HAL et al rethink (think for the first time?)

HAL has turned down the Travelocity hospitality desk idea and insisted
on the standard non soliciation rules

As a result, Meadows said, Holland America will "NOT [the line's capital
letters] allow a hospitality desk as part of Travelocity's AARP program
or for Travelocity's group bookings." In addition, all onboard
leader/escorts, including Travelocity's, are required to sign Holland
America's Onboard Code of Ethical Conduct, which clearly states that
onboard group leaders cannot and will not solicit sales from guests not
booked through their specific program.

Crystal has responded as well:

Crystal also said the Travelocity program is no different than any group
promotion. "The escorts are the same as Virtuoso escorts or Ensemble
escorts or individual group escorts who also usually maintain a
hospitality desk known only to their clients," wrote Mimi Weisband,
Crystal's spokeswoman. "They, like any of the group escorts -- or any
travel agents traveling with us -- may not solicit on board. The
Travelocity hospitality desk is not open to non-Travelocity clients. We
do want to make sure that we're not giving them any edge over other
agents."

--
Joseph Coulter
Cruises and Vacations
http://www.josephcoulter.com/

Humm perhaps Expedia Expeditions will make a ploy to absorb the group.
I must say on a past Holland America cruise I as a professional travel
consultant reported to the House Chiefs office after a Vantage Travel
representative flanted her low neck dress and emerald diamond on the
neck line with little presents for all her clients thru the main dining
room stopping at each of her groups tables with little cheap gift bags,
this continued only one more night until another colleague and the
ships captain met her at the dining room door! I think some company
representatives are just plain desperate!