Holland America made an apparent error for cruise prices during a period of time in September - these for cruises in early 2007. Now they want those who booked these cruises to pay the difference between the posted fares and what HAL says the error was, or about $1100 extra. Read about it here.
My personal opinion is that HAL should honor the original prices even if they were in error. It is a contract, and more so, it shows good faith on their part. By asking for the extra money HAL has launched a public relations mess that will stain them for a while.
Wow... now that's a mistake compounded by a public relations disaster. I agree with you... HAL needs to suck up the loss and honor their legal contracts.
I like HAL (just got off the Westerdam), but I'd probably leave them in the dust if they demanded >1,000 dollars more for THEIR mistake. It's just not right!!
Dave, I just finished reading about it in the paper and could't believe it. I agree with you completely! If US Air can honor $1.86 airfares --which were CLEARLY ridiculous and an obvious mistake, HAL should honor an $849 fare that THEY published. I wonder how many honeymoons or family vacations will be ruined when the excited customers get a bill for another $1000+? HAL's mistake --HAL's problem. I'm with you -- they are creating a public relations disaster! (Aren't there laws against false advertising??) If I owned any of their stock, I'd unload it, but FAST!! My husband and I are hooked on cruising now, but depending on how they handle this, I'll steer clear of HAL, just on principle!!
And really, is anyone going to believe they won't make a profit on these fares once the onboard revenues are factored in?
I'd like to see everyone who booked at these rates cancel their bookings and then see what HAL says. Of course, most will probably sit, simmer, and pay the extortion - which is what it is. Oh, but they do get a $100 ship credit! Gosh, thanks HAL!
Dave, I agree. It's a generally accepted fact that vendors have to honor mistaken prices, even if it's an item of clothing mismarked or an item in a grocery store. If an incorrect fare is published and the supplier reacts quickly and issues an updated fare BEFORE anyone has booked, that's one thing. But someone having a confirmation for a cruise under deposit should never be asked for more money for their cruise. Baaaad policy.
