Disappointed in RCCL
 

We recently returned from a trip on the Nordic Empress.<BR>I was very disappointed in our stateroom and the customer service from the Pursur's Desk. We checked in around 2:00 pm in San Juan and dropped our luggage off and then went sight seeing. When we arrived back to the ship several hours later we went immediatly to our stateroom only to find someone asleep in our cabin! It turns out that RCCL had given someone else the keys to our cabin! The pursur took forever to get the situation straightened out while we had to just wait in the hallway. Our luggage had come to the room and the man who was in the room said that's not mine so it had been sent back. So once we finally got into our room we had no luggage for almost an hour and it was getting close to dinner time. After all of this we didn't get any phone calls from the pursur staff to see if everything was ok, no gift basket, no onboard credit, nothing!<BR><BR>I was then very disappointed that that RCCL had lied on their website and misrepresented the stateroom I had booked. The website indicated that there was a refrigerator and a minibar, there wasn't! It also showed that there was a tub in the bathroom, there wasn't! <BR><BR>As the owner of an Event Management company and a seasoned traveller and cruiser I will definitely not recommend RCCL to any of my clients or friends. This was my first experience with RCCL and probably my last.<BR><BR>I also left something onboard in my stateroom when we departed and had called the lost and found immediately and have heard nothing from them. <BR><BR>The rest of the cruise was ok. The ship was nice and clean and the food was ok. The excursions we took were good.

Be very careful Paula. A while a go someone posted a thread saying, "Who else feels like they were shafted by RCCL. The Paul T's and his following came out and blasted this person to high heaven even though he had thorough documentation of RCCL's misrepresentations along with the TA. By the way that person consequently won a law suit for fraud against one of them. Tread lightly on this topic these people will defend these companies no matter what you say or how much proof you have. Good Luck.

That's because the folks that follow this board are cheerleaders for the lines. They act like they are on the payroll. They will defend the their favorite line(s) to the death.

That's what happens when you get some money from being on Gerry Springer. Don't fault them they don't know any better.

Why, when someone has a travel problem, do we see replies that condemn the cruise lines and cruise passengers! The problem in this case is some idiot at the pursur's desk..not RCCL or moneyed Jerry Springer watchers!! My worst experience traveling was 10 years ago, with a Northwest Airlines employee. I, personally, wouldn't take a NW flight if I were paid!! but I know my feelings are based on my experience and that a lot of people out there think NW is great! So put the blame where it lies and in Paula's case, probably one retard!

Elaine - <BR><BR>I don't know if a grown woman who calls others "retard" should be throwing stones at the Jerry Springer set - sounds like you have more in common with them then you'd like to admit.

Elaine that one retard was hired and works for RCCL. Companies need to be held accountable for their actions. And hiring and keeping employed a moron is part of that.<BR><BR>As far as the passengers go. The company promotes itself as upscale in their advertisements. I do understand that certain latitudes are taken in advertising, but they are way off the mark. CCL is not my cup of tea, but they don't pretend to be anything they aren't. RCCL shows upscale couples and food in their brochures that look nothing like the client base they really have.<BR><BR>This is also where they need to be held accountable for their actions. Plain and simple it's false advertising.<BR><BR>Also, if you are not willing to deal with NW because of that employee why should anyone else do the same?

Ok, I've just about had it! <BR><BR>Can all of you "adults" stop bickering and give honest advice? I am not a travel agent, nor am I affiliated in any way with the cruise industry. I am just a consumer that what's straight forward information (and that includes opinions, which none of you have a problem tossing around...even if it has nothing to do with the question being asked.) Of course people like Paul will defend something they have interest in. That's why the contrary info/opinions are important to see as well. However, slamming individuals, groups of individuals, etc. does not help anybody, like myself, that wants simple information.<BR><BR>It is quite obvious who the "professionals" are and their input should be filtered accordingly. But I will give them (the Paul's of the world) this, they don't take cheap shots at anyone. They give there positions without unnecessary commentary on the intelligence level of other responders. For that, I would much rather see their comments than others that seem to enjoy blasting "Paul" more than answering the question. <BR><BR>So give it a rest!

TO: xx ([email protected]) - welcome back to the boards Greg Garrison. After your last debacle, I didn't think you had the courage to rejoin intelligent conversation. I don't for a minute believe that you won any lawsuit with anyone. What say you Fodorites that followed the Greg Garrison chronicles last year - do you believe?

[email protected] you have not read Pauls comments ad nauseum like some of us have had to put up with. He can be one of the most vindictive venomous people on this web site. Just wait until he disagrees with you.<BR><BR>And you have just entered the same area you don't like by telling people to shut up and the "Adult" insinuation. You have also insulted the poster by intimidating that they are not "Honest" about RCCL.<BR><BR>I have had no experience with RCCL so that I can't comment on. I was curious about the post. People like you on the other hand I have to deal with all the time. Before you make accusations look in the mirror.

Okay, close the can of worms..quick. I was referring to someones actions...not their condition! Retard may have been wrong choice of word(s) and I certainly did not mean to throw stones at someone who is actually retarded. Give me a little break here!!<BR><BR>Paula - understandably - will never sail RC again and I'll never fly NW. And if we got everyone out there on our side, two major companies might go down the tube. <BR><BR>I HAVE to tell you my NW story. Sit back! Youngest daughter was in AF in Biloxi and was at the point where she could finally have her car. I drove it to Biloxi from LR and made a one-way reservation from Biloxi back to LR with a change in Memphis...$148, and I was told I could write a check for my ticket when I checked in. I go up to the desk in Biloxi and there is only me..and Kevin. He tells me my fare is $368. I very nicely tell him there must be a mistake and that I was told it was $148. Nope..$368 and off he walks. I go to a pay phone and call the 800 # I used to make my reservation. Yes, she says it s/b $148 and to go back to Kevin and it will all be straightened out. I go back, he gets on the computer again and informs me that it Should have been $368!! I start to write a check and he says he doesn't take checks and walks off. I have an ATM card (no machine) but no CC. Back to the pay phone, the 800 # can't really help me if Kevin won't take a check. They called my husband at work and got a CC #, entered it and finally said I was good to go. Unfortunately I had to once again go to see Kevin. He handed me my ticket and as I walked off, called out "By the way, you are on stand-by out of Memphis". I went to the loading area and I was almost hysterical. I called the 800 # again but could bearly talk. She assured me I was not on stand-by and was very nice in trying to calm me down and begged me to write a letter to NW ASAP. I did, and I got a form apology letter back with a coupon for $50 off my next NW flight, after I told them that I would go greyhound before I ever flew NW again.<BR>

Why that's the same way RCCL handles problems. They give you a discount on any future cruises. To me that's like rubbing salt in the wound. They should just give you a partial refund, or a full one (after an investigation of course).

The airport was in Gulfport, not Biloxi.<BR>Recounting that story brought tears to my eyes. I had to have a 'get over it' session with myself! Enough, I'll never mention it again although in looking back it was almost unbelieveable!!<BR><BR>Back to cruising..we are going on our first RC cruise in May. I am looking forward to it and nothing can dampen my enthusiasm. We've enjoyed every cruise we've been on. Short of running in to "Kevin", I'm sure we'll have fun on this one too.

I am beginning to see why some of the readers are long time entrants. This could get very addictive. But I am determined not to let that happen to me.<BR><BR>Peter. You obviously have me confused with someone else. Apparently this Greg Garrison person was not very popular. I have not seen anything from him on this website, but you definately feel strongly about him. Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not him.<BR><BR>xx ([email protected])...you are right. The "adults" comment was not appropriate. This bickering back and forth just does not appear very mature. So I am sorry for insulting everone involved with the "adults" comment. As for insulting the contributor about "honest" advice, I was not implying anything of the sort about their input. That was just meant as a general statement on the accuracy of information. So, if I did insult the original poster, I am sorry as well. That was not my intent.<BR><BR>So as not to get caught up in this back and forth thing, this is it for me. No more entries on this matter!<BR><BR>Hope all enjoy whatever vacation they choose. We all work way too hard for these for them to turn out bad.

Peter is an instigator. I wouldn't worry about him much.

Sorry, it was Greg Gallagher not Garrison - "shafted by RCCL" - remember - he was suing RCCL and his TA.

Peter who cares. This is about someone elses concerns with Rc.

Conde Nast Traveller Magazine has a section where you can write that you have been wronged and they would invewstigate. it seems like you have written RCCL and gotten nowhere. Try the letter to Conde Nast and see if that gets any action. They might be embarassed that there complaint could get in the magazine and they would look bad if they didn't respond appropriately! Worked for me.

I do think that people have their favorties....its only normal but also feel you should not critique too harshly any one line. It can put a real damper on someones hard earned trip. On the hotel site for example everyone is soo critical that it seems there isnt a good hotel left in NY.....and its beginning to look that way about cruises......

Who isn't !

Thanks for all the replies. Didn't mean to start a war! ha!<BR><BR>Still have never heard a word from RCCL, but did get a letter in the mail today asking me to join their Crown & Anchor club. Thought that was pretty amusing!<BR><BR>I agree that one bad employee shouldn't spoil the whole company, but the company should be more concerned with their customer service. <BR><BR>We will just move on and not give them anymore future business.<BR><BR>Good idea about Ombudsman. I love that column!

Paula. The only thing you may get is a discount coupon for future travel with RCCL. If you booked with a TA, take my advice pursue them for misrepresentation. They are not protected by foreign registry and other insulary shields.<BR><BR>And they as an "agent" according to the courts are supposed to be serving your interest if they charged you a fee for their services. Not my opinion, but the law.

<BR>It is sad what happened to Paula. RCCL I am sure will give you some sort of compensation when your experience is sorted and you are warranted compensation. This will take quite some time. Also, I am sure you will hear back from Lost & Found. RCCL is good at returning items left behind in your stateroom.<BR><BR>Someone stated to sue the travel agent. If Paula had used a travel agent she would have been told which cabins had minibars and which suites had tubs.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

Not if they don't know what they are doing Paul. I don't think travel agents realize that they need to view themselves the same way other professional "Agents" see their job function.<BR><BR>One empowered to act for or represent another: an author's agent; an insurance agent. <BR><BR><BR>Agents are not representing the best interest of their clients a large majority of the time and therein lies the problem.

<BR>Beg to differ. If a travel agent does not serve his clients to the best of his/her ability he/she not only loses a client but also all the people who that client talks to. <BR><BR>Go ahead pick that apart too. It is your sport.<BR><BR>Paul

I see Paul then the money and time invested by the person automatically reverts back to them? <BR><BR>And with the high volume travel agents out there they really don't care. I think they should be held liable for their actions.

Paul thanks for the feedback on RCCL. Hopefully over time I will hear something. <BR><BR>We did you a travel agent, but unfortunately they hadn't been on that ship and just had the pictures and layouts from the brochure. I doubt I will use them again in the future, but certainly wouldn't think of suing over something that minor.

<BR>I hope you do too Paula. Next time be sure to ask your travel agent a ton of questions. Do not be shy. If the agent does not have the answers, talk to the owner. You see, there are quite a few agents that have taken a few courses but have never traveled anywhere. Make sure to talk to an agent that is experienced in the area to which you will be traveling.<BR><BR>Better luck next time.<BR><BR>Paul

If you don't plan on seeking retribution for something so "minor" as paying for things that weren't there why did you even bother with this post. If you go to a restaurant that is supposed to have a certain caliber of service and it doesn't, do you go oh ho hum my loss?<BR><BR>I just don't get some of you folks, especially this Paul guy. You treat your vacations like a crap shoot. That's acceptable? What is wrong with you folks. Your vacations are far and few and sometimes costly and it's okay if what you have paid for is not available? I have some AOL stock I would love to sell you (I am just certainly puzzled). If I was told a car was supposed to do certain things and it didn't I would return it or get a partial refund. What makes this any different?

<BR>OK Mr. xxxx, since you mentioned me I must ask you to please tell us all how to effectively handle cruise line complaints. We will be so grateful for your help since you know the industry so well.<BR><BR>Paul

First I would start by recommending no one listens to you.

To XXX,<BR><BR>I have called the cruise line, written a letter of complaint, and emailed a complaint. I may also write to Ombudsman. I have also filed a complaint with my travel agent. I am not sure what else to do. What do you suggest?<BR><BR>I wanted to post to make other travelers aware of some things I had found out on my trip so that maybe they would not encounter them.<BR><BR>I appreciate seeing feedback from other posters as well as warnings. I think others probably do as well.

I would start by filing a letter of complaint to the attorney generals office of consumer fraud in your particular state against the TA for misrepresentation.<BR><BR>The better business bureau is a waste of time. They are funded by most of these large corporations.<BR><BR>Follow this up with letters to all your local news & media.<BR><BR>Finally cc all these complaints to RCCl to show them you mean business, and will not be poo poo'ed away.<BR><BR>Keep every piece of paper and documentation.<BR><BR>And finally knowing the cruise industry is immaterial Paul. Knowing how to deal with large corporations is the point. And no one likes bad publicity.