Thread: Disappointed in HAL tours

This past summer we looked over all the various tours that might be offered for our up-coming cruises on the Ryndam.

Yesterday we pulled up the booking form and found that many of the tours we thought we would like to do weren't offered for our cruises - what a disappointment.

We are not into snorkling and scuba diving and there were a lot of those offered. Some of the 4 - 5 hour tours were gone. We have done so many of the long day tours on previous visits that we thought it would be nice to do just some quick tours.

As a result we ended up booking only 3 tours.

We are hoping that once we get on board, there will be some additional tours offered that aren't on the website.

This happens with all the cruise lines. I've had my heart set on something before and found out if was cancelled. It's hard to adjust after you've gotten yourself all psyched up to do something wonderful!!

I do not think the problem is with HAL but with the tours companies in Mexico. I am not certain but I think HAL and other cruise lines are having problems getting them to commit to pricing. So they are having to drop numerous tours they have done in the past. I think they are trying to arrange tours week by week. We had wanted to book several excursions for our cruise in October and it was not till just a few weeks ago that they could tell us what there was. My guess is they may offer more once you get on the ship.

I PMed you

I'm sure it's not exclusive to Hal or Mexico, but I can see where a lack of pricing commitment could mess things up. I had an excursion chosen for our upcoming Med trip, at one stop in Italy there was going to be wine tasting at an old castle that has an ancient vinyard. As we sipped specialty wines and ate Italian home cooking we were going to listen to classical music played outside in the Tuscan countryside. That sounded so romantic and so very Italian...and I was really looking forward to it. Then POOF! It was no longer an option and was gone from the list. I heard they had "trouble coordinating it"...which could mean anything...

We are hoping that once we get on board, there will be some additional tours offered that aren't on the website.

This is probably going to be the case. I noticed it both on the Oosterdam this past Feb and on the Zaandam last Fall ... the website listed some, but not all, of the tours that were eventually offered when we boarded the ship. So, if it's not available online that doesn't necessarily mean that some of them won't be available when you board.

Also, remember, you CAN do your own excursions arrangements. You are not limited to the Cruise-line arranged shore excursions. I sometimes forget that.

Binny

Got your message - DH has never been one to do anything but ship tours. I bookmarked the website and will let you know if we need your help.

Thanks a bunch - a frubal on the way - I hope I am not in the holding pen.

We will just wait and see what is available on the ship for now.

We have been to all those ports except Manzanillo and Topolobampo - and we were able to book a couple of excursions there.

Originally Posted by Krazy Kruizers

Binny

Got your message - DH has never been one to do anything but ship tours. I bookmarked the website and will let you know if we need your help.

Thanks a bunch - a frubal on the way - I hope I am not in the holding pen.

Youre welcome and I totally understand. I know some of my clients have only wanted to use ship tours to and thats fine.

I just know these guys are reasonable and dependable Ive heard nightmare stories about companies that were NOT so whenever I find one that is I like to spread the word.

Have a great trip!

Thank you.