Duffy111
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Just got off the phone with Corporate Guest Services 305-539-6000. I expressed my concerns about the other sailings receiving the 50% FCC and not our sailing. The agent informed me that it is not falling on deaf ears, that they are receiving many calls from our sailing. She said that they are reviewing our sailing and we may, or may not receive additional compensation. I strongly urge everyone to keep calling and writing for us to receive the same 50% compensation that the other 2 cruises got. I'm not letting up on this, and encourage everyone else to do the same, it doesn't do any good to complain and not take actions, so please make that one additional call and take the time to write a letter to:
Michael Bayley, CEO
Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132-2096
Keeping our fingers crossed that they will hear us and make things right.
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Brenda
I called Royal Caribbean, today, March 4th, and they gave me the "morning line" (canned statement). They said they are quite aware that many of the passengers on the cruise were "unhappy" with the change of itinerary and they had a serious management meeting. And they decided that the compensation paid out for the reduction of the one day that was shortened was adequate and FINAL. However, they hope to maintain the goodwill with their loyal customers...... And that is that........ Again, when dealing with RC I say "buyer beware" Good luck to all..........
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If only we had gone in your place.....seriously!
You could have exchanged reservations with me, but I hope that you can afford a Grand Suite...........:)
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Final payment on my June saying on the Anthem of the Seas is due on Friday. I am torn between going and canceling. All of the negative reviews the recent events are leaning me towards canceling. We are both 60 and traveling with other friends who also feel the same way. We have booked our dinner and show times already. A vacation is supposed to be relaxing and I really don't want to be spend my day at guest relations trying to fix things.
Can someone please offer some advice.
I sailed on the Anthem January 25th Cruise. I had a lot of apprehensions before departure - reading a lot of the negative reviews. I didn't want to alarm my wife. And yes, I was in denial............ as I hoped that the reviews had no merit. Big Mistake. I should have cancelled. This is just my experience and opinion. I hope that you can resolve this...........:confused:
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This was posted from someone on our cruise that did a B2B, which I really feel bad for them having to go to the same ports twice, although they did get a 15% FCC for their inconvience.
To those fellow cruisers who are still reading our Roll Call thread:
I was asked to explain on another thread "why are the january 25 cruisers so upset about the current cruise?"
I wrote this response, and would welcome any comments as to whether I have written accurately:
I was on B2B, January 15 & January 25 cruises.
On the first cruise, there were very stormy seas going down. (of course, we had no idea what she would have to go through just 3 weeks later!) Lots of stuff flying off the counters and breaking. (we only lost wine glasses, not the wine, thank god! )
Then when we were down in the Caribbean, more storms were brewing on the Atlantic coast. So we "hung around" between Florida and the Bahamas for an extra day, delaying our return to Cape Liberty for a day.
That cruise got an extra day, and the next one lost a day. (of course, I still got 22 days, just 11 + 11 instead of 10 + 12) However, because of the lost day and thus a change of days (everything out of sync by a day), Royal Caribbean decided to completely change the itinerary.
The January 15 cruise was 10 nights Eastern Caribbean.
San Juan
St. Thomas
St. Martin
St. Kitts
The January 25 cruise was (supposed to be) 12 nights WESTERN Caribbean.
Labadee
Falmouth, Jamaica
Grand Cayman
Costa Maya, Mexico
Roatan, Honduras
Cozumel
This was only the second time that there was a western Caribbean out of New Jersey (she had done this in November)
A HUGE number of passengers had chosen this cruise specifically for the western itinerary.
What did RC change it to?
EASTERN
St. Kitts
St. Martin
St. Thomas
San Juan
Labadee
Look familiar? Yep, same itinerary we had just done.
So, to recap: January 25 cruisers lost one day of their cruise and had all of the ports changed. (we had some normally rough seas, too)
The only "compensation" was $200 OBC per cabin interior & oceanview, $300 balcony, and (I think) $400 suite.
Not per person. Per cabin. Not nearly enough to make most people "whole" from a lost day of cruise. Plus the complete change in itinerary, which some people did not know about until arriving at the terminal on January 26. RC's communication, as usual, was not good.
Now, being on board and having many conversations with assorted officers, I understood the reasons for the changes. They were reasonable changes, all of them, under the circumstances.
But people were LIVID.
But the salt in the wound is the generous compensation being given to the cruise currently on its way home.
What is happening to those people? Two lost days. No change in itinerary. One lost port. (and it may have been Nassau! ) Small noro outbreak.
What are those people getting? Full refund of whatever they paid for two days of their cruise plus a 50% FCC.
See the inequity?
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This is a very fair explanation of what occurred on this cruise. I knew of the change two days before and tried to cancel and reschedule to a later Western Caribbean cruise......... But Royal Caribbean stonewalled me and said that I would lose all of my money paid if I cancelled! ((Approx $8,000. For a Grand Suite) I think I have a right to be LIVID about all of this. Again, they should have compensated us 50% toward a future cruise on RC to the Western Caribbean. Myself and my fellow passengers have a right to be angry about this treatment. Very poor management forms Royal Caribbean. To all future and potential customers I say: "Buyer Beware"
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With all due respect, that's not the point. I think most are aware of the contract.
All the cruises leave under the same contract.
The sore point here is that some cruises get well compensated for their inconvenience, and others, not so much.
It gives the appearance of the big wigs in the corporate office spinning "The Big Wheel Of Compensation" to decide who gets what.
THAT is the bone of contention here.
We are also Diamonds, and have cancelled our next cruise that was booked with RCI.
Just my .02
This Cruise on Jan. 25th and the way Royal Caribbean treated us with misinformation has left a bitter taste...... And their excuse for completely changing the itinerary: "For our Safety"? Is unacceptable!
If they continue to Stone Wall the requests for fair compensation, it is also Bye Bye Royal Caribbean for us, as well. (Diamond Members also)
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No, it was shortened by 1 day. But then the itinerary was completely changed from Western to Eastern.
I haven't read ANY reason why they couldn't just skip one port and maintain the original itinerary otherwise.
The Jan 25 cruisers were compensated by $200 OBC for the missed day. I do not know if this was refundable or non-refundable OBC.
The Feb 21 cruisers were compensated by actual refunds per diem for the two missed days; with refundable OBC. they were also given 50% off a future cruise.
This was correct. They shortened the January 25th Cruise by one day and aborted the EXPENSIVE WESTERN CARRIBEAN itinerary and chose a much CHEAPER, shorter, unappealing (for us) cruise to the Eastern Carribean with a 4 hour stopover in Puerto Rico. What can you do with four hours of Port time?? They should compensate the passengers for this cruise as well. It's up to Royal Caribbean to make this right.
:confused::confused:
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We are booked for a 10 cruise leaving NOV. 10. Worried about events happening with this ship, storm, virus out break, etc. Why is NO other ship leaving from the New York-New Jersey ports having problems? Shouls we cancel? Thank You
Yes, there have been a lot of negative reviews. Before we cruised on the Anthem, I noticed the large amount of negative reviews and I thought that this can't be correct as the Anthem is a brand new ship? My mistake as I kept my apprehension to myself. I know, now, the people that bother to write the reviews actually had negative experiences! "Where there is smoke there is fire"
You have to decide and please remember that the RC Loyalists will protect the Royal Caribbean brand and the Anthem - no matter what. Thats what they do...
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We are booked for a 10 cruise leaving NOV. 10. Worried about events happening with this ship, storm, virus out break, etc. Why is NO other ship leaving from the New York-New Jersey ports having problems? Shouls we cancel? Thank You
You have a right to question the many negative reviews. I was very apprehensive before sailing on the Anthem (I kept my doubts to myself) and I thought that the negative reviews couldn't possibly have any merit.....such bad reviews for a brand new ship? My mistake. I learned now that people write negative reviews because they actually had bad experiences and they write them to voice their feelings about the negatives of cruising on the Anthem!
Judge for yourself....... Remember that many of the RC Loyalists will protect the brand no matter what. That being said, I hope that you have a good cruise.
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I have a hard time believing it's that bad. Or maybe the cafeteria food you are familiar is a lot better than mine.
I know, I haven't been on Anthem personally, but I just can't imagine it being that bad.
You should book a cruise on the Anthem and find out for yourself? I have been on the Anthem and have I tasted the food....... And not you! Why comment like that........ If you don't really know? Again, the Anthem needs Chef Ramsey to put them on the right track. If more people came forth and complained maybe they will correct this situation.
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We sailed Anthem last June from UK, and the food in the 4 MDR was disappointing compared to our other Rci cruises, probably the least enjoyable of all our cruises.
And we are no way picky eaters.
We thought if it did not change there would be many complaints when the ship moved to the US
Sorry to say the food is still one level below High School Cafeteria food. Disappointing! I toured the kitchens and they are pristine and clean......... but the preparation and presentation of the food are lacking. I had better food on other (smaller) Royal Caribbean ships. I think this is an Anthem problem and they should get it sorted out....or get Chef Ramsey to advise.....
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Hi all. Omg, I was looking forward to answering everyone's questions, then my whole family came down with Noro. My husband has it the worst followed by my 18 month old. I just started coming down with symptoms as of 10 pm last night. The baby has had a high fever since this morning and it scares the hell out of me because she has a history of febrile seizures. Medical was great today until the night shift came on, now it seems like all they care about is the norovirus and not my baby who is at high risk of a seizure. The last time she has a seizure, 5 months ago, she stopped breathing and turned blue. So I'm terrified of the possibilities and have heen worried sick.
This cruise has been my first cruise where I came to CC to share information with you guys and what do I get? Jerks calling me names in pms and in posts, and Internet strangers in general who think all I'm doing is complaining when they aren't even on this cursed ship. They aren't the ones dealing with the rudeass staff on the ship, and they aren't the ones who had their cruise cut short. I don't blame the staff for being *******s on this cruise, I mean they're understaffed. Every time i was in medical, the waiting room was PACKED with sick crew members. Wow, no wonder why we are going home. I don't believe for one second it's because of a storm.
Anyway, I've already taken some notes and have some answers so after some sleep I will answer questions to the best of my ability. And when I get home, I will finish this thread by turning it into a review. But if I keep getting creepy pms, I'll never come back here.
The information that you shared is startling..... And I hope you do not get dismayed by the RC "Loyalist" who are always in denial. (Shall not say anything negative about Royal Caribbean) The Loyalists feed into the lack of transparency that Royal Caribbean Public Relations dishes out as news statements. The local press is covering your dilemma and I would voice my story to them when you disembark in Hoboken. They will certainly be asking for statements from passengers. Just a thought.
Good luck with a speedy recovery and God Bless!
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Royal Caribbean has lots to make up for the January 25th Cruise where the itinerary was aborted and changed to a "once around the block" sailing. We knew of the itinerary change two days before sailing and we tried to cancel and reschedule the same cruise at a later date...... We were told that we will lose all of our funds paid if we cancelled! That was it......we took the cruise reluctantly as we had definite plans that for two ports that we had to cancel. One of which was a family reunion. Very big diappoinment and Royal Caribbean has to step up to the plate and make this right. They will lose loyal customers. (We too are loyal Royal Caribbean "diamond members" but never use or flout this designation.... As we always book Suites and prefer to travel as Suite Guests)
Good luck with scaling the Royal Caribbean Stone Wall!:confused:
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Royal Caribbean has lots to make up for the January 25th Cruise where the itinerary was aborted and changed to a "once around the block" sailing. We knew of the itinerary change two days before sailing and we tried to cancel and reschedule the same cruise at a later date...... We were told that we will lose all of our funds paid if we cancelled! That was it......we took the cruise reluctantly as we had definite plans that for two ports that we had to cancel. One of which was a family reunion. Very big diappoinment and Royal Caribbean has to step up to the plate and make this right. They will lose loyal customers. (We too are loyal Royal Caribbean "diamond members" but never use or flout this designation.... As we always book Suites and prefer to travel as Suite Guests)
Good luck with scaling the Royal Caribbean Stone Wall!:confused:
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I agree. This was a very expensive Western Caribbean 12 Day Cruise and they cut it short and changed the itinerary to a lackluster short mileage cruise. Many people on board did not want to cruise to the ports RC selected. We wasted our money $$$ (Grand Suite) on this Cruise and by booking the Anthem! This has left us with a very bad taste for Royal Caribbean. I hope, for the sake of your other passengers, that they compensate people for this trip.
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When was Royal Caribbean absolutely honest and forthcoming about anything? They have a reputation for lack of transparency. Many people know this..... I have trouble accepting any statement coming from the Corporate Office in Miami and "Honest Abe" the Cruise Director. I know the Royal Caribbean diehards will protest this..... And they will continue to defend RC no matter what - in order to purchase the "cheap seats"
My bet is Royal Caribbean is desperately trying to downplay the Noro Virus outbreak with a cover up about the "weather" They cannot afford any more adverse publicity for this ship.
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I agree with previous comments regarding Suite Guests expecting a lot more for their $$$. Recent trip on the Anthem and the only thing great about it was the lovely sparkling new Grand Suite. Other than that the Cruise was a disaster, food was terrible and the Anthem was poorly managed and RCC short-changed passengers by switching itineraries at the last minute from a lengthy (mile wise Western Caribbean) to a short "once around the block" Eastern Caribbean cruise. After spending major dollars for a Grand Suite, I tried to cancel and change for another cruise with the same itinerary at a later date. They said NO......I guess they have your money and you are at their mercy! Their explanation was: since they had bad weather on the previous cruise and had to cut our cruise short by one day? Our cruise had great weather predicted and they could have cut one port from the cruise and kept the itinerary. However, They reimbursed us for one day. It hardly made up for it.
Yes, Suite Guest should have great dining and other perks. We manage to pay for it. Again, I like cruising with RCC but feel betrayed by their marketing practices and theri hype for the Anthem.
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Is that a group that sits around and watches the weight of food people carry in the Windjammar? :o
Considering the prepared food, We recently cruised on the Anthem and managed to lose a few pounds............. We literally lived on raw veggies and fruit
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Try again no idea who duffy is but we seem to have somewhat a similar opinion. I didn't say throw RCL away I booked again to give them another shot. They have much to improve.
YankeesFan224: Some of these posters are so blinded by their brand loyalty to Royal Caribbean they have to insinuate that two different posters can't have some similar opinions!
They are so stuffy, insulting and full of themselves they deserve each other and Royal Caribbean. :o They won't accept anybody with a different opinion. This ship has a low approval percentage rating - just accept it! I, too, have some very fond experiences on other cruises and other RC ships, but they should just scrap the Anthem and send it to China.
Duffy111 (the one and only)
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Try again no idea who duffy is but we seem to have somewhat a similar opinion. I didn't say throw RCL away I booked again to give them another shot. They have much to improve.
YankeesFan224: Some of these posters are so blinded by their brand loyalty to Royal Caribbean they have to insinuate that two different posters can't have some similar opinions!
They are so stuffy, insulting and full of themselves they deserve each other and Royal Caribbean. :o They won't accept anybody with a different opinion. This ship has a low approval percentage rating - just accept it! I, too, have some very fond experiences on other cruises and other RC ships, but they should just scrap the Anthem and send it to China.
Duffy111 (the one and only)
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I clearly stated I respected her opinion but she either loves RCCL or did not pay what I did for her vacation. Or I will go one more and say maybe our expectations are not the same. Don't try to twist the facts of what was said.
Still changes nothing. Most of the people happy are people paying 900 for an inside cabin. Its hard to mess up at that price.
I agree. I also have paid top dollar for a large suite. I should have expectations that the itinerary will be maintained and the food offered better. (I HAVE SAILED OTHER CRUISES ON RC AND THE FOOD WAS NOT AS BAD AS ANTHEM) Again, I am entitled to my opinion.
Hope the loyalist (inside cabin paying 900 type guests) will always enjoy RC and have a Continued Happy Marriage. Also, Enjoy the food!
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With the one day delay they could not do the scheduled western itinerary. They had to be able to get you back the scheduled departure day. The west is farther away than the east to Bayonne. They didn't make the change to save money.
Once around the block for an expensive $$$$ cruise?? OK, I guess you can explain why they couldn't keep the original itinerary and eliminate one port?
THEY SAVED A TON OF MONEY ON FUEL MILAGE. $$$$
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OK< IF YOU HAVE ENJOYED THE "FOOD" ON ANTHEM......... SO BE IT! I am entitled to my opinion and I know good food. Royal Caribbean needs
CHEF RAMSEY to survey and comment and improve on ANTHEM OF THE SEAS FOOD QUALITY. I was tired of eating sub par food.
Again, you are entitled to your opinion and so am I.
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OK< IF YOU HAVE ENJOYED THE "FOOD" ON ANTHEM......... SO BE IT! I am entitled to my opinion and I know good food. Royal Caribbean needs
CHEF RAMSEY to survey and comment and imporve on ANTHEM OF THE SEAS FOOD QUALITY. I was tired of eating sub par food.
Again, you are entitled to your opinion and so am I.
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This Ship is overrated and managed poorly! Last week, RC came back to port (Bayonne) one day late and cut short our cruise to "WESTERN CARIBBEAN" by one day. This was acceptable and understandable. BUT RC changed a lengthy (milage wise cruise) with an EASTERN CARIBBEAN (once around the block) and literally drifted between ports because they were so close together! They saved a ton of money on fuel mileage! I can understand the previous cruise hitting bad weather, but our scheduled cruise (WESTERN CARIBBEAN) was for fair weather. They made a decision to change and that's that! They get your money and have you over a barrel. I will comment on a another forum about the very bad food and service. (Food almost inedible) GOOD NEWS was that we managed to lose a few pounds on this cruise!
NEVER AGAIN ROYAL CARIBBEAN!! NEVER AGAIN ANTHEM!! Sorry, maybe placing this ship home port in Bayonne was a big mistake.
Duffy111
On Anthem May 5-14
in Royal Caribbean International
Posted
I was on the same cruise - cut short a day and with an extreme change of itinerary. I agree that the food and dining were the worst that we ever experienced! The bad taste left for both the Anthem and Royal Caribbean. I guess you may say that this bad experience has cured our desire to cruise with RCC or cruise anywhere - and we happen to travel a lot. As the once popular JDL theme: "never again" will we be held hostage on a cruising shopping mall.