Fantasy having mechanical issues

[cgolf]

So much whining here and elsewhere - elsewhere especially - you'd think everybody was on a Carnival poop cruise to nowhere instead of three days of amazing weather, two days on everybody's professed "favorite island on earth" and a few hours of inconvenience/extra time onboard. Everybody rushes onboard at the beginning of the trip to "maximize their time", causing massive lines and slow security, but when they have to stay on the boat for an extra bit of time you'd think that Disney was strapping them down to draw and quarter them in some medieval torture event.

I'd choose San Juan over Tortola any and every time. The BVIs are amazing, but if you really want to experience them you'll not get a chance in the scant hours a cruise ship is in port.

When it comes to unforeseen expenses related to this kind of thing, I have two words. Trip Insurance. Don't leave home without it.

Call us crazy, but we would be bummed if a new port to us would have been replaced with a been there 3 times and done that port. We have done a few DCL cruises and hit the same islands many times. Now we wouldn't be asking for compensation or anything, because we don't roll that way, but would be very disappointed. It is ok for people to be disappointed, and sometimes, whining, is just away of venting away you disappointment.

We are also branching out to other lines now to open up options to visit islands DCL doesn't, because while we love as many sea days as possible, we also want to add new places to the, we were there list

 

[phinz]

One person's "confusion and chaos" is another person's "Oh crap. We're going to miss our flight and have to reschedule. These kinds of things happen." I was receiving reports from somebody on board who didn't disembark until 1 pm. No reports of any confusion, nor of any chaos, but then they're used to traveling and know that sometimes there are issues when traveling and you just have to roll with it. If you can't roll with it then perhaps this kind of travel isn't for you since there's too much uncertainty. I don't hitchhike, hop freight trains or climb great big, deadly mountains because I'm not prepared for the uncertainty inherent to that kind of travel. Others choose to do exactly that because they're ok with the risks. We all have to make decisions as to where we draw the line.

Life is an adventure. Sometimes adventures take a left turn when you wanted them to take a right. You can either stomp your feet and be miserable or you can get on with living life and making the best of a situation.

The contract of carriage doesn't even guarantee you'll leave the port. Anything else you receive above that is above and beyond the contract you, yourself, signed when you chose to book a cruise.

 

[cgolf]

Don't we all? My point is that a "premium price" doesn't ever, ever, EVER guarantee you that mechanical things, which wear out, develop issues, fall apart and/or break won't do exactly that whenever you happen to be the poor soul who is utilizing said premium thing. It's not like the engines on the ship say, "Hey! Billy Bob paid too much for his cruise! Maybe we shouldn't do that metal fatigue thing this week!" Stuff breaks. That's how it is.

Nice stealth edit, btw. Sometimes, no matter what you do, people aren't satisfied. People are people.

I agree with you on this that crap happens wether you have a Lamborghini, Lexus, or a smart car, but the issue at least on this board is people say DCL is the safest by a nautical mile and they don't have the problems other lines do. DCL has problems just like other lines, maybe not as many as one, but guessing in line with many other lines. I just think DCL does a better job of masking the issues and keeping everyone on board happy thinking nothing is wrong so they can enjoy their vacation (I can't figure out if this is a good or bad thing, good in happy customers and bad that it gives a false image of more reliable ships vs other lines)

 

[phinz]

I just think DCL does a better job of masking the issues and keeping everyone on board happy thinking nothing is wrong so they can enjoy their vacation (I can't figure out if this is a good or bad thing, good in happy customers and bad that it gives a false image of more reliable ships vs other lines)

It's that whole "bending over backward" thing, apparently. People feel entitled because, well, Disney, so they complain even louder if something doesn't go exactly the way they expected it to. Never mind the realities of the world. This is Disney. Things aren't supposed to go wrong. Ever. It's like Mickey's own personal echo chamber.

 

[SteveMouse]

As a PP mentioned, there is a contract between the passenger: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/contracts-terms-safety/cruise-contract/united-states/; and DCL and a Bill of Passenger Rights: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/passenger-bill-of-rights/

Both address aspects of interruption/cancellation. The BOR includes:

• The right to a full refund for a trip that is canceled due to mechanical failures, or a partial refund for voyages that are terminated early due to those failures.
• The right to timely information updates as to any adjustments in the itinerary of the ship in the event of a mechanical failure or emergency, as well as timely updates of the status of efforts to address mechanical failures.
• The right to transportation to the ship's scheduled port of disembarkation or the passenger's home city in the event a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures.
• The right to lodging if disembarkation and an overnight stay in an unscheduled port are required when a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures.

 

[BruinEd03]

One person's "confusion and chaos" is another person's "Oh crap. We're going to miss our flight and have to reschedule. These kinds of things happen." I was receiving reports from somebody on board who didn't disembark until 1 pm. No reports of any confusion, nor of any chaos, but then they're used to traveling and know that sometimes there are issues when traveling and you just have to roll with it. If you can't roll with it then perhaps this kind of travel isn't for you since there's too much uncertainty. I don't hitchhike, hop freight trains or climb great big, deadly mountains because I'm not prepared for the uncertainty inherent to that kind of travel. Others choose to do exactly that because they're ok with the risks. We all have to make decisions as to where we draw the line.

Life is an adventure. Sometimes adventures take a left turn when you wanted them to take a right. You can either stomp your feet and be miserable or you can get on with living life and making the best of a situation.

The contract of carriage doesn't even guarantee you'll leave the port. Anything else you receive above that is above and beyond the contract you, yourself, signed when you chose to book a cruise.

Like I said, this was not a disagreement on what was legally required. It is on what's better for customer service. I agree, if people don't like it, they can always leave. Of course, Disney may or may not want that to happen (depending on how much of a hit they take to their image). The only people who would benefit, are other Disney cruisers, where pricing would fall as demand fell.

If that was the level of customer service that I consistently received at the Disney Cruise (including switching ports based on engine trouble) with absolutely no compensation - would my vacation be completely ruined? nope. Would I be somewhat disappointed? Yup. Would I begin looking at other cruise lines or other vacations which I haven't looked at before? Yup.

Then again, does Disney care? Maybe. The maybe comes down to the dollars and cents. Both short term and long term. If they suspect that they are going to have a large amount of engine problems in the future, it may be too expensive for them to compensate people. However, if too many people leave or they get too many bad reviews, then they will be unable to increase pricing or charge a premium for their product.

 

[BruinEd03]

It's that whole "bending over backward" thing, apparently. People feel entitled because, well, Disney, so they complain even louder if something doesn't go exactly the way they expected it to. Never mind the realities of the world. This is Disney. Things aren't supposed to go wrong. Ever. It's like Mickey's own personal echo chamber.

Not sure it's bending over backwards to have a game plan that's clearly communicated and executed for debarkation. They should be trained in those events. Again, I don't have any objective information on exactly what's happened. I've read subject reports of it being chaos/confusion. Again, I have no objective knowledge.

As for people missing a port? If I didn't care for Tortola or I didn't really care if it's San Juan or Tortola, I'd probably let it slide and think "whatever." However, if Tortola was one of the ports I was really looking forwards to going to, then I would care. What would be the appropriate remedy? You say nothing. If I was really looking forwards to Tortola, I would be ticked off at nothing. Getting a discount on future sailings? On-board credit? I'm not sure those are out-of-bounds for compensation. Again, not what is legally required, but what is good for customer service. I'm also willing to bet that for every coupon or on-board credit that gets used, the actual hit to Disney's bottom line, is really less than the customer's perceived value given that Disney already marks up the prices. I'm also willing to get that Disney gets more money in general because to use that discount on a future cruise, that customer has to actually book with Disney again. This means more revenue generation for Disney. Of course then we delve into the economics of it.

What exactly are you hearing people call for that's "bending over backwards?"

 

[phinz]

What exactly are you hearing people call for that's "bending over backwards?"

It's nebulous.

The more I pay for something the more I expect good customer service and people to bend over backword to make sure I'm satisfied.

 

[MSPeeler]

What is the link to the webcam you all have?

 

[BruinEd03]

What is the link to the webcam you all have?

http://www.portcanaveralwebcam.com/

 

[BruinEd03]

It's nebulous.

If it's nebulous, how can you judge how reasonable the request is? Bending over backwards could mean a $200 on-board credit. It could mean apologies for the inconvenience. It could also mean a full refund. The first two, I would say are pretty reasonable. The latter, not so much.

 

[bbel]

Are people (who aren't even on the cruise) really trying to make an argument over Tortola being swapped out for San Juan?
Yes it's disappointing. Not saying it isn't.
But I'm pretty sure it could've been a lot easier for DCL to just swap it out as a day at sea, at least they tried to do something.

And as for being practised in these types of disembarkation, when do you suggest they practise that? Your next cruise, I'm sure you'd love that 'hey guys, so we're gonna keep you on board for a few extra hours just so we know what to do on the rare occassion that we have to do it for mechanical issues, thanks, here's a mickey bar'

Ahhh, people of dis boards, thanks for keeping me entertained ha ha!

 

[Dug720]

Are people (who aren't even on the cruise) really trying to make an argument over Tortola being swapped out for San Juan?
Yes it's disappointing. Not saying it isn't.
But I'm pretty sure it could've been a lot easier for DCL to just swap it out as a day at sea, at least they tried to do something.

And as for being practised in these types of disembarkation, when do you suggest they practise that? Your next cruise, I'm sure you'd love that 'hey guys, so we're gonna keep you on board for a few extra hours just so we know what to do on the rare occassion that we have to do it for mechanical issues, thanks, here's a mickey bar'

Ahhh, people of dis boards, thanks for keeping me entertained ha ha!

Well said!!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Well--lots of theories but no explanation as of yet. I hope they are savvy enough to fix whatever the problem is PERMANENTLY so as to avoid a repeat performance.

IF structural as H2O suggests, there may not be a quick fix..

Our Fantasy Cruise isn't until late October--I hope it's cleared up by then!!!

 

[carolina_yankee]

I'd be complaining, but I know on this board when it comes to Disney people are very forgiving. I know if I buy something and it doesn't work I'm getting my money back. That's just me.

Don't forget that the product you buy when you buy a cruise includes the disclaimer that ports can change and there is no guarantee you'll even leave the dock. I can see Disney giving something to those inconvenienced because of the late arrival, but the for those who boarded, apart from a credit for a meal they didn't receive and for port taxes for a port they didn't visit, Disney owes nothing provided they get 7 nights on the ship.

Now, in order to preserve "good will," Disney might find it in their business interests to do a little bit more, but the guests are getting what they bought (small print included).

Personally, I wouldn't mind if a few people got ticked and abandoned Disney over this. Prices would go down.

Dirk

 

[Dug720]

Well--lots of theories but no explanation as of yet. I hope they are savvy enough to fix whatever the problem is PERMANENTLY so as to avoid a repeat performance.

IF structural as H2O suggests, there may not be a quick fix..

Our Fantasy Cruise isn't until late October--I hope it's cleared up by then!!!

While I share the hope that they are indeed able to fix what went wrong, "PERMANENTLY" is not going to happen when you are dealing with mechanics like engines and such.

I mean, if someone ever comes up with TRULY unbreakable mechanics and gears and such, they will be a zillionaire. But until then, those things WILL have failures from time to time - and not always on a schedule or with any notice.

 

[phinz]

Our Fantasy Cruise isn't until late October--I hope it's cleared up by then!!!

Nor is ours. Very late October, as a matter of fact.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Whine away I will, because I paid enough to be able to do so. Sure if you are a couple of adults with a later flight, or live within about five hours driving, a delayed departure might be "fun." I am reading a lot of rah rah here. But for us it was a huge pain in the $$$. We drove home through the night because we had a 15 hour drive. We did not get off the ship until 1 because the lines were insane and difficult to figure out and around 12 we finally decided to just grab something to eat. DCL made a point of not letting you in on things until they were actually happening, so you were in limbo. Hence the stampeed to enchanted garden. if you have young kids who like the pool and the kids club exclusively, there is no enjoying extra time on the ship because 1. swimwear was already packed. 2. the oceaneer club was entirely open house which equals not everything available, no organized play for kids, and adults crowding what is available. ("Mommy why are old guys taking all the games?") . I don't like the way they told us to be out of our rooms by a certain time, I feel like mechanical=their problem. And I hear everyone oh things break. Uh, no they don't. We have super old cars that have never broken on us/left us stranded because we do preemptive maintenance. The fantasy has had this problem repeatedly and dcl obviously just keeps putting a bandaid on it. The ship is only five years old and shakes like a jalopy. At least carnival compensates people for bad experiences on their ships. DCL just expects their customers to walk away happy about mechanical "issues."

 

[cgolf]

Are people (who aren't even on the cruise) really trying to make an argument over Tortola being swapped out for San Juan?
Yes it's disappointing. Not saying it isn't.
But I'm pretty sure it could've been a lot easier for DCL to just swap it out as a day at sea, at least they tried to do something.

And as for being practised in these types of disembarkation, when do you suggest they practise that? Your next cruise, I'm sure you'd love that 'hey guys, so we're gonna keep you on board for a few extra hours just so we know what to do on the rare occassion that we have to do it for mechanical issues, thanks, here's a mickey bar'

Ahhh, people of dis boards, thanks for keeping me entertained ha ha!

To a point yes, but in our case we would never ask for compensation if they switch up ports for any reason as we know it is a slight risk going in. Knowing that many look for and book certain itineraries some disappointment is going to happen if you miss a port that you were looking forward to seeing. The key for me is disappointment not being entitled to any compensation.

The flip side is you all keep me entertained in thinking that destination doesn't matter at all, you are on vacation roll with it.

 

[flyersfan1129]

At least carnival compensates people for bad experiences on their ships. DCL just expects their customers to walk away happy about mechanical "issues" where the cruise line takes no hit.

Umm, no they don't. I took my DS on a Carnival cruise, and here is a list of the issues, and what they did to fix them.

1.Lost my Sign and Sail card first night. Card was used in the casino and for drinks by someone else. They did nothing. I spent HOURS, and I do mean HOURS fixing this problem. They issued me a new sign and Sail, but every time I used it, the old folio number came up, and I was told loudly that there was a problem with my card, that I needed to go to guest services and put money on my card.
2. Our balcony was FILTHY, and I am talking hunks of paint and MOLD, not just dirt, it was unusable. I asked to moved, was told we were at capacity but they would send someone to clean it right away. They didn't clean it until the last day of the cruise. I was, after complaining every day of the cruise and after calling, writing and screaming, given the choice of a $50 refund or a $75 dollar credit towards another Carnival cruise.
3. Gave my son the wrong soup, that he was allergic to, after the allergy had bee noted, and I specifically told my waiter the night peach soup was on the menu, please don't give my son the peach soup, he is allergic to peaches. And before anyone blames me, or my son for eating the peach soup, he ordered tomato soup, it was dark, and he had heard me tell the waiter NOT to bring it to him, the waiter agreed. All we got from the waiter was 'Did he need to spit it out in a clean glass? Pig.' As my son was starting to swell and we were running to our cabin for his EpiPen. I got further grief on this one when I went to guest services to reduce their tip, since we ate with friends at another table for the rest of the cruise. I tipped that waitstaff in cash.
4. They charged my debit card several hundred dollars before I noticed, I had Cruise Cash to cover my expenses on the cruise. It took them several hours, on the last day of the cruise to fix it. They kept telling me to leave the cruise and they would fix it, and I remember telling them I wasn't moving. They then told me, and I quote: 'This is your fault for losing your sign and Sail card!' I snapped. Seriously. I RAN off that boat and will never, ever, ever cruise Carnival again.

So, to sum it up, I think you have plenty of reasons to be upset with DCL, but I don't know exactly how Carnival compensates their Cruisers.