Complaint Review: CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES GHETTO CRUISE

To whom it may concern,
Being a seasoned cruiser 8 previous cruises with other lines. I have a few concerns I would like addressed. This was my first and only cruise with Carnival.

We had booked a cruise thru CARNIVAL on the ship IMAGINATION on DEC 28th 2006 thru Jan 2nd 2007.

On the initial booking I was told and PAID for Air thru CARNIVAL. Upon payment I was notified that the flights were only stand-by , mind you this is 2 days after xmas. I was NEVER told this upon initial booking that we were stand by and had to make other arrangements quickly myself. The booking agent and booking supervisor were VERY rude to myself as well as my travel agent. Non accommodating and downright disappointing. Never have I been so mistreated by a travel staff and supervisor. Unfortunately due to timing I had no alternative but to go with what was appropriated by myself & travel agent instead of canceling all together.

Upon arrival to the ship we were notified that there were no EXTRA accommodations nor perk for our inconvenience. An apology note would have sufficed.

We had set sail and began our Vacation. According to WEB , brochure and cabin brochure it stated " International Calling " was a fee of $9.95 per minute. Which is fine. However we were charged for Non connected calls @ $19.98 per call.And connected call for the same $19.98 per minute. We were trying to reach our teen daughter in London on her invitation to perform for the Queen in the London New Years Day Parade. After seeing my bill of over $240.00 in calls FOR DAY 1, my wife called the pursers desk. She was also mistreated , was told " That's the way it goes" by a novice trainee. I stormed down to the desk and addressed all present. I was apologized by the Officer on duty and never by the trainee. I explained the problem to the officer on duty about the enormous phone bill. Now mind you on the 4 day cruise we actually spoke to my daughter a total of 6 minutes.OUR BILL WAS OVER $300.00 just for 6 minutes of calls. The officer said she would contact the international carrier and address the problem. She did discount a small portion of the bill $20.00, not to the actual connected of 6 minutes , charge should have been $59.00. I am currently awaiting the received call invoice for the hotel we called our daughter to actually PROVE to Carnival our actual talk / connected time. Sad I have to go to this extent as a guest on Carnival.

Also,
As a seasoned cruiser , Carnival has a lot to learn on accommodating their guests with Activities AKA " Fun".

There were few activities for families aside form excursions onboard ship. The activity staff was minimal and most of the time "MIA". They don't know how to dance , Oh yea to what music " Xmas? " . Deck board parties consisted of a drunken Congo lines ect at 10:30 at night.. A water balloon launch only accommodating 6 guests at a time... PLEANTY of weight loss and exercise programs. Not really accommodating to the NORMAL family cruiser.

Approx. 300 chairs poolside for 2,000 guests, which most had just left a towel for the duration of the day. Leaving the rest to find alternatives.

Adult whirlpool filled with teens and youths some even with diapers on.

Buffet's reminded me of School Lunches. Cold , Minimal and usually had to scrape the sides of the pan.Very few choices. Ever hear of Peel & Eat shrimp? a common on cruise lines. I was surprised that there were no Green Bologna sandwiches.

I had sent my dinner back 2 times of the 2 times we ate for dinner ...COLD FOOD!
I asked the waiter what "Flen" was, he said "Yes" ??????? ENGLISH LAUNGUAGE NEEDED.
I asked the waiter for a side of "Humor" he said "Ok" and brought me rolls.

Photo lab had no "Package" deals. Families had to decide which photos they could afford at 20 bucks each. SAD all those memories went into the trash...

Internet Cafe was twice the amount of cost as any other line.

No Gallery auctions, No memorabilia auctions. 4 arcade games. 800 children , you do the math.
I dont drink "Soda" and was charged for 6 out of my stateroom on the last day @ 1.75ea., Purcer office closed Hmmmmm???

Spa was minimal , basically any cabana on any of the beaches would be comparable and cheaper...
THE SHIP smelled of URINE continually, Mostly in the lobby area.

No points appropriated on Table games in the Casino
Minimal Balcony suites , Usually sold out way in advance.
Staff of the ship had no clue on the "English" language.
No current or forecast on weather , which could be easily made available on TV as most lines carry. I asked one of the stewards what the weather forecast was , She relpies " Carribean Type " well that narrows it down.
Xmas music playing continually for 4 days , 4 days AFTER Xmas.

Pull out a dollar bill and the staff flock like seagulls.
Continually asked if I wanted alcohol / 10 times in a morning 9am mind you.

Over an hour to get a cold cup of coffee from room service.

A Total $2,800.00 MISTAKE !!

All in all CARNIVAL should be called the Ghetto Cruise Line ! No "FUN" intended...

Wm.
GROTON, Connecticut
U.S.A.

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