Bad DCL experience... Do I need a new hobby?

[SlyHubby]

Unfortunately, people like this are not the norm.

I'm a travel agent and I've had to deal with these types(perfectionists) several times while booking cruises and packages. If everything doesn't go smoothly on their trip, I hear about it when they return. They then bend my ear and want to blame me for whatever may have occurred. I've even been blamed for the weather being bad at their destination.

It's clients like this that can make a vacation miserable for others around them also. Can you imagine being seated with this person on a dining rotation and listening to constant complaints about food, service etc.. Fortunately, they are few and far between.

In this day, when making travel arrangements is no more difficult than a mouse click, I find it truly ironic that a travel agent of all people would make such a statement about anyone who is paying them to provide "service". Apparently you really don't belong in the service business, because, people in your line of work should be bending over backwards applying "the customer is ALWAYS right" to prove they really do provide something of value.

People in your business are *****ing all the time how they don't get paid so much and how travel providers are cutting commissions on them right and left. You think maybe it's because you don't do all that much - and then when your customer comes back to tell you they had a problem you simply brush it off as "they're just a perfectionist and they ruin everyone elses vacation"?

Maybe this person who wrote to Dave really did have all of these things happen to them, or, maybe it was slightly exaggerated. No matter, they had some problems. You, of all people, should be one to sympathize with them as opposed to immediately labelling them as the problem. Just what is it that you travel agents do to justify your fees?

Thank you for confirming exactly what many articles say about travel agents and supporting one of the many reasons why we wouldn't ever use one.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by SlyHubby
Maybe this person who wrote to Dave really did have all of these things happen to them, or, maybe it was slightly exaggerated. No matter, they had some problems. You, of all people, should be one to sympathize with them as opposed to immediately labelling them as the problem. Just what is it that you travel agents do to justify your fees?

Thank you for confirming exactly what many articles say about travel agents and supporting one of the many reasons why we wouldn't ever use one.

SlyHubby,
I think your post above was uncalled for, if you read all of this thread you will see you are in the minority. That person that wrote the letter to Dave is an "idiot".For you to "slam" travel agents was uncalled for. I don't use a travel agent because of the internet, but there are a lot of people that do(elderly,people without PC's,etc) use them. They provide a service for people and make an honest living.
Your post showed "no class" SlyHubby.

 

[Jeanny]

Slyhubby,
I think they meant to say FORTUNATELY, people like this are not the norm, not unfortunately..

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by gometros

I think Dave's too smart to take it any more seriously than I did and perhaps his subject line was a bit tongue-in-cheek?

You are exactly right, Sandy.

Originally posted by GoofyDisney

Don't you DARE get a new hobby... if you get a new hobby, then I will have to get a new hobby and I don't want a new hobby!

As Goofy would say... "<b>Well, Gawrsh!!!</b>"

Originally posted by Tesabat

The best was the waitperson that told us that the staff has orgies

I can hear this conversation "just happening" during the normal course of serving dinner... I guess all the other people... just sat there and nodded and said to each other "Oh, so THAT explains why the Vichyssoise was cold."

Tesabat, that is a classic! There's lots of funny stuff on this thread, but nothing that tops that one! LOL!

Originally posted by inkkognito

I have a selfish reason for saying all this...I'm always referring people to your noisy stateroom list and your Port Canaveral information, so you HAVE to keep your site going!

Thanks, Barb. I certainly refer people to your site as well.

Originally posted by Lisa F

It sure does look like she is setting DCL up to ask for a big fat refund since she is going to write a letter about her poor experience on the ship. Maybe she is going to say in her letter "and I copied this letter to Dave in Marietta, who has a website devoted to your cruise. If you don't give me your money back he will post it and you will lose customers by the thousands!"

Hmmmmmmmmmm... interesting theory.

Originally posted by 4cruisin

I cannot fathom that anyone would question Shirley's motives. She and Norm are absolutely the best, kindest and sweetest people. Because they are so kind and giving, some people just can't understand that there really are nice people out there is this crazy world of ours.

Originally posted by snelsonbrown

Well your letter sure did beat the one I got about me taking 'handouts" and who's pockets was I in

This letter wasn't as bad. Her anger wasn't directed at me. And she wasn't questioning my integrity. Just remember to shake it off, Sweetie! I agree with 4cruisin's comments, quoted above.

Originally posted by snelsonbrown

Give Sherry and Jimmy including yourself hugsssssssss from me to you all. Luv ya mucho

Right back at ya', Sweetie!

Originally posted by h5ty

The best was the waitperson that told us that the staff has orgies. Who needs to know this!

This is confidental info, I am suprised they did not shoot her after telling her!!!!!!!!

Staff was completely unpolished and lack professionalism!

How unthoughtful of the Staff not to use polish!

LOL!

Originally posted by lisak1

So often, the people who post these types of reports say that the die hard fans of the product will not hear or accept any negative comments about their favorite line. ship, whatever the case may be. But, when the negative comments are constructive, well thought out, and believable, I think most of us would welcome the information, it may not have been the perfect week, and things do go wrong. People have many differing expectations of things, and what may be one person's dream vacation is someone else's nightmare.

As infrequently as my family gets to enjoy a nice vacation, it would be such a waste to spend it racking up complaints, and keeping track of each (imagined?) slight.

I think that's quite a valid point, Lisa. But I applaud you for your approach to your vacation.

Originally posted by BALAMAV

I am sorta new to these boards can you please give me Dave's website.

www.dcltribute.com

Originally posted by Lisa F

I'm guessing the reason the woman who wrote the letter couldn't get any tropical fruit is because it was all being used at the orgies. And her luggage wasn't sent to south carolina, it was sent to the orgy. I bet she even hurt her knee at the orgy! She is probably upset that she got paged by the kids club because she had to leave the orgy to pick her up. No WONDER the staff was worn out, all of those orgies. Oh well, at least her cabin attendant pleased her. I wonder if she tried the room service?

Gosh, Lisa... I used to travel a lot for a living. Wish I coulda' found a hotel with that kind of room service! (If my DW reads this, I'm just kidding!)

Originally posted by musicgirl

Orgies... Is there a special pin I'll get if I get to participate in one of these? I'll probably have to ask for it though-LOL. Do you have to repeat this activity in order to get one like you do in order to get the DCL towel and pin?

LOL!

Originally posted by gdulaney

does anybody remember the Patrick Dempsey movie from the '80s in which "lonely housewives" would call and order a pizza with a special topping (it was something strange like extra anchovies and garlic). The pizza place would send over "Loverboy" (which I think was the title of the movie) to give the wife a little attention.

Gosh, Ginny, that sounds like a made-for-SpectraVision movie (as I said before, I used to travel for a living). But I looked it up on the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/">Internet Movie Database</a>. I don't think <a href="http://us.imdb.com/Title?0097790">"Loverboy" (1989)</a> was a career highlight for anyone involved in the production, but apparently many fans have enjoyed this lightweight production as a "guilty pleasure".

Originally posted by Ginny

I truly don't find her pathetic tale of woe all that far-fetched. Very, very funny but definitely not far-fetched!! I just think it is really sad that this poor woman had to take it all so seriously and couldn't laugh at herself and the situation.................especially, the "alleged" comments by her servers. It isn't always easy to learn a new language but what I am dying to know is what the conversation was the precipitated the server to share that all Americans are fat slobs and the "inside skinny" on what the staff do in their "free time." I just don't see these topics being shot out there from nowhere as you are dropping the appetizers.

My speculation... the servers were probably engaged in a conversation about how difficult it must be to be separated from their families for months at a time. Perhaps the inquisitor might have asked, "don't you get lonely?" To which the server replied, with humor, "oh no, we have orgies all the time during our off-hours!" I don't know about you, but I would have split a gut to keep from laughing!

Originally posted by drdelsol

My biggest laughof the letter was that for Dave it's his hobby. What you do looks like work to me.

Thanks for the compliment. (I'm choosing to take that as a compliment.)

Originally posted by Ginny

I am a bit confused over everyone's surprise that she wrote Dave. I know that the first thing I do when I return from vacation is to get on GOOGLE or METACRAWLER and find the personal web-site of a nice person like Dave and BLAST them!! That is always high on my list even before the laundry, dry cleaning and bill paying.

LOL!

Originally posted by WebmasterMichelle

Dave, I'm curious, did you ANSWER this?

Yes, I replied this afternoon.

<b>Excerpt from Dave's reply to the original correspondent...</b>

<i>We really enjoyed our cruise. It wasn't perfect... we also had a couple issues... but our experience was nothing like yours. Perhaps it's just as well that I've never sailed the QE2 or flown in Upper Class. I'm sure we will cross the pond on the QM2 someday, though.

If you haven't yet written your letter to DCL, I'd advise you to wait a few more days until you've cooled off. Then compile a list of your complaints. Prioritize them by level of outrageousness... 1, 2, and 3. Then focus only on the 1's. Write exactly one paragraph about each complaint that you've scored as a 1. Let go of the 2's and 3's. The 3's probably wouldn't have bothered you if you hadn't already been annoyed by the 1's. And if you list too many things in your letter to DCL, they'll probably say "gosh, this woman is so unhappy, we couldn't possibly make her happy now, so why waste time even trying?"</i>

To all those who offered compliments about my site... thank you very much. Don't worry. It'll take more than one letter like this to get me to leave.

 

[Lisa F]

SlyHubby,

Dave, who is the recipient of the letter, is NOT being paid to provide the wonderful service that he does. He does it because he is a wonderful person who loves DCL and because he is such a wonderful person, he is sharing all of his collected knowledge about DCL to anyone who cares to view his site for free. He has no responsibility whatsoever to make anyone's vacation magical for them, yet he tries his best to do whatever he can out of the kindness of his heart.

I think the point that world traveler was making was that some people are just NEVER happy. If (s)he had said that most of their customers are like that, I could see how your response might be justified. The fact that the VAST majority of people do not have a list of complaints like that probably speaks to whether world traveler earns their fee.

Frankly, customers can be a royal pain in the butt. I don't work in a service industry but I have been MORTIFIED by the treatment, or should I say abuse, that I've seen customers heap upon service people. I, too, have seen people YELLING at DCL crew members because we couldn't dock due to a storm at grand cayman. The idea that the customer is always right is NONSENSE. Customers are people like anyone else and some of them are idiots.

Thanks for turning a fun thread meant to make Dave feel better about a nasty email he got implying that all of the work he has put into his website is a waste of time into a rant about travel agents.

Lisa

 

[DreaminDisney]

Dave I just noticed when I replied the first time to this thread I forgot to mention that I think your web site is awesome! Tons of excellent info. I've never even cruised before yet I feel I have, LOL. Anyway, keep the hobby!!!!!!! It's enjoyed by many!!

 

[SlyHubby]

Thanks for turning a fun thread meant to make Dave feel better about a nasty email he got implying that all of the work he has put into his website is a waste of time into a rant about travel agents.

I know that all of you "happy talk" people don't like it when someone has a differing opinion, but that's really too bad.

He has no responsibility whatsoever to make anyone's vacation magical for them, yet he tries his best to do whatever he can out of the kindness of his heart.

And you know what, if I were in the shoes of the person who wrote the letter, and I came upon a website like Dave's, I might be just as inclined to blow off and rant. Obviously, because Dave's site is so well put together, the person who wrote the letter obviously thinks Dave is an authority and might be interested in their experience. If you spent a couple thousand dollars, and really did have all of those things happen to you, wouldn't you be telling anyone/everyone who would listen - including those who would have an even wider audience? Look at how much this person got out of Dave in the end - look at all the replies on this thread. That person got exactly what they wanted.

If you really read my post, you might see that it had absolutely nothing to do with Dave's website - just the person who wrote the letter and the travel agent that jumps to the conclusion that the customer is the one to blame.

I think your post above was uncalled for, if you read all of this thread you will see you are in the minority. That person that wrote the letter to Dave is an "idiot".For you to "slam" travel agents was uncalled for.

ncligs, personally, what you think is really unimportant to me. The fact that my opinion is in the minority is a reason that you are saying my post was uncalled for? Maybe you are unable to think for yourself and need to post the same thing as everyone else thinking that shows you are right? Then, you have the audacity to call someone an idiot because they sent Dave their own story which they feel is in stark contrast to all the wonderful things Dave has to say about DCL on his site? Hey, you go right along and think the way you like.

I'll "slam" travel agents everytime they prove that they deserve it.

Now, you may all continue with your happy talk - sorry for the interruption.

 

[Jeanny]

ok, Slyhubby, Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and yes everyone, including you is entitled to post their opinions, but Ncligs is right, you were very harsh. It might be time for you to pick up your toys

and go home for the night. Seems you need a time-out.

You may want to move your post over to the debate board. We play friendly here on this forum.... oh, yeah I forgot, that's just my opinion.
Sweet Dreams!!!

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by SlyHubby
.I'll "slam" travel agents everytime they prove that they deserve it.

At least the travel agent had the guts to say what she does for a living..................how about you?Your profile is basically "empty". Or are you afraid of your profession being "slammed"?

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by Worldtraveler777

By the way, keep up the good work on this board. It's very informative and for the most part very congenial. Lot's of good information for new and old cruisers alike. I've seen other cruise line boards that had too many people just waiting to flame others. Hopefully, this one will stay clear of nonsense such as that.

No comment.

 

[Michelle]

Okay, ENOUGH people. Personal attacks are NOT ALLOWED on these boards.

I would like to leave this thread open for comment as so many have done so, but no more attacks or it will be closed.

 

[Jeanny]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Worldtraveler777

By the way, keep up the good work on this board. It's very informative and for the most part very congenial. Lot's of good information for new and old cruisers alike. I've seen other cruise line boards that had too many people just waiting to flame others. Hopefully, this one will stay clear of nonsense such as that.

Originally posted by Dave_from_Marietta
No comment.

Sorry, Dave, I know we fell right into Slyhubby's trap, and that he did EXACTLY what Worldtraveler777 was posting about, but I couldn't just sit and let him bash us all the way he did. He wanted to antagonize us and it worked.

I still think "The Letter" was an April's fool joke!!!

 

[Worldtraveler777]

Geez, Slyhubby....glad my comment hit a nerve with you.

I'm not going to waste my time in this forum explaining the 'value' of a travel agent to a client just for your benefit. I will respond to a couple of your more ridiculous comments.

You said:
"In this day, when making travel arrangements is no more difficult than a mouse click..."

That's right. It also takes one press of a key to make a $100 error in a air booking. I've had several people ask me to correct unfortunate typing errors on travel sites. Had one happen to a client on Travelocity just last week and it cost them a $100 change fee. Travelocity owned the res, so I couldn't help them.

You said:

"Apparently you really don't belong in the service business, because, people in your line of work should be bending over backwards applying "the customer is ALWAYS right" to prove they really do provide something of value."

FYI...The customer is not ALWAYS right.
Had a customer demand a full refund once because it rained 3 out of the 5 days at his destination even though the package was booked 3 months earlier. Blamed me for the rain. Sorry, I'm not God. Although I had no obligation to give this person a refund, I gave a partial refund. I had spent perhaps 15 hours working on this particular package and ended up not making a cent.

You said:

"People in your business are *****ing all the time how they don't get paid so much and how travel providers are cutting commissions on them right and left"

FYI...the only suppliers cutting commissions these days are the airlines. Cruise, Tour and other suppliers have increased commissions to help generate more bookings for their companies. BTW, I make a very good income as a travel counselor. I have a very large base of repeat clients. They trust my experience and knowlege of a destination will help provide them with the best vacation they can get for their money. Hey, if you want to entrust thousands of your hard earned dollars with the click of a key, go right ahead.

You said:

"Thank you for confirming exactly what many articles say about travel agents and supporting one of the many reasons why we wouldn't ever use one."

Don't know who 'we" is, but my agency has tripled business since 9/11. Sorry Slyhubby, but a click of the key is not going to beat talking face to face with a knowlegable agent who will take the time to help you plan your vacation. BTW, I never have a problem matching or beating any internet deal that a client presents me with. Also, suppliers often give agents special deals that undercuts many internet offers. I then e-mail these to my clients.

So, just keep on clicking Slyhubby. Just hope you don't make that unfortunate keystroke error.

 

[mytmouse]

Like I tell my children, Play nice or it will be time out for you. I have found this forum to be a wealth of information. I thank those who put forth the effort and time to make this available. If this is a "hobby" I hate to think what your real jobs are like, LOL.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

you have the audacity to call someone an idiot

Don't worry, ncligs, I have both audacity AND an indepth understanding of idiots. My ex often said I should be captain of the Idiot Team. You know what "they" say, Nick and Cindy: practice makes perfect. Yes. Even on the Idiot Team. A person could say, just as I'm saying now, that I'm working on becoming as perfect an idiot as humanly possible. When someone such as another poster says to you, "Hey, buddy. That's idiotic!", take heart. With a lack of hard work and minimal concentration you too can attain pefection. So when the next someone such as another poster calls out, "Hey, buddy. That's perfectly idiotic!", you can reply, "Thank You!"

 

[Verandah Man]

To all those who offered compliments about my site... thank you very much. Don't worry. It'll take more than one letter like this to get me to leave.

Thank You Dave, that's all we really wanted to hear, and knew, that we would hear that, from you.

I was going to add a few comments of my own, but right now, I am too busy trying to make another family's cruise more enjoyable for them, and for anyone who has read the story about Nate Page, you know what I am talking about., and for those who haven't read the story about Nate, maybe now would be a good time. Below are the links to Nate's Family and his story.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=415004

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=418063


Wishing everyone that reads this, a MAGICal and WONDERful Day!!!

 

[mmouse37]

Just what is it that you travel agents do to justify your fees?

I am confused....don't be surprised...it happens all the time!!! But anyway....aren't travel agents paid by commission from the cruiseline, tour operatorator, etc.....not the client? I have never heard of a client paying a fee to a travel agent for their services. We have used TA's several times and never had to pay them a "fee" for their services...it was always my understanding that the travel provider paid them for their services to the client. I am just aksing because one of the previous posts mentioned that

Please correct me if I am wrong.[

MJ

 

[AnnMorin]

I like happy talk!

 

[DreaminDisney]

Originally posted by AnnMorin
I like happy talk!

Ditto
None of this.......

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by WebmasterMichelle
Okay, ENOUGH people. Personal attacks are NOT ALLOWED on these boards.

I would like to leave this thread open for comment as so many have done so, but no more attacks or it will be closed.

...............