For Wyncruiser, et al - Re On-line Agents

[serendipity1499]

Wyncruiser, Have been all reading your posts about your experience with the on-line (no phone agent)..And since Doziers thread went off-topic figured I should start a new thread..We've used the same on-line agent twice that Heather, Randy & Lou use..As Heather mentioned she always gets a better rate with them...This is our experience with them:

It’s important for us to compare the Class, Cabin No., & area in which the cabin is located in order to get an accurate comparison.. We book only outside cabins..

Yesterday HAL sent e-mails for a special 3 day sale: Today, on HAL’s WEB site I attempted to make a reservation right up to completion but stopped when I had to enter my password & credit card..Have also deducted $72 from HAL's price for their pre-post cruise transfers etc. which always seem to be in the total even for origination in Tampa..

Our on-line only TA for an Outside "F" Class, on the Ryndam, Nov. 10 (14 day) is still $300 less than HAL's SALE price … Approx 8.6% difference…

RYNDAM NOV10Class HAL-14 day

Southern Caribbean

Outside Cabin “F” Class

HAL FARE

$3490.98 as of today

ON-LINE AGT.FARE

$3190.98 booked July 28 w/final payment due this week

 

Last year we booked our Prinsendam, Amazon trip directly with HAL for April 2006 in an outside cabin No.430, which is “F" class, Mid-ship on Dolphin Deck..The Invoice from HAL totaled $12,016.12 Including taxes & fees for two persons.

But four months later decided to look into the on-line agents that so many CC's were talking about....I figured, no way would they be less but I was proved to be wrong! We priced our cruise with the on-line only agent & received a much lower quote..But we were not happy with the cabin..Therefore, I asked for an "E" cabin quote which was basically the same as the "F" Quote..I then spoke with a HAL Supervisor at great length & he stated that they could not offer the lower price & can’t compete with their high producing agents... With HAL's OK we sent them a FAX to have them release this booking to our on-line only Agent..

We subsequently changed our booking to an "E" class Cabin No.320 which is on Main Deck (mid-ship) for a total price of $10,938.00 including Taxes & Fees..

This was a saving of $1078.00 (8.9%) for an up-grade..Looking at the deck plans you will see it was almost in the same mid ship area but one class & one deck up..

However I keep hearing about HAL’s “Reservation Specialists, so next time we will try one of them & compare prices...It may be a while before we book again, but will let you know the outcome…

Happy cruising..Betty

[lougee1043]

just finished writing with "our" on line on ta and the bottom line is that ray cancelled and rebooked us with a new reservation which gave us a total of 14% off the original price plus a 50.00 on board cabin credit

[WNYCRUISER]

I apologise for not knowing how to pull the full content of a thread over from another, but Serendipity, it sounds like you read it through.

In a nutshell, for those that did not read the other thread, I was looking up a cruise, and was checking both HAL and on-line TA's, as everyone seems to rave about the savings they encounter with on-liners. I went to the advertisers on this board, and picked seven at random. Of those, only two were able to beat HAL's price. One by 10.00, and another by 23.00. This was on a VC Cabin on the Noordam. Each was looking up the same cabin level, same deck, and even exact cabin number where possible.

 

My only point, was not to bash the on-line TA's, but only to point out that not everyone is able to get the "fantastic deals" that so many rave about. I do know that many people book on-line TA's and many book directly with HAL. I think each may have their own merits.

 

Also, you mentioned speaking with a reservation specialist at HAL. I may be way off base here, but this is my belief, based upon what I have read here on these boards. In booking with HAL directly, you have three options.

1.) Book online through HAL

2.) Book through HAL with a reservation specialist

3.) Book through HAL with a Personal Cruise Consultant

 

From what I have gathered on this board, a reservation specialist and a cruise consultant are not one in the same. A reservation specialist works directly at HAL, and they are the front line people in reservations. They are typically timed on their calls/reservations, and can be a little pushy to try to get one to upgrade, etc. A personal cruise consultant (or the group of them) is more like a travel agency owned by HAL. Talking with them on the phone is more like talking to your B&M travel agent.

 

It is my belief, that an aspiring reservation specialist has the goal of becoming a Personal Cruise Consultant. I would believe there is different pay setups/ commission, etc. I think a personal cruise consultant is where you want to head.

 

Possibly others have more info on this than I do, or could tell me if I am completely wrong.

[serendipity1499]

WNYCRUISER...you may be right & I would love to hear from others who have either used a Reservation Specialist or a Personal Cruise consultant..Also how did you reach HAL's personal cruise consultant..

 

By the way, our original "Prinsendam" booking was made directly through HAL reservations by phone, not on-line..The agent also asked us when we booked if we would accept an up-grade...We said we might possibly accept one only if we knew where the cabin was located...Of course with this TA's fare I don't think we would ever be offered a good up-grade which is not important to us..

 

Lou..That's great..We booked our next cruise just a couple of weeks ago & are happy with our fare..Will make final payment this week & then can start making our clothing lists..Wish I knew now how many formal & in-formal nights there are..Only have 2 sea days immediately out of Tampa (first port San Juan) & 3 sea days in a row just before returning to Tampa (last port Aruba)...All days in between are ports..Earliest departure from any port is 5:00 p.m. & 2 port departures are midnight... Counting on possibly 4 Formal & 3 Informal, but that could be completely wrong..

 

Happy cruising all...:) Betty

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm fascinated with the explanation by WNY about Personal Cruise Consultants and Reservations Specialists at HAL. I knew nothing about either of these and I will give it a shot next time. I, too, would love to heard CCers exeriences with either of them.

 

But I am still stymied by WNY's quote experience. The online agent Betty and I (and obviously lougee, too) use is one that appears listed here on CC. And they consistently quote well below the HAL site.

 

Have to admit I switched to another CC listed TA for our 2007 Volendam cruise for reasons I won't go into here, but it had very little to do with price. The TA we switched to came in only $80 less than the first, but there were other considerations.

 

But the price for a BA cabin for a 14-day cruise was about $700 less than the HAL site ... not a ton of money by some people's standards, but a ton for me:D .

[lougee1043]

I went to the advertisers on this board, and picked seven at random.

 

11 is a lucky number -did you go there

[lougee1043]

.Wish I knew now how many formal & in-formal nights there are..Only have 2 sea days immediately out of Tampa (first port San Juan) & 3 sea days in a row just before returning to Tampa (last port Aruba)...All days in between are ports..Earliest departure from any port is 5:00 p.m. & 2 port departures are midnight... Counting on possibly 4 Formal & 3 Informal, but that could be completely wrong..

 

arent you on a 10 niter??? if so the first formal will most likely be the nite after you sail(first full sail day) and the last formal will most likely be the next to last full sail day (on the last sail day you put your luggage out so that rules out a formal nite) dont have a clue when the 3rd one would be -- ships choice --just my guess

[Tricia724]

Another thing to consider....

 

Just because an online agency has a certain price listed does not always mean that is the lowest rate they will give you. We noticed about a year ago that our online agency did not seem quite as competitive as they had in the past....so we asked about it. The answer was...."we can always do better than the online rate." So, when we call we always ask for the best price they can give us. Possibly it's the same with some of the other agencies, too. Checking the online rates is a good indicator, but it's not always black and white.

 

For our Maasdam 10-day cruise in February, our agency's online price was far lower than the HAL Mariner rate but not the lowest price out there. When we called and asked for their lowest price, they knocked another 7% off. The only agency I found with a lower rate also has hefty cancellation and change fees, and we didn't want to go there. We get excellent service and fast response time from the TA we work with, and we get a decent price, so we feel we get a good value....even if we don't always get the absolute lowest price.

 

I, too, will be interested to hear about experiences people have had with HAL's cruise consultants for future reference. The next time we are in the market for a cruise, I'll try some of these other options that have been discussed here.

 

You can't have too much information.

[WNYCRUISER]

11 is a lucky number -did you go there

 

I did. I am not sure if you have read the other thread or not. I think the basics of it were, they initially were 212.00 HIGHER than HAL! HAL 1578.00.....initial OL quote started at 1476 plus an estimated 87.85 in taxes 1563.85. As I went through the reservation process, the charge suddenly jumped to 1790.00!!!!!!

 

I did e-mail them regarding the jump and the discrepency, and they explained that the system added in transfers (which I didn't need) and a problem somewhere blah blah blah. Replied back at the same time with a custom quote of 1555.02, a mere 23.00 below HAL.

[WNYCRUISER]

By the way, our original "Prinsendam" booking was made directly through HAL reservations by phone, not on-line..The agent also asked us when we booked if we would accept an up-grade...We said we might possibly accept one only if we knew where the cabin was located...Of course with this TA's fare I don't think we would ever be offered a good up-grade which is not important to us..

 

 

 

 

Asking if you would accept an upgrade is something that I have been asked when booking every cruise. (Usually these are at no cost/ or they will call you and ask if you would/could upgrade for a smaller fee) I usually decline, only because what they consider an upgrade (higher grade cabin) may be in a poorer location,etc. than what I have booked. How nice it would be to get to the pier and find out you have been upgraded to say an SY category from a V category, but only to find you are awake every morning at 4:00 as they slide the deck chairs around the pool on the deck above you.

 

Asking if you would be considered for an upgrade is quite different than trying to get you to book a higher category in the first place!

[WNYCRUISER]

WNYCRUISER...you may be right & I would love to hear from others who have either used a Reservation Specialist or a Personal Cruise consultant..Also how did you reach HAL's personal cruise consultant..

 

I believe it was a year or so ago now, I went online at HAL and requested a brochure from them. (One can dream, can't we?:) ) Within a day, I received a phone cal from a PCC who left a message on my machine, and said when the brochure would arrive, and left her name and number if I had any questions in the mean time. The brochure arrived promptly, and included with the brochure was a preprinted form type letter thanking me for the interest, etc. At the bottom of the page was a punch out of her business card with contact information.

 

Now that I have been looking, I notice that all information from HAL brochures shows to book online or call 1-800-SAIL-HAL. I think that 800 number is for reservation specialists. Also, I think that when they have a rep on board your cruise for future cruise bookings, that they are PCCs. I cannot be sure of this.

[HeatherInFlorida]

When looking for a serious quote from the no-phone agent, I recommend always using their custom quote feature. The exchange between you is far easier that way. If I'm serious about booking, I never use their automated system ... primarily because I don't like that I have to give my credit info before getting the final rate.

[Tinknock50]

................. If I'm serious about booking, I never use their automated system ... primarily because I don't like that I have to give my credit info before getting the final rate.

 

I know what you mean and that annoys me about that site. They do list the taxes in a bright yellow box but never add it to the fare before you book. All the other online agents spell it out before you book.

 

I often wonder if people who say "I save $100 to $200" booking with them are actually not noticing that $100 to $200 is the tax that is not added until after you book. By then they may be just assuming all agents would be adding that after booking.

 

Did a lot of test booking with them and have yet to see any great savings over other online , reliable, good service TAs. Sometimes a couple of dollars less, sometimes a little more.

 

I will even consider booking with them if I ever see any great savings there over other tested, reliable,good service TAs. Just hasn't happened yet.

[happy cruzer]

Hey, I tried the nophone guys. Showed a $40 savings per inside cabin. Not bad but then I would have a middle guy with nophone? Might need to save at least $100 total to make it worth trying someone new over going to HAL directly.

 

Also I have used another of these guys alot and they have been ok price wise the ONLY problem is they have a booking fee and a cancellation fee. The charge 19.95 to book and $75 if you need to cancel. Be sure to find out if there is a charge for these two items if you are booking thru anyone but the TA. Also had trouble getting them to honor price reductions (even before final payment).

 

Anyone else have hidden fees from the listed online advertisers?

[Tinknock50]

Hey, I tried the nophone guys. Showed a $40 savings per inside cabin. Not bad but then I would have a middle guy with nophone? Might need to save at least $100 total to make it worth trying someone new over going to HAL directly.

 

Also I have used another of these guys alot and they have been ok price wise the ONLY problem is they have a booking fee and a cancellation fee. The charge 19.95 to book and $75 if you need to cancel. Be sure to find out if there is a charge for these two items if you are booking thru anyone but the TA. Also had trouble getting them to honor price reductions (even before final payment).

 

Anyone else have hidden fees from the listed online advertisers?

 

Hey,

 

I think I know the TA you mean. $75 is ridiculous. Lately I have been only using reliable, good service ,TAs that don't have a cancellation fee. The first thing I check is the cancel fee.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Sean, I've seen the yellow box with the taxes. But there's another fee that isn't added in until later. It even says on that page that it isn't included.

 

I won't use a TA with a booking or cancellation fee. Made that mistake once and never again. I also found out that while they had a phone, they charged if you wanted to talk to them:eek: . On top of that, when they changed my cabin # (because of a mistake they made), they wanted to charge me $25 for a new confirmation!!!

 

I canceled and said "buh bye now!!!":D

 

Happy cruzer, I don't book insides so the difference may be less. But in all other cases, this TA is always several hundred less than HAL and generally undercuts other TAs, but not always.

 

As for the "no phone" it doesn't detract in any way from their service believe me. I've used them for 5 years and I defy anyone to provide better and quicker service than they do by email. Just because a TA has a phone is no guarantee of good service.

[KAKcruiser]

My understanding is that the personal cruise consultants at HAL are supposed to provide more service than the regular HAL reps but that the prices are still the same. My experience with the personal cruise consultants is that they do not provide better service and, in fact, are more trouble. If you have a question or want to make a change after booking, you can only talk to them.

[Tinknock50]

Sean, I've seen the yellow box with the taxes. But there's another fee that isn't added in until later. It even says on that page that it isn't included.........

 

Another fee????

So now when I see they are close to other TAs, they may actually be more? I just have a hard time trusting a TA that can't be straightforward about the costs. Of couse they can say they are because it all there, but if I missed that other fee, someone else might ,too.

 

You just about had me convinced to give them a try. :(

 

Just my skeptical nature, but I get suspicious when you set up your website different than others and make it more difficult to clearly see your final costs.

[serendipity1499]

arent you on a 10 niter??? if so the first formal will most likely be the nite after you sail(first full sail day) and the last formal will most likely be the next to last full sail day (on the last sail day you put your luggage out so that rules out a formal nite) dont have a clue when the 3rd one would be -- ships choice --just my guess

 

No Lou...It's a 14 nighter..Usually a 14 day cruise calls for 4 formal & 3 informal, but it's the sea days that are throwing me off..:confused:

 

First 3 nights are at sea on the way to San Juan, then we have 8 days in a row in Ports with 5:P.M, 6 P.M & 2 midnight departures, then have 3 more nights in a row at sea on the way back from Aruba to Tampa..

 

Also wonder if they would have formal nights during port days, so it could very well be only 2 formal.. Will plan on 4 & 3 but may have to change my list when Doc's arrive..I hate being in the dark, as like to plan ahead!;)

 

Happy cruising all..:) Betty

[lougee1043]

Another fee????

So now when I see they are close to other TAs, they may actually be more? I just have a hard time trusting a TA that can't be straightforward about the costs. Of couse they can say they are because it all there, but if I missed that other fee, someone else might ,too.quote]

 

 

this is the hidden box-- the OTHER FEE isnt hidden you just have to add it to the quote ---the OTHER FEE is approx 135.84

 

* Prices include port charges and exclude taxes and fees estimated taxes and fees of$135.84.

[twoatsea]

RE: HAL Personal Cruise Consultant (PCC) -Hal’s # for this department is 800-355-3017 & the PCC’s ext. #. A recording advises this is the “Consumer Programs Dept.”. One can either dial in the PCC ext. # or use the directory. One can also call HAL at 877-SailHal & ask a HAL front line telephone person (Reservation Specialist (RS) to transfer them to a PCC & a PCC will be selected at random by the RS (or maybe the phone system).

Here's my experience with a HAL Personal Cruise Consultant. So far, we have cruised 3 times this year with HAL. 2 were booked 4-6 weeks precruise; 1 booked about 6 months precruise. All 3 times I booked with the same HAL PCC. For each cruise, I checked HAL's website & talked with a HAL RS. The HAL RS always gave me the same price as HAL's website. Then I called my HAL PCC. She beat the HAL RS & website price; sometimes a lot; sometimes a little. However, there have been occasions when she did not beat HAL’s RS & website price, but she advised me of bargain dates that were close to our original dates (I used her last year also). She often has "sales" that were not listed on HAL's website specials page – TA promos. She also added us to a group (5 cabins makes a group with a PCC) so we could have 2 free soda stickers (not the chinzy mug kind, but the all you want sticker on your room keycard), one photo, & 2 free Pinnacle Grilles. The cruise I booked months in advance had a price decrease twice. I took 1 reduction. On the other, I moved to an outside H from an inside MM without additional charge. My brother originally booked a VA & took the first price reduction. On the second reduction, he moved to an SY without additional charge.

Before booking any of these cruises, I checked many of the online TAs used by CC folks (received via emails), some of the CC ads TAs, & some online TAs not listed on CC, plus a big warehouse club owned by Walmart & named for Walmart's founder, which has a travel dept. (phone & website) & gives very competitive prices & usually with bennies (Pinnacle, soda card, etc.). Many came close, some were about the same, & one beat HAL by $100. For only $100, I choose to go with HAL rather than deal with a middle-person. I've also found that one needs to "talk" to the online TA's because the price reduces with conversation! I also claim disfavor with the offered price & usually get an even better deal!

Hope any of this helps. Not at all saying some of you bargain hunting folks haven't & won't do better in your search. This is just my method.

Regarding using a no-phone TA, I don't understand how that would work if one has a problem enroute or at checkin. There would not be a computer for the cruiser's use to contact the no-phone TA. After the fact and hopefully after getting to board the ship, I guess the no-phone TA customer would have to buy an internet package to get the TA's help with problems? We always take a cell phone & our TA’s # so we can get help if the need arises.

Well, after we all wear ourselves out looking for the very lowest cruise price, I hope the reward is that we can cruise more often! :D

[HeatherInFlorida]

Another fee????

So now when I see they are close to other TAs, they may actually be more? I just have a hard time trusting a TA that can't be straightforward about the costs. Of course they can say they are because it all there, but if I missed that other fee, someone else might ,too.

 

You just about had me convinced to give them a try. :(

 

Just my skeptical nature, but I get suspicious when you set up your website different than others and make it more difficult to clearly see your final costs.

 

Sean, please remember I have used this TA successfully for 5 years. They are terrific.

 

It may even be (given Lougee's post) that I'm mistaken in my recollection. I thought I had to carry the booking one more step to see all fees, but clearly I'm wrong.

 

But I would never try to talk you or anyone else into anything especially given your continued concern. You should stick with what you know and where you're comfortable. But I can assure you that there is no reason in the world not to trust this TA. They clearly state what is, and is not, included. I wouldn't have used them somany times otherwise.

[lougee1043]

I don't understand how that would work if one has a problem enroute or at checkin. There would not be a computer for the cruiser's use to contact the no-phone TA. After the fact and hopefully after getting to board the ship, I guess the no-phone TA customer would have to buy an internet package to get the TA's help with problems? We always take a cell phone & our TA’s # so we can get help if the need arises.

 

and what happens if you try to call on a sunday and yuo get a voice mail-- and how do you use your cell phone when you are not near a cell phone tower

 

ive found that all problems that arise do so before i leave the house - im checked in on line and i have my docs --what could i possibly need my ta for between the time i get off the plane and the time i check in at the dock

[WNYCRUISER]

twoatsea-

thanks for the back-up on this. I was beginning to think that I was the only one NOT getting the great price breaks from the on-liners.

 

I know the first time I used a PCC, I had found an online price about 100.00 cheaper, but called the PCC and she was very straight forward, and said she could not necessarily beat those TA's based on their volume. I appreciated the candor, and by the time all was said and done, received a 100.00pp SBC.

 

And I guess it also has to do with comfort level. Just as Heather is very comfortable with her on-line agency, I have become comfortable with my PCC. Will I compare in the future? Yes, but will not spend near as much time doing so. If a couple of the more consistant ones can't come in any better than they have so far for me, I will stick with the PCC.

 

Heather, not trying to pull you away from your on-liners, but next time you are shopping, try calling a PCC, just to discuss it and see what kind of feeling you get (as well as price). I would be anxious to hear your take on the experience after having such great luck with the on-line TA's.

[lougee1043]

no one on this thread is trying to get another poster to change tas- we all feel very strongly about ours and are simply telling others of our positive feedbacks and feelings -----------feel very proud that this has not turned into something less then positive ------ like dress codes or booze smuggling etc