Elevator Incident on Rhapsody of the Seas

[madforcruising]

I have written a letter to Royal Caribbean with some suggestions for process improvement, including a suggestion that the elevator maintenance records be posted in the elevators instead of filed in an office whose location is not widely known.

 

 

I have to ask why should those maintenance records be posted in the elevator instead of the Captain´s office?:confused:

 

Would it have changed your situation? Or is it just to give you some reading material to have the time pass faster if again in such a situation?;)

 

Honestly in most office buildings, Hotels and such the papers are located in some central office place and I think that makes perfect snese to have them available at one central place.

 

For sure you´ve been in a stressful situation, but from your detailed description it sounds to me like it was very well handled and every action and andvice from the crew to you makes perfect sense to me.

 

I agree that a note or call from management would have been a nice thing, but don´t think any compensation was due for this mishap.

[bilyclub]

A note or follow up phone call would have been nice, but its not like the elevator plunged a few stories down and people were injured. Elevators get stuck all the time.

[chev29]

why do you expect a gift because you happened to be inconvenienced due to a mechanical failure?

 

 

Because people are greedy. They want everything they can get for nothing. I've been inconvienced, what are you going to give me?

[cb at sea]

The MOST surprising thing ,to me, was that she was ALONE in the elevator!!!!! Most of the time, there's a huge crowd pushing and shoving to get on or off!

 

If I have to get stuck, I'd rather it be while I'm alone, than crammed in, shoulder to shoulder, with a bunch of other people!

[uppitycats]

That had to be very frightening! I use a wheelchair so need always to use an elevator, and I do worry about what would happen if it got stuck between floors (between me and my wheelchair, they'd need a hoist to get me out of there!)

 

While I don't think any sort of monetary compensation (champagne, chocolates) should be expected, it would have been nice if you'd gotten a note, or phone call, or some other acknowledgement of the incident.

 

On my last cruise, coming over a high threshhold my wheelchair lurched and I was thrown out of it -- my fault, entirely -- yet several cruise members (not this cruise line) came running to my rescue, helped me back into the chair, asked me all the questions you were asked (I also declined any medical treatment), and everyone dispersed. I headed back to my cabin to find a ringing phone -- the medical center called, to ask if indeed I was all right, and made suggestions about "what to look for" if any injuries surfaced. And several times the next day various crew members would see me and stop and ask if I was OK..

 

Fortunately, other than the embarrassment of it all!, I was fine. But it was nice to be acknowledged and asked about my health. I suspect if that had happened with you, that would have been the end of it.

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

Oh my, what a frightening experience!

I would of freaked out...I am claustrophobic and would of panicked. You kept a cool head and did not panic. It would of taken a lot more than chocolate to calm me down!!! :D

 

I agree with Gordon....when have you ever had an elevator to yourself???? Its usually jammed packed and someone thinks there is always room for just one more! :eek:

 

***

[bmazzo]

I agree with the poster. She had a frightening experience and it shouldn't have been ignored. A small gift would have made her feel a little bit more appreciated. Noone should have to be made to feel small and unimportant. It is becoming the norm on Royal Caribbean where the dollar is king and the passenger just an income.

 

 

 

What you are (and others) are not getting is that RCL did not ignore the situation. There was a simple malfunction on an elevator and no less than 4 crew mwmbers came to assist. Elevators get stuck once in a while, sometimes for a few minutes, and sometime longer. This poster was not likely in any danger as modern elevators have ample built in safety systems. The main problem here is that more and more people today are more concerned with what compensation that they deserve for what amounts to being just a little inconvenienced. The poster herself wrote that she was more interested in chocolate than getting checked out by the ships doctor. Even if she wanted to see he ships doctor a day or so later, given the situation a call to the guest relations desk would have made that happen. Anyway, slam me if you want, but the fact is this woman was not hurt, and instead of complaining that she didn't get a free bottle champaigne or an OBC that its RCL's fault. By the way, they are a busines and customers are income. Don't forget that.

[theshortchef]

Anyone who is in the service industry would understand that RCCL should have done a nice little something for the OP.

 

Hard to believe that the OP has been called greedy as well as being accused of all kinds of inappropriate behavior. These comments might apply if the OP was demanding a free cruise, but a lousy drink or a fresh flower to say "we care" was in order.

 

The blind allegiance is just that, blind!

[G'ma]

OP must be new to cruising.....

 

Anyone remember the Galileo? The Enchanted Seas? Caribe I and II?

Home Lines? The beloved Mardi Gras from the Carnival line?...and dozens of others. How about almost any ship in the sea during the 70's and 80's?

 

Elevator malfunctions were a way of life.....and a source of humor.

 

To expect compensation is silly.....it's a cruise ship and "ship" happens.

 

Get over it and move on.

[mikedw]

I think in these economic times, the era of something free for any inconvenience is over. I don't agree with it but must companies feel that it's not worth it, better to lose a customer who they're barely breaking even on then spend more money to make them happy. Unfortunately a lot of companies are doing this so unless you want to spend several grand per person on a luxury cruise line, it's going to be the same everywhere you go.

[ccletzgo]

I am extremely claustrophobic, if this had happened to me, they wouldn't need to hear an alarm I would be screaming so loudly. They would not have asked if I wanted to go to the clinic they would have escorted me because of the hysterical condition I would have been in...it would not have been pretty.

You handled the situation very well...

Just the thought of the whole thing makes me very uneasy.

 

 

My heart rate is up just reading this thread. :eek: I have nightmares about being stuck in elevators, and in elevators that are falling. I wouldn't have been in very good shape if this happened to me. I also agree with the above poster that mentioned the hospitality business. Its different then an office building or a mall. People are paying to stay there and a nice note from management would be expected by me. Nothing more, just a note of acknowledgment.

[theshortchef]

I believe that the poster above also suggested that I was new to cruising when I posted about a disappointment. This must be her fall back position to everything.

 

I'm also not thinking that the incident being consistent with that of a half a century ago makes for a very good point.

[jmf123]

I'm a bit claustrophobic and didn't enjoy the 45 minutes stuck in an elevator (alone) this past summer while going to have blood drawn. When Maintenance finally opened the doors, I found myself in between floors and looking down at a crowd of people! A ladder had been brought over (which I declined) and I just lowered my (tall) self down and into the arms of two maintenance men. A hospital rep asked how I was and walked me down the hall to the lab.

 

On the subject of a cruise incident, on our very first cruise (NCL) we came back from breakfast to find that our stateroom's large picture window had shattered. It spider-webbed into a million pieces but remained intact. A ship's officer and engineer arrived (and the Scandinavian officer asked jokingly "vat did you do to my ship?!"). It was good as new when we returned from an afternoon Shore Excursion, and we were surprised to find a bottle of wine with a note of apology for the inconvenience! I wouldn't have expected any type of compensation from the cruiseline. We were told that it's rare, but sometimes when a window is installed too tightly, over time it can crack.

 

At least the OP likely received all the chocolate cake she could eat on board! :)

[Gracie115]

Anyone who is in the service industry would understand that RCCL should have done a nice little something for the OP. !

 

I AM IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY, VERY SUCCESSFUL TOO AND HERE'S WHAT I SAY TO THAT:

 

BULL..... I manage a large resort in Florida...this kind of stuff happens...you do everything you can to insure safety..you say "I'm sorry, glad you weren't hurt" and you move on.

 

NO, "a little something" is not what RCCL should have done.

 

RCCL did EVERYTHING they needed to do.....they sent 4 guys...they got her out...END OF STORY...

[Ocean Boy]

I have written a letter to Royal Caribbean with some suggestions for process improvement, including a suggestion that the elevator maintenance records be posted in the elevators instead of filed in an office whose location is not widely known.

 

Why? So you would have something to read to pass the time while you are stuck in there? How about suggesting that they keep a good book in there instead.

[Gracie115]

and.. as I said in my 1st post here I've been stuck in an elevator for nearly two hours...it was IN A HOTEL, not one I worked at and when they got me out I THANKED THEM and went and had a drink.

 

I'm also claustrophobic so it wasn't fun....but expecting anyone to compensate me for my problems is absurd.

[BMT]

We were stuck in an elevator recently on an RCCL ship - there were 12 people, including a lady in a wheelchair and a very elderly person. We picked up the emergency phone and our predicament was acknowledged. After 25 minutes it was becoming extremely hot and we had not heard another word. We were becoming agitated as it was a few weeks after the Tower Bridge lift incident.

 

Suddenly, the doors opened and two engineers helped us out - just said sorry.

 

What I complained about, is that there was no-one present from Guest Relations - no medics, just two engineers. We staggered to a bar and had a drink. Don't know about the others.

 

When I complained later at GR that someone in authority should have been present when we emerged, I was asked for the names of the people in the lift, so they could be checked on. As if I knew who they were:(

 

I was told the next day that the system was being changed.

 

Having been in PR all my life - yes, a small plate of choccie strawbs would have been a nice gesture to the OP - they are produced by the thousand. The so-called bottle of champagne doesn't even cost 50c. So "Why Not?"

 

Bad PR that's all I can say. A trashy bottle or strawbs isn't compensation - its an acknowledgment from a concerned organisation whose guests have had an unpleasant experience on their premises.

[Ocean Boy]

We were stuck in an elevator recently on an RCCL ship - there were 12 people, including a lady in a wheelchair and a very elderly person. We picked up the emergency phone and our predicament was acknowledged. After 25 minutes it was becoming extremely hot and we had not heard another word. We were becoming agitated as it was a few weeks after the Tower Bridge lift incident.

 

Suddenly, the doors opened and two engineers helped us out - just said sorry.

 

What I complained about, is that there was no-one present from Guest Relations - no medics, just two engineers. We staggered to a bar and had a drink. Don't know about the others.

 

When I complained later at GR that someone in authority should have been present when we emerged, I was asked for the names of the people in the lift, so they could be checked on. As if I knew who they were:(

 

I was told the next day that the system was being changed.

 

Having been in PR all my life - yes, a small plate of choccie strawbs would have been a nice gesture to the OP - they are produced by the thousand. The so-called bottle of champagne doesn't even cost 50c. So "Why Not?"

 

Bad PR that's all I can say. A trashy bottle or strawbs isn't compensation - its an acknowledgment from a concerned organisation whose guests have had an unpleasant experience on their premises.

I find it a bit amusing that you were concerned about the personel that were present, especially the lack of a physician, and felt that a complaint needed to be made but your first priority was staggering to a bar. First things first I guess!:D

[sammee]

Hell w/the strawberries, chocolate or champagne. The only medic needed would have been free drinks for the night, some good strong ones.

[Yvonne]

Very well written.

 

... and then the greed factor entered into the story.

 

Exactly....and this is OP's first post too. :rolleyes:

[Bakincakes]

A small gesture would not have been out of order for RCI.

 

A guest was inconvenienced because of an equipment malfunction.

 

Would a free drink or a plate of the strawberries killed RCI?

 

As others have said that would have been good customer service.

[Mark_K]

Why does everyone think a cruise line owes them so much more? If your flight was diverted or cancelled due to a mechanical breakdown which happened to me last Sunday, does the airline owe me a bottle of wine, or champagne, or a free flight?

A few weeks ago my wife and I had a flight delayed due to a mechanical breakdown and we each got a $250 voucher for a future flight. They called it a gesture of goodwill. Maybe you need to switch to a better airline.

[arrow3]

This happened many times in the elevators in the office building I work in. I've been stuck in an elevator a few times myself. Once I get out, it's just business as usual.

 

You should know that elevators are very safe and that they have brakes that prevent them from moving anytime the motor is not operating. You may feel like you're hanging in the shaft, but in reality you're attached securely to the rail. Even if the brakes failed, the counterweight would either slowly raise you or lower you down (depending on the weight in the car), so there's nothing to be concerned about.

[spongerob]

I'm also claustrophobic so it wasn't fun....but expecting anyone to compensate me for my problems is absurd.

I agree...why is it that so many people these days use every little thing that happens to them as an excuse for sympathy, and some sort of compenstaion?

[theshortchef]

I AM IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY, VERY SUCCESSFUL TOO AND HERE'S WHAT I SAY TO THAT:

 

BULL..... I manage a large resort in Florida...this kind of stuff happens...you do everything you can to insure safety..you say "I'm sorry, glad you weren't hurt" and you move on.

 

NO, "a little something" is not what RCCL should have done.

 

RCCL did EVERYTHING they needed to do.....they sent 4 guys...they got her out...END OF STORY...

 

And you come across as very service oriented.

 

Another difference between you and I is that I respect and appreciate my customers.