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-   -   CRUISE FROM HELL: NCL JEWEL (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/cruise-from-hell-ncl-jewel-970566/)

kathieruberto Mar 15th, 2013 09:24 AM

CRUISE FROM HELL: NCL JEWEL
 
To whom it may concern,
For starters, I usually do not complain and this is the first time where my experience has been so bad that Ive had to compose an email about my travels.
I hope this email reaches the appropriate managers to satisfy my completely terrible experience on the Jewel. Due to limited space, I will bullet point all my concerns and frustrations:
ROOM NOT READY
-dust everywhere, room was never cleaned and prepared for the next guest
-sticky substance on the phone and receiver
-hair and stains on the sheets, bed was not made either
-toothpaste in sink from previous guest
-towels used and thrown back up on racks
-mini bar was not restocked, open gummy bears and soda cans in fridge, half of alcohol was missing
-gave an extra hour to clean both connecting rooms, waited on cold deck outside
- balcony door ( in both rooms) were broken and didnt lock, wind came throw into the rooms the entire trip
-took three different staff members to unlock the connecting door
-house keeping harrassed us the entire trip to clean our rooms( took no regard to the DO NOT DISTURB SIGNS) , also did not knock before entering the rooms
-manager (Romeo) suspiciously offered to pay cash for missing nips in minibar if we signed a paper receipt stating we consumed them(?) didnt feel comfortable at all!
SERVICE ON BOAT
-staff was rude and unsympathetic towards our concerns and needs
-food was awful ( some people were calling it cattle food on the boat)
-buffet posted to close at 1130,really closed at 11pm, we were constantly boucing from buffet to buffet to try and find food still open
-pool/jaccuzzi closed at 10pm? kicked us out at 945?!
-nothing to do after 10pm. website posts mixed crowd, however, boat only catered to elderly(bingo was our excitement) and children(dora and sponge bob)!
-never opened outside casino for the entire trip!
-terrible experience at SPA, however, this was rectified by manager on duty and we were very pleased with her accomodations- cant complain
-room service took 2 1/2 hours to get to our room, delivered cold food and told us he was the only one on the boat working(?)
-excursions desk had wrong hours posted, stated that animal kingdom closed at 7pm but really closed at 5pm
-took $130 cab each way to animal kingdom to find they closed in 1hour
-this then ruined our entire time in Port Canaveral( we were finding anything to go but go back on that boat!)
-plus it rained the entire time( not your concern and I understand NCL can not help that) private island was under construction when we arrived( big trucks, drilling etc)
I chose NCL amongst all the other cruiselines for my vacation, and for the first time in my life I/we have never been so happy to be back at work! I spent $5000 on this trip that was simply money wasted I will never get back!
I expect a reply/phone call asap to discuss what we can do to rectify my horrific trip and my dissatisfaction with every once of this experience.

Thank you, Kathie Ruberto

Dukey1 Mar 15th, 2013 09:54 AM

and while you were on board you complained to???

Sounds like you didn't do your homework before booking. You would have known about the clientele average age, the amenities on board, etc.

Staff was rude and unconcerned? If you really WANT to have an improvement you need to name names.

John Mar 15th, 2013 10:40 AM

First time post!!

vjpblovesitaly Mar 15th, 2013 10:45 AM

"I usually do not complain and this is the first time where my experience has been so bad that Ive had to compose an email about my travels"

I hope you realize this is not an email address and that you just copied and pasted this from a real email.

Suzie Mar 15th, 2013 10:48 AM

Ugh I just love when someone registers to complain. They don't register to seek advice from fellow travelers or to provide advicethough. The travel boards just become a dumping ground for their rants. Like that's useful? Thanks but no thanks.

Cranachin Mar 15th, 2013 02:18 PM

Should this be on the Cruises forum?

nytraveler Mar 15th, 2013 07:08 PM

It does sound as if you has some problems - but I hope you got them resolved on the spot - where you have some leverage.

As for the type of passengers and scheduled entertainment - that is something you really need to consider when choosing a cruise - you need to assume that many cruises are aimed at an older group.

Rhea58 Mar 16th, 2013 02:11 AM

Are you new to cruising? What you should have done is contact the Hotel Director on-board to rectify any complaints.
I have always found NCL HDs quite helpful.

Orlando_Vic Mar 16th, 2013 04:18 AM

IMO, social media (e.g. Twitter & Facebook) is/are the best way to send complaints of this nature and get corporate attention...fast.

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie


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