u/steel_city_sweetie

I am a TA and am sailing on my first HAL cruise in Oct 2026. Its a 16 day Panama Canal crossing, San Diego to Ft Lauderdale. I specifically booked HAL because I haven't sailed them before and haven't booked any clients on them yet. I usually prefer to book clients on Celebrity and RC but am trying to get familiar with the other lines. I was really wanting to check out the Thermal Suite. Unfortunately it is already fully booked. Would it be inappropriate to ask the BDM if there is any way they could possibly get me a booking. It would be a benefit to me as a TA to experience it and use it in my marketing. Or would that be an inappropriate request to a BDM? I have been at this about 2 1/2 years and have not really reached out to our BDM's for anything as yet.

I feel terrible and need insight, suggestions, advice, and to maybe publicly flog myself. I booked a lovely family 4 cabins on Princess for an Alaskan cruise in June. This was my first Princess booking. They are a party of 9. I didn’t realize they needed to book their own dining reservations in the app, even for traditional dining. As a result there are no reservations available. I called the Princess dining line and had no luck. Any suggestions, or advice? How I can make it up to them? I really try to provide excellent service and i feel like i failed them. Should I fall on my sword and admit I dropped the ball? (I am in the process of doing the Princess training and learned this info too late, obviously).