<BR>Sam, I just state facts. I (whoops, I just said "I" twice) do give my advice at times which, of course, you do not have to listen. <BR> <BR>When it comes to cruising, you have a lot to learn and my "advice" is for you to not cruise. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Paul you have a lot to learn about facts. Facts are objective. Commments like, "Luck of the draw" are subjective. My advice to you is don't post until you learn the difference.

I am not a regular to this board, but I have been reading through this thread and another one about Carnival and am surprised to see the attitude of Paul towards people unhappy with their vacations. I fly over 100,000 miles per year on business and vacation and take at least two cruises per year. I've had good experiences and bad ones, but I've never had my travel agent blame me when a travel provider gives poor service. I'm glad that I don't have a travel agent like Paul. It seems that to him, the travel provider is always right, and it is just the vacationer's expectations which were inflated when they have an unfortunate experience. My travel agent (and I suspect most)goes to the wall for me when a hotel, airline or cruiseship doesn't provide good service (which isn't all that often). If I had an agent like Paul, whose attitude is basicially "tough, you should have expected it", I would find another agent pretty fast.

<BR>Dear Robert, <BR> <BR>I do not believe you understand my posts. <BR> <BR>I go to bat immediately for my customers if they have an unfortunate experience. <BR> <BR>I imagine you are addressing the lady who had an undesirable experience with her roommate. This is beyond my control and the control of the cruise lines. I also explained the cruise-line obligation. I stated when a single person comes to me and requests a share, I explain the negatives. This is my job even though common sense will tell you or anyone that a bad experience may occur. Sure I will write a letter even though I know nothing will come of it. <BR> <BR>You may pick apart this post if you like and if it warrants a reply, I will reply. <BR> <BR>I continuously fight for passenger's rights. At this time I am fueding with RCCL and Celebrity with their transfer program. They do not give physical cards to the passengers. When questioned, they state "their names are on the manifest." Quite often lately the passenger's names are not on the manifest and are denied bus boarding unless payment is made. This is not an expected experience and I certainly go to bat for my customers. <BR> <BR>I love to brag ..... I know I am one of the best TA's in the world and my clients know it. I do not advertise. My business is all word of mouth. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR>

Paul, <BR> <BR>Since you believe you're, "one of the best TA's" and we know how you like to brag. Why don't you tell people how they can better handle a situation that is negative, instead of telling them it's a lost cause. Why would anyone want to deal with an industry that doesn't want to deal with them.

<BR>Sorry Phil, I explain all aspects of a vacation before the vacation. <BR>In this way I cover myself also. I repeat, I do go to bat for any client that has a legitiment and reasonable complaint. <BR> <BR>It was very sad that the lady was put in a cabin with an undesirable. I would be upset if it happened to me but I also know the policies of the cruise lines that offer single shares. If they catered to all the uncompatible roommate's complaints it would be a logistical nightmare. Why can't you understand this! <BR> <BR>I believe you are trying to get my goat. It does not upset me but I am getting very tired of writing these posts. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR>

Paul, <BR> <BR>as usual you still didn't answer the question. With all your experience and wealth of knowledge. Why don't you give the reader some ideas or options on how to handle an already bad situation. <BR> <BR>You instead tell people I told ya' so. For instance, look at Sam's post. I think that is what people are looking for when you make a comment. Surely being the best TA around you can come up with something better than your previous post.

Don't listen to Paul, he has no credibility here. He is so biased that it is not even funny. It's like asking the NRA or HCI for an unbiased view of gun control, never going to happen. <BR> <BR>I posted my own horror story with Carnival about 6 months ago and Paul told me that I didn't actually experience what I said that I had. He knew my own experience better than I did. Perhaps he took the cruise and I didn't? <BR> <BR>I have had many good and bad experiences on cruises. I thought Carnival had MANY good qualities. BUT, I will never sail them again for 2 reasons: <BR> <BR>1. Carnival attracts the college age party crowd. If I want that I'd go to Cancun and stay at a beach motel. <BR> <BR>2. Carnival's crews are completely apathetic to your problems and/or concerns. They absolutely couldn't care less if you die on the boat. <BR> <BR>Why do you suppose it is that Paul talks Carnival up so much? They pay more commission. Why do you suppose that is? Because they have the lowest repeat business in the entire industry.

Thanks Justin, <BR> <BR>My sentiments exactly!!!!

<BR>Sorry guys, I earn the same commission whether I sell a Silversea or a Renaissance or a Carnival. I return the remainder to my customers. <BR> <BR>As far as repeat business. Carnival has all the lines beat only because they are the largest cruise line in the world. It stands to reason. <BR> <BR>This is also the reason they incur the most complaints. <BR> <BR>Paul

Each of us has different expectations of a vacation and different requirements to make us happy. <BR> <BR>Because Paul is in the industry you seem not to get his point about the single share. It IS a pig in a poke and a gamble. <BR> <BR>It seems that the posters want the bargain rate of a guaranteed share without accepting the risk that they will get a rotten roommate. <BR> <BR>If you don't like this risk -- pay the single supplement or look for someone to share with. One person I spoke with paid for the cruise on the installment plan so she could get what she wanted. <BR> <BR>Also note that ANY line can have a rotten employee or a bad experience for you. And it is YOUR right to select which Line you will use. <BR> <BR>You need to read as many opinions prior to booking as you can; think about human nature; evaluate what is most important to you and what you can let slide and then go on your vacation with the attitude that you are going to have fun. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately even with this prep you can still have a lousy time. Life should guarantee that if you plan well it will go well, but there are no guarantees for anything. <BR> <BR>Remember when you pay a low price -- you get the backup/service that you pay for. <BR> <BR>It's the same old story -- be a wise consumer -- and give them the message best by giving or withholding your business. <BR> <BR>Regards, <BR>Lucy <BR> <BR>PS I had a wonderful time on a Carnival ship, but there were others that I spoke with who did not like it -- they did not like the 70s ship style or the service level or ....-- to each his own. We are not the same and even on the same ship we do not have the same experiences.

<BR>Dear Lucy, <BR> <BR>You are an intelligent lady. We need more people like you on this forum. <BR> <BR>Paul

The troller strikes again.

<BR>It seems Lucy gets part of it - it is a gamble to go on a single share - but it does not mean that someone is to expect poor service (for paying a "cheaper" rate than the exorbitant single supplement) or having to put up with a roommate that is doing something illegal and the cruise line doesn't give a damn! Also - I wonder how much interest her friend is paying on that "loan" from the cruise line - you could probably take another cruise for what she is paying in interest. She is right in saying that bad things happen on all cruise lines, but most cruise lines would have at least TRIED to make up for the inconvenience or lousy service.

Hey YYY, <BR> <BR>Don't you mean, "most GOOD cruise lines would have least tried to make up for inconvenience or the LOUSY Service?"

O.K. All of you Carnival critics have gotten me nervous (I'm afraid you're right). We got a free Carnival cruise for 2 for a 6A cabin. We've since upgraded to their Penthouse Suite (category 12) on a Western Caribbean and added 2 kids (12 year old boy and his 30 year old half-sister). <BR> I don't expect much from Carnival but I did think the kids would have fun. We upgraded to be able to get away from the hoards (we're on the Triumph so I expect a lot of people). I would expect the food to be edible and plentiful but not much better. I would assume with 3,000 passengers it would have to be "assembly line" and not gourmet. So what's the bottom line? Will our children demand tatoos (sp?) and body piercing when they return? Would you really cancel? Some of the people on these boards really HATE Carnival (compared to cruisecritic.com where they all love Carnival). I have spoken to a TA who's a family friend and she told me that the line has gotten much better in recent years.

<BR>Hi Suzanne, <BR> <BR>Do not listen to the negative posters. You will have a wonderful time and the food is great. Your children will also have the time of their lives. <BR> <BR>Since you posted your fears. Please post when you come home. <BR> <BR>Paul

Ah, the Spectre of Canival rears its ugly head once again. I believe the love hate realtionship happens to deal with the demographics of the party posting. <BR> <BR>If you come from a more reserved background it seems to me that Carnival is not for you. Those that gravitate towards the more glitzy and superfluous surroundings seem to view Carnival differently in a positive light. RCCL is a close second now to Carnivals drapings. It would be like Atlantic City vs. Las Vegas. If you like that kind of stuff these cruise lines are for you.

Suzanne <BR> <BR>We were on the Triumph Easter week this year. After reading all the negative posts here, I was prepared for mediocre food, hoards of renengade chldren, nonstop partying and substandard service. We found NONE of that! <BR> <BR>The food in the dining room was very good, much better than our last cruise with Carnival in 1995. NO screaming masses of children. Lots of them around, esp teenagers, but I saw no problems with them. <BR> <BR>The service was outstanding -- our waiter, busboy and cabin steward couldn't do enough for us. Every employee we had contact with was as pleasant. <BR> <BR>The only problem we encountered which was mentioned here was the lack of chairs on deck and the people who saved them, then never used them. <BR> <BR>My husband and I are mid forties, professionals, well traveled. This trip it was just the two of us, but our two children loved the last cruise. <BR> <BR>Relax and enjoy -- some people are NEVER happy and most of them seem to post here! <BR> <BR>A

To the last poster considering your comment of negative posts. You have to ask yourself, "Why are there so many negative comments?" <BR> <BR>I really find it hard to believe that so many people would go to such great lengths to make up stories concerning this cruise line. Do you? <BR> <BR>I'm glad that some of you have had good experiences. The fact still remains that all the negative posts have the same common trait. The service is poor. <BR> <BR>I would think any of us could put up with the menial problems if we felt our needs were being adddressed in a courteous manner. In 90% of the cases this is not the situation with CCL. <BR> <BR>

<BR>I have quite a bit of experience in the cruise industry and I know when a person has not sailed a ship and is complaining about it. <BR> <BR>You will experience average service on all mass-market cruise lines but it is definitely not poor. <BR> <BR>The larger the cruise line the more negative and positive posts. <BR> <BR>This majority of people on this forum just vent anger. There are many other forums that have mainly positive posts. <BR> <BR>Paul

Again with defending the big bully. Paul if these people didn't cruise this line, how is it that they have specific details to the service they received. <BR> <BR>They are not saying the service is average. They are saying it's poor. There is a big difference. I can understand you defending the essence of cruising, but why this line? <BR> <BR>You are always quoting statistics. They may have the largest first patronage, but they have the lowest return rate. Companies that have that percentage of attrition are called McDonalds. Not to many people continue with them either.

<BR>Phil, if you read carefully the posts of these negative cruisers you will see they are generalizing. <BR> <BR>The "entire" crew was rude. <BR> <BR>The cabin steward, waiter, busboy, maitre 'd ...... "terrible service." <BR> <BR>The food was "terrible." <BR> <BR>"The food in the dining room was so bad I ate the room service food." I'll say to this .... the room service food leaves much to be desired. <BR> <BR>"The food was so bad in the dining room, I ate in the buffet." <BR> <BR>These posts make no sense to me. <BR> <BR>You will note most passengers with positive things to say would not on their life post on this negative forum. Please visit other forums and you will see. <BR> <BR>And please tell us where you received the information about Carnival having the lowest return passenger rate? I am curious. <BR> <BR>Another tidbit. I praise other cruise lines also, not just Carnival. Read the other threads. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR>

Hi Paul, that information was given to me by three seperate TA's. <BR> <BR>And I know you scold or give credit to other cruise lines. I was just curious why you continue to adamantly defend this one. All it does is seem to aggravate you and the other people on this forum.

My husband and I sailed on the Sensation two years ago and despite being stuck in a tropical storm with one of Carnival's disabled ships for the better part of a day, the cruise turned out to be great. We weren't expecting super luxury, but we got great service from our room steward, bar staff and dining room staff.<BR><BR>My biggest disappointment was with some of the other passengers. While the majority of them, including our dinner group were really nice, some were just down right rude to the staff and other passengers. They seemed to think they should be treated like they were the only passengers on the ship and that Carnival could control the weather. Some even left the ship at the first port of call. What selfish, rigid people. Don't they know you must render assistance to disabled ships. And they missed the best part. A trip to Chichen Itza was added since we were delayed and the weather made it impossible to stop in Grand Cayman!<BR><BR>We are planning our 25th wedding anniversary cruise for January and plan to do it on Carnival!

MIAMI, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Cruise Lines today announced that New Orleans will become home to the largest ``Fun Ship'' ever constructed, the 110,000-ton Carnival Conquest, when it enters service Dec. 1, 2002, offering year-round western Caribbean cruises from that port.<BR><BR>Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 2,976-passenger vessel represents a 45 percent capacity increase over the line's current New Orleans-based cruise ship, the 2,052-passenger Inspiration, which will be deployed to another homeport.<BR><BR>Dramatic 'Impressionist' Interiors, Host of New Amenities and Facilities<BR><BR>As the first in a new series of ``Fun Ships,'' the 952-foot-long Carnival Conquest will feature 22 bars and lounges with dramatic interiors inspired by the world's most famous Impressionist painters, appropriate for a ship based in New Orleans, a city possessing a rich European heritage.<BR><BR>The ship will also feature 13 passenger decks housing four swimming pools -- one with a 214-foot-long water slide -- a 15,000-square-foot health and fitness facility, an Internet cafe, four restaurants and a ``boulevard'' of shops and boutiques. Expanded ``family-friendly'' facilities, including ``Action Alley,'' a recreation center housing a video arcade, teen coffee bar and dance club, along with a 3,300-square-foot children's play area -- the largest in the ``Fun Ship'' fleet -- will be featured, as well.<BR><BR>Conquest Continues Carnival's New Orleans Expansion<BR><BR>Carnival expects to carry more than 167,000 guests per year aboard the Carnival Conquest. That, combined with an estimated 118,000 guests annually who will sail from Tampa on the Inspiration and visit New Orleans on Fridays as part of that vessel's itinerary, represents a nearly 600 percent increase in Carnival's New Orleans passenger volume versus the company's first full year of operation there in 1995.<BR><BR>``Carnival's growth in New Orleans has been nothing short of phenomenal and the fact that we're committing what will be our newest and largest ship to New Orleans speaks volumes to our confidence in expanding this important cruise market,'' said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president.<BR><BR>Dickinson noted that New Orleans' attractiveness as a tourist destination and opportunities for pre- and post-cruise land stays also played a key role in the company's decision to dedicate its largest ship to the Crescent City.<BR><BR>Exciting On-Board Features, Dining Options<BR><BR>Other features aboard the Carnival Conquest include a conference center, an expansive sports deck with basketball and volleyball courts, a jogging track, a full gambling casino. Additionally, approximately 60 percent of the vessel's 1,488 staterooms will offer an ocean view with 60 percent of those featuring private balconies.<BR><BR>As part of Carnival's Total Choice Dining(SM), Carnival Conquest will also continue the line's tradition of offering guests the widest variety of formal and casual options at sea. Dining choices will include twin two-deck-high formal restaurants and an expansive two-level poolside eatery offering casual alternatives for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a 24-hour pizzeria and a variety of specialty areas. A reservations-only supper club, a patisserie, a sushi bar and complimentary 24-hour room service will also be available.<BR><BR>Popular Seven-Day Western Caribbean Itinerary<BR><BR>Beginning Dec. 1, 2002, Carnival Conquest will depart the Port of New Orleans every Sunday on weeklong voyages to Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Playa del Carmen/Cozumel, Mexico. Prior to the launch of its seven-day western Caribbean program, Carnival Conquest will operate a special four-day Thanksgiving cruise departing Nov. 27 from New Orleans and featuring a daylong call at Playa del Carmen/Cozumel.<BR><BR>Prices for the Carnival Conquest's western Caribbean sailings from New Orleans begin at $599 per person, based on double occupancy.<BR><BR>If purchased via Carnival's new ``Fun Finance Plan(SM),'' the cruises are available starting at $28 per month (based on a 24-month payment term at the lowest annual percentage rate available). Actual monthly payment and terms may vary according to the applicant's credit qualifications. Valid for U.S. individual bookings only. Certain other restrictions apply.<BR><BR>

Harry M. just wanted to make sure you got the message. Do not use this web site for commercial gain. Advertising like that is not only rude it unacceptable. If you continue I will trace your e mail and real name and publish it so people can express their opinions directly to you.

Techydude:<BR><BR>Se llama no Englais.

FYI: to the poster who had a pot smoking roommate. It is not illegal to smoke pot in international waters, it is illegal to bring it on board in the US and to get off the ship in the US with it, and it is probably a minor offense in most carribbean countries. Unfortunately,the cruise line dropped the ball on this one and should have moved you to another room in the name of good customer service. Also, the roommate probably should have showed a little discretion in his illegal drug usage. Better luck next time. <BR>PS- I recently took a tour to Egypt and shared a room with a lunch buddie and it was disasterous and we no longer speak to each other. The moral of this story is you never really know!!!

You are correct. It is a crap shoot. Some passengers are downright outgoing but I would think it is one way to ruin an entire cruise. Just thinking about it scares me.<BR><BR>This is why most cruise lines are now eliminating the single share. <BR><BR>Paul

Oh yea...another Paul opinion. Where are my hip boots?

I went on the Carnival Imagination 4 years ago to tour the western carribean. Pros: Great itinerary and excursions, nice size room, lively casino. Cons: Not enough activities, Pool/Ping-Pong were always crowded.

One thing I love about any carnival post, it is sure to spark a lively thread. I have my own opinions on carnival that I will be happy to share, but I read every carnival thread simply for enterntainment.