Shipboard Credits Denied

lauli · #1 (**permalink**) July 11th, 2003, 01:36 PM

We subscribed to Ocean & Cruise News and were given a voucher for $50 per person shipboard credit to be used on HAL. We booked a cruise through Travelocity for a Category B on the Ryndam when Travelocity was giving $200 per cabin shipboard credits for verandah staterooms. We sent in the voucher to HAL and it was denied. Their reason was that their "computers couldn't accept multiple credits", or something to that effect. The back of the voucher states "Ocean & Cruise News Shipboard Credit offer is combinable with other shipboard credits except Carnival Shareholder SBC". Travelocity even called HAL on our behalf to try and resolve this problem, but it appeared HAL wouldn't even give them the time of day. I've read on other boards that HAL seems to arbitrarily decide whether or not to give credits. Does it appear that HAL is justified in denying the additional credits if we are already receiving shipboard credits, and the cruise fare we paid is exceptionally low? I'm wondering if it would be worth the time to write them a letter disputing their denial. Has anyone had this problem and what was the end result? Thanks.

cruisequeen · #2 (**permalink**) July 11th, 2003, 02:16 PM

Most places won't allow you to use more than one coupon on the same sailing. I sure one of these discounts had something about "Not valid with any other discount".

lauli · #3 (**permalink**) July 11th, 2003, 02:27 PM

Hi Cruisequeen,

The back of the voucher from OCN did state that it was combinable with other discounts, and Travelocity did not have any restriction. Aren't the credits being covered (paid) by Travelocity and OCN? If so, why would HAL deny the additional credits if they are going to be reimbursed anyway?

Set2cruz · #4 (**permalink**) July 11th, 2003, 04:25 PM

I would try using those vouchers once you were onboard. Try taking them to the concierge desk. Just a thought, goood luck. :-)

DocJohnB · #5 (**permalink**) July 20th, 2003, 02:49 PM

You might want to write a letter to dispute their denial.

In the letter mention that you have sent/are sending a similar letter to the CondeNaste obundsman for help in resolving this unwarranted situation.

You have said that both OCN and Travelocity has no problem with the combining of these credits - in fact it is written on the back of the voucher.

Mike suggested that there may be some fine print that overrides the original information. While I doubt that there is, you may just want to recheck the voucher.

IMO, HAL is just being the 'neighborhood bully' in this instance.

DocJohnB