Booking getting too hard!

[CHIEFWINEMAKER]

Initially I attempted to book online. When I had questions I called HAL several times. Each time I called I had terrible service from the HAL agents, language barrier and just lack of specific knowledge of the cruise. Frustrated, I contacted a local independent travel agent I know and she got me a great price, and additional shipboard credit on top of the have it all package. Gave me great advice on insurance etc. 

[daisy-mae]

1 hour ago, rodndonna said:

 

Have you  tried using google flight? . It's not a booking tool - but great for  reviewing options and  air fare.

https://www.google.com/travel/flights

 

 

Thanks for the tip. I just gave it a try; it's marginally better but still bounced me around through various screens with escalating fares. I guess that's the best we can hope for.

[ontheweb]

2 hours ago, CHIEFWINEMAKER said:

Initially I attempted to book online. When I had questions I called HAL several times. Each time I called I had terrible service from the HAL agents, language barrier and just lack of specific knowledge of the cruise. Frustrated, I contacted a local independent travel agent I know and she got me a great price, and additional shipboard credit on top of the have it all package. Gave me great advice on insurance etc. 

The only question is why did you not do that in the first place?

[rodndonna]

2 hours ago, daisy-mae said:

Thanks for the tip. I just gave it a try; it's marginally better but still bounced me around through various screens with escalating fares. I guess that's the best we can hope for.

 

Somewhat related, assuming you are "likely" looking at AC as one of your options and those nasty baggage fees are coming into play, if you don't already have an Aeroplan Visa card, they are worth having just for the free luggage on AC (one free bag each). It's annual fee is covered pretty quickly if you use AC and would have to pay baggage. Just need to be cardholder, don't need to book flights with it.

[CHIEFWINEMAKER]

44 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

The only question is why did you not do that in the first place?

Because I am a stubborn old do it yourselfer 😀

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, CHIEFWINEMAKER said:

Because I am a stubborn old do it yourselfer 😀

😉, I can totally understand that.

[DaveOKC]

Update - once I finally figured out what cruise and options I wanted, I sent an email to my HAL PCC with the specifics since there were a number of extras involved (special perks, specific cabin, HIA, etc.) and I figured it would be easier than trying to explain over the phone and I might forget something.

 

In a couple of hours I received the booking confirmation and follow up email from her.  Everything was correct except somehow I got an extra specialty dining dinner (this did not show up on the online trial booking).

 

So, doing my own homework upfront paid off in ease of booking.  The point is that right now there are so many options and extra perks available, it really does pay to do your homework upfront, plus there is no way that an online booking (myself or TA) would have been able to keep up with everything (IMO of course) - some of the perks were time sensitive and directed solely to me (Thank You For sailing, stockholder credit and casino freeplay).

 

While I think I ended up with a good deal, I will still keep an eye on my booking just in case the fares drop significantly (thats why I was sure to get a refundable fare).