Very disappointed with Destiny 12/9/10

[ManderDorough]

Well I want to apologize to regular cruisers that were unhappy due to the Backstreet Boys fans. The OP does have a proper reason to be upset, especially with the speakers blaring all night. The cabin under the lido deck was a bad choice but you can't find that out until you experience it.

 

I beg of you not to sit and judge the Boys and fan though. Just because one group of Fans is disrupting your sleep and shoving you out of the way to catch up with a band member doesn't mean they all will. Also, to make the assumption that the guys think they're better than regular people is wrong. They are all sweet and down to earth. I have never seen any of them use their status to treat others like crap in all the years they have been jamming. Even without a special group on board, there's always jerks. Jerks are everywhere whether they're apart of a fan base or not. I did not attend the cruise but I would have respected the regular folks since I know how it feels. I am sure there was a chunk of regulars that were downright horrible to peaceful BSB fans so the foul is on both teams.

 

 

Also - loud obnoxious people are everywhere as well. I've been on a normal cruise and experienced a fair share of boneheads who ran down the halls screaming, knocking on peoples cabin doors at 3:00am, blared music 24/7, and started fights. I am sorry they did not warn you about all this. I would have been peeved as well.

[Little Elm]

I am almost certain the BSB cruise was set last February, if not a little sooner. It was mentioned to the fan club members in February I believe. I also know that NKOTB schedule their cruises almost a year in advance. Not sure about some of the others, Rick Springfield, Kid Rock, etc., but I'd imagine they schedule them almost a year out as well.

More than a year out. While on Ricks cruise this year we booked for next year. So F.Y.I. to a lot of you, don't plan on sailing the Destiny on Nov5th.:D

[Little Elm]

Rick's cruises are half charters. His most recent one in November was about 800 people, plus I believe their was some kind of soap opera actor as well.

The first Rick cruise was about 1200 people. the 2nd around 900. 3rd cruise was around 1000.

 

Rick always has another musical guest. 2010 it was Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon. Soap stars Doug Davidson (Y&R and Rick's best friend since they were 17) Eric Martsolf (Days of Our Lives)

[cruisinwithbsb]

More than a year out. While on Ricks cruise this year we booked for next year. So F.Y.I. to a lot of you, don't plan on sailing the Destiny on Nov5th.:D

 

I will make sure that I also make an announcement when we find out when the next BSB cruise is. That way those of you who were upset about this one can make sure you don't book that sailing. Although, we do not know yet whether our next cruise will be a half or full charter. Based on the success of this cruise, I think they can easily do a full charter although I would much prefer a half charter.

[cruisinwithbsb]

Well I want to apologize to regular cruisers that were unhappy due to the Backstreet Boys fans. The OP does have a proper reason to be upset, especially with the speakers blaring all night. The cabin under the lido deck was a bad choice but you can't find that out until you experience it.

 

I beg of you not to sit and judge the Boys and fan though. Just because one group of Fans is disrupting your sleep and shoving you out of the way to catch up with a band member doesn't mean they all will. Also, to make the assumption that the guys think they're better than regular people is wrong. They are all sweet and down to earth. I have never seen any of them use their status to treat others like crap in all the years they have been jamming. Even without a special group on board, there's always jerks. Jerks are everywhere whether they're apart of a fan base or not. I did not attend the cruise but I would have respected the regular folks since I know how it feels. I am sure there was a chunk of regulars that were downright horrible to peaceful BSB fans so the foul is on both teams.

 

 

Also - loud obnoxious people are everywhere as well. I've been on a normal cruise and experienced a fair share of boneheads who ran down the halls screaming, knocking on peoples cabin doors at 3:00am, blared music 24/7, and started fights. I am sorry they did not warn you about all this. I would have been peeved as well.

 

I wouldn't bother with this. Others and I have said this stuff over and over again and some just refuse to accept it.

[Little Elm]

[quote name='cruisinwithbsb']I have also been curious about this. From what I was told by an employee on the ship who works for the entertainment department, employees were not even allowed to advertise any of the BSB events as BSB events to those outside of the Rose Tours group. When asked what was going on, they simply had to state "private party." From what I saw in the Fun Times, the schedule seemed pretty full of public events as usual. However, I will be glad to e-mail JD and see which activities that were normally offered were canceled because of our events.[/quote]

I can tell you Rick's shows were in the Palladium Lounge at 5pm. So our shows were done before the regular shows were scheduled to start. There was a cocktail party on the Lido at the very back, on the first and last night. Anyone could go, but not sure if anyone not in the group would want to. I got in, and got out. It was nuts. Rick also puts on a show 1 night each cruise on the Lido deck that is open to everyone.

The only thing that might bug people is that Rick takes over the piano bar late at night and plays. It is packed, but open to everyone who dares to enter.

[jebuell]

[quote name='cruisinwithbsb']That's funny because I believe I was just told that Private Parties do this all the time. We paid an extra fee to attend certain events. Events that only were open to those who paid the money...much like private parties do all the time. So tell me how this is any different than that?[/quote]

My friend's wedding was on Elation and they had to have it during a port day so they wouldn't inconvenience anyone. Sounds to me like these events were going on every day, not just port days. Unless every day was a port day which I doubt Carnival would ever do.

[ManderDorough]

[quote name='cruisinwithbsb']I wouldn't bother with this. Others and I have said this stuff over and over again and some just refuse to accept it.[/QUOTE]

Heh I was thinking it'd be kind of pointless but hopefully with more positive and polite Fans, they will change their minds. :eek::cool:

[Little Elm]

[quote name='cruisinwithbsb']I have also been curious about this. From what I was told by an employee on the ship who works for the entertainment department, employees were not even allowed to advertise any of the BSB events as BSB events to those outside of the Rose Tours group. When asked what was going on, they simply had to state "private party." From what I saw in the Fun Times, the schedule seemed pretty full of public events as usual. However, I will be glad to e-mail JD and see which activities that were normally offered were cancelled because of our events.[/quote]

Cruisinwithbsb, don't take it personal. If there are 1 or 2 noises or 1 or 2 rude people that someone is complaining about, it always turns into the "whole group" did it.
After the first Rick Springfield cruise it was the same way. The last two cruise I didn't see any on the boards about our group.

[Little Elm]

[quote name='cruisinwithbsb']That's funny because I believe I was just told that Private Parties do this all the time. We paid an extra fee to attend certain events. Events that only were open to those who paid the money...much like private parties do all the time. So tell me how this is any different than that?[/quote]

Private parties, weddings, and other smaller groups do this all the time. If the poster thinks that Carnival is not going to bend over backward for a group that not only fills half the ship, but buys ALL of the suites on board, they are delusional. Full ship = money for Carnival.

Also, since 1/2 the ship is at the planned events, that should free up most other areas on the ship.

[cruisinwithbsb]

[quote name='jebuell']My friend's wedding was on Elation and they had to have it during a port day so they wouldn't inconvenience anyone. Sounds to me like these events were going on every day, not just port days. Unless every day was a port day which I doubt Carnival would ever do.[/QUOTE]

Actually we only had one sea day, so every day but that day was a port day.

[NickHeartsJello]

[quote name='Pollensalta']Yes, that is what I am saying. Anyone that thinks they are entitled to block off an area from someone who has just as much of a right to be there as them - which is every single member of that group, since they all partook in it - is delusional.

Carnival absolutely needs to inform people of these groups before they book these cruises. I would never want to be around people like that, and shouldn't have to be. Cruises are for EVERYONE to enjoy, not just one group who thinks they own the place. Carnival dropped the ball COMPLETELY. Either they need to inform people IN ADVANCE that they will have to deal with this, or take a loss and book the entire ship for these groups so that others don't have to be subjected to this.[/quote]


Really, so private parties aren't okay to you? Because another poster JUST said this happens and that it's perfectly normal. This was the same, only on a larger scale. You're delusional if you think that's not okay when booking "private events" happens all the time. We paid extra for that to occur as well. So yes, we had a right to have a private area for a few hours. And that's all it was, since normal cruisers technically had access to the Lido Deck parties.

Carnival should've warned people, no one's contested that. But people need to stop blaming those of us who went on the BSB cruise for that. Not ALL of us were disrespectful, and people need to stop generalizing.

[NickHeartsJello]

[quote name='cruisinwithbsb']Actually we only had one sea day, so every day but that day was a port day.[/quote]

And all we had on the sea day was the photos in the criterion lounge (which was only a few hours) and the concert at 10pm, and deck party at 12am. Thats probably why we didn't have more going on that day, because it was a day at sea.

What people don't get is that our events were scheduled at weird times so that we didn't get in the way of normal events. It was either middle of the day, or late at night. All for their convenience, according to the staff.

[CruisinChris412]

That Backstreet Boys? Are you kidding me? They've been nobodies for over 12 years now. Their fans when they were popular are well into their 20s and wouldn't possibly take a BSB cruise. This whole situation is baffling! lol

[AdoptAPitBull]

The casino [B][I]never [/I][/B]announced "due to the presence of special guests". Cameras are never allowed in the casino, period. This is true for every casino...on a ship, off a ship, anywhere. Don't blame BSB security for this one. That's just plain casino policy.

As a fan attending the cruise, I had no idea how many fans there were going to be compared to regular cruisers. I had heard 600. To me, that seemed reasonable. When I found out it was 1,400, I thought it was absurd. The BSB are talking about doing the whole boat of fans for their next cruise.

I blame Rose Tours for most of the commotion. They were completely disorganized, rude, and had no idea what to do despite numerous other cruises with other artists.

Believe me, some of the fans bothered me as much as they bothered you. I am a fan of their music. I am not trying to marry one of them, as 3 out of 4 already are married and so am I. I wanted to knock out some of the girls who pushed me, screamed in my ear, and acted like fools. Alas, you will get this type of behavior on any artist cruise- KNOTB, Boyz II Men, WWE cruises, etc.

I have also booked a room, our 12 day Med. Honeymoon cruise, that was under the lido deck. There was noise most of the night with dishes clanging, carts moving around, vacuums, etc. I now know to not book that floor or deal with it. You can always ask the travel agent what floor is above yours, too.

I've been to many cruises with special events that were not open to the public. It is just a fact of cruise life. If you had wanted to attend any of the BSB parties at night, no one stopped you. Case in point 2 sleazy guys who atteneded every night party just to hook up with the fans. No one checked your wristband at the door. You were free to come and go as you please. Plus, it was so cold that you really didn't want to be up on that deck anyway. It sucked for the fans most of the time.

And to put it bluntly, I would never take that 4 day cruise with those lackluster ports if not for a special event. Short cruises with basic ports typically kind of suck. The ship is old. The entertainment is so-so. The food is basic. If you want the best cruise experience, you have to book a better cruise. I've been on several, and the best ones are the ones that are longer and go to better ports. Yes, it's more expensive, but it's worth it.

As a side note to anyone who is laughing about a BSB cruise. They had 1400 fans who paid $1,000 (lower cabin) up to $2,500 (upper cabin) to attend. There was also a very long waiting list. There were fans from 41 countries who attended (Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland to name a few). In the US they are not as big anymore, but go overseas and you'll see the response.

[okwriter]

[quote name='gliner']I think I would have taken advantage of the vacation guarantee on this one. The Backstreet Boys?

[B]Aren't they about 30 by now?[/B][/QUOTE]

You haven't heard? The Backstreet Boys changed their name to Main Street Men and kept right on singing. :D

[jebuell]

Btw, I didn't mean to insult any BSBs fans and I apologize if I did. I quite honestly had no idea they were still together, still performing, and still releasing albums. I have kids in my car with me now usually so we limit what kind of music they listen to and that includes stations that would probably play their music (along with music not approved by their parents) so I hadn't heard BSB since the 90s.

Private parties DO happen all the time, but they don't go until 4AM in a space that could disturb other guests. I understand this needed to happen at this time for various reasons and what Carnival should've done is realized this and saved those rooms for the BSBs guests who were probably at the parties anyway. It's a shame for the OP that they weren't able to sleep. But I'm glad everyone had fun otherwise. And I've learned a lesson- check to see if the ship's a charter and book accordingly!

[tulsacubfan]

[quote name='cruisinwithbsb']I was in an ocean view on deck 1. My roommate and I paid $1,138 EACH for this cabin. The last time I had looked, this same category was going for about $500 some on the regular Carnival site. The BSB guests in the suites paid $1839-$2199 EACH depending on the suite. I think you will find that is much more than those who booked through Carnival paid. You might be right that what we paid was irrelevant. I am just showing you that we did indeed pay at least double what regular Carnival people paid. Now, did Carnival see all of that, probably not.

And it may not be the OP that is attacking fans or their music, but others are. And I will stand up for them every time. I have said in previous posts that I don't blame the OP for being disappointed. However, when others starts to attack the fans and music then I have to defend them and myself.

[B]Additionally, one of my previous questions was still not answered. I have read of groups here on CC that have Cocktail Parties for their group on the ship. During this time, that party is just opened to these members. Don't these members pay an extra fee to whoever is in charge of this group so that they can get that "private party?" So how is what we did ANY different than that...other than ours was on a much larger scale. Maybe being new to Cruise Critic, I don't understand how these "private parties" work. So someone please enlighten me[/B]....[/quote]

I think the difference is a private cocktail party is an hour or two on one occasion, while the 1/2 charter cruises take up the space for several hours every day or night. And the deck party starting at 1 am..... there are actually people who would like to enjoy the solitude on the lido deck in the middle of the night....hard to do with 1400 people and music video loud enough to be heard several decks away.

[tulsacubfan]

[quote name='MistyRo76']I find all of this discussion very interesting and can honestly see both sides points. I have been on cruises with large groups before and I can see how it would seem like they take over the ship. Some of my cruises have had large family or corporate groups, but there was one cruise that had a large country music group (consisting of several older country artists - most of whom my father would have LOVED to see...but I didn't recognize most of the names). They had several private shows for those who booked with the group and other group activities. The members of this group were everywhere and I'm sure dominated some of the public activities like karoke and stuff. But I never felt like there were any LESS activities for those of us NOT associated with the group because they were onboard.


Misty[/quote]

Not sure about the OP, but my feeling would be, let me know these large groups (like BSB, NKOTB, Country Music Group, Goths, etc, etc, etc) are going to be there and let me make the choice as to whether or not to book as a "regular" cruiser and not part of the group. Some groups I personally would not want to spend a week with....some would not bother me one way or the other....and some I might want to check out and maybe be a "member". But let it be my choice....don't let me show up at the port and find out the BSB are there with 1400 fans. Or country music groups with 1400 fans (sorry, I just don't care for country music :)).

Regarding the choice of cabin (and sorry Misty, I know you didn't mention this, just using a consolidated post!)....the OP said she was aware there would be activities on the lido until around 1 and she was fine with this...it was the 1 am to 4 am that was the problem. And while the tour group may have booked the deck party for that time to stay out of the way of regular cruisers, it was just as inconsiderate to be making that much noise in the middle of the night when regular cruisers (and probably some of the group cruisers) were trying to sleep. If the tour group had been able to block and sell every cabin within hearing distance of the lido deck music, then okay. But when regular cruisers are able to book those cabins....middle of the night is not good. Actually this one is a no win situation...

[cruisinwithbsb]

[quote name='tulsacubfan']I think the difference is a private cocktail party is an hour or two on one occasion, while the 1/2 charter cruises take up the space for several hours every day or night. And the deck party starting at 1 am..... there are actually people who would like to enjoy the solitude on the lido deck in the middle of the night....hard to do with 1400 people and music video loud enough to be heard several decks away.[/QUOTE]

I was asking that as more to reply to the complaints about how other cruisers couldn't use public facilities, not the noise on the Lido deck. I have never debated the noise on the Lido deck. People have been commenting on how the regular cruisers should have had the right to use these facilities that we "took over." When in fact, we had paid for a "private function" and had our events at odd times as to not interfere with regularly scheduled events. And I am not talking about the deck parties here. I am talking about our other events.

[NickHeartsJello]

[quote name='CruisinChris412']That Backstreet Boys? Are you kidding me? They've been nobodies for over 12 years now. Their fans when they were popular are well into their 20s and wouldn't possibly take a BSB cruise. This whole situation is baffling! lol[/quote]

Wow. Grow up.

By the way, nobodies aren't one of the biggest selling groups of all time. Selling over 100 Million records and counting during their career... just sayin.

[tulsacubfan]

[quote name='cruisinwithbsb']I was asking that as more to reply to the complaints about how other cruisers couldn't use public facilities, not the noise on the Lido deck. I have never debated the noise on the Lido deck. People have been commenting on how the regular cruisers should have had the right to use these facilities that we "took over." When in fact, we had paid for a "private function" and had our events at odd times as to not interfere with regularly scheduled events. And I am not talking about the deck parties here. I am talking about our other events.[/quote]

I know. And I was talking about both. Your private functions seemed to be (from what I have read here) long periods of time every day. Most private parties are one hour, maybe two, one time.

Another issue on the closed spaces is on some ships (and I do not know on this ship as I have never been on this ship) closing a room closes the path from point A to point B and you have to go up and down floors to get from one end of the ship to another. Again, I don't know if that is the case here, but it can be very frustrating trying to go the length of the ship, only to find out some space is closed so you can't pass through.

I am not saying charters should not exist, you shouldn't have your private events, etc.... what I am saying is let me decide if I want to book as a regular cruising, check out being part of the charter, or finding an alternative. I don't want to get to the port and find out.

[ManderDorough]

[quote name='CruisinChris412']That Backstreet Boys? Are you kidding me? They've been nobodies for over 12 years now. Their fans when they were popular are well into their 20s and wouldn't possibly take a BSB cruise. This whole situation is baffling! lol[/QUOTE]

Grow up.

The fact hat 1,000+ fans - a good portion being adults - went on the cruise so I think you're pulling the whole "Oh the fans wouldn't take a BSB cruise" out of your butt.


I couldn't care less if people don't like them because that's your opinion and not everyone likes that type of music but when you act like a child and say stupid stuff then that's where I get mad. They're clearly not nobodies if they have sold-out shows and cruises. They might not be the top priority of the media on the radio but that doesn't mean people won't still like them.

[cruisinwithbsb]

[quote name='tulsacubfan']I know. And I was talking about both. Your private functions seemed to be (from what I have read here) long periods of time every day. Most private parties are one hour, maybe two, one time.

Another issue on the closed spaces is on some ships (and I do not know on this ship as I have never been on this ship) closing a room closes the path from point A to point B and you have to go up and down floors to get from one end of the ship to another. Again, I don't know if that is the case here, but it can be very frustrating trying to go the length of the ship, only to find out some space is closed so you can't pass through.

I am not saying charters should not exist, you shouldn't have your private events, etc.... what I am saying is let me decide if I want to book as a regular cruising, check out being part of the charter, or finding an alternative. I don't want to get to the port and find out.[/QUOTE]

Our private parties other than the deck parties were no more than 2 hours. You are getting your information from non-BSB cruisers who were not at the events and, therefore, do not have the correct information. And the only two places we had these events were the Palladium Lounge and the Criterion Lounge (once). Neither of these is a path from point A to Point B.

[NickHeartsJello]

[quote name='tulsacubfan']I know. And I was talking about both. Your private functions seemed to be (from what I have read here) long periods of time every day. Most private parties are one hour, maybe two, one time.

Another issue on the closed spaces is on some ships (and I do not know on this ship as I have never been on this ship) closing a room closes the path from point A to point B and you have to go up and down floors to get from one end of the ship to another. Again, I don't know if that is the case here, but it can be very frustrating trying to go the length of the ship, only to find out some space is closed so you can't pass through.

I am not saying charters should not exist, you shouldn't have your private events, etc.... what I am saying is let me decide if I want to book as a regular cruising, check out being part of the charter, or finding an alternative. I don't want to get to the port and find out.[/quote]

I agree about the last part, we all did. They should've let you guys know.

However, none of the events were longer than two hours. That's a misconception spread by those not part of the events. The only two areas we took up like another said, were the Palladium and the Criterion lounge, the latter only being for a few hours on one day, and the former for about two hours each day.