HAL Semiannual Sales?

#1 (**permalink**) July 8th, 2001, 06:37 AM

When are HALs semiannual sales? With the markets still shuddering and the continueing flow of layoffs, there ought to be a good one the next time they're scheduled. I'm looking for a January or Febuary Seafarer on Volendam or Zaandam.

#2 (**permalink**) July 8th, 2001, 10:12 AM

I have my folder sitting right in front of me. It is a one piece large brochure, with 6 sections. Obviously it has been out for some time as it says "Received a 2-category stateroom upgrade when you book by June 30th."
Dates for Zaandam are Jan 3, 23 and Feb. 12th.
Call your travel agent - it may not be too late to book. Promo # is 6016

#3 (**permalink**) July 8th, 2001, 11:15 AM

Is this the official title? I just called HAL & the CSR I spoke with said she'd never heard of a Semiannual Sale. She did say that they have numerous promotions for different sailings & she could only look them up by a specific sailing. Is this something given out only to TAs on the HAL top 100 list? If so, how does one find a TA on this list I keep hearing about?

#4 (**permalink**) July 8th, 2001, 04:55 PM

I have no idea what the official title is, but Sharon over at Sealetter, has always had a special HAL sponsored sale twice a year. No published fares allowed, you have to be on her special Email notification list.

annette · #5 (**permalink**) July 8th, 2001, 05:22 PM

Ok. So how does one get onto Sharon's special email list?

#6 (**permalink**) July 9th, 2001, 05:50 PM

Go to Sealetter.com click cruise specials click hal specials
and somewhere on the page theres a place to get on the email list. Same goes for Princess.

fideauxdon · #7 (**permalink**) July 12th, 2001, 06:51 PM

In my experience, Holland-America and all of the other cruise lines will hold a sale whenever they need to fill up the ship. I've booked 8 months in advance, and I've booked 9 days before sailing, and the cruises closest to the sailing date were those on which I received the best pricing. Of course, I'm retired and live in Florida, so I have certain advantages that many other cruisers don't have.

My advice would be to locate cruise discount agencies (use your web browser, read the Sunday ads, or peruse Frommer's Budget Travel), and sign up for the weekly email from the discounters. You'll be amazed at the number of bargains that are out there!