Complaining just for the sake of it.

Sometimes my clients call me after returning from a cruise. Most of the times they just call me to let me know how they liked the cruise. Unfortunately, sometimes not all is well, and of course, we then do everything we can to resolve whatever problem the client has when it is a genuine complaint.
Below is an example of a couple that found everything they could to spoil their cruise.This is not made up, we really do get letters from people like this, although only very occasionally. One client even put dates and times on their letter! Sometimes, I get the feeling that people just look for something to moan about in the hope of getting financial renumveration to fund their next cruise!

Please read the story below, found in the “Horror stories” section of a popular forum

We love cruising. In the past we used Royal Caribbean cruise ship. We wanted to try something different. We sailed on Carnival Inspiration room ****. This whole vacation was a nightmare. This excursion started out by waited three and half hours in line to get onto the ship. We understand it was due to foggy weather. However, we were told many times that Carnival will reimburse us fifteen dollars for each person to go and eat. This was to create an incentive to leave because there were too many people waiting and according to Carnival’s safety code, this scene created a safety hazardous. We complied and did eat at Hooters restaurant. At the end of the trip, we ask guest services to reimburse us the fifteen dollars for each person. They argued they had no information on the fifteen dollars rebate and did not reimburse us for fifteen dollars.

This episode and throughout the trip there were constant lack of communication. One staff member will say something then the next staff member will say something totally opposite of what was said prior.

After three and half hours of mass confusing in line, we finally boarded. We were told we could eat. We went to the buffet line and saw flies around the food. The hamburgers were burnt, the buns and bread were stale, chicken were raw, spoiled salad, and cold raw French fries. In the morning, the eggs were watery, and the sausages and the French toast were under cook. All this is a health hazard and can lead to fatal sicknesses.

We then finally were able to go into our room and were not impressed. I realized that every staff members were in a rushed due to delay in porting, but it is no excuse for not following universal precaution. We went into the bathroom, the toilet was nasty, toilet paper was half used, the floor was dirty, and I know the sheets was not changed. Again, this could lead to health hazard and fatal sicknesses.

One of our family members was sick and vomited all over the floor in the bathroom. We call to have the bathroom cleaned and disinfected. No one showed up. Forty-five minutes went by; still no one showed up to help clean this mess up. We had to call again and finally someone showed up to disinfect the bathroom.
Next, we went to the gym. They offered us a five minutes free massage. As I was watching the massage girl give one Carnival guest a massage to the next Carnival guest a message, she did not wash her hands or change the towels. She used the same towel on several guests. This episode is definitely a health hazard! You ask any health inspector what their view on this and prior incidents.

We then proceeded to work out at the gym. Some of the weights were lose and can create disaster. There were only two disinfectants to use for the whole gym participants. Some of the people were tired of looking for the disinfectant and did not bother cleaning their workout area where they worked out. This is unsanitary and again a health issue. Then when you want to complain to the gym workers, they are no where to be found. While on this topic of the gym, there were several seminars which were interested, but you have to pay extra for those lectures. The amount of money you pay to go on this trip, Carnival could not include these seminars?

We were disgusted in this and went back to the room ready for safety lesson on the life boats and life preservers. We waited several hours and no instructions were executed. We decided to call to confirm what time. They told us the next day they would perform this procedure, again lack of communication. While on this topic, the seas were rough. Carnival waited until the next day to perform this procedure. What if something disastrous happen during the night? How would 2500 people know where to go? The next day we had a fifteen minute presentation on how to put on a life preserver. That was all the instructions we received. There were no instructions on where to go and what boat to use. This incident was appalling; especially for five days of the seas being rough. Following this was several places needed caution signs, especially where there are steep steps. My son and his friend several times fell due to lack of cautions signs.

Regarding safety, there was lack of security guards. There were several incidents on board that several young teenager guests were ready to fight. I could not find one security guard until the next day. I did not want my teenager to go alone like he did on Royal Caribbean. This ruined part of his vacation. Another safety issue is how door to our room did not lock completely. When the sea became rough, the door will open by itself. This incident happened several times during the day as well as during the night.

The next complaint is how most of your staffing (not all) was rude and arrogant towards us. They were arrogant towards us, especially when you ask a question. They were some that went out of their way to help us, but there were very few. When you order items or do the extras that require staff services, they compel you and intimidate you to tip them. They will not take no for an answer. Tipping is not mandatory. You tip if the services were good not when the services are bad. It was noted that in 1997, the Carnival Inspiration was the “Top Class Related Ship”. This was thirteen years ago. What happen since then? I do not see any more recognition?

We were told prior to purchase this cruise adventure we could order a fifteen dollar soda card. At the bar we purchase the soda card, but instead of fifteen dollars it cost twenty-eight dollars. I was also told that orange juice and lemon aid were unlimited and free. I ask for orange juice at several bars because this ship only supplies orange juice in the morning. I guess that is the only time you suppose to drink orange juice. The bar tender said they have to charge me. I told them I was told it was to be free. They said only in the morning in the dining room. This is another deceiving tactics that Carnival used for us to spend more money. I went to guest services to complain and wanted to talk to the supervisors. She refused and claimed that she was the only person to talk to about this matter. I then proceeded to ask for a phone number, she said I have to email my complaint.

The shore excursion was a disappointment. The Grand Cayman Island’s sea was rough. The Carnival Inspiration had to port away from the town. We had no problem with this episode. The problem was that this ship port away from all the action and in order for us to go into town, we had to pay five dollars per person going there and another six dollars back to the ship. The Carnival Inspiration should have paid for us to at least go into town.

We were at sea for two days at a time. On those days, there were very few entertainments to keep you busy. The music on the deck only played few times a day. At night, there were no entertainments on top deck. In order to keep you busy, it would cost you.