Carnival Dream A Nightmare 12/26/2009

[czechgal]

We booked Carnival air both times, and because it was winter time for both cruises, we asked if they could schedule our flights a day earlier. THey did without any hesitation. All you have to do is ask. But most people don't know this.

 

I'm sure they will book day of the cruise for everyone unless asked. And it was no more expensive for flights a day earlier than the day of the cruise (other than the cost of a hotel room, which is well worth it to me).

[lady_cruiser]

Since you experience was not that great maybe you should consider cruising from a port closer to your house.

[wentworth]

Since you experience was not that great maybe you should consider cruising from a port closer to your house.

 

 

On one of the Great Lakes? :)

[crewsweeper]

Looks like Karma had something to do with this one....Seems like the OP is a chronic complainer. The OP sent a complaint letter after their recent Princess cruise, complaining about many of the same "problems"(not the air issue).

And they used the Cruise lines for air transportation too. They also booked a balcony over the lido deck and complained about the noise too. Then had a big uproar over Aruba being "closed" on a Sunday when they went there. Plus they complained the "overly bleached" water on th ePrincess, just out of drydock, gave them pneumonia.

I kinda think they're not real cruisers and don't do their homework before booking cruises. Thus, while we can empathize with their situation, I'd say this nightmare was mostly of their own making, not sure it's at all Carnival's fault. And I've seen 3 other reviews of this cruise of which the worst was a pretty fair good/bad live review.

[awhcruiser]

Less stress if you could have flown in the day before....

 

We were scheduled to sail on the Carnival Dream Dec 26 2009.Our flight from Toronto on Westjet 1228 was delayed by 2 hours when they decided to do a full security check at the gate only 45 minutes before takeoff.Instead of leaving at 10:30 am we finally left at 1230pm.I called the carnival hotline to let them know about the delay and they said to call on arrival at Orlando.We arrived in Orlando at 318pm so I called Carnival right away since we did not see anyone at the airport.Our ship was to depart at 4pm.The rep at Carnival said we would not be able to get on the ship.Carnival booked 2 nights for us at the Springhill Suites by Marriott Orlando Airport.We had to pay for the Hotel and our meals then when we got on board ,Carnival gave us an onboard credit for the costs.They booked us a flight on Monday Dec.28 to fly at 9am to Houston from Orlando then at 1137 am to fly Houston to Cozumel.We arrived in Cozumel at 2pm.We got on a shuttle which cost 8$ each to near the ship dock.We walked past the stores to the security gates at the dock.No Carnival Rep was there to great us as promissed in a telephone conversation earlier.The security at the gate filled out some form for us and told us we could go to the ship.We dragged our 4 suitcases to the ship.Outside the ship another security person took our names and told us to wait.About 15 minutes later he came back and told us to come onboard to the persurs desk.It was now almost 4pm so we did not have time to explore Cozumel at all.So now we missed the sailing ,the day at sea and the day in Cozumel.We went for dinner only to find out they had given our table away.We were given another table near the coffee machines and told we would have a table for two the next day.The next morning we got a card under the door indicating we had our original table back.We went for dinner and sat at that table only to be told we could not sit there.After some waiting they gave us another table for two.Our problems were not over.During the night I heard a lot of banging from the balcony.The door between our balcony and the next one had a loose latch.I jammed the rubber door stop in it to stop the movement.We had room 2400 which on the ship card was under the Galley.It was noisy from about 4am until 1am each night.The people next to us smoked in thier room and on thier balcony much to our displeasure.We also noticed that people seated on the Lido deck next to the grill and sandwich bar were smoking.Because of that we did not eat at either location.The drinks on the ship are very pricey.It cost $20. for 2 Margaritas.On shore we found the beer prices had been jacked up since our last visit as they are now $3.50 plus each depending on what type of beer you drink.One store was selling 1L liquor at 2 for $50. The ship price was 2 for $34. We are hoping to get a reimbursement from Carnival for the days we lost on the ship.Even if our flight had been on time,we would have been on board about 230 to 3pm.I dont understand why we were booked on such a late flight by Carnival.Our flight back home left Orlando at 130pm,arrived in Atlanta at 254pm then flew to Toronto at 6pm arriving about 715 pm.I have sent Carnival a detailed letter about our experience with the cruise on the Dream.I will let you all know how it works out.I am not holding my breathe on this one though.

[halos]

 

I do have to ask though, as a fellow Canadian, why would you fly from Canada in the middle of winter on the same day you were to depart? It is a recipe for disaster. One little hiccup and, well you saw what happened.

 

.

 

 

I agree.

Anyone that lives up north would never (in their right mind) fly in the day of a cruise.

To be honest NO ONE who has to fly should fly in the same day unless they absolutely have to. Bad weather anywhere sets off a chain reaction that causes delays all over the place.

Flying is a nightmare. In my opinion you should always expect something to go wrong and plan accordingly...which in the case of trying to make a cruise ship, means getting to the port at least one day in advance.

If your flight plans go perfectly, you should then thank heavens because you've been given a rare gift.

 

Flying in the day of is just a very big risk ESPECIALLY in the winter. You have to be willing to take the consequences when your risk does not pay off.

[osiebosie]

I'm laughing because this thread is just a conversation between the normal posters; OP hasn't been back, and probably won't come back. There have actally been posters taking OP's side, so it would be good if OP jumped back in with another comment or two, or to clarify some things.

 

But only if OP uses paragraphs.

 

It's obvious what the lesson is here.

 

Shay

[MrPete]

I'm laughing because this thread is just a conversation between the normal posters; OP hasn't been back, and probably won't come back. There have actally been posters taking OP's side, so it would be good if OP jumped back in with another comment or two, or to clarify some things.

 

But only if OP uses paragraphs.

 

It's obvious what the lesson is here.

 

Shay

 

They've been a member here for 6 year, and only has 19 posts. They may have a life between posts. :eek:

[osiebosie]

Well they posted nearly 24 hours ago. When I start a thread, I keep checking on it to see what's said. But I've had a job, so I do understand that you can't be online always.

 

I just get a feeling we won't see any more of OP, but it would be nice if we did.

 

Shay

[SmogMonster]

Let me get this straight... the OP had a 10:30 AM flight from Canada. What? An international flight, with customs delays? Even under the best of circumstances, they would have barely made the check-in cutoff time.

 

I take it the OP purchased cruise air from Carnival.

 

Ok, listen up, carefully...

 

Never, Never, Never purchase cruise air!!! You'll be soooo-rrrrry!

 

You will Always be better off making your own air reservations and either take a super-early flight or come the day before! Not only will you pay less money for your flights, you will likely have a better flight and less chance of missing the ship.

 

Have to agree with you on this Salty Dingo. We always book our own air mostly because it is cheaper. On all our cruises that involved air and others we have researched I have never (that I recall) found it cheaper to book through the cruiseline.

We also found out that if you want to fly in a day earlier, it is much more expensive to ask for a deviation from the cruiseline and book through them. This is because they purchase blocks of tickets from different carriers at a discounted rate. if you recquest a deviation from that carrier or flighttime, it cuts into their profit margin so they pass it on to you.

 

I am sorry you had such a bad experience. I agree that Carnival needs to pony up and fix this since they messed it up.

[PunkinsDad]

Wow......well, this thread makes me glad for several things....

 

First, living here on the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast puts several great departure ports within easy driving distance (Mobile, New Orleans, Galveston, Tampa, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, Miami). Even so, we always drive in the day before......just in case. With a family of 4 it's just so much cheaper and less hassle to drive. Obviously, if I lived in Ontario I wouldn't have this option!!!

 

Second, Smokers really don't bother me (and I have mild asthma) at least not enough to ruin my cruise.

 

And lastly, when I'm on a cruise, it really takes a lot to upset me!!!! :)

[ve3ell]

When we fly (we are in Vancouver) to get to our departure city we ALWAYS fly at least a day early. In fact, for our next cruise we are leaving Vancouver on a Saturday for a Monday afternoon departure in Miami.

 

Now, I understand your disappointment. I was wondering...who booked your flight from Toronto? You or Carnival?

 

Hello,Carnival booked the flight.We only got our flight info 30 days before the cruise.The delay was due to what happened in Detroit on Christmas Day on a Delta flight.There will be full body scanners operating as early as next week at Pearson International Airport in Toronto.Next time we will leave 1 day in advance and we always have insurance just in case of problems like we had.

[ve3ell]

sounds like they really helped you out of a bad spot....kudos to you for not letting a weather delay get you down...really cool of carnival to set you up with airfare and hotel rooms...im sure carnival will appreciate your note to them about a job well done

 

The flight delay was not due to the weather.A security checkpoint was setup at the gate to the airplane only 45 minutes before departure.This was poor planning on part of the security people at YYZ .They bodily searched all passengers including children.

[ve3ell]

Sorry for your terrible experiences! We were on the same cruise, and I have to agree on the smoking issue. There is one side of the ship that is smoke free --- I'm not good with the "ship terminology". But as is with the casino and the bars on the Lido deck....on one side--- smoking is not allowed. Our cabin was on the Lido deck. We did have smokers next door....yuck! Not only was it smelly, I just feel it is a safety issue, as well.

 

Be persistent with your refund issue! But do, in the future...book your own flight. We went the day before and were very glad we did.

 

As of today I still have not heard from Carnival.I did once book my own flight when they had us flying from Toronto to Detroit then to Tampa with only 1 hour between planes in the winter.Our flight home was fast but we didnt like the idea of being on a Delta flight after what happened on Christmas day in Detroit with the bomb scare.The rep I first called when our flight was delayed didnt even know about the tightened security at YYZ.We were the only ones on that flight heading to a cruise.It seems to me Carnival is in business just to make money ! They dont seem too concerned when passengers have a problem.

[Princessbride3]

First off, I always buy insurance just because you never know what type of catastophe might and could happen, so i feel it is well worth the insurance for that. I have booked with carnivals air before three times, we typically do carribean itineraries and we live in wa state so typically we fly down the day before and then we get a hotel paid for. Sometimes i have booked air myself but the last time we went carnivals air was actually cheaper but that was because rates were sooo high at that time. It wasnt carnivals fault that the plane had issues.. but wish you would have maybe had a better experience. I have tried to learn that you just roll with the punches and try to have the best time you can. I hope you get some compensation back. We had an issue when we got married almost 5 yrs ago that one of our friends who booked airfare with carnival because they knew that he was attending our wedding, well he wasnt able to get there in time and they did reimburse us a bit for the food since we had a ton and he wasnt able to make it. Most the time i think they are pretty fair, good luck!

[F22Smitty]

It seems to me Carnival is in business just to make money !

 

Uhmm, what do you think they were in business for?:confused:

[ve3ell]

According to Carnival's FAQ on shore excursions:

 

Do I have to book a shore excursion through Carnival or can I go off on my own?

You are not obligated to book shore excursions through Carnival in order to leave the ship. Public transportation is available at each port. We suggest you visit your local library, bookstore or a pertinent web site to determine where you would like to go.

 

Carnival does not offer any alternatives from the established shore excursion program. All shore excursions sold through Carnival are coordinated with reputable tour operators and include all the most popular sites of interest.

 

One of the many benefits of booking excursions through Carnival is a guarantee that the ship will remain in port until all guests are back onboard. Carnival will not be aware of shore excursions that are booked independently. Also, keep in mind that some ports have visa requirements that may prevent you from venturing off on your own.

 

The ship was leaving Costa Maya on the 12/26/2009 cruise when it made an abrupt stop and pulled back into the dock to pick up people that got to the ship late from thier booked excursion with carnival.I wish they had waited for us to arrive from our late flight.We would have been at the dock in Port Canaveral only 45 minutes late for the cruise the was to depart at 4pm.

[JUGGER]

We were scheduled to sail on the Carnival Dream Dec 26 2009.Our flight from Toronto on Westjet 1228 was delayed by 2 hours when they decided to do a full security check at the gate only 45 minutes before takeoff.Instead of leaving at 10:30 am we finally left at 1230pm.I called the carnival hotline to let them know about the delay and they said to call on arrival at Orlando.We arrived in Orlando at 318pm so I called Carnival right away since we did not see anyone at the airport.Our ship was to depart at 4pm.The rep at Carnival said we would not be able to get on the ship.Carnival booked 2 nights for us at the Springhill Suites by Marriott Orlando Airport.We had to pay for the Hotel and our meals then when we got on board ,Carnival gave us an onboard credit for the costs.They booked us a flight on Monday Dec.28 to fly at 9am to Houston from Orlando then at 1137 am to fly Houston to Cozumel.We arrived in Cozumel at 2pm.We got on a shuttle which cost 8$ each to near the ship dock.We walked past the stores to the security gates at the dock.No Carnival Rep was there to great us as promissed in a telephone conversation earlier.The security at the gate filled out some form for us and told us we could go to the ship.We dragged our 4 suitcases to the ship.Outside the ship another security person took our names and told us to wait.About 15 minutes later he came back and told us to come onboard to the persurs desk.It was now almost 4pm so we did not have time to explore Cozumel at all.So now we missed the sailing ,the day at sea and the day in Cozumel.We went for dinner only to find out they had given our table away.We were given another table near the coffee machines and told we would have a table for two the next day.The next morning we got a card under the door indicating we had our original table back.We went for dinner and sat at that table only to be told we could not sit there.After some waiting they gave us another table for two.Our problems were not over.During the night I heard a lot of banging from the balcony.The door between our balcony and the next one had a loose latch.I jammed the rubber door stop in it to stop the movement.We had room 2400 which on the ship card was under the Galley.It was noisy from about 4am until 1am each night.The people next to us smoked in thier room and on thier balcony much to our displeasure.We also noticed that people seated on the Lido deck next to the grill and sandwich bar were smoking.Because of that we did not eat at either location.The drinks on the ship are very pricey.It cost $20. for 2 Margaritas.On shore we found the beer prices had been jacked up since our last visit as they are now $3.50 plus each depending on what type of beer you drink.One store was selling 1L liquor at 2 for $50. The ship price was 2 for $34. We are hoping to get a reimbursement from Carnival for the days we lost on the ship.Even if our flight had been on time,we would have been on board about 230 to 3pm.I dont understand why we were booked on such a late flight by Carnival.Our flight back home left Orlando at 130pm,arrived in Atlanta at 254pm then flew to Toronto at 6pm arriving about 715 pm.I have sent Carnival a detailed letter about our experience with the cruise on the Dream.I will let you all know how it works out.I am not holding myon this 0n this. --------JUST FINISHED READING YOUR REPORT---SORRY ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS WITH THE TRIP ON THE DREAM--BUT--DID YOU BOOK YOUR AIR CONNECTION THRU--CARNIVAL---IF SO, --AS WE ALWAYS DO---TRAVEL INSURANCE COMES WITH IT--AND PICKS UP THE COST. ON OUR MANY TRIPS TO EUROPE--THIS IS WHAT WE DO---EVEN IF THE PRICE OF THE FLIGHT MIGHT SEEM PRICEY---BUT IT IS WORTH IT---BECAUSE IF A PROBLEM ARISES---CARNIVAL PICKS UP THE PROBLEM. MAYBE FOR GOOD RELATIONS THEY MIGHT DO SOMETHING FOR YOU IN THIS INSTANCE----GOOD LUCK AND DONT GIVE UP CRUISING---IRENE AND JOHN JOYCE

[awhcruiser]

Was flying in the day before not possible? I will never fly in the day of...Way too much stress..

 

The ship was leaving Costa Maya on the 12/26/2009 cruise when it made an abrupt stop and pulled back into the dock to pick up people that got to the ship late from thier booked excursion with carnival.I wish they had waited for us to arrive from our late flight.We would have been at the dock in Port Canaveral only 45 minutes late for the cruise the was to depart at 4pm.

[G'ma]

It seems to me Carnival is in business just to make money ! quote]

 

REALLY????

 

Whoda thunk it???

[leadout_kv]

I have never seen so many ridiculous replies (albeit in the midst of some sane ones!) in all my time on these boards. I don't think some people even read what they're posting a reply to...they just know Carnival is being blamed for something (and in this case rightly so) and go into their idiotic Carnival defense mode.

 

Unbelieveable. To the op all I can say is you deserve lots of compensation and I hope you get it...good luck!!

 

You won't find too many people on this board, not just this thread but this entire board, that would defend someone and/or have sympathy for someone who decided to fly in the day of the cruise from Canada no less and did not buy insurance especially during the winter months.

 

So, you classify all replies that don't defend the OP as ridiculous? Ummm....

[flyingb]

We were scheduled to sail on the Carnival Dream Dec 26 2009.Our flight from Toronto on Westjet 1228 was delayed by 2 hours when they decided to do a full security check at the gate only 45 minutes before takeoff.Instead of leaving at 10:30 am we finally left at 1230pm.I called the carnival hotline to let them know about the delay and they said to call on arrival at Orlando.We arrived in Orlando at 318pm so I called Carnival right away since we did not see anyone at the airport.Our ship was to depart at 4pm.The rep at Carnival said we would not be able to get on the ship.Carnival booked 2 nights for us at the Springhill Suites by Marriott Orlando Airport.We had to pay for the Hotel and our meals then when we got on board ,Carnival gave us an onboard credit for the costs.They booked us a flight on Monday Dec.28 to fly at 9am to Houston from Orlando then at 1137 am to fly Houston to Cozumel.We arrived in Cozumel at 2pm.We got on a shuttle which cost 8$ each to near the ship dock.We walked past the stores to the security gates at the dock.No Carnival Rep was there to great us as promissed in a telephone conversation earlier.The security at the gate filled out some form for us and told us we could go to the ship.We dragged our 4 suitcases to the ship.Outside the ship another security person took our names and told us to wait.About 15 minutes later he came back and told us to come onboard to the persurs desk.It was now almost 4pm so we did not have time to explore Cozumel at all.So now we missed the sailing ,the day at sea and the day in Cozumel.We went for dinner only to find out they had given our table away.We were given another table near the coffee machines and told we would have a table for two the next day.The next morning we got a card under the door indicating we had our original table back.We went for dinner and sat at that table only to be told we could not sit there.After some waiting they gave us another table for two.Our problems were not over.During the night I heard a lot of banging from the balcony.The door between our balcony and the next one had a loose latch.I jammed the rubber door stop in it to stop the movement.We had room 2400 which on the ship card was under the Galley.It was noisy from about 4am until 1am each night.The people next to us smoked in thier room and on thier balcony much to our displeasure.We also noticed that people seated on the Lido deck next to the grill and sandwich bar were smoking.Because of that we did not eat at either location.The drinks on the ship are very pricey.It cost $20. for 2 Margaritas.On shore we found the beer prices had been jacked up since our last visit as they are now $3.50 plus each depending on what type of beer you drink.One store was selling 1L liquor at 2 for $50. The ship price was 2 for $34. We are hoping to get a reimbursement from Carnival for the days we lost on the ship.Even if our flight had been on time,we would have been on board about 230 to 3pm.I dont understand why we were booked on such a late flight by Carnival.Our flight back home left Orlando at 130pm,arrived in Atlanta at 254pm then flew to Toronto at 6pm arriving about 715 pm.I have sent Carnival a detailed letter about our experience with the cruise on the Dream.I will let you all know how it works out.I am not holding my breathe on this one though.

 

I hope this hasn't been said before, but I don't want to read about 80 emails to find out. About the noise at night, who chose your cabin you, TA, PVP or was it unassigned? I always check to see where my cabin is before I book. After one time under the Pizza place and once under the galley :eek: I learned to do some research. It's location, location, location, location!

Hope you enjoy your next cruise more. ;)

Luv's Crusin'

[ve3ell]

ve3ell.....did you ever hear back about the lengthy letter you sent to Princess cruiselines....???

 

After the lung infection from the overbleached water I'm surprised you didn't purchase cruise insurance:rolleyes:

 

I'm sorry but who made your flight arrangements and did you not look at them....do you know orlando doesn't have a port..so you had a good hour ride to port canaveral?:confused: Why should carnival had held up the ship for your poor planning...

 

 

Sorry...just don't get it....

 

All we ever got from the bad experience on the Caribbean Princess ship was a $20. onboard credit for each of us 2.We always have insurance included just in case of problems.We only got our flight details 1 week before the actual cruise on the Carnival Dream..No one else on the flight was going on a cruise.From now on we will book our own flights.Carnival doesnt know what they are doing when it comes to booking flights.They just want to save money for themselves and over charge you for flights.I wonder if Carnival has home makers doing the bookings for them just like Expedia does.

[ve3ell]

I thought that since Carnival booked the flights and there was a confirmed delay they would wait just like they do with Carnival booked excursions??????

 

 

What is the perk of carnival booking airfare if they can't hold the ship a few minutes for their mistake?

 

I found out from another passenger that the ship never left port until 5pm.The rep on the phone from Carnival said it was promptly leaving at 4pm..she lied !

[azkcruizers]

Are you insinuating something about the intelligence of homemakers??