personal cruise consultant

[suec12]

I put a booking on hold thru the website. Now I have had several calls from personal cruise conultants - left messages as I rarely answer my phone. I'm pretty sure if I return a call, I would end up leaving a message and start a game of phone tag. I don't really have any questions nor want to be sold enhancements - any reason to make a connection with a pcc? I figure it's easier to just call in and speak with whoever answers the phone if I need something in the future. Thanks!

[DaveOKC]

4 minutes ago, suec12 said:

I put a booking on hold thru the website. Now I have had several calls from personal cruise conultants - left messages as I rarely answer my phone. I'm pretty sure if I return a call, I would end up leaving a message and start a game of phone tag. I don't really have any questions nor want to be sold enhancements - any reason to make a connection with a pcc? I figure it's easier to just call in and speak with whoever answers the phone if I need something in the future. Thanks!

I use a HAL PCC and recommend it.  First, they get to know you and your preferences, so it makes future bookings quicker and easier.  Second, I can contact mine by email to make simple changes to my reservation, even for things like taking advantage of a price drop (which I seem to do at least once on every cruise).  Third, I have found them to be more knowledgable than the staff who answers the main nuimber (you seem to get a mix of experienced staff).  Fourth, my PCC will make some unusal calls for me (like to the upsell desk), which I doubt the general number will.

 

I find the PCC to be busy most of the time and it is thus better to email her and have her call me back.

 

I never have had my PCC try to sell me any enhancements or get me to buy a more expensive cabin.

 

Like anywhere, some PCCs are better than others, so if you get one that you are not happy with, you can just call and request to me assigned a new one.

[cruzn single]

I have used a PCC for my last three cruises.  I really appreciate that I can email him with questions,  possible price reductions, I.e. prepaid gratuities , or whatever.  It is worth it.  He knows my likes, dislikes, and never tries to oversell me.

 

Well worth it, IMHO!

[canadianbear]

I prefer using my PCC over just calling in.  He is prompt at answering emails (I tell him what hours are best to call me back if phone contact is necessary).  He managed a few years ago to grab an aft cabin that wasn’t available but soon as it came into inventory booked us in it.  We receive upsell offers where we can directly call instead of having a TA involved.   There are pros and cons as a lot of times the big box store gives more OBC so it’s up to each individual to decide what works best for them.

[sevenseasnomad]

I consider my PCC to be highly efficient, knowledgeable, and courteous.  She returns phone calls within a couple of hours, answers emails rapidly.  She understands our personal preferences and has been an asset in selecting cabins, dining tables etc.  We used a TA for years, but after she retired, I didn't feel as though we were getting the best service from that agency.  With some hesitancy, we called HAL and were asked to be assigned to a PCC.  Thankfully, the young lady who was assigned to us has worked out well .  

 

She has never tried to steer us toward a more expensive cruise, cabin etc.  She honors our wishes.  I do, however, have to keep up with price reductions, similar to when I had a TA.  I've found it's much easier working directly with HAL instead of going through a third party.  If you receive a PCC you can't work with or who you feel is inefficient, incompetent (whatever), ask to be transferred to another PCC.  

 

Some people prefer to work with a TA; others, like me, prefer a PCC.  Your choice.  Good luck finding someone who will work for you and with you to help you create wonderful memories.

[dogo88]

Some folks love their PCCs. Had PCC years ago and wasn't very pleased with the service. Move on to a TA and had to cycle through a few until we found a good one. TA can almost always get a lower price and more OBC.  In our experience TAs are hungry and looking for your business. PCCs, not so much, and don't have a lot to offer. 

 

[barb-ottawa]

Have used my PCC for the last 4 cruises and found him to be helpful and pleasant to deal with. However, when it comes down to doing anything for me as to price reductions, etc. all I get is you shouldn't have booked the restricted fare - can't do anything for you. Got an upsell email from HAL for my October 20th sailing to Hawaii and when I checked the current prices to see if it was a good deal, I was shocked to see how much the prices had fallen. I was very annoyed that they were asking for an additional CDN$600 per person for an upgrade from a balcony to a Signature Suite when the current price was only CDN$70 more than I paid. Contacted my PCC and got the usual sorry, restricted fare, blah blah, call this number and see what they can do for you. So I called the number, was transferred to a pricing specialist and got the upgrade for no additional cost. I'm pleased with the outcome, but isn't this what the PCC is supposed to do for me?

[rucrazy]

Have had the same great PCC for the last 15+ years...Dean is outstanding!!