This review is intended to warn shoppers NOT to purchase from Diamonds International and NOT to trust the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer's Guarantee.
From April 13, 2009 through April 18, 2009, my wife and I were passengers on the Carnival Fantasy. While onboard, the Carnival shopping specialist conducted shopping seminars and explained that while in port, if items were purchased at Carnival approved retailers, the purchases would be protected by the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer's Guarantee. The most frequently mentioned retailer was Diamonds International, and the most frequently pushed product was tanzanite jewelry.
On April 16, 2009 we stopped at the port of Cozumel, Mexico. While in Cozumel, my wife purchased a .28 carat tanzanite ring. When we returned to the ship, she registered the purchase so as to qualify for the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer's Guarantee.
On Sunday, May 3, 2009, the tanzanite gem stone fell out of the ring. The ring had not been abused or altered in any way.
On Monday, May 4, 2009, I telephoned PPI Fleet Services, Inc., the company that administers the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer's Guarantee. They took my information and informed me that they would contact Diamonds International, and someone from Diamonds International would contact me.
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Later that day, a representative from Diamonds International telephoned me and took a report. The representative informed me that they would investigate this, and get back to me. The following day I received this response from Diamonds International; "It will be our pleasure to help you. I can offer you to send your ring to us and then I'll advise you the cost of the replacement for the tanzanite. But this is the only thing I can offer."
I advised the representative from Diamonds International and PPI Fleet Services, Inc., that this was unacceptable. The representative from Diamonds International said that she would escalate this matter to management and get back to me. On Friday, May 15, 2009, I received this response; "any type of replacements for gemstones that are above .15cts will be with a cost for the customer."
On Monday, May 18, 2009, I telephoned PPI Fleet Services, Inc., and updated them on the situation.
On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, PPI Fleet Services, Inc. responded that they could do nothing because Diamonds International said that they would not replace the tanzanite gem stone without charge. The PPI Fleet Services, Inc., Buyer's Guarantee Form, which was provided by Carnival Cruise Lines, clearly states, "This guarantee is valid for repair or exchange." PPI Fleet Services, Inc., will not guarantee your purchase if it conflicts with the terms and conditions of Diamonds International or any other retailer.
I then called Carnival Cruise Lines' Customer Service Center. I was advised that this matter did not involve Carnival Cruise Line and there was nothing Carnival Cruise Line could or would do.
My wife and I will cruise again. We will be wiser in our purchases, and it will be on a cruise line other than Carnival.
