Disney - The Worst Cruise Line in the World?

[Saamh]

I know this article was posted on another thread but no one seems to be biting. Maybe this thread title will grab more attention.

Anyone see this? http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2013/1...013-the-worst-cruise-line-in-the-world-award/

I guess I don't understand how 2 issues that occurred in 2011 and 2012 top this year's list? Thoughts?

 

[Bella29]

I haven't followed the investigation of the disappearance of Rebecca or the lack thereof, but I did follow the initial news report of the sexual assault of an 11 year old, caught on camera and promptly reported while the ship was docked at Port Canaveral. I find Disney's actions in this case utterly reprehensible. There is no excuse for flying this bozo home to continue committing crimes instead of making him face the music in the US. We still cruise Disney, but not as often as we would have had they handled this appropriately at the time (turning the predator over to US authorities) or admitted their error afterward and changed their policy which apparently is to brush stuff like this under the carpet.

This has never been acknowledged by Disney and did not come to light until a news story in 2013, but I find it appropriately ranked at #1.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I know this article was posted on another thread but no one seems to be biting. Maybe this thread title will grab more attention.

Anyone see this? http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2013/1...013-the-worst-cruise-line-in-the-world-award/

I guess I don't understand how 2 issues that occurred in 2011 and 2012 top this year's list? Thoughts?

It's worth noting that the site is run by a lawyer who makes his living suing the cruise industry. Maybe a little bit biased?

 

[CMontheseas]

To be very fair on our end, anyone who asks about Bex (considering she was one of us) is told to shut up about it out of "respect", but according to a manager there are no rules against us discussing what happened - there just isn't any open dialogue and we're all scared to bring it up!

 

[tinkerone]

I know this article was posted on another thread but no one seems to be biting. Maybe this thread title will grab more attention.
Anyone see this? http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2013/1...013-the-worst-cruise-line-in-the-world-award/

I guess I don't understand how 2 issues that occurred in 2011 and 2012 top this year's list? Thoughts?

I think its a good thing no one is 'biting'. why would you want it to grab more attention? seems to me its just a fight waiting to happen and do we really need more than one thread about something where this is a possibility?
jmo. not looking for flames.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I was on the Wonder when Rebecca Coriam disappeared. Anyone who was onboard, who heard the increasingly frantic calls for her by CD Clayton over the intercoms, and the subsequent search of every single cabin onboard, knows that DCL really wanted to find her. The Mexican Navy had also been dispatched to search the area where it was believed she went over.At the Captain's Chat on the last sea day, Captain Gus discussed her disappearance in general and talked about the Bahamian police coming onboard when we docked. Clayton was so upset, he just had his head in his hands. You could see all week that the crew and officers were putting on a brave face- the show must go on- but that they were preoccupied, and in some cases, sad.

At the end of the week, we asked the CM who was our Concierge Host what the speculation was among the crew about what happened. He said that they knew she went overboard, that she walked to an area of the crew pool that had no cameras, and that no other people were seen going into or out of the area at that time of night. Very sad indeed. The CM did not believe that it was an accident, the wall was too high to just "sit" and fall over.

IMO, Disney did what they could to help find Rebecca. I suspect they don't want the world to know that they don't have enough cameras, or where those cameras don't cover, for obvious reasons. I did not like the part in the above video where the attorney is talking about how it's a danger, since Rebecca worked with children. It really implied that there was a predator onboard, lurking about, when it appears that in this particular circumstance, that's not what happened at all.

The attorney/website owner is just an ambulance chaser.

 

[Saamh]

I think its a good thing no one is 'biting'. why would you want it to grab more attention? seems to me its just a fight waiting to happen and do we really need more than one thread about something where this is a possibility?
jmo. not looking for flames.

This article was first posted on our FE fb page. When I first read it I was really confused how the author (an ambulance chasing lawyer) could make a claim that Disney was the worst cruise line of 2013 when neither of the 2 "issues" he lists occurred in 2013. I wanted to get a feel from the rest of the DISers as to whether my initial thoughts that this guy was ridiculous was just me being a pixie dusted DCL fan or if others found his article just as out there.

We sailed on the Wonder before Rebecca Coriam went missing and I've been following the story since it occurred. If it were my daughter who went missing, I would probably still be pushing for answers but as an outsider, I don't really see what else could have been done. She was seen on a phone call, visibly upset, then was missing and her flip flops were located near the crew pool where there were no cameras. End of story. It is sad but I just don't see a cover up of any kind.

I was slightly concerned about the other incident however like pps stated, there are crazy people everywhere and even with background checks, etc. there can be crew or other passengers who your children should not be unattended with. If DCL delayed the cruise, would the outcome have been any different? The crew member was fired and sent home. Would the U.S. have spent taxpayer money putting him in jail or through a trial based on what is shown in the video? I do keep this incident in mind when making decisions on what my kids can and can't do on a cruise.

Not trying to start a firestorm but rather wanting to see if everyone else thought this crazy lawyer was a little bit of an alarmist by dragging these stories up year after year or if I'm just being too naive.

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

Im a former CM (stopped to start a family )and most the people I worked with did DCL contracts and many were very close to Rebecca so sad Yikes to some of the things in that list though!!!

 

[justmestace]

Just out of curiosity, what makes this guy an ambulance chaser?

 

[PizzieDuster]

I was on the Wonder when Rebecca Coriam disappeared. Anyone who was onboard, who heard the increasingly frantic calls for her by CD Clayton over the intercoms, and the subsequent search of every single cabin onboard, knows that DCL really wanted to find her. The Mexican Navy had also been dispatched to search the area where it was believed she went over.At the Captain's Chat on the last sea day, Captain Gus discussed her disappearance in general and talked about the Bahamian police coming onboard when we docked. Clayton was so upset, he just had his head in his hands. You could see all week that the crew and officers were putting on a brave face- the show must go on- but that they were preoccupied, and in some cases, sad.

At the end of the week, we asked the CM who was our Concierge Host what the speculation was among the crew about what happened. He said that they knew she went overboard, that she walked to an area of the crew pool that had no cameras, and that no other people were seen going into or out of the area at that time of night. Very sad indeed. The CM did not believe that it was an accident, the wall was too high to just "sit" and fall over.

IMO, Disney did what they could to help find Rebecca. I suspect they don't want the world to know that they don't have enough cameras, or where those cameras don't cover, for obvious reasons. I did not like the part in the above video where the attorney is talking about how it's a danger, since Rebecca worked with children. It really implied that there was a predator onboard, lurking about, when it appears that in this particular circumstance, that's not what happened at all.

The attorney/website owner is just an ambulance chaser.

Sigh. How hard that must of been for the crew.

 

[PizzieDuster]

Just out of curiosity, what makes this guy an ambulance chaser?

I'm not really sure. He seems to be focusing on cruise line liability. When an attorney has a website dedicated to one liability with so much detail, maybe that's why people get this opinion that he's an ambulance chaser. Cruiselawnews. There's nothing wrong with an attorney focusing on a certain practice.

My husband is an attorney. {Easy on the jokes, but I can take them } It looks to him he's trying to find his niche. Cruiselawnews. Just like an attorney would specialize in DUIs for example. Draw in business? It states he's a maritime lawyer. Not much client referrals, I'm guessing He just owns a website. Someone googled. Many attorneys have websites. I don't know of any that are so detailed though My husband wouldn't put this much info on his website... http://www.cruiselawnews.com/articles/personal-stuff/ He has the DCL elevator incident on it http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2013/0...ald-editorial-report-punish-crime-on-cruises/

I want my 30 minutes back {looking at that website}

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I do too! (About getting my 30 min back)

He he. The Worst Cruise Line in the Word.

"Word"! Sounds old skool...

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Just for the record, Mr. walker is a maritime lawyer who is known for his ambulance chasing . He gets his name out with the this blog, which is very biased against the cruise industry. From my reading of him its the typical if I don't have honest facts, I'll make them up or lean them my way.


Just a few in this Walker self serving article:


10. The very sad story about Ms. Coraim, missing off the M/S Disney Wonder, was 3 years ago, while that does not in any way mean she should be forgotten, his article clearing states 2013 stories.

9, 6 and 1 Yes people/ passengers experience crime in foreign ports and onboard ship as does any one in any country. Not just the cruise passengers. leaning to serve his purposes a good bit here.

8. Maybe I am wrong here, but I never knew any company could have a U Tube video removed unless their is something in error, indecent or a plain out right lie. Popular does not mean true.

7. There is new technology. here is already cameras and technology on the ships. Now legally whether the law requires the new technology or not and if the present technology is ok, Mr. Walker choose not to mention. Congress talking about something is not law.

5. Most industries hire ex military and use their photos in uniform. Yet Mr. walker thinks it only if you use USCG retired that its wrong to do so.

8 and 3, If this happened I would be a pretty ticked off CM.


Don't you just love a guy who quotes his own writings in trying to support his opinions????

The cruises industry is far from perfect, there is crime onboard ships and in posts just like anywhere. Its not always handled in the best way and I was one of the first condemning DCL for the way they handled letting the CM get away back home to India. That does not support a lawyer using a blog to serve his own business interests and twist things around or leave out the complete stories , and that factual stories.

As to DCL the worse cruise line??.of cause he would say that, anything to make DCL look bad and get attention. If he said carnival no one would pay attention.




You folks make your own opinions.

AKK

 

[4Ds4Diz]

While I disagree with how DCL handled the CM in the elevator incident, to state that a overall cruise is the worst of the 2013 year is a reach. I agree with others that it does grab your attention, as I think is the intent of the article. When I cruise in April, I will be sure to know where my kids are and be aware to keep them safe.

It is truly sad with regards to the CM that disappeared, so sad for her and her family. I would want some answers too. Not sure how much closer it would bring, but you would think some feed back from DCL would help. I pray for them.

I still plan to cruise DCL and to enjoy my time with family. Like any other place you can visit, you need to be aware of your surrounds to keep yourself safe.

 

[sippican]

Just out of curiosity, what makes this guy an ambulance chaser?

am·bu·lance chas·er
nounderogatory
1.
a lawyer who specializes in bringing cases seeking damages for personal injury.


He's well-known in the cruise industry.

 

[justmestace]

am·bu·lance chas·er
nounderogatory
1.
a lawyer who specializes in bringing cases seeking damages for personal injury.


He's well-known in the cruise industry.

Isn't that the same thing as "just doing his job"....or even, helping people?

 

[justmestace]

I've heard of this lawyer, and I've seen his website and articles a few times....HERE....on the DIS....when needed to back up negative claims about OTHER cruise lines.
I guess he's an O.K. guy when he's after the other lines.

Just do a search on here: cruiselawnews.com and see how many threads come up where his word is gospel, when it's about another line.

I don't see anything that says he's trying to get anyone to sue DCL, or any other line. Looks like he's just reporting crimes. Although, yes, some of them are old.

But I think his point with Disney is that THESE particular things that he noted are really, really bad. It isn't just a toilet backing up.
And he stated some things about other lines that are really, really bad....but in MY mind....the absolute WORST was the crime against a child that let the perpetraitor get away. So I'd have to agree with him there.

 

[justmestace]

5. Most industries hire ex military and use their photos in uniform. Yet Mr. walker thinks it only if you use USCG retired that its wrong to do so.



AKK

Actually, I'm not sure what the rule is about wearing/posting a photo in uniform, but the military, including the USCG, is very specific about when and where a retiree can wear their uniform. But the way I interpret the rules listed below, using a photo in uniform for advertising or anything other than a specific military function IS wrong.




The Coast Guard Uniform Regulation describes the wear of Coast Guard uniforms by Retired Coast Guard members and veterans.

Retired. Coast Guard retirees may wear the uniform during (and traveling to/from) the following events:

(1) On occasions of a military ceremony (including retirements, changes of command, or funerals).

(2) At patriotic parades on national holidays, or occasions in which active or reserve units are taking part.

(3) At social or other functions when the invitation has been influenced by the member’s active military service.

Veterans. Former members of the Coast Guard who served honorably during a declared or undeclared war and whose most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions (this means an honorable or general discharge) may wear the uniform in the highest grade held during such war service only upon the following occasions and in the course of travel incident thereto:

(1) On occasions of a military ceremony (including retirements, changes of command, or funerals).

(2) At patriotic parades on national holidays, or occasions in which active or reserve units are taking part.

Former Coast Guard Members who are discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Coast Guard (even if it's not during wartime service) may wear their uniform while going from the place of discharge to their home of record, within three months after discharge.

 

[JohnDS]

Isn't that the same thing as "just doing his job"....or even, helping people?

No, these are the class of people that sent me letters for 6 months after I was involved in an accident trying to entice me to sue. The goal wasn't to help me, it was to use my misfortune to line their own pockets. Perhaps he's different.

 

[justmestace]

No, these are the class of people that sent me letters for 6 months after I was involved in an accident trying to entice me to sue. The goal wasn't to help me, it was to use my misfortune to line their own pockets. Perhaps he's different.

That's my point. No one here knows if that's what he does. He's not representing the Corium family, or the family of the little girl who was molested.....nor have I heard his name mentioned in connection with any other cruise crime in the news.

The ONLY time I've heard of him, is on here.....when it was used to point out the insufficiencies of other cruise lines. People can't have it both ways.