Group rates vs do it yourself

Old Jul 18th, 2001, 05:52 PM
  #1  
Sue O
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Group rates vs do it yourself

Have been invited by friends to go on theZaandam with Holland America in july 2002 on the Inside Passage. They are doing a group and it includes air. Will that be a lot cheaper than doing it ourselves through our own travel agent and arranging our own air? We have to decide quickly and I was hoping to plan a non-stop from Boston to Vancouver and am afraid that if it's done through them I will have no control over stops, etc. Any advice??
 
Old Jul 18th, 2001, 06:51 PM
  #2  
Marilyn
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Sue, It is hard to know if you will get a better deal or not if you go on your own. It varies greatly. As to the air portion, you should be able to get a deviation even in a group and choose your own air arrangements with the cruise line or even do your own air. Why do you have to decide so quickly? Even in a group you should be able to put a deposit down and hold the space while you check farther and if it turns out you need to you should be able to cancel until 90 prior to sailing. Ask about that. Good luck!
 
Old Jul 18th, 2001, 06:56 PM
  #3  
April
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I liked our cruise with Holland America very much but I will never let them make my air arrangements again. Instead of flying direct as we could have done on our own, they booked us on three flights. The last was so poorly timed that we missed the connection and had to scramble to find accommodation and arrange a flight out the next morning. Sure they reimbursed us but it was a needlessly stressful way to begin a holiday.

Next time I would book my own flights but leave plenty of time to arrive before the cruise.
 
Old Jul 19th, 2001, 12:49 AM
  #4  
Paul Therault
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Hi Sue,

Group prices vary depending on who is running the group. That person may be taking all the amenities. Usually groups do not take group tours in ports and will not force you to take one. Best to shop around for price.

As far as air is concerned, all cruise lines offer what is called an "air deviation" for about $35 per person you can choose your own air itinerary and also choose your own air line. You do not have to pay the air deviation fee if you decide you do not care for what they offer.

Paul
 
Old Jul 19th, 2001, 04:17 AM
  #5  
denise
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I've heard that sometimes the only available group space offered on a ship is in a higher catagory, therefore, higher fares. I'd check out both avenues before booking (both cruise and airfare, with and without group).
 
Old Jul 19th, 2001, 05:14 AM
  #6  
elaine
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Sue,

We were in an identical situation as yours, i.e., group/Alaska (but not on HAL). Fortunately the travel agent group uses is also our travel agent. He advised us not to join group, as Alaska/July had very high rates (regardless of group or any promotion).
If you want to join your friends, check out rates from their t/a. He/she should quote you cruise and air separately. Ask for pricing for cruise only and cruise/air. Prices may drop if you are booking cruise one year in advance. Should you put deposit on this cruise and decide to either cancel or book w/another t/a, you would get a refund...so you really have nothing to lose. There is no stipulation (that I'm aware of) between booking the cruise AND your air. You could just book cruise should you find cheaper airfare elsewhere. As a frequent cruiser, I would never book air through cruiseline unless you required 'open jaw' flight.
It's usually a good idea to fly to your embarkation port one day prior, even in summer. Rain, like snow/sleet/, can cause many airline delays. I agree w/Marilyn's reply - what is the hurry? And as she mentioned, you could book now, do your homework and if you get lower fare, you can cancel up to 60 days prior to sailing.
 

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