure today, my HA "consultant" told me that I cannot "take part" of this so call Program because this is going to be next 2014 (and some december cruises) . I sent this pics and she replied me that she can't do anithing to accomodate me.

I a leaving FLL on Noordam 25 november for a 21 days cruise. .???

 

Excuse for my frustration..!

 

 

 

[ATTACH]281103[/ATTACH]

 

[ATTACH]281104[/ATTACH]

 

[ATTACH]281105[/ATTACH]

 

Holacanada from Quebec City

 

 

 

 

 

Holacanada from Quebec city.

Next cruise on Noordam for the 21 days Collector Cruise / Turkey's At Sea...

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OVgirl

OVgirl

Posted
Posted
Even if I received this brochure today, my HA "consultant" told me that I cannot "take part" of this so call Program because this is going to be next 2014 (and some december cruises) . I sent this pics and she replied me that she can't do anithing to accomodate me.

I a leaving FLL on Noordam 25 november for a 21 days cruise. .???

 

Excuse for my frustration..!

 

 

 

[ATTACH]281103[/ATTACH]

 

[ATTACH]281104[/ATTACH]

 

[ATTACH]281105[/ATTACH]

 

Holacanada from Quebec City

 

 

 

 

 

Holacanada from Quebec city.

Next cruise on Noordam for the 21 days Collector Cruise / Turkey's At Sea...

 

I would check if anyone on your rollcall was able to get this promo.

Good Luck.

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whogo

whogo

Posted
Posted
hi, cc friends -- and 'enemies' alike. before you bash me, let me say i received the new HAL brochure yesterday. the one explaining the explore4 'initiative'. what an over-hyped piece of tree-wasting. first, on page 55 is the headline ' spectacular rewards for doing what you love.' just what are these 'spectacular rewards?' free laundry -- i am a 4-star -- ok what else? i always get a 'free' pinnacle meal from my ta and some wine in my room. and those mags they send 'free' are nothing but ads. what is so 'spectacular'? seond, on the fabulous 'new initiative.' i guess the proposed 'beverage package' might appeal to some -- but it is not included on carib cruises; the free restaurant dinner might also appeal to some, but a lot of us get discounts anyway. i cannot comment on reduced prices for extra people in a stateroom or reduced deposit. for myself, if i can't afford the deposit, i can't afford the cruise. third, best' news is under 'savor.' the 'on location program' -- never saw this; 'regionally inspired cuisine' -- what? how about regional wines? and 'canaletto offering unique menu' and in a 'refined setting?' i mean, poor pseudo-italian food in a corner of the lido??????' and not even any chianti? and, finally, under the 'superb' heading; 'two expert servers per table in Main Dining Room to ensure perfectly orchestrated service' really. there are a lot of folks out there who have not lately experienced this 'perfectly orchestrated service.'

 

wow, HAL must be taking a cue from that well-worn P.T. Barnum quote or 'mis`quote about a sucker being born every minute. just curious, how many of you people have experienced this level of service on Hal recently? i'm sure some have, maybe. but isn't the brochure a bit over the line? and what if a non-experienced cruiser jumps on board and finds this is not true?

 

a wonderful boss and mentor i once had in Philadelphis used the phrase ,' all smoke and no roast.' HAL has become an expert at this. all smoke, and no roast. so sad to see. 'death by a thousand cuts.'

 

i threw the brochure away, with its high prices for 'mariners,' and silly

incentive program. i may be old, and sometimes a fool, but i am NOT an old fool.

 

"Two expert servers per table" is an outrageous claim. The ratio is more like two servers per three or four tables. To annoy Mary Ellen, the brochure says, "Dine 'As You Wish®' or choose a traditional preset seating in the main dining room."

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Randyk47

Randyk47

Posted
Posted

OK.....write this off as the devil made me do it.....:rolleyes:

 

I was reminded of something a somewhat sarcastic boss used to say about the staff (I've substituted passengers for staff): Nothing is too good for the passengers and that is what they get!

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pms4104

pms4104

Posted
Posted
You are right.

 

We booked a cruise at the end of June. Our TA spent 3 days with HAL trying to get a straight answer concerning this new Explore4 program.

 

As it turns out we don't qualify as our cruise had gone up $600 per person.

My money says you might qualify for the Explore4 promo is you were willing to choke up an additonal $600/person.

 

It is amazing that on another thread, many people said they got it added to their existing reservation, even tho they booked at a price much lower than the current offering. And, they were not refared for more money.

 

It'll be interesting if/when there are price drops ... guessing HAL will make people choose between the Explore4 promo and the lower price, not unlike the situation in which you find yourself. While HAL and/or your TA may not have told you directly, you likely could get the promo if you agree to be refared.

 

Just my thoughts on how this if gonna shake out. Wait for the pouty people who can't keep the promo and get a lower price.

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Wakepatrol

Wakepatrol

Posted
Posted
Yes, to me, the people in those photos always look like they're on the verge of hysteria. Retirement homes do the same thing, which is even creepier once you've seen a real one.

 

 

Yes...They just spotted a guy who showed up in Crocs for formal night

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Himself

Himself

Posted
Posted
hi, cc friends -- and 'enemies' alike. before you bash me, let me say i received the new HAL brochure yesterday. the one explaining the explore4 'initiative'. what an over-hyped piece of tree-wasting. first, on page 55 is the headline ' spectacular rewards for doing what you love.' just what are these 'spectacular rewards?' free laundry -- i am a 4-star -- ok what else? i always get a 'free' pinnacle meal from my ta and some wine in my room. and those mags they send 'free' are nothing but ads. what is so 'spectacular'? seond, on the fabulous 'new initiative.' i guess the proposed 'beverage package' might appeal to some -- but it is not included on carib cruises; the free restaurant dinner might also appeal to some, but a lot of us get discounts anyway. i cannot comment on reduced prices for extra people in a stateroom or reduced deposit. for myself, if i can't afford the deposit, i can't afford the cruise. third, best' news is under 'savor.' the 'on location program' -- never saw this; 'regionally inspired cuisine' -- what? how about regional wines? and 'canaletto offering unique menu' and in a 'refined setting?' i mean, poor pseudo-italian food in a corner of the lido??????' and not even any chianti? and, finally, under the 'superb' heading; 'two expert servers per table in Main Dining Room to ensure perfectly orchestrated service' really. there are a lot of folks out there who have not lately experienced this 'perfectly orchestrated service.'

 

wow, HAL must be taking a cue from that well-worn P.T. Barnum quote or 'mis`quote about a sucker being born every minute. just curious, how many of you people have experienced this level of service on Hal recently? i'm sure some have, maybe. but isn't the brochure a bit over the line? and what if a non-experienced cruiser jumps on board and finds this is not true?

 

a wonderful boss and mentor i once had in Philadelphis used the phrase ,' all smoke and no roast.' HAL has become an expert at this. all smoke, and no roast. so sad to see. 'death by a thousand cuts.'

 

i threw the brochure away, with its high prices for 'mariners,' and silly

incentive program. i may be old, and sometimes a fool, but i am NOT an old fool.

The Romans used to say: Caveat Emptor

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Krazy Kruizers

Krazy Kruizers

Posted
Posted
My money says you might qualify for the Explore4 promo is you were willing to choke up an additonal $600/person.

 

It is amazing that on another thread, many people said they got it added to their existing reservation, even tho they booked at a price much lower than the current offering. And, they were not refared for more money.

 

It'll be interesting if/when there are price drops ... guessing HAL will make people choose between the Explore4 promo and the lower price, not unlike the situation in which you find yourself. While HAL and/or your TA may not have told you directly, you likely could get the promo if you agree to be refared.

 

Just my thoughts on how this if gonna shake out. Wait for the pouty people who can't keep the promo and get a lower price.

 

 

I know -- I read about those getting the Explore4 perks. We are already paying a very high price for our cruise and I don't intend to pay another $1200 for perks that may limit what drinks we can have according to the Beverage Card Rules and then hoping to get the free Pinnacle dinner on a day and at a time I would like.

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kazu "Live from...." Rare

kazu

Posted
Posted
And also: Imus ad magum Ozi videndum, magum Ozi mirum mirissimum

 

I'm a little confused by the "off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of oz" post.

 

but, I guess I get confused easily;)

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Traveling Dot

Traveling Dot

Posted
Posted

I would prefer not to get involved with this new promotion. I usually get the Pinnacle Grill dinner, beverage cards and casino chips with my credit card points, so this wouldn't be an incentive for me. And I wouldn't want to pay extra for it either. And I don't drink that much wine that it bothers me that we can't bring more that one bottle on wine onboard.

 

This may actually be something I agree with Dr. Dawg on but not the way he worded the start of his post.:mad:

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