Enchanment 4/16-We deserved better!!!!

[Cruise Cat]

Private - I think something you may be forgetting here is that RCCL is not in the high end service industry. They operate on a rather tight profit margin and deal in volume. They have to keep the majority of people happy without going broke. If they don't provide a good return to their investors, then they don't invest. If they don't invest, it becomes hard to raise the massive amounts of capital required to build a cruise ship. The new Voyager Class ships cost them $500 Million Dollars each. They have to pay that off plus interest in X number of years, just like all their other cruise ships. They also have to pay for overhauls, taxes, etc. They have to make the majority of the profit in the early years of the ship before interest in that model of ship wains for the next 'flavor of the season' that a competitor is building.

 

This is kind of like the Housing Industry. You have the upper high end (custom builders) where they have the higher margin and will do just about anything legal to please you, then the high end who build a mix of tract and semi-custom homes who will do the extra thing or two if you really push it. Then you have the builders who throw up nothing but mid-quality tract homes. What you see is what you get. It is just the legal minimum. I think RCI is in the second category, so I expect some things, but I don't expect them to go broke (or raising my cruise price)trying to please everyone (not possible)

As my CEO has said many times - "It's nothing personal, It's just business."

[Keksie]

I have posted before but never in response to bad cruise posts. Everything doesn’t always go smoothly and everyone has his or her own opinion and experiences. The following are my opinions:

 

I have been on three cruises. On all of them I have gone with the knowledge that for some reason the ship might not stop at any or all of the ports of call that were scheduled. I have also researched any ports that might be back up ports so that I would be prepared to enjoy those ports if I ended up going there. If I have an extra day at sea – that would be a day to spend doing some of the things I want to do but never have time for. More pool time, work off some of the food in the gym, take a dance class etc.

 

Yes I might spend more on board but I would have spent money on land too. Probably more since I usually do an excursion, have lunch, and drinks on shore. So if I got even a $50.00 credit and a future credit I would be tickled pink.

 

Yes I would be disappointed at missing a port. However, that would be just a momentary blip on my life, which would be quickly forgotten as I moved on to enjoy the rest of my vacation.

 

As far as getting into port 6 hours early – unless they woke me up at 2 in the morning to disembark it wouldn’t make a difference to me when I got back.

 

As my father always says: Don’t sweat the small stuff in life and most stuff is small stuff.

[donnajo]

Well said Keksie..

 

By the way- I am not going to get upset with this poster and his angry reaction to mssing a port because:

 

1. He is never cruising RCCL again. (Perfect, I won't be running into him anytime soon.)

 

2. He sounds like someone who is never happy anyway.

 

3. He is probably a troll with only 4 posts to his credit.

 

4. He is probably related the lady who spilled hot coffee on herself and then sued McDonalds for the coffee being too hot!

 

LOL!

 

Donna

[Celmar]

Interestingly enough, even though I've asked two times, the OP has not come up with anything that was a good thing about this cruise. Could it be that his/her expectations were so high that missing GC ruined the whole cruise?

 

I am also waiting to see if the OP has anything positive to say about the cruise. :confused:

 

I also find it very interesting that not one other person from this particular cruise has chimed in about how they "deserve better". Would really like to hear another side of this story.:rolleyes:

[nosnobunny]

You've stated that you're unhappy with the offer of a $200 per cabin credit as compensation for your inconvenience. You've also stated that you're familiar with how public relations work. You must also know that any good customer service representative would ask the disgruntled customer EXACTLY what they could do to make it right. So, I'm asking what it is that you're looking for from RCI.:confused: Or - are you simply on a rant? BTW my cruise last month was in a suite and I would not expect any higher compensation than any other passenger.

 

Beth

[private92656]

For people who put on more than $200 on their room account, yes they do exist, it probably doesn't make any difference whether it comes in form of cash or credit. However for those who don't, then they will have to spend that credit, and buying thing they may not want to purchase if no credit is given.

 

Same goes for the cruise line. If you spend more than $200 onboard, cost of $200 credit is same as cash. If you don't, then the true cost of room credit is much smaller than the face value.

 

Hope it's not too hard to understand.

 

I think the difference is that if they gave them $200 cash, they could deposit it in the bank and make 1.2% interest on the $200 for the remaining 3 days. The present value of $200 cash there fore is actually worth $0.07 more than a $200 credit assuming that they could deposit that funds for the 3 days they are cruising. I am sure that is what the private means. :cool: How they are going to accomplish the deposit is beyond me... though... maybe if we could figure that out it will help understand this situation. :cool: O, that is not right. He has clarified his view on cash or credit. So, if the cruiseline gives you cash it costs them $200, but if they reduce your onboard account by $200 it only costs them $100?:confused: In the first case if they give you cash at the end of the cruise they are out $200. In the second case if they reduce your shipboard account from $500 to $300. They are again out $200. In other words there is no difference. I will agree with the private regarding a future cruise discount. That is of very questionable value. I remember some class action lawsuit against RCI for over charging port taxes when they missed ports. I won a voucher for less than $20 on a future cruise, of course I had to book the cruise in a short time frame. I am sure that the legal firm handling that suit made out a little better than I did. :mad:

 

jc

[madforcruising]

For people who put on more than $200 on their room account, yes they do exist, it probably doesn't make any difference whether it comes in form of cash or credit. However for those who don't, then they will have to spend that credit, and buying thing they may not want to purchase if no credit is given.

 

Same goes for the cruise line. If you spend more than $200 onboard, cost of $200 credit is same as cash. If you don't, then the true cost of room credit is much smaller than the face value.

 

Hope it's not too hard to understand.

 

Go to the casino get $200 from your onboard account and walk out without gambling. You´ll have $200 in cash in your pocket without spending a buck to RCCL.

[nosnobunny]

I am under the impression that you can take a shipboard credit out as cash in the casino, like I have done many times in the past. Is that still not the case?

 

Beth

[ILUVCRUIZN]

:D I find it hard to believe that anyone can get away with a room account under 200.00!!!!! I, certainly do not fall into that category!!!!! :D Tips alone can be 140.00!!!! :D Oh well we go to have fun and that is what we do!!!!

[private92656]

You may not believe this, but I actually agree with you.

That's why I said and quote "RCL will have to do what's best for both the customer and the cruise line". Day in and day out, I'm working in the environment where we never say no to any of our customers who pay over one million $$ on average to make sure their system runs smoothly.

I guess that's in our best interest to keep them happy. There is only a limited # of companies can afford that kind of price. When we lose one, we cann't easily find a replacement.

 

RCL or any cruise lines in that matter, may not care to lose a few in that's in their best interest. From OP point of view, he didn't get what he expected or led to expect, so he does have a leg reason for venting. Again, I really don't know what the fair compensation should be. The only case I filed a claim against cruise line was for damaged luggage, and I got $30 which I consider to be fair.

 

Private - I think something you may be forgetting here is that RCCL is not in the high end service industry. They operate on a rather tight profit margin and deal in volume. They have to keep the majority of people happy without going broke. If they don't provide a good return to their investors, then they don't invest. If they don't invest, it becomes hard to raise the massive amounts of capital required to build a cruise ship. The new Voyager Class ships cost them $500 Million Dollars each. They have to pay that off plus interest in X number of years, just like all their other cruise ships. They also have to pay for overhauls, taxes, etc. They have to make the majority of the profit in the early years of the ship before interest in that model of ship wains for the next 'flavor of the season' that a competitor is building.

 

This is kind of like the Housing Industry. You have the upper high end (custom builders) where they have the higher margin and will do just about anything legal to please you, then the high end who build a mix of tract and semi-custom homes who will do the extra thing or two if you really push it. Then you have the builders who throw up nothing but mid-quality tract homes. What you see is what you get. It is just the legal minimum. I think RCI is in the second category, so I expect some things, but I don't expect them to go broke (or raising my cruise price)trying to please everyone (not possible)

As my CEO has said many times - "It's nothing personal, It's just business."

[private92656]

Huuuuum, never thought of that.

If that's true, than I take back what I said about room credit

being less valuable than cash. Sorry about my uninformed opinion. Guess I just learned something new here.

 

Go to the casino get $200 from your onboard account and walk out without gambling. You´ll have $200 in cash in your pocket without spending a buck to RCCL.

[Realkrause]

If it makes any of those who asked feel any better, we were on the Enchanmnet for the 4/21 sailing without any mechanical issues and had a great time.:)

[deborahjo]

Sorry but put me on a ship for 7 days I would be in heaven. In 2003 we sailed on the Paradise and were told we were getting upgraded when we got to port. Did it happen no. Did it make me mad. No. I was on that ship.

 

Also the weather was really bad (November) and all the water excursions were cancelled. Did it spoil my cruise. Heck no we just found other things to do. Did I look for something from Carnival. Heck no. They gave me 7 great days on a ship and I got to do what ever I wanted.

 

Sorry but I think someone is looking for something I do not think they deserve.

 

Oh one more thing. On sunday night, the first night out, a man had a heart attack. We had to high tail it to Cozumel to get him to a hospital. Yes it was really really rough seas for about 15 hours. So what the man needed medical treatment and again i was on the ship having fun.

 

End od preaching.....

[private92656]

Troll alert!!!

 

Realkrause registered recently and only have 2 posts.

 

He/she didn't elaborate on the "positive" review. No specific provided.

 

RCL is not responsible for "having a great time", it's god's work. The fine print doesn't say anything about "having a great time".

 

Maybe your expectation is too low?

 

No mechnical break down? What do you expect?

My car didn't break down for 2 weeks.

 

 

Of course, I'm kidding. Just trying to have a little fun here.

 

If it makes any of those who asked feel any better, we were on the Enchanmnet for the 4/21 sailing without any mechanical issues and had a great time.:)

[WeBeCruisin']

Sorry but put me on a ship for 7 days I would be in heaven. In 2003 we sailed on the Paradise and were told we were getting upgraded when we got to port. Did it happen no. Did it make me mad. No. I was on that ship.

...

 

I just remembered two more horrible experiences I've had on cruises! Last year, we booked a balcony cabin on Celebrity's Constellation for the 14-day cruise to the Baltics on Jluy 30. We were given a free upgrade to a 1-A, and the Celebrity person told our agent that those were all CC cabins. When we boarded, though, our room had not been upgraded yet. My God! I should have received a free cruise or something, if I had only known my "rights"!.

 

We took an 8-day Celebrity Horizon cruise to Bermuda last October and the water was pretty rough, since there were a couple of tropical storms in the area. Because of high waves, we couldn't dock in St. George and spent a total of five days in Hamilton. I could probably have whined my way to a free cruise, if I had only known my "rights". I feel so ... so... betrayed! Private, where were you in my time of need????

 

Allen

[xpcdoojk]

Allen, that is pathetic. You have been a member of this forum for how long and you haven't figured out how compensation works yet. What is wrong with you man?:confused: Was it too much time on those non pleasure cruises that made you think that you weren't the one in charge?:confused: Boss a poor guy around for a few years, and he will think it is natural to be treated that way. I feel for you. I think maybe we need to send you to assertiveness training or something. What do you think?:confused:

 

jc

 

ps let me know if you need anymore ideas to help you overcome this issue you have! I am concerned! :D

[WeBeCruisin']

Allen, that is pathetic. You have been a member of this forum for how long and you haven't figured out how compensation works yet. What is wrong with you man?:confused: Was it too much time on those non pleasure cruises that made you think that you weren't the one in charge?:confused: Boss a poor guy around for a few years, and he will think it is natural to be treated that way. I feel for you. I think maybe we need to send you to assertiveness training or something. What do you think?:confused:

 

jc

 

ps let me know if you need anymore ideas to help you overcome this issue you have! I am concerned! :D

 

I know, jc, I am filled with shame and regret. I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy! Sigh, oh forlorn sigh!

 

Allen

[BonnieNYTX]

I think it was horrific of RCI to force the pax to another beautiful sunny day at sea, relaxing, swimming, eating, being entertained, pampered, etc. And then to add insult to injury the pax were given $200 per cabin and then to rub more salt into their wounds another $200 credit for a future cruise. RCI should be ashamed at the callous treatment they displayed. I'm scheduled to go on a Western Carib. itinerary with a stop at Grand Cayman. If it happens to me, I will be the one sitting on the pool deck with a drink in my hand smiling at my good fortune.

[deborahjo]

The more foo foo drinks and sun the better.

[TrinaLC]

Private - you make the argument that the line should offer e.g. a 200 pp refund because it is in their best interests to do so in order to ensure customer goodwill (you acknowledge, correctly, that they have no legal obligation to do so).

 

I submit to you that NCL has already factored what it must do in order to ensure good will, balancing that against the need to make a profit, and concluded in fact that the 200 per cabin credit is exactly what they need to do/in their best interests.

 

This board proves my point. Almost all the posters agree that NCL was more than generous. Two, you and the OP, do not. If they did what you suggested, they would have "overpaid" for customer goodwill, at the expense of their bottom line.

 

Simple economics, and proof that the business is operating in a rational fashion.

[private92656]

I'm sure RCL had ran through its number and determined that $200 per room is a fair amount to pay. Fine. It's their decision. Whether it's a right one or not, we will neven know. There is no parallel universe we can peek into to see what the net effect would be on RCL's bottom line if another path is taken.

 

However I also like to emphasize:

 

1) the OP has the right to complain and vent here.

whether you agree with it or not shouldn't matter.

Just because someone who doesn't like what's offered, doesn't give you the right to ridicule him. And this is what really bothers me. Too many people here take the moral high ground and refuse to see things differently other than their own point of view. We vent about the "sue happy" society we live in now, yet those lawyers do serve a useful purpose, by keeping the business on their toes when dealing with public safety. It's hard to strike the right balance, but we shouldn't shut down anyone who happen to have a different view. This is what makes this country so great.

 

So what is the OP thinks $200 is too low. You can argue that it's a fair amount based on previous cases. Though all the name calling and ridicule is totally uncalled for.

 

2) I think it's a progress in right direction that cruise lines will offer some kind of compensation for missed ports, delayed departure, etc. Could be that this was result of those class action lawsuits we hate so much? I don't have the answer, but won't be surprised if that's what keep the cruise line inline when dealing with pissed off customers.

 

Again, I wish there is fewer mean-spirited comments targeting anyone who do not share same bond with any cruise line.. I'm surprised I wasn't called a troll, based on what other newbies have received.

 

 

 

Private - you make the argument that the line should offer e.g. a 200 pp refund because it is in their best interests to do so in order to ensure customer goodwill (you acknowledge, correctly, that they have no legal obligation to do so).

 

I submit to you that NCL has already factored what it must do in order to ensure good will, balancing that against the need to make a profit, and concluded in fact that the 200 per cabin credit is exactly what they need to do/in their best interests.

 

This board proves my point. Almost all the posters agree that NCL was more than generous. Two, you and the OP, do not. If they did what you suggested, they would have "overpaid" for customer goodwill, at the expense of their bottom line.

 

Simple economics, and proof that the business is operating in a rational fashion.

[FinelyCruising]

If you apply the reaonable man standard and understand what has been massaged into the decison by the cruisline, th majority of those who have commented here feel the cruiseline offered an amount that was tolerable overall.

 

The fact that one lone wolf, no not you jc, indicated they were on this cruise without engine failure points to some sort of posting scheme, but put that aside and buy into the assumption that this was a real event..the end of the trail (as in the end of the line) is that most posters feel this compenation after considering their cruise experiences with similar events believe this offer to be fair.

[1corona4u]

First of all I know all about the language contained in the RCL brochure. As a customer you always bear that risk, but there are certain things not controlable (ie weather) BUT having sound equipment is the responsibility of RCL. They failed in that responsibility and the passengers paid the price. Also if the there was a safety issue, we should have been taken off the ship. The possibility of another port was something brought up by their crew not our idea. Technically the Enchanment was off the coast of Miami before Midnight if not sooner, the rush to get back was for concern of futures voyages not that the one sailing. Their marketing people will tell you that one of the key reasons passengers pick cruises is the ports of call, If you miss a port because of their problems, yes everyone should be issued a refund. A $200 on board credit to passengers who were delayed in getting to one distatination and deferred from another is an insult. I still feel that if you pay more, then your refund should be proportionate.

 

Obviously, this was your first cruise, right? Fess up.:cool:

[private92656]

I accept your argument. It's likely that to the majority of posters here $200 is a fair (or more than fair) number.

I have no counter argument here.

 

I still have problem with people who put down others for their own amusement.

 

There are 2 faces to every coin. Yes the society has became sue happy, and everyone demands some kind of recourse when they think they have been wronged. However on the other side, the society has also become less tolerant on minority ideas. We are on the road to theocracy right now.

 

What's wrong to give the OP the benefit of doubt?

What's wrong to complain for his perceived injustice?

What's wrong to argue on the merit of argument? I have accepted that $200 maybe a fair amount once I learned that room credit can be converted to cash.

 

The reason many old timers here have been accused of "blind loyalty" is because their refusal to accept reasonable argument. Simply calling someone "troll" may give some them instant gratification, however it doesn't do anyone any good.

 

Look at the number of people registered here vs the number of regular posters, you can see that most people are lurkers. We also have a saying: "a happy customer will tell 5 of his friend, an unhappy one will tell everyone he knows". So it's very likely that someone will post an account of negative experience and move on with his life.

It doesn't make his story any less creditable.

 

I recall seeing couple of messages yesterday under the thread of "Mariner disappointment" on why many people have decided not to post anything here. Because they are afraid. I'm dumb to stick my neck out here today.

Anyway, this will be my last post on this thread.

 

Call me a California liberal.

 

If you apply the reaonable man standard and understand what has been massaged into the decison by the cruisline, th majority of those who have commented here feel the cruiseline offered an amount that was tolerable overall.

 

The fact that one lone wolf, no not you jc, indicated they were on this cruise without engine failure points to some sort of posting scheme, but put that aside and buy into the assumption that this was a real event..the end of the trail (as in the end of the line) is that most posters feel this compenation after considering their cruise experiences with similar events believe this offer to be fair.

[nosnobunny]

I'm open to accepting a reasonable arguement, however it must be noted that the OP still has not stated what he believes a fair resolution to be. :confused: That leaves me to conclude that his sole reason for posting was to rant. He doesn't appear to be looking for a resolution.

 

Beth