HAL Changes Air/Sea Policies

While one Carnival Corporation brand, Princess, made a move to be more consumer friendly, another sister brand is making a move on their air/sea bookings which could effect you decision to book air through them.

The cruise lines in general don't really like making your air reservations, and do it as a service, or to stimulate sales (such as for exotic destinations). But because they don't like it, and make very little off it in general (even though often their prices are higher than if you booked direct, unless there's an air special on your sailing), they're getting more and more restrictive.

Holland America has announced that they're going to start enforcing the stipulation that, until your cruise and air fare is paid in full, the air pricing is NOT guaranteed. Same goes for the air taxes and air fuel supplements. Of course, the air and cruise are fully refundable up to final payment date, but it's something to take into consideration when adding on cruise air to Holland America bookings - you might just want to pay in full, then remove the air if you find a better deal later.

HAL is being forced to make this change due to their air suppliers not wanting to guarantee rates out a year or more in advance. Don't be surprised if other brands, both Carnival Corp. sister brands such as Princess, and others follow in the near future as their air contracts come up for renewal and pricing for 2009 and beyond.