Triumph 1/04/14 - 7th, probably last Carnival cruise

[ticka1]

thanks for the honest review. happy 50th birthday.

[kwbound]

My friend called today to get a refund for the gifts she ordered and were never delivered. She was told that they were delivered to us. They absolutely were not. They told her that they would have to research it and if they determined that the gifts were not delivered, they would issue her a check, but it may take 3-4 weeks. That is beyond ridiculous! If they can charge her credit card, they can also issue a refund. They also told her that she would need to keep calling back to check on the status of the case, instead of Carnival calling her. I am so angry. I called Carnival and the rep I spoke with pulled up the case. They had my friend's info and added my statement that we did not receive the items but there is still a process they have to go through. Really, if someone kept the items for themselves instead of delivering them, what are the chances they are going to admit to it. I politely expressed my displeasure with situation and told them that we expected a quick and satisfactory resolution, for all the good that will do. She will probably wind up having to dispute the purchase with her credit card.

 

I truly believe that Carnival does not care about repeat customers. They can fill their ships with newbies and once they have your money it doesn't matter if you are happy with the product or not. I am mad at myself for giving them this last chance.

 

I wonder if contacting John Heald would help resolve this matter.

 

Thanks again for all the kind responses to my review and the suggestions and birthday wishes.

[delerium98]

I would give Carnival a week to resolve the situation and then just issue a chargeback on my credit card for services not rendered. Done and done.

[maldenmusic]

I have only cruised on the Triumph, Fantasy and the Elation, but for reasons not even clear to me, The Triumph was my least favorite ship. I just didn't think things flowed as well there.

[nlktx49]

I'm sorry you didn't have a better experience on the Triumph.

 

We are sailing on her on 2/10. You stated the MDR isn't open for breakfast or lunch - is this something new?

[belle2]

To those about to sail the triump:. We sailed her in December and had a wonderful time. Food and service were terrific with few disappointments. Our balcony room was clean, quiet and well maintained. The ship does show a little age but that is to be expected. At the sail away party there were a few people who were having a little too much fun and since our son was with us we played putt putt instead. I've sailed carnival and Disney previously. I would choose disney every time if I could. But financially I can't. I completely respect the OP's review and opinions. I would even agree with some of her observations. I went with fairly low expectations and had a wonderful cruise. Just wanted to give another perspective so no one worries about their future triumph cruise. It certainly isn't Disney, but we didn't spend $4K to step in the ship either! Hope I didn't step in anyone's toes with my comments, definitely not my intentions. I would sail the Triumph again in a hurry if I could:)

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Not all DCL cruises are 4k.

 

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[bobar]

your review is greatly appreciated. especially since you pointed out good things and bad. I agree 100% with the photographers taking up to much room on the promenade and find that to be so on every cruiseline I go on. of course its funny how cruiseelines make more profit on that than alcohol so that probably explains why more and more they are everywhere..

I have been sailing on carnival since 1997 and in my experience the food has gotten 300% better than in 1997. The service has gotten better as well. As for how they treat repeat cruisers I am platinum and feel they treat me great whenever I return for another cruise.

As for the rust etc, bear in mind the ship has been sailing since 2001. after 13 yrs at sea it is very difficult to cover every inch of rust and fix every earped board, but they work around the clock trying. I love to sit back and watch how hard the crew works trying to keep up with and keep every carnival ship I have sailed on looking the best they can...

As for the passengers...yes they get a little crazy or should we say drunk, but I am well traveled on most of the mainstream cruiselines and see that on all of them.

I prefer passengers on carnival better than celebrity or the upscale lines as they tend to be more real and laid back but we all have opinions..

happy 50th birthday and I will tell you my first cruise in 1997 was awful,,really bad..and I said never again and a few months later tried again and now 65 cruises later it is the only way I like to vacation..best advice try other cruiselines and see what works for you. the reason there are so many is there is one for almost everyone, but even on a celebrity ship you will run into rust and an occasional broken drawer...

thanks again for the review!:cool:

[sharecruises]

At least you had the Big Easy show - I think it is my all time favorite Carnival show....soon all the ships will have the awful new Playlist shows sigh

 

I noticed you took the suite - that is shame cause IMHO the so called suites are not worth it at all on Carnival

 

A Carnival cruise in lower priced cabin (inside - no smoky noisy neighbors) can be a value, especially for those of us who live near a port IMHO

With the food cut backs, entertainment cut backs and today's silly announcement it is kind of hard to get excited about a Carnival cruise unless it is a real bargain or has some outstanding ports

 

I won't say never ever but I agree the experience is pretty lackluster anymore

[sharecruises]

My friend called today to get a refund for the gifts she ordered and were never delivered. She was told that they were delivered to us. They absolutely were not. They told her that they would have to research it and if they determined that the gifts were not delivered, they would issue her a check, but it may take 3-4 weeks. That is beyond ridiculous! If they can charge her credit card, they can also issue a refund. They also told her that she would need to keep calling back to check on the status of the case, instead of Carnival calling her. I am so angry. I called Carnival and the rep I spoke with pulled up the case. They had my friend's info and added my statement that we did not receive the items but there is still a process they have to go through. Really, if someone kept the items for themselves instead of delivering them, what are the chances they are going to admit to it. I politely expressed my displeasure with situation and told them that we expected a quick and satisfactory resolution, for all the good that will do. She will probably wind up having to dispute the purchase with her credit card.

 

I truly believe that Carnival does not care about repeat customers. They can fill their ships with newbies and once they have your money it doesn't matter if you are happy with the product or not. I am mad at myself for giving them this last chance.

 

I wonder if contacting John Heald would help resolve this matter.

 

Thanks again for all the kind responses to my review and the suggestions and birthday wishes.

 

Oh ouch - that is really not cool

 

Yes, I would contact JH on that..and keep after them

 

it is really ridiculous

 

I do think they could have delivered it to the wrong cabin - and someone kept it

 

You also said you upgraded - I can see a possible slip up there - maybe went to the lido cabin you had booked in the first place?

 

Screw ups can and do happen....first day on Conquest in Dec all the VIFP "letters" and drink coupons and pins etc were delivered to the wrong cabins on my floor - had others names on them - many had to stand in long line to get it resolved, I was able to go in VIP line for me and my cabinmate but what a cluster that was

[overthehillcruiser]

We were onboard in Oct 2012 and Oct 2013 , after the upgrade, same cabin, 7419 L shape, and I noticed the same rusted out hole at the bottom of the bathroom door , and the same electrical panel rusted open on our balcony. We still liked it, as we had really good MDR service and really like the orchestra..I too wish , as someone said, that they would not jam the promenade deck with the photo ops...We prefer Royal over CCL , and after our Magic cruise will probably just do Royal once a year..

[pbsteve]

I would just like to mention that you went when school was still out for most places. They usually go back to class around here the second week of january. All the colleges started back up the 13th. You got the people who couldn't go due to the holidays. Ie christmas. And then the high priced new years. You have valid points on a lot. But it seems you were exactly what you assumed you were not, someone on a spring break cruise expecting kids to be in School. That is I'm afraid the new generation, you getting a tattoo in your fifties makes you the wild one. But for today's generation, you are I hate to say old, but tame. Even I feel old with today's 18-25 year Olds and Im only 30. Carnival may not be for you. It's low prices make it the party boat... it's true, I'm glad you pointed out more than that though, hopefully you will find your new line or new vacation type.

 

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[silorchic]

That review sounds exactly like I would have written. Bad traffic flow, poor food quality, too many teens filling up hot tubs. I referred to the hot tubs as "soft porn". I will not sail triumph again.

 

 

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[jakeT]

Carnival has cheap prices and a cheap product. Food, shows, ect

[maldenmusic]

Triumph has benn my least favorite ship of the 3 different ones I've been on. I felt the layout of the ship didn't let things flow as well as on others and I missed having the tables out on deck where you could eat your meals.

[gelo7]

Loved your review.

[tkportersat]

Sorry you didn't have the experience you expected; I was just on the Triumph in October 2013 and we had the best time ever. Food was awesome, entertainment was fun, ship looked great. I will say I have had times where I have felt like I was burned out on cruising, maybe after you try something else you will find your way back at some point. For the first time we are trying an all inclusive this year, I hope I love it as much as cruising.

[LaShea]

To those about to sail the triump:. We sailed her in December and had a wonderful time. Food and service were terrific with few disappointments. Our balcony room was clean, quiet and well maintained. The ship does show a little age but that is to be expected. At the sail away party there were a few people who were having a little too much fun and since our son was with us we played putt putt instead. I've sailed carnival and Disney previously. I would choose disney every time if I could. But financially I can't. I completely respect the OP's review and opinions. I would even agree with some of her observations. I went with fairly low expectations and had a wonderful cruise. Just wanted to give another perspective so no one worries about their future triumph cruise. It certainly isn't Disney, but we didn't spend $4K to step in the ship either! Hope I didn't step in anyone's toes with my comments, definitely not my intentions. I would sail the Triumph again in a hurry if I could:)

 

I totally agree with this statement. We went on the Triumph in Sept 2013 (3rd time on the ship). We had an amazing time and it was the 4 day cruise we went on...which seems to be more of the party crowd. We never stay around the Lido pool as we know from other cruises that the crazy stuff happens around that pool. We always go to the pool in the back and usually get a chair on the level above the pool to lay out and relax. It is so quiet back there and in 3 cruises on the Triumph I have yet to see any craziness happen by that pool. People having fun sure but, no out right craziness (twerking)! I would love to go on Disney but, since I have 5 people in our family we can't afford it as they do not have balcony cabins to fit 5 so we would either have to get a suite or 2 balconies which was going to cost us $7000 from Galveston. It only cost $3200 on the Magic for 2 balconies. I could go on 2 cruises for the price of one DCL cruise. I would like to go on Princess and RCCL though.

[tkportersat]

Yeah, we never saw any craziness on our Triumph cruise either. Honestly the most annoying thing for me was all the moms taking their babies/toddlers into the hot tub. But, you sometimes don't get to pick the people you travel with. I did have one cruise on the Ecstasy (4 day) that did get pretty rowdy....One girl flashed everyone by the main pool. I am looking at Disney for next year before my son starts kindergarten, but man I don't know if I can go through with it. The prices are awful. And that is before I tack on airfare :mad: Might be a once in a lifetime event.

 

I totally agree with this statement. We went on the Triumph in Sept 2013 (3rd time on the ship). We had an amazing time and it was the 4 day cruise we went on...which seems to be more of the party crowd. We never stay around the Lido pool as we know from other cruises that the crazy stuff happens around that pool. We always go to the pool in the back and usually get a chair on the level above the pool to lay out and relax. It is so quiet back there and in 3 cruises on the Triumph I have yet to see any craziness happen by that pool. People having fun sure but, no out right craziness (twerking)! I would love to go on Disney but, since I have 5 people in our family we can't afford it as they do not have balcony cabins to fit 5 so we would either have to get a suite or 2 balconies which was going to cost us $7000 from Galveston. It only cost $3200 on the Magic for 2 balconies. I could go on 2 cruises for the price of one DCL cruise. I would like to go on Princess and RCCL though.

[swscruiser]

Haven't read every post, but I may have a possible reason why were gifts were never received, because it has happened to us. We also upgraded just before sailing and never received any of the perks etc that we were supposed to have gotten. This has happened on 2 separate occasions. Make sure whoever at Carnival is investigating where your gifts went that they are aware of your changing Cabins.

 

Good Luck

Keith

[kwbound]

Haven't read every post, but I may have a possible reason why were gifts were never received, because it has happened to us. We also upgraded just before sailing and never received any of the perks etc that we were supposed to have gotten. This has happened on 2 separate occasions. Make sure whoever at Carnival is investigating where your gifts went that they are aware of your changing Cabins.

 

 

 

Good Luck

 

Keith

 

 

A quick update on the missing gifts- my friend finally did get her refund. Last week Carnival sent me a survey specifically relating to Bon Voyage and the issue we had. A few days later I received a call from the Supervisor of Guest Care. She was very nice and apologized for the screw up. She offered me, my husband and our friend each a $50 onboard credit if we sail on Carnival in the next 24 months. I told her we probably wouldn't be sailing on Carnival during that time -we are thinking of doing a RCCL cruise in May, we're going to Hawaii in August and next Spring we are doing a bike tour of the Florida Keys. That's going to be our vacation budget for a while. Plus we have done all the CCL itineraries out Galveston and I really don't need to go to Progreso or Belize ever again. She said, you know maybe a good deal will come along and we'll change our mind, you never know (which is true). She said if time were to start running out, to call her and she would extend the offer for an additional 24 months. I was glad that someone did take the time to call and at least try to make it right. Maybe in 48 months they will add some new itineraries and we'll give them another shot.

 

Keith - that very well could have been the reason, but that doesn't excuse it. People switch cabins all of the time and CCL should have processes in place to deal with it.

 

 

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