A cautionary tale for Royal Caribbean cruisers...

[dwjoe]

Normally I wouldn't go that far either. But having been on so many Caribbean beaches and seen how some locals resent the tourists that, sadly, many of their economies are so dependent on, it doesn't surprise me. I've seen the behavior she described. The vast majority of people of the various Caribbean nations are warm, welcoming and proud of their island and their heritage. The bad element exists too - just as it does anywhere. And I think it's common for those of us lucky enough to travel to let our guard down sometimes.

Wolfgang, it is quite possible the men were involved, but the evidence for that is circumstancial. Maybe someone else came by and took the phone while the OP's back was turned and the band did not pay attention either... and then the same person brought it back... admittedly odd, but might be just within the bounds of reasonable doubt.

[mheinrich]

If a member of my family took the phone I'd be pretty angry with him for doing it.

 

And if they didn't take it? and were being accused of taking it on a pretty large public forum? and were at risk of losing their job that supported the family because of it? How would you feel then?

[iheartbda]

There probably would have been less disparaging comments if the OP had just posted a concise warning as a reminder not to let valuables unattended.

[Moon Orchid]

I don't understand how someone could be that ignorant of technology. Backing up your photos is about the simplest thing you can do on a computer. Copy the file. Done! I'm pretty sure when you plug most cameras into the computer, it asks you if that's what you want to do! You just have to click "yes". Being that that is the case in a lot of instances, all you really need is reading comprehension. No tech skills at all! It's so simple my cat could do it with the right hardware and enough guidance.

 

In this case, it was a phone, not a camera. I get that. Again, reading comprehension. Read the stupid manual. It tells you everything you need to know. That's why they wrote it.

 

Wow, I want a cat like that!

[Ocean Boy]

And if they didn't take it? and were being accused of taking it on a pretty large public forum? and were at risk of losing their job that supported the family because of it? How would you feel then?

 

Then I would have been angry with them for pointing at her and laughing and making her, unnecessarily, uncomfortable.

[PKPRSPCJB]

great tip, so upsetting that this happened. thanks for the very good advice!

[akcruz]

There probably would have been less disparaging comments if the OP had just posted a concise warning as a reminder not to let valuables unattended.

 

Agreed, unfortunately here on CC the more details you give the easier it is for some to pick at those details.

 

Something like, we had an issue with a phone being taken and the staff was not responsive would have gotten the message across. Of course, then there would have been all those posters saying they needed more details :rolleyes:.

 

To the OP I am sorry this happened to you but glad you ended up getting your phone back. A letter to RC is definitely in order, but would suggest just sticking to the relevant details.

[mheinrich]

An accusation must be outwardly expressed i.e., "You stole my phone" or "These men stole my phone". Thinking to herself "I know what happened" is not an accusation. Until it's acted upon, it's a suspicion.

 

Maybe in a court of law, but in a public forum, it's all about perception. And I will bet my next cruise that if we poll everyone who's read the original post, they will perceive a member of that band stole her phone.....based entirely on her words.

 

And I want to be clear that I'm NOT bashing the OP. I agree that we should all be vigil when traveling ANYWHERE. However, that does not give ANYONE the right to blame someone for something they are not 100% sure actually happened.

[BeachChik]

I don't understand how someone could be that ignorant of technology. Backing up your photos is about the simplest thing you can do on a computer. Copy the file. Done! I'm pretty sure when you plug most cameras into the computer, it asks you if that's what you want to do! You just have to click "yes". Being that that is the case in a lot of instances, all you really need is reading comprehension. No tech skills at all! It's so simple my cat could do it with the right hardware and enough guidance.

 

In this case, it was a phone, not a camera. I get that. Again, reading comprehension. Read the stupid manual. It tells you everything you need to know. That's why they wrote it.

 

We get it. You think everyone should know how to work technology. No matter how easy it is some people have difficulty. My parents are almost 70 so yes anything remotely technological is difficult for them.

 

Is your point to continuously tell people they are dumb for not knowing how to back up information? That's really helpful. :rolleyes:

[BeachChik]

Forgive her ... She was potty trained in ONE afternoon, by an abusive father. (different thread)

 

I'm dumber than a cat also.

 

Lol!!!! Hey in her defense back then it was ok to tie a kid to a chair all day.

[cruisinfanatic]

I'd still like to know how the phone "reappeared" on a now crowded beach and no one saw a thing.

If I was stupid enough to steal it, It would sure be ultra stupid risking getting caught returning it.

[Ocean Boy]

We get it. You think everyone should know how to work technology. No matter how easy it is some people have difficulty. My parents are almost 70 so yes anything remotely technological is difficult for them.

 

Is your point to continuously tell people they are dumb for not knowing how to back up information? That's really helpful. :rolleyes:

 

But she does it in such a pleasant and unobtrusive way.

[WetToes]

Lol!!!! Hey in her defense back then it was ok to tie a kid to a chair all day.

 

 

That's what I hear, but I guess we all know now that it doesn't make for an endearing adult. ;)

[villauk]

I'd still like to know how the phone "reappeared" on a now crowded beach and no one saw a thing.

If I was stupid enough to steal it, It would sure be ultra stupid risking getting caught returning it.

 

So pickpockets don't hit the most crowded areas where they can mingle more easily? And if they did return it, it's not like carrying a suitcase around. Let's be honest, dropping a phone on to a chair as you walk past is probably not the most difficult thing in the world to do!

[cruisinfanatic]

So pickpockets don't hit the most crowded areas where they can mingle more easily? And if they did return it, it's not like carrying a suitcase around. Let's be honest, dropping a phone on to a chair as you walk past is probably not the most difficult thing in the world to do!

Do pickpockets return wallets?

[Missus Makkem]

The photographer already has another job not with RCI. The photographers onboard are not RCI´s employees.

 

i was about to post the same information, the photography shop and all the people who work there come via a franchise as do the spa and the Casino, so not RCI employees.

[BeachChik]

Do pickpockets return wallets?

 

Based on what she is saying happened, all the noise they were causing by contacting several employees, if an employee did take it I don't doubt they returned it. It appeared they weren't going to let the situation go until the phone was found and maybe the employee thought they might get caught.

 

The point of her story was just to always keep an eye on your belongings. Does it really matter why it was returned?

[amybear912]

I don't understand how someone could be that ignorant of technology. Backing up your photos is about the simplest thing you can do on a computer. Copy the file. Done! I'm pretty sure when you plug most cameras into the computer, it asks you if that's what you want to do! You just have to click "yes". Being that that is the case in a lot of instances, all you really need is reading comprehension. No tech skills at all! It's so simple my cat could do it with the right hardware and enough guidance.

 

In this case, it was a phone, not a camera. I get that. Again, reading comprehension. Read the stupid manual. It tells you everything you need to know. That's why they wrote it.

 

Wow!!

 

How the heck do you get Internet access being up so high on your technological pedestal?? :rolleyes:

 

Sounds like someone needs a nap with their binky... Put the tech toy down and ask mommy to get you some juice...

[MAHA]

So glad to hear you got your phone and more importantly, your pictures back. We have always used a surf safe to carry our seapasses, ID's, some cash and a credit card on beach excursions. They can leak sometimes, but it's better than not having them. After a few uses in the salt water, they tend to break, so I always have a spare. For pictures at a beach, we tend to take a disposable underwater camera with us. That way, if it gets lost or stollen, we only lose the pictures for that day.

[villauk]

Do pickpockets return wallets?

 

As per your quote, you were surprised how something can happen in a crowded place and be unnoticed by the surrounding people, I replied that this happens all the time and used pickpockets as my example. In my opinion, the initial pilfering of the item would have been more risky as the area was near deserted, but obviously to others this may be the attraction :confused:.

 

You also stated that it was ultra stupid getting caught returning it - again, something that would be pretty easy to do on a crowded beach with such a small item. Why one would return it is a different matter - conscience, pressure etc.?

 

Would the item have been returned if the OP hadn't caused such a commotion? Who knows, but one thing I definitely do know is that I'll be more vigilant when I visit the Island in August after reading this ;)

[roe2ship]

OP, sorry this happened to you and thank you for sharing this story. It’s a shame that some people have to be so critical.

But she does it in such a pleasant and unobtrusive way.

True, maybe it was her cat who taught her manners.

[micmacmissy]

Maybe in a court of law, but in a public forum, it's all about perception. And I will bet my next cruise that if we poll everyone who's read the original post, they will perceive a member of that band stole her phone.....based entirely on her words.

 

And I want to be clear that I'm NOT bashing the OP. I agree that we should all be vigil when traveling ANYWHERE. However, that does not give ANYONE the right to blame someone for something they are not 100% sure actually happened.

 

I didn't accuse anyone of anything. Not on the beach, and not here in this forum. It would be different if I were naming names and saying someone specific took my phone. Or if I blasted off an accusation and then disappeared from the forum like so many others do. But no, I have been here on this thread the entire time: monitoring posts, answering peoples' questions, and, sadly, having to defend myself against rude and inappropriate comments this entire time.

 

I do not know who took my phone, nor does it matter for the purposes of this thread. I shared this story to possibly prevent it from happening to someone else.

 

Mheinrich, to be honest with you, I'm not really worried about what you or any other people perceive about me or about what I posted. I'll take the negative comments, the trolls, and the bashing from folks like yourself, because I STILL think it's worth it for people to hear the story, and for the good outcomes of the thread: the helpful people, their kind comments, and the recommendations on backing up photos, ways to secure possessions, etc.

 

Have a nice day, and safe and happy travels to you.

[Shak]

I didn't accuse anyone of anything. Not on the beach, and not here in this forum. It would be different if I were naming names and saying someone specific took my phone. Or if I blasted off an accusation and then disappeared from the forum like so many others do. But no, I have been here on this thread the entire time: monitoring posts, answering peoples' questions, and, sadly, having to defend myself against rude and inappropriate comments this entire time.

 

I do not know who took my phone, nor does it matter for the purposes of this thread. I shared this story to possibly prevent it from happening to someone else.

 

Mheinrich, to be honest with you, I'm not really worried about what you or any other people perceive about me or about what I posted. I'll take the negative comments, the trolls, and the bashing from folks like yourself, because I STILL think it's worth it for people to hear the story, and for the good outcomes of the thread: the helpful people, their kind comments, and the recommendations on backing up photos, ways to secure possessions, etc.

 

Have a nice day, and safe and happy travels to you.

 

I believe your thread would be better served it you titled it learn from my mistake because what happened to sadly is sign of the times and not related to the cruise line, location, or anything else. I learned my lesson a long time ago when at a company banquet at a resort in Mexico. My wife and I got up to dance but I left our camera on the table and when we returned a few minutes later it was gone. Like you I was upset about it but in the end I realized it was my mistake.

 

I would not trust those waterproof cases you posted a picture of especially for something electronic. If you look at some of the reviews you will discover they are not as reliable as you think. http://www.amazon.com/WATERPROOF-CONTAINER-AIRTIGHT-MONEY-BEACH/dp/B001DKAX44/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1360193699&sr=8-8&keywords=waterproof+case

 

Shak

[Aquahound]

However, that does not give ANYONE the right to blame someone for something they are not 100% sure actually happened.

 

I actually disagree with this statement. With 100%, there is no blame. There's recovery and perhaps a little punitive measure.

 

Like most, I have been a victim of petit theft, and I had no problem pointing my finger at who most likely was the thief based on circumstances. A little deductive reasoning in some cases, and it isn't too hard to place blame.

 

To the op, don't be shy. I say, if you think it was a band member based on circumstances, scream it loudly. That way, folks will remember not to lose focus of personal security in places that feel safe, such as Labadee.

[Mark_K]

I actually disagree with this statement. With 100%, there is no blame. There's recovery and perhaps a little punitive measure.

 

Like most, I have been a victim of petit theft, and I had no problem pointing my finger at who most likely was the thief based on circumstances. A little deductive reasoning in some cases, and it isn't too hard to place blame.

 

To the op, don't be shy. I say, if you think it was a band member based on circumstances, scream it loudly. That way, folks will remember not to lose focus of personal security in places that feel safe, such as Labadee.

My inclination just based on life experience, is that it was likely a band member and someone else in the band, when they heard about it, said something like "You dummy, you're going to get us all in trouble, put it back".