Marty

Here is a side note for the cruise lines not doing their jobs, and protecting their client base. Years ago Tylenol had a problem with random small amounts of their analgesic being tainted. Rather than cover it up or down play it they removed every single tylenol product they possibly could at an ungodly expense to their company. <BR> <BR>It was later to be considered one of the greatest marketing moves in modern history and is still being used in college texts today. Why? Because they had over 100 X's return revenue as a result of the perception that they were and are a caring an honesty company. People praised them for their swift and decisive reaction to a problem they could have easily hidden. They are now one of the most respected and trusted names in their product field. The cruise lines need to send their people back to school and learn from the past. Only then will people not only enjoy their cruises, but others will perceive them as a trustworthy choice for vacation. Rather then hearing the comment, " You should have done your research". That is the way things are supposed to happen. If a major medical company ten times the size of these cruise lines can achieve that level of trust than these cruise lines should step up to the plate and learn.

Cathy

Hi Steve and Marty <BR> <BR>I am not sure I understand the point you are trying to make. I usually do a substantial amount of research before traveling and have a fantastic time. I have never been on a disappointing cruise - there may have been one or two very minor incidents, but on the whole, my cruises have been exactly what I expected and I have had an enjoyable time. <BR>I think the original point of this post was why people put down Carnival. Of all the cruise lines, this is the line I have heard the most negatives about. And I have heard negatives about every cruise line, including Silver Sea. <BR> <BR>But for all the negatives about Carnival, there are hundreds of people who have a great time. <BR> <BR>I am lucky enough to be able to do two cruises this summer - one on the Voyager with friends and one on Carnival as a solo passenger. I appreciate their single share program - many cruise lines have eliminated this. I am also cruising with Carnival because the ship I am going on (Destiny) has the itin. I want. Am I looking for gourmet food and ritzy cabins? No, not from Carnival. <BR> <BR>What is amazing, when I registered on Carnival's web site, I have already had cruise reps from the company call me and thank me for cruising Carnival. No other line has done that yet!

Texasriders

Phil, it is kinda short sighted to think that a person should not research a vacation before buying. An informed customer, is a smart one.

Phil

Texas Rider, no disrespect intended but I am well aware of the obvious. All I am saying is that in the past years you could trust your TA to handle the research. Now you have to research the research to make sure it's valid. People have gotten so used to being taken advantage of by large companies that they end up blaming themselves for not doing what should have been done by their TA's.It's kinda' like the abused wife. After a while she starts to blame herself. All I am saying is that when there is a problem, the companies should own up to it. They will not only solve the problem, but gain business by promoting trust. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone respects the person or company that owns up to it. <BR> <BR>I think that was what Marty was trying to convey to the reader.

Phil

(In reference to above statement) Almost forgot. As soon as CCL, RCCL, & their kind start doing that, people will stop putting them down.

Sharon

Whew, I am just now getting back to this board. And I am glad that I did. How in the world did you guys (phil, Steve, & Marty) misconstrue my statement about researching a vacation. I enjoy reading travel guide books on the ports of call that I will be in. I am, in no way, researching to see if I am "getting screwed". I have never been disappointed in any of my cruises. For example, I spent two nights in Puerto Rico before one of my cruises. Although I had been given plenty of info from my travel agent, I enjoyed going to the library and thoroughly acquainting myself with the area that I was going to be staying in. As a solo traveler, that is the "smart thing" to do. This practice in no way reflects on the travel agent's job or the cruise line.

Justin

Ok, so the original poster had 3 good experiences. Bravo. But what if she had a problem and asked for help? She would have soon learned that Carnival's staff would have had a "Who cares?" attitude. This is very frustrating when you can't get off the boat. <BR> <BR>I remember watching the documentary on TV about the Carnival boat that caught on fire (luckily the approaching hurricane turned direction and the boat didn't capsize killing all aboard - although it was close) and the interviews with folks on that boat had EXACTLY THE SAME THING TO SAY THAT I DID, the crew was apathetic and couldn't care less if you had a problem or concern.