Question about ready, set sail...

[Molecularblonde]

We leave for HAL's Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver on 9/16. I'm sorry to ask a silly question but we booked a promo called, "ready, set, sail" package. It gave you a per person daily on board credit. I know that I bought it because the representative on the phone to,d me about it when I booked. However looking over my itinerary I see no mention of it. I will call HAL tomorrow but I'm getting a little anxious about this. Perhaps I'm not familiar with how their site lists on board credits? I'm asking because I'd rather not purchase a beverage or dining package if I have an on board credit. (And as I recall, it was something like over $150 per day. How can my husband and I drink that much?)

 

Thanks in advance....

Edited September 9, 2017 by Molecularblonde
Grammar

[kazu]

We leave for HAL's Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver on 9/16. I'm sorry to ask a silly question but we booked a promo called, "ready, set, sail" package. It gave you a per person daily on board credit. I know that I bought it because the representative on the phone to,d me about it when I booked. However looking over my itinerary I see no mention of it. I will call HAL tomorrow but I'm getting a little anxious about this. Perhaps I'm not familiar with how their site lists on board credits? I'm asking because I'd rather not purchase a beverage or dining package if I have an on board credit. (And as I recall, it was something like over $150 per day. How can my husband and I drink that much?)

 

Thanks in advance....

 

Look at your booking confirmation. That shows your on board credit.

 

Then go down to the page after the itinerary. There will be a note there for the beverage package.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Our TA, when she sends us our confirmation, always includes the details of whatever package we were given by HAL.

Also, when we did get the Explore4 package a couple of times, the details were listed on the LAST page of the documents. I usually just print the boarding pass, but I scrolled down to the last page and printed that as well.

[crystalspin]

The Elite Beverage Package is $63.19/day (covers up to 15 drinks/day up to $15 each) (before gratuity and gratuity is included). The Signature Beverage Package is approximately $11.50 less or $51.69pp/day. Beverage plans must be bought for each day (that has a night onboard) - so on a port-intense cruise, it may indeed be difficult to "get one's money's worth". But if you like "real" coffee in the morning, bottles of water to take ashore, make it back to the ship for happy hour (no financial benefit, just pre-dinner drinks), wine with dinner, perhaps a cordial or after dinner drinks with the show or while listening to music about the ship... It's not impossible to spend that much! Whether you will if you are conscious of the charges, - I don't think we ever have, not for the whole trip anyway. Individual days maybe!

 

By the way, this is a change from my former soapbox! I have long pooh-poohed the SBP as a money maker for the line and nothing else. However I currently have a booking with a different promotion, that includes the SBP... suddenly I have no problem imagining enjoying it!

 

As far as Ready Set Sail, (1) you or your travel agent should have received an email confirming the promotion. (2) What OBC you'll have depends on the category of cabin you have.

https://www.hollandamerica.com/news/NewsRelease.action?newsReleaseId=1442

[NCTribeFan]

I booked my upcoming K'dam sailing under the same sale. I'm in an interior so only received $50 OBC. The sale also included the daily service charge. Looking at my confirmation, both are shown after all the details. My printed copy is in my cruise folder at the office, but I know the perks are listed. The service charge is not shown as a daily $ amount, just that it's included in the promotion.

[jbecker6469]

I am on the same sailing as NCTribeFan. The OBC is shown on the Guest Booking Confirmation from HAL. The Pre-Paid Hotel SVC Charge Promo is listed under "Special Services" on the next page. If you booked with a TA, they should have sent you a copy of the HAL Guest Booking Confirmation with all the details.

 

We are sailing on Nov 8th, and I'm expecting to have some ports of call changes. While I will miss stopping at the ports I expect will be changed, I'm very sad for those who's lives have been devastated by Irma. Let's hope Jose is more kind.

[Molecularblonde]

Thank you all so much....

I printed our all of our boarding documents but didn't truly read them. I will do that today. Hopefully that will give me the value of our OBC.

1. Another question: can I use my OBC to purchase a beverage package or dinner packages in advance?

2. Is there a movie theater on board? If so, do we need to purchase tickets in advance?

3. Lastly, when I entered all of our information on the site last month they had us each enter our credit cards to prepaid for something. I called HAL and the TA said it was some type of in advance fee in the event we charged up some fees and didn't pay them. Ugh, I'm not explaining it correctly I know. But you could either pay them in advance or in cash on board...

 

I'm sorry I'm just so confused!

Thank you all so much.

MB

[Molecularblonde]

I just read through our eleven page booking documents. There is nothing about the ready, set sail promo. I will call HAL.

[kazu]

Thank you all so much....

I printed our all of our boarding documents but didn't truly read them. I will do that today. Hopefully that will give me the value of our OBC.

1. Another question: can I use my OBC to purchase a beverage package or dinner packages in advance?

 

no, your on board credit can only be used for purchases on board the ship. Anything you buy in advance will be charged to your credit card that you provide immediately.

2. Is there a movie theater on board? If so, do we need to purchase tickets in advance?

there is a spot to watch movies. No charge nor any charge for the popcorn :)

3. Lastly, when I entered all of our information on the site last month they had us each enter our credit cards to prepaid for something. I called HAL and the TA said it was some type of in advance fee in the event we charged up some fees and didn't pay them. Ugh, I'm not explaining it correctly I know. But you could either pay them in advance or in cash on board...

 

basically, HAL needs a credit card to charge your on board spending too.

they will put a "hold" on your card for $60 per day IIRC x the number of days you are sailing. It's not a charge - just a hold like hotels, car rentals, etc. do. If you don't use it, it disappears. no problem.

You can pay your on board charges in cash if you prefer, but I don't like lining up at Guest Services.

 

I tend to buy some OBC on the HAL site if I feel we need (which we usually do) to keep the bill down at the end and, because we are Canadian, choose the timing of the exchange rate we are going to pay.

 

 

I'm sorry I'm just so confused!

Thank you all so much.

MB

 

I answered you in red above. I hope it helps and makes sense.

[Molecularblonde]

Thank you all again for your help.

 

 

Crystal spin,

As if I haven't asked you enough questions....my husband and I drink coffee, water and juice, all of which the TA said are included. We drink wine at dinner. Should I opt for a wine package? We can easily drink a bottle a night between us on vacation. Also, do you get all the wine at once? Where do they store it? What if we want to drink a bottl one night, but not the he next? I asked the TA but she wasn't certain....

Kazu,

Thank you so much for your reply too. Thank you for the red writing, it helped a lot!!!!

I just got off the phone with a TA from HAL.

You were right, they charged us a "hold fee" of $60.00 as they would at a hotel JIC we make any incidental charges. She said it will be refunded if we don't use it.

 

She said:

-The OBC cannot be used to prepay for any type of beverage package, dinner package, etc...

 

-However I can use it to pay for the $13.50/day gratuity fee in advance if I go to "guest services" whenever I check in on the ship. So I guess this means that my husband and I should book a wine package as we tend to drink wine in vacation? Why can't I use the OBC to pay for the gratuities now?

 

I'm getting the idea that HAL wants you to use the OBC for gift items and other things...

 

Also, I still cannot find my OBC. I asked her to email me the confirmation, as others suggested. She did, but it's just a link to the HAL site. I logged in, and still cannot find it. But she knew it was there, so I supposed it's okay.

 

I also learned that if I book dinner packages, I save money. But I cannot pick what nights I choose to eat at those speciality restaurants, until I get onto the boat. Apparently they will be assigned to me? Hoejstlyl the TA wasn't exactly sure about this, and she told me to call Guest Services on Monday. I feel like you are all better help. If I book dinners just one night at a time, then I can pick which night we will eat at them, but I won't save money by booking multiple dinners...

 

JBecker-

Thank you for your help. I'm so sad about Irma, it's devastating.

 

You wrote:

"I am on the same sailing as NCTribeFan. The OBC is shown on the Guest Booking Confirmation from HAL. The Pre-Paid Hotel SVC Charge Promo is listed under "Special Services" on the next page. If you booked with a TA, they should have sent you a copy of the HAL Guest Booking Confirmation with all the details."

 

 

I cannot find this. I can't even find special services. Is this in the website? I'm so sorry I guess it's enough that the TA said we had paid for it.

 

 

Thank you all in advance. You ache no idea how helpful you've been.

MB

[kazu]

Thank you all again for your help.

 

 

Crystal spin,

As if I haven't asked you enough questions....my husband and I drink coffee, water and juice, all of which the TA said are included. We drink wine at dinner. Should I opt for a wine package? We can easily drink a bottle a night between us on vacation. Also, do you get all the wine at once? Where do they store it? What if we want to drink a bottl one night, but not the he next? I asked the TA but she wasn't certain....

 

Not crystalspin, but...

If you are happy with the house wine, no need to order a wine package. Your beverage package should cover you.

If you are not thrilled with the house wine (anything $9 or under I believe) then you may wish to do so.

All those drinks your TA said are included. Juices are free at breakfast. Coffee is free in the Lido and in the MDR (regular coffee) but there is a nice specialty coffee spot on board which has much better coffee that you can use to put your package to use.

Kazu,

Thank you so much for your reply too. Thank you for the red writing, it helped a lot!!!!

I just got off the phone with a TA from HAL.

You were right, they charged us a "hold fee" of $60.00 as they would at a hotel JIC we make any incidental charges. She said it will be refunded if we don't use it

 

I must be slow. There's nothing to refund. It's just a hold, like hotels and many other places do (you just aren't advised) and it is released as time goes on during the cruise if it's not required.

They just want to make sure that they are covered for any expenditures that you have on board.

 

 

She said:

-The OBC cannot be used to prepay for any type of beverage package, dinner package, etc...

 

-However I can use it to pay for the $13.50/day gratuity fee in advance if I go to "guest services" whenever I check in on the ship. So I guess this means that my husband and I should book a wine package as we tend to drink wine in vacation? Why can't I use the OBC to pay for the gratuities now?

 

Gratuities/ aka HSC is charged on board. That's when it will be charged just like that's when you will use your OBC.. You can't use your OBC in advance as no one knows if you will be on board or not ;). It's meant to be used on board.

I'm getting the idea that HAL wants you to use the OBC for gift items and other things...

 

You can pretty much use it for anyting you want. The "rules" say not for HSC or casino but that hasn't been my expereience. There's specialty dining and all kinds of stuff you can spend the $. Never fear, you will find a way and hopefully, have a good time.

 

Also, I still cannot find my OBC. I asked her to email me the confirmation, as others suggested. She did, but it's just a link to the HAL site. I logged in, and still cannot find it. But she knew it was there, so I supposed it's okay.

 

There is something very wrong here. She should have sent you an actual confirmation from HAL. It should have been a pdf. Put your foot down and say you want the real confirmation.

 

I also learned that if I book dinner packages, I save money. But I cannot pick what nights I choose to eat at those speciality restaurants, until I get onto the boat. Apparently they will be assigned to me? Hoejstlyl the TA wasn't exactly sure about this, and she told me to call Guest Services on Monday. I feel like you are all better help. If I book dinners just one night at a time, then I can pick which night we will eat at them, but I won't save money by booking multiple dinners...

 

You got that right. You can save a few $ if you book the package but have not say on the night or time.

Totally up to you. If you are booking early, on line and not waiting until you board,I prefer to choose my night and time. But that's just me.

JBecker-

Thank you for your help. I'm so sad about Irma, it's devastating.

 

You wrote:

"I am on the same sailing as NCTribeFan. The OBC is shown on the Guest Booking Confirmation from HAL. The Pre-Paid Hotel SVC Charge Promo is listed under "Special Services" on the next page. If you booked with a TA, they should have sent you a copy of the HAL Guest Booking Confirmation with all the details."

 

 

I cannot find this. I can't even find special services. Is this in the website? I'm so sorry I guess it's enough that the TA said we had paid for it.

 

You can't find it because your TA did not send you the confirmation. Ask her for the HAL booking confirmation. You NEED it.

 

 

Thank you all in advance. You ache no idea how helpful you've been.

MB

 

I tried a few more replies to you in red below your questions. I'm not sure why your TA is not sending you a proper confirmation, but I wouldn't let that go. I like to get mine. Or at least something from my TA that confirms everything in WRITING that I have.

I've always gotten the confirmation and that, IMO is the way it should be.

Hope this helps a bit and, by all means feel free to disregard my personal opinion.

[Molecularblonde]

Kazu,

Thank you for your reply. And please pardon my typos, I'm embarrassed but was rushing.

 

I will call HAL tomorrow and get that PDF printout. As I said, I got a link to the HAL site, and that wasn't what I asked for. I will keep the representative on the phone while I opene the email just to make certain I have the real PDF.

 

Gosh, you are going to think I'm such a dummy, but when you wrote:

 

"If you are happy with the house wine, no need to order a wine package. Your beverage package should cover you. If you are not thrilled with the house wine (anything $9 or under I believe) then you may wish to do so."

I thought that only juice, water and lemonade tea/coffee were covered under our tickets? So, (please excuse my ignorance) but you can get any house wine for free provided it's under $9.00? The rep didn't know this, this is why she instructed me to call guest services.

 

Does this mean you can order unlimited wine every night provided it's under nine dollars a glass?

 

Again sorry to be confused, but for what it's worth, the particular HAL rep wasn't certain about this either.

 

Maybe I don't know what you mean by "beverage package". Does that come with the ticket? I saw beverage packages in the HAL site....both for non-aocholic and wine/spirits. Perhaps that's what you mean? Perhaps everyone buys a basic beverage package and that includes house wine?

 

BTW...

You are absolutely right, the $60 is just a hold. Nothing to refund.

And:"Gratuities/ aka HSC is charged on board. That's when it will be charged just like that's when you will use your OBC.. You can't use your OBC in advance as no one knows if you will be on board or not . It's meant to be used on board."

I can't switch to black type, sorry. But:

I totally understand! Thank you, it makes sense that they won't let you pay for the gratuity up front.

[OVgirl]

We leave for HAL's Alaska cruise departing from Vancouver on 9/16. I'm sorry to ask a silly question but we booked a promo called, "ready, set, sail" package. It gave you a per person daily on board credit. I know that I bought it because the representative on the phone to,d me about it when I booked. However looking over my itinerary I see no mention of it. I will call HAL tomorrow but I'm getting a little anxious about this. Perhaps I'm not familiar with how their site lists on board credits? I'm asking because I'd rather not purchase a beverage or dining package if I have an on board credit. (And as I recall, it was something like over $150 per day. How can my husband and I drink that much?)

 

Thanks in advance....

 

The Ready Set Sail package includes the following as you stated.

1-On board credit, the amount determined by your cabin category, I think it starts at $50 pp for an inside and increases for higher categories.

2-prepaid Hotel Service Charge for the whole cruise.

3-suites also get dinner at a specialty restaurant.

 

If you don't drink more than about $51 worth of beverages per day each, there is no need to buy the Signature Beverage Package. Since you say you like some wine with dinner, they do offer wine packages that consist of 3,5, or 7 bottles for a lower price. You may select a bottle any time at dinner, in a bar or have in your stateroom. The bar staff will keep track of the number of bottles you have remaining on you package. You do not have to select the wine when you purchase the package.

[Molecularblonde]

Kazu,

I read about the "seven day signature bevarge package". It seems it's $360 per person. That feels Iike a lot on top of the cruise price, esp since my husband an I don't drink much except coffee and water. I wonder if we should do a wine package? I asked the HAL rep if you can ask for only white wines for the seven bottle wine package, but, again, she was uncertain.

 

Also, my husband is on a night schedule. I wonder if you can get any bevages off the room service menu *unless* you upgrade to one of the upgrades?

 

Thanks.

MB

[Molecularblonde]

OVGirl

 

Thank you so much for this reply. I think I get it.

 

Question: if you do get the speciality bev package, the one with glasses of wine under nine dollars, is that unlimited for the entire duration of the trip?

 

Also, is that type of wine available on the RS menu?

 

I think it might be more economical for us to just get a five or seven bottle package as you said. I cannot drink $50 a day. I mean if it's excellent wine, I can, but in top of everything esle, it doesn't seem economical to have better coffees when we only want to up grade in the wine department.

 

 

Thanks!

[Alberta Quilter]

Since you booked through a TA, your TA should have sent you a confirmation at the time you booked your cruise. It is on this document that you will find the details of the promotion available at the time you booked, as others have said. I doubt you will be able to get that info from HAL because you booked through a TA and most queries of this nature should go through the TA. Try looking through the documentation that was sent to you at the time you booked, not the boarding pass info with the contract which is what I think you referred to earlier.

 

I don't recall the details of your promotion but if it included the Signature Beverage Package (SBP), then all beverages under $9 will be included. If the SBP is not included, then there will be a charge for beverages other than regular coffee, tea, juice at breakfast and non bottled water.

 

Hope that helps a bit.

[kazu]

Kazu,

I read about the "seven day signature bevarge package". It seems it's $360 per person. That feels Iike a lot on top of the cruise price, esp since my husband an I don't drink much except coffee and water. I wonder if we should do a wine package? I asked the HAL rep if you can ask for only white wines for the seven bottle wine package, but, again, she was uncertain.

 

Also, my husband is on a night schedule. I wonder if you can get any bevages off the room service menu *unless* you upgrade to one of the upgrades?

 

Thanks.

MB

 

Let's go back one second please.

 

Did I misunderstand? You already have the Ready, Set Sail package, no?

 

So it is the same as the 7 day signature beverage package basically. Don't spend more $ for something you don't need.

 

You can get all the coffee (specialty and better coffee and water) that you need with your "Ready, Set Sail package" and wine. You get up to 15 drinks per day per person as long as they are $9 or less. That includes wine.

 

So, try the house wine - if you are good no need to do a wine package.

 

If you buy a wine package, yes, you can choose the wines every night (or all at once). If you want all white wines, that's fine. If you want to order a red and white, that's fine too. If you want the same wine every night you can do that too.

 

It's not hard or complicated, honest. And the wine stewards are happy to help.

 

As to being a night owl - better for him to go to a bar to get a drink to bring back to the room. Room service, mini bars and Half Moon Cay (the island stop) are not included in the package.

 

Hope this helps.

[Alberta Quilter]

OVGirl

 

Thank you so much for this reply. I think I get it.

 

Question: if you do get the speciality bev package, the one with glasses of wine under nine dollars, is that unlimited for the entire duration of the trip?

 

Also, is that type of wine available on the RS menu?

 

I think it might be more economical for us to just get a five or seven bottle package as you said. I cannot drink $50 a day. I mean if it's excellent wine, I can, but in top of everything esle, it doesn't seem economical to have better coffees when we only want to up grade in the wine department.

 

 

Thanks!

 

No, if under the SBP, one is limited to 15 beverages per day. It is not unlimited. Generous for some, not so much for others!

 

If you're not big drinkers or prefer wine, definitely forget about the SBP. It's not worth the cost and the wine selection under the limit is not very good.

[OVgirl]

OVGirl

 

Thank you so much for this reply. I think I get it.

 

Question: if you do get the speciality bev package, the one with glasses of wine under nine dollars, is that unlimited for the entire duration of the trip?

The Signature Beverage Package will let you have up to 15 beverages each, per day with a menu price of $9 or less. The choices in that price range are a little limited and I don't really know what kind of wines you drink. At $103 per day for the two of you, since you mainly drink wine, you might be better off just ordering a nice bottle every night with dinner. Once you board you can check out the wine packages (Navigator or Admiral package) to see if you would be happy with those wines offered.

Also, is that type of wine available on the RS menu?

I don't know if there is a RS wine menu, but you are able to ask for any wine at any bar or by calling room service for your stateroom.

 

I think it might be more economical for us to just get a five or seven bottle package as you said. I cannot drink $50 a day. I mean if it's excellent wine, I can, but in top of everything esle, it doesn't seem economical to have better coffees when we only want to up grade in the wine department.

I think that sounds like the best choice for you.

 

 

Thanks!

I'd also suggest that you call your TA and ask specifically if you have the Ready Set Sail promo on your booking. Then ask if they can email you some sort of confirmation that you could print and take with you when you sail. Always nice to have it in writing.

Enjoy your cruise.

Edited September 10, 2017 by OVgirl

[OVgirl]

Let's go back one second please.

 

Did I misunderstand? You already have the Ready, Set Sail package, no?

 

So it is the same as the 7 day signature beverage package basically. Don't spend more $ for something you don't need.

 

You can get all the coffee (specialty and better coffee and water) that you need with your "Ready, Set Sail package" and wine. You get up to 15 drinks per day per person as long as they are $9 or less. That includes wine.

 

So, try the house wine - if you are good no need to do a wine package.

 

If you buy a wine package, yes, you can choose the wines every night (or all at once). If you want all white wines, that's fine. If you want to order a red and white, that's fine too. If you want the same wine every night you can do that too.

 

It's not hard or complicated, honest. And the wine stewards are happy to help.

 

As to being a night owl - better for him to go to a bar to get a drink to bring back to the room. Room service, mini bars and Half Moon Cay (the island stop) are not included in the package.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Ready, Set Sail does not include the SBP , unless I'm mistaken. Which is possible.:)

[kazu]

Ready, Set Sail does not include the SBP , unless I'm mistaken. Which is possible.:)

 

Do I have my acronyms mixed up? Isn't the SPB the same as the Ready Set Sail or Explore 4? It has the same limitations and regulations?

 

Op if I missed the boat, apologies.

 

I have the ready set sail on one segment of my B2B and I read it pretty carefully. It includes the beverage package.

[OVgirl]

We also have Ready Set Sail, but ours does not include the signature beverage package. I wish it did.

It's possible that it depended on when one books and if the promos can be piggy backed.

I thought the beverage package was only on the Explore4 promo.

 

https://www.hollandamerica.com/pageByName/Resp.action?requestPage=ReadySetSail_Terms

 

 

Best that Molecularblonde calls their TA and get clarification on what is included in their booking.

Edited September 10, 2017 by OVgirl

[dee2673]

The beverage package is in the Explore4 promo. We booked during ready set sail , it does not include the beverage package. So if the OP wants one , she have to pay extra for it. Also, to the OP, whatever OBC you have with the promo isn't per day sorry to say. If you have an inside cabin, you'll get 50.00 total. If yours is $150.00, it's not 150.00 for each day, it's for the whole cruise. Maybe you knew that, thought I read per day in your first post.

 

 

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[Molecularblonde]

Kazu and Ovgirl:

 

I misspoke. I do not have a TA. I bought the package over the phone with a HAL rep. I will call tomorrow to make certain I have all the facts but today the rep said, (as you said OVgirl),

We only have unlimited water, coffee/tea and lemonade and iced tea. Juice in the morning. So I think perhaps a wine package would be good for us. OV girl thank you for writing back so clearly and in blue. I appreciate it.

 

Does anyone know how the wine package works? If you get the bottles in your room? What if you don't finish it all in one evening? Or want two bottles? I can ask Guest Services on Monday.

 

Dee:

Until today I thought we had a $135 per person per day credit! Didn't realize it was that amount but for the entire week. Thank you for making it clear and again. We have a veranda room.

 

What does "OP" mean? Sorry. Is it a synonym of OBC?

 

What is the explore 4 promo?

 

Also, if purchase the seven bottles of wine package, do we bring the bottle to dinner? That feels awkward. I see that you wrote we can get them all at once. Or one by one.

 

Also, the HAL rep said that RS, (room service) was free. And that you could order also meals from the MDR if you wanted too?

 

I'm sorry if I'm making it more complicated than it is. But at least we straightened out that the ready set sail doesn't include the SBP.

 

Everything will fall into place, I know. Either I buy the SBP or opt for the basic with an upgrade on wines. Just feels odd to bring wine to a meal.

 

Thanks

[kazu]

We also have Ready Set Sail, but ours does not include the signature beverage package. I wish it did.

It's possible that it depended on when one books and if the promos can be piggy backed.

I thought the beverage package was only on the Explore4 promo.

 

https://www.hollandamerica.com/pageByName/Resp.action?requestPage=ReadySetSail_Terms

 

 

Best that Molecularblonde calls their TA and get clarification on what is included in their booking.

 

Your most likely right and I in error. Apologies.

 

I think it is best that the OP gets their confirmation and if their TA won't give it to them then call HAL and explain.

 

It's important to know what you have in writing

 

Sorry, distracted by destruction by Irma and so sorry for everyone and everything affected <3.