Carnival doesn't care about its customers

[butlershome@verizon.net]

In May 2010 I travelled Carnivals Sensation for the very last time. We've taken 10 or so cruises and this was the worst not only the ship's condition but their Agents at home office are so rude. I had 2 perfectly outside adjoining cabins and one month before travel a Carnival Rep called me to upgrade us to 2 suites for $650 more. I did it. I was so sorry I spent the month. Not only are the cabins not suites - they are mini-suites - they are nothing! Cabins V1 & V3 are at the front with a housekeeping closet that they open all hours of day and night. They go into closet at 6:00am waking us all up. They leave the entire floors dirty filthy sheets and towels on the floor in piles we literally had to walk over to get to our room. I was so angry, the people on board did nothing, and back home it was worse. They could care less about your cruise experience. I then worked with Chase Credit Services who pretends to care but in the end protect their merchants and sided with them. Bottom line is, never ever pay more money for the suites - they are tiny junior suites that only until I made a stink, did they change the names to Junior. And never stay in V1 & V3. Better yet, never travel on Carnival - go Royal or NCL or Princess - they actually care about their customers experiences not just their money. K. Butler, Sarasota Florida

[Trip]

I have always said, what is an upgrade to one, is not to another. I think what you might have done, before you accepted, was to look at the deck plans to see exactly where you were located, and, the size of the cabin. The oweness was on you, to ask the questions, that perhaps would have given you the info, to realize where your location woud be & to say no thanks.

Had you worked with a cruise travel agent, rather than direct, as I am presuming you did, your agent would have given you their expertise. What exactly did you ask the line to do for you onboard, and, then at home?

Any of the other lines you mentioned, more then likely,would have handled the situatuion in the exact same way.

[johnthed0g]

Always a bit confusing this upgrade business, I think if you are upgraded you don't pay for it, if you pay for it it's a sale. Like being "Invited" to visit a ship but they charge you..it's marketing. P&O (Carnival UK) have a policy that if you register for an upgrade you HAVE to take it, so unless you have a cabin you don't care about don't do it...even if it was to a suite, at the last minute it's likely to be a suite that for some reason nobody wants.
Sorry you had a crappy time.

[ruthlessboss]

Join in October 2011, post #1, a complaint about a cruise OVER 1 year ago!

[Trip]

That doesn't bother me at all......

[flowers]

Sounds like they opened a dispute with Chase credit cards. They have to open the dispute by law, but disputes for "dissatisfaction" are rarely won. If the merchant says no, and disputes the claim for more money, thats it. Nothing the credit card company can do. (I used to work in disputes for another card).

The dispute process is supposed to be neutral, so why the OP says Chase pretends to care .. they are doing their job. If you open a dispute, the merchant has a equal opportunity to respond. It should not be slanted toward the customer, though sometimes it is.. but in this case, "dissatisfaction" is not a good dispute reason. Easier to win .. merchandise not received, facts like that, double billing, the bill went thru twice, easily proved. The rules are very set in stone. There were times we wrote off small charges, but in a case like a large charge for a cruise ...we would think, cant write off enough the customer will be happy, close it in the merchants favor and move on. We were not allowed to give advise to either side for legal reasons.

The OP clearly doesnt understand the credit card dispute process.

[nlb1050]

Originally Posted by ruthlessboss

Join in October 2011, post #1, a complaint about a cruise OVER 1 year ago!

I agree with you, why did it take them so long to complain here. We probably will never hear from them again either as I have seen so often with a first post being a complaint.

[david30101]

Seems like all the people who have "1 post" listed are always the ones complaining. I know you have to start from somewhere, but before you "complain" at least show that you had conversation on the forums first to build up your post count. To us your just another "Spam" or "Bot" type person. I understand your situation. I stayed in cabin (V-9) on the Fantasy which was a perfect spot for a (V- cabin) on that class of ship and stayed in Cabin (V-6) on Inspiration which was "OK" but not terrible even though the balconys are not private and tiny for that ship class. Also those are considered "OS" or JR Suites for that class since they are slightly larger then all the other cabins on that same ship (OV and Inside cabins).OS Suites have the pull out sofa and small table where the other cabins dont. Back when that ship was built, standard balcony cabins wernt in the fleet yet like on all the new ships Carnival has now.

[Kuki]

Seems like all the people who have "1 post" listed are always the ones complaining. I know you have to start from somewhere, but before you "complain" at least show that you had conversation on the forums first to build up your post count.

Some people find CruiseMates when they are researching their cruises, and get great and helpful information. Many others don't research, and only discover sites like CruiseMates after their cruise... and sometimes long after.

Once they find us, and they want to vent, that's OK. Regardless of if anyone thinks their "complaint" is valid or not the information, and a a realistic discussion about it, and what the poster may have done properly to remedy the complaint, can be helpful to others.

Those greeting posters by calling them one hit wonders etc. make for a horrible welcoming committee to CruiseMates. After that kind of BS why would anyone expect the poster to come back?

Come on now ....

[Manuel]

Originally Posted by Kuki

Those greeting posters by calling them one hit wonders etc. make for a horrible welcoming committee to CruiseMates. After that kind of BS why would anyone expect the poster to come back?

Come on now ....

That's a very good point Kuki. We should welcome all posters.

TM

[ruthlessboss]

Originally Posted by Manuel

That's a very good point Kuki. We should welcome all posters.

TM

O.K. Welcome butlershome. Please come back. Really enjoyed your first post.

[zydecocruiser]

I think I'll wait for post two before expressing an opinion.

[Dhill]

I am with Kuki on this one. I have read post like this before and have always wonder why a lot of people attack the O.P.What do you think the O.P motive is to discredit the cruise line? I found the O.P helpful I would of never thought to check out an upgrade if offered I probaly would of jumped all over it.And I dont understand how many post you have posted has to do with anthing. If you have a complaint you have a complaint.What ever the O.P motive is we should read the post and take it for what its worth.Boy I am sure glad I didnt complain my first post here or I probaly wouldnt of felt welcome and not come back either and missed out on learning all I have learned!

[Ron]

I don't want to sound like I'm taking one side or the other here but I'm sure some will take it that way.
First of all, these " suites " used to be called Demi-Suites--you have to be extemely careful when you book one of these. If you're not, you'll have a life boat hanging in front of what they call a balcony, which is about big enough to turn around on. And too, the " suites " at the front ( the O.P's were # V 1 and V 3 ) are right at the very front and there are steps coming up from the deck so that anyone coming up those steps are almost right in your face if you are on your balcony--very little privacy in those.
Looking at the deck plans is always a very good idea, even if you're offered and " upgrade." Too, there's a difference between an upgrade and an up-sale--sounds like the O.P took an up-sale instead of an upgrade. I personally would not have switched an outside cabin for anyone of these so-called " suites "
The O.P states he /she has been on 10 cruises so I would expect that they would have at least some experience and knowledge of what's what before making changes blindly without checking it out, especially since it was a considerable sum of money involved.
As he / she got what they voluntary paid for, I can see no reason that the C/C co. would refuse to honor the charges.
Again, I'm not taking sides-- the lesson here is to check things out--know the difference between an upgrade and an up-sale-- and even if you're offered an upgrade, don't blindly jump on it--it may not be such a good deal after all.

[Trackypup]

If someone offered to sell me something for $650 I'd do a little research on what I was getting before spending the money. Wouldn't that just make sense? They offered it to you, you bought it. Sorry you're having buyers remorse but not really carnivals fault

[zydecocruiser]

We sailed on Carnival Sensation in Feb 2010 and it was in great shape. I doubt it fell apart overnight.

When someone suggests that RCL or NCL has better customer service than Carnival, the first word that comes to mind is:

[Trip]

Never having had one of these calls to offer me anything, I am curious if the cruiseline says: would you like to take advantage of a suite for an additional $650.00? I really need an answer, because if you decline, I need to move on to another cruiser, to offer it to them.

For those of you who have gotten these calls, is a split second decision needed, or, does one have time to say, I'll call you back shortly?

[Trackypup]

Originally Posted by Trip

Never having had one of these calls to offer me anything, I am curious if the cruiseline says: would you like to take advantage of a suite for an additional $650.00? I really need an answer, because if you decline, I need to move on to another cruiser, to offer it to them.

For those of you who have gotten these calls, is a split second decision needed, or, does one have time to say, I'll call you back shortly?

Even if not near a computer, I'd ask about size and location. I was offered something similar on HAL I had a chance to make up my mind and check deck plans before committing.

[Hoolie24]

I had a negative experience on Carnival Conquest in November 2010 for my first cruise. Our bed was set up as two twins. We asked for three days to have it converted to a single bed, but our steward never fixed it. My husband and I finally did it ourselves, and since we didnt know how to lock it, it kept sliding around. Also, our room was not cleaned appropriately for a few days, and I didn't even meet our room steward until the 5th day of the cruise. I was not at all happy with our service, especially after hearing for years how well you are treated on board. I expressed my complaints (these and others, not all listed) to the information desk on board, but no one contacted me. I also specifically identified numerous complaints in the survey after the cruise. I have never been offered any apologies or any attempts by Carnival to make it right. Here is the irony.....on the last night of our cruise, my husband had purchased $20 in raffle tickets, and we won the free cruise. So, I am giving Carnival another shot in a few weeks. This time, however, if we are not given the service that we expect AND PAY FOR with gratuities, I will refuse to pay them this time around.

[fun2cruiz]

Hoolie24.... hopefully this cruise will be better, but to remove gratuities completely is not fair to the other crew members that work behind the scenes you do not really come in contact with or the crew members you are satisfied with that are within the "tipping pool".

First time your stateroom attendant does not meet your expectations or requests... thats the time to contact guest services immediately and demand corrections of the problems you are bringing to their attention.

Hopefully this cruise will meet your expectations....Happy Cruising !

[Trip]

To think that your first cruise will potentially be your last cruise, then POW, you win redemption! To have a complaint, especiailly the one you had, not get attended to, would have driven my crazy, so I understand your frusrtration.

If for any reason, you have a similar issue,and I don't think you will..hit the housekeeping button, and tell them your issues, then hit it again...No results? Then to speak to the hotel manager,and so on.....I do believe you will find your complaint dealt with.

I hope you enjoy your 2nd chance

[robh]

Originally Posted by Trip

To think that your first cruise will potentially be your last cruise, then POW, you win redemption! To have a complaint, especiailly the one you had, not get attended to, would have driven my crazy, so I understand your frusrtration.

If for any reason, you have a similar issue,and I don't think you will..hit the housekeeping button, and tell them your issues, then hit it again...No results? Then to speak to the hotel manager,and so on.....I do believe you will find your complaint dealt with.

I hope you enjoy your 2nd chance

I'm with Trip... you contact your steward first on the pager, they normally reply in a few minutes, no satisfaction then the housekeeping phone button, then the pursers desk then the hotel manager.
I find writing a note to your steward and leaving it on your desk always works as they are in the cabin at least twice a day.
A free cruise .. wow,,, enjoy

[zydecocruiser]

I would never wait 3 days for the bed to be made into a king. Next time contact Guest Services. If that doesn't work, tell them you want to talk with the hotel Director.

[ruthlessboss]

Originally Posted by zydecocruiser

I would never wait 3 days for the bed to be made into a king. Next time contact Guest Services. If that doesn't work, tell them you want to talk with the hotel Director.

Come on, 3 days! Some communication is missing here! Apparantly he "just waited"?

I needed my queen/king separated, spoke to the attendant, went to eat, upon return, beds separate.

[ruthlessboss]

Originally Posted by zydecocruiser

We sailed on Carnival Sensation in Feb 2010 and it was in great shape. I doubt it fell apart overnight.

When someone suggests that RCL or NCL has better customer service than Carnival, the first word that comes to mind is:

The troll spray worked! Hasn't been back since 1st post.

[Telegalc]

So glad that all my 9 cruises with Carnival have been great!!!! My 10th is in Jan. 2012 I always have positive thoughts... I will be a good cruiser :-))

[Hoolie24]

Thank you for the tips....I will definitely keep them in mind when we sail in less than 2 weeks. Just the fact that this cruise is FREE will probably make it more enjoyable and little less stressful!