grand isle joe

Welcome to Cruise Critic. You now have been introduced to RCL's fabulous I.T. department.

We did 3 ship sponsored excursions and it was a cluster trot on the ship and at the pier IMO. RCL personal was confused and disorganized compared to other ships and lines such as Disney. Grand Cayman did the catamaran sail and snorkel. After a 35 minute wait and chaos at the pier we were bussed to meet the ships on the beach. Ships were quite nice and nice areas (2) to snorkel. Crew was very friendly and sail was nice. One downer was a cash bar rather than rum punch being offered. We enjoyed this trip and returned to the pier to wander and shop. Made the last transport back to the ship. Cozumel again the ship was wild and disorganized when trying to organize the groups. Finally had to find a local pier guide and he helped us find our organization spot. We did the 12 meter America's cup regatta . Great time, great crew and the day was perfect for a competitive sail against another sailboat. Can't say enough about this excursion and if you like to sail you'll love the opportunity to sail a real competitive ship. Rum punch after the sail. Yummm. Costa Maya the RCL people must have had a good talking to because it seemed much better organized. Did the Beach snorkel which turned out not to be a snorkel because I guess the just changed their mind. They said it was the weather but when we arrived there was plenty of other groups filing up and down the beach snorkeling with their group leaders. Beach was not the best and riddled with people trying to sell their wares. Open bar would be the only plus to this excursion but 9:00 a.m. is a little early to start "pounding" drinks. We would skip this tour and stay on the ship or wander around the pier. But if you want a cheap drunk than go for it.

I have heard this story more times than I can count with my business. Yet it's demonstrably impossible it was not us.

 

I'm not saying TI didn't jack your info, but you really never know. Are you saying you took it out of the envelope, brand new, right onto the ship, and only used it at this one vendor? Only place the card has ever been used, ever?

..........it was my wife's card and "yes" she has not used that card in years. The company actually sent a chip card last year. If I (we) had used it someplace else I would not be so suspicious but as we find out now maybe it is the 'Russians" :eek:

We stayed in the Hyatt also and liked it. Easy peasy to the ship and on board by 11:00. You were smart to skip the shows. 1st night Al Romas was brutal. 2nd Lights up Broadway, hmmm been there, done that, 3rd.Drew Thomas? should have stayed an amateur. 4th Ice show....outstanding! (as always).5th night, Adam Kario was outstanding. great juggling act with a wonderful humor and audience interaction. 6th Once Upon a Time, I agree 1000% with you SRQSally tired show seen multiple times and time for a change. I though the CD was pretty good, Michele with his side kick put on a good show and not too overbearing like some. I agree the bartenders were there but had a little wait. I liked the trivia shows in the Schooner bars as well as the Harry Potter trivia. The crew was quite accessible. The reason I felt the ship was "tired" was traveling on other lines and similar ships I felt some of the little things are slipping in maintenance aspect. We sailed Freedom a few times over the years and travel many hours so I guess I expect the ship to compete with other type of vacation venues for my family vacation dollars. Again there was NO dress code in the dining room and IMO it is sad since the Windjammer is open if you cannot muster the energy to change out of your "car wash" clothes. LOL....

It is /was available to D's........but with RCL it can be "subject to change".

Pretty sure it was 5-8:30PM

Just off the Freedom ( Feb.26 - March4 ) and the time in the DL 4;30 to 8:00. The food IMO was really good. The Windjammer had a good selection. The main dining hall was really good ( we ate a lot of fish) and I had the prime rib and it was remarkably tender, cooked medium rare and hot. I was talking to one of the chefs and he was on the Allure and was "transferred" to the Freedom. I think it may have been to pick up the food quality but that is only speculation on my part.

Glad I was not on that flight!:eek:

Me too..............did you get your flu shot?

There are so many methods of credit card theft these days. I had a fraud alert on my card while i was sitting at home. Someone tried to use my card at a supermarket in a city I have never shopped in before. The biggest issue was that this particular card was in my possession at the time of the fraud. The person used a skimmer to create a new card, but they couldn't charge the card fully because it was a debit and they didnt have a pin. That could have happened anywhere, because a skimmer can fit in a person's pocket. This is why I have rfid blockers on everything including my passport. Technology is annoying sometimes, and not knocking it, but it could have been that as well.

I applaud your protective measures. We too take all these precautions and yet we find ourselves facing this dilemma. Again when the card "disappeared" with the clerk I should have been forceful and spoken up the second she started walking away. I post to help others who may find themselves in the same spot. Hind sight is always 20 / 20 I guess. Hope it never happens to you again.....miracles can happen

Darn, I forgot to ask! I cracked up if they asked if I had bought KFC in Paris. Uuummmm, no [emoji1]

 

 

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I know exactly how you feel when they ask those questions.........it is almost comical if not so invasive when they steal your info....

Today credit card fraud is rampant and blaming a business when it might not even be the business isn't right. Hacks into bank data bases happen.

I had a credit card used in Paris to buy Kentucky Fried Chicken. Hadn't used it in ages.

 

 

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was it the extra crispy? I love that style.......

I'm apologize for making light of your situation but seeing the post title, all i could think of was

 

 

:)

LOVE IT!!!!! Thanks for the great childhood memories......:D

The suit was purchased in the Cayman Islands?

I don't believe so.....many times the numbers are "sold" on the dark web. The CC company cancelled the card when that transaction came in knowing our traveling itinery.

I only mention RCL because RCL has a defacto relationship with this company and has endorses this company when shopping. A reputation takes a lifetime to establish yet a minute to ruin. RCL should suspend it's association with the company or at least not sponsor it in their presentations. I am sure this theft happens more than is reported and such does not make it look good for RCL.Only my opinion.

What kind of charge was made and where?

A men's suit etc...........I'm not a "suit guy"........;p

Yes it is scary that is why we travel with "pacsafe" wallets and pocketbooks. Can never be too safe.

Thanks for posting. Have you informed RCI of your experience with TI? If not, you should.

I have and will write a formal letter as well as E-mail. Thanks.:)

So, how was the cruise?

Being our third time on the Freedom it was so - so. She is showing her age and I feel the money is being sucked out of the ship and put into the new builds. We had a suite and the deck glass looked as if it was a high rise window in China, filthy with salt and dirt. Worn carpet and a toilet that ran and overflowed and shower that flooded the floor of the bathroom. Sad to see her in this condition. Crew was very good as was the food in general. Shore excursions was a cluster - - - - IMO.

It's so easy for thieves to steal credit card info..they target high traffic areas

Impossible to know exactly who stole your number

 

The ONLY person / people who had any access to that card was the employees in T.I. store PERIOD. That particular card did not come out of the wallet and had a zero balance on the card. Not used in any public transaction. It is suspicious that the card leaves with the employee into a back room during the sale. There was no other time that card could have been compromised except in that store at that time in Grand Cayman.

For all those interested just returned from the Freedom of the Seas and found out our credit card number was STOLEN!. The ONLY place this card was used was in Tanzanite International Grand Cayman. No other time was this card used. All our on board purchases were with the R.C. card. T.I. was a "trusted vendor" by RCL according to the on board "expert" Li. :eek:Ha! so much for "trusted". RCL should really examine with whom it deals in the future and if a percentage is worth the future distrust of this family on anything RCL sponsors on future cruises.

As far as the 6 day Western cruise it was "hmmmmp" and if you have any questions just ask.

Thank you Bluegirly for the review. Our daughter loved the kids' club much more than Disney's kids' club. She found much more flexibility by the staff.

Free!........

Does the 7 and 8 year old kids prefer white or red? And do they still use a sippy cup when they travel?.......

It's the Russians......

It's the Russians.........:eek:

Best wishes for the person/s involved. At this point their health is the most important issue, not talk about potential medical costs.

...of course we all wish for the best. But sitting in your home there is nothing that can be done for the patient. But in life there are teaching moments and this should be one....Pay for the insurance.............