Tired of Carnival Getting Blamed for Things Beyond Their Control

[Elaine5715]

People confuse contrariness with intellect.

[stleda124]

You sound like just the kind of person who should be on a cruise ship. I can't stand when you plan, pay, excite yourself and you get on the cruise having a great time and everyone is complaining about small stuff. Entitlement issues galore on cruises. It's pathetic but I'm glad you were able to not let it ruin your vacation!

[TaDaaa!]

Got off a wonderful cruise on March 5th that went to Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. This was our ninth cruise, all with Carnival. We have been on every other Conquest class ship, so now we can say we've seen them all. I'm just starting to get a bit fed up with over the top negative behavior and comments from people who apparently are mired in vats of pessimism. If you look to have fun, you will have it. Look for "life altering" negative experiences, and you will surely find nothing good to say.

 

As far as fellow passengers, 95% were fine. There was a large group of students from Ohio University on break. My wife and I are both alums, so it was nice talking with them, and I think they appreciated our OU stories from the prehistoric past. There were a few other schools on early break, but very few small children (maybe thirty or forty at most). It was also a Spring Break for us, in a way. My wife is a professor, so we cruise every year at this time of the year because her school is on break.

 

One of the reasons I like Carnival is that it draws an eclectic crowd, that for the most part wants to have fun. I view Carnival like the Dollar Car Rental brand of cruise lines. They won't pick you up like Enterprise, or reward you with upgrades like Hertz. They will give you a solid, clean vessel that you can have fun with, IF you decide to have fun. It is up to you, though.

 

While most everybody we met on deck, in port, or at dinner was genuinely friendly and having a good time, there is a small cadre of individuals who only found something to complain about. For the most part, the unhappy campers congregated near the comfortable chairs on the smoking side of the Panorama Deck (I know! It's a filthy habit and I need to stop! I will, I swear!). As the witches and warlocks gather, they each do a ritual preening of themselves and then proceed to one-up the horror stories of others.

 

Example conversation: Witch #1: "I've sailed on 20 Carnival cruises, and this is the worst. I only got ice once a day the last two days!" Warlock #1: "Oh, you think you have it bad. I'm Platinum on Carnival and Princess, and I'm Four-Star Mariner on HAL, and I've never been treated worse. My prime rib was tough, and all three lobster tails I ordered were mushy. I think we ought to take over the ship, hold the captain hostage until they cook lobster right." Witch #2: "Oh, I wish I had mushy lobster!" "I came up with Oceania, Crystal and Seabourn Cruise lines, and Carnival PAYS ME just to get me to sail on her, but this is the final straw. I didn't get much ice in my drink, and then a lady in a walker cut-me off and almost knocked me on the ground! I'm going to sue Carnival!" Me: "Are you saying Carnival is responsible for the actions of a woman and her walker? Witch #2: "Yeah, I am! They let her on board, didn't they? And what are you doing smiling??? You're not one of us, are you?" Me: "No, but I do have big hands!" Head Warlock: "Okay, let's all go down to Guest Services to complain. Hurry! If you can log your complaint before the half cruise mark, I hear that Carnival has to pay money, or credits for future cruises that we won't like either!"

 

We wouldn't let the harpies take us down to their level. We had some things go wrong, but they were minor in the whole.

 

If only they do develop a manual for walker users so they don't almost run down the professional keeners and moaners. Almost doesn't count. They should be able to easily take their target down quickly and quietly!

 

Blaming others for stupid stuff is quickly becoming a national pastime. :(

[crusinpsychRN]

Agree. The Complainers feel that it is their life's duty to complain.

Myself, I understand that things happen. It just gives me another story to regale people with in the future.

 

On our last Carnival Cruise, I came back from the Gym and water was pouring out of the light in the hall outside of our room. Get in the room and tell the wife. She finds it interesting and we watch water start coming in under the door. About that time Guest Services shows up and decides to move us. So we get moved from an outside on 2 to a balcony on 6. Okay no problem. I did notice that it appears the Balcony that we were moved to was taken out of service for a few problems and that (maybe) some things were cannibalized for other rooms. (the cover for the Pullman to make the ceiling consistent was missing) But we were happy. Better than being in a room with two inches of water on the floor, even if the Balcony rooms are smaller than OV. (OV is 210 sq. ft., Balcony is 185 with a 15 sq ft balcony, so OV is larger)

But we ran into people that complained that the food on the Buffet was rubbery, that the comedy club was too crowded, that there were not enough waiters in the comedy club. Just complaining.

 

Carnival is the Fun Ship Line, but some people can't have fun even if they wanted to.

 

FYI balconies are usually 35 sq ft. Nice you got moved.

[TaDaaa!]

I agree that people complain about things out of Carnival's control. Most of the time people are complaining about the weather, rough seas, change of ports, ect.

 

But some of your examples didn't fit. How is not getting ice, tough prime rib and mushy lobster out of Carnival's control? Those are in their control. Of course quality of the prime rib and lobster might be all you can expect at Carnival's prices. But not getting ice is something definitely under their control. Some people do not care if there is ice in the cabin, but others do. I thought this was one of the amenities that your cabin steward can provide.

 

I'm am tired of hearing I'm on a cruise and that's all that counts. So far I am pretty happy with my Carnival cruises but they keep making small cutbacks. They add up. Just like a quarter more here and a quarter more there add up to $ after awhile. Of course the newer cruisers don't know what was before. You can't miss what you never had.

 

And if you are happy with paying more you can still have things exactly like they used to be.....on a different line.

 

As for the ice, did the person ask their cabin steward for ice twice a day? Of course, as was alluded to in the OP, I believe that all of these complaints is either an effort to justify pulling the gratuities or getting some other compensation.

[TaDaaa!]

What's interesting to me is that, out of all the cruises I've been on, I can't recall a single instance where I overheard people complaining in the hallways, casinos, lido deck, lounges, MDR, elevators, guest services line, etc. I only see people complaining behind the anonymity of the internet.

 

Pull up a chair at Guest Services on the last night of the cruise. The stories you hear are even better than the comedy show! :D

[JAGR]

I agree that people complain about things out of Carnival's control. Most of the time people are complaining about the weather, rough seas, change of ports, ect.

 

But some of your examples didn't fit. How is not getting ice, tough prime rib and mushy lobster out of Carnival's control? Those are in their control. Of course quality of the prime rib and lobster might be all you can expect at Carnival's prices. But not getting ice is something definitely under their control. Some people do not care if there is ice in the cabin, but others do. I thought this was one of the amenities that your cabin steward can provide.

 

I'm am tired of hearing I'm on a cruise and that's all that counts. So far I am pretty happy with my Carnival cruises but they keep making small cutbacks. They add up. Just like a quarter more here and a quarter more there add up to $ after awhile. Of course the newer cruisers don't know what was before. You can't miss what you never had.

 

Duplicate posted in error

Edited March 10, 2016 by JAGR
Duplicate posted in error

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

And, less we forget, when complaining about complainers the vitriolic few point out, in no uncertain terms, that "we" are acting far worse then "they" were/are and that "we" are now "personally attacking them" for their totally legitimate complaints and how dare "we" set ourselves up as judge and jury.

 

Catch 22 is alive and well.

[Savlamara]

What's interesting to me is that, out of all the cruises I've been on, I can't recall a single instance where I overheard people complaining in the hallways, casinos, lido deck, lounges, MDR, elevators, guest services line, etc. I only see people complaining behind the anonymity of the internet.

 

Or at guest services the last day of the cruise when they are trying to remove the gratuities.

[Jimmy Geegitz]

Oh What a disaster!!!,Mushy Lobster!!!!

[Scott6444]

Thanks for the laugh! What a great post! And so true, people will always find a horible time if they are so inclined. Nothing is perfect, its called life. Enjoy the ride....or cruise...

 

And btw a bad day cruising beats a good day staying at home any time!

 

Cheers

[mzloolue]

First, I have experienced some bad days cruising and witnessed others and they were not better than being at work.

 

As for the complainers, I think I have seen them having a hissy fit in the middle of Epcot and ruining it for the wife and kids.

 

Some people should always be left at home.

 

Or left somewhere...

[cruizinisthebest]

I took a bit of poetic license, but you took it too far. Ice is not an assumption when you have a refrigerator. All you have to do is ask for it. You actually said it yourself, The steward can provide it, but he is not Kreskin! The fellow who got ice once admitted he never mentioned to his steward that he wanted ice. As for the glutton with sensitive taste buds, I did not mention that he was a virtual chain-smoking chimney. I doubt he had taste buds, and others mentioned they liked the prime rib and the lobster. And three tries on the lobster before you move onto to another entree (that you also didn't like!). Are you the kind of man that comes across a sign on a bench saying "Wet Paint. Do Not Touch," and you touch it to check? And then you come back five minutes to check it again? And then you dutifully come back minutes later to repeat it? I hope you are aren't a leader, unless you are lemming. But this guy could very well have been the king of lemmings.

 

This is great! Witch #1, Warlock #2......I thought I was good at written expression, but you're awesome.

 

I agree, people all over are just OUT of control constantly complaining. Sthu! I had a coworker go on for 5 minutes today, because her delivered lunch didn't come with a plastic fork.:rolleyes:

[AnonomissX]

WELL!

 

When ever I feel the urge coming on, or finding myself acting like I'm #1 or #2...I will remember this thread :D:p

[Lace]

Got off a wonderful cruise on March 5th that went to Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. This was our ninth cruise, all with Carnival. We have been on every other Conquest class ship, so now we can say we've seen them all. I'm just starting to get a bit fed up with over the top negative behavior and comments from people who apparently are mired in vats of pessimism. If you look to have fun, you will have it. Look for "life altering" negative experiences, and you will surely find nothing good to say.

 

As far as fellow passengers, 95% were fine. There was a large group of students from Ohio University on break. My wife and I are both alums, so it was nice talking with them, and I think they appreciated our OU stories from the prehistoric past. There were a few other schools on early break, but very few small children (maybe thirty or forty at most). It was also a Spring Break for us, in a way. My wife is a professor, so we cruise every year at this time of the year because her school is on break.

 

One of the reasons I like Carnival is that it draws an eclectic crowd, that for the most part wants to have fun. I view Carnival like the Dollar Car Rental brand of cruise lines. They won't pick you up like Enterprise, or reward you with upgrades like Hertz. They will give you a solid, clean vessel that you can have fun with, IF you decide to have fun. It is up to you, though.

 

While most everybody we met on deck, in port, or at dinner was genuinely friendly and having a good time, there is a small cadre of individuals who only found something to complain about. For the most part, the unhappy campers congregated near the comfortable chairs on the smoking side of the Panorama Deck (I know! It's a filthy habit and I need to stop! I will, I swear!). As the witches and warlocks gather, they each do a ritual preening of themselves and then proceed to one-up the horror stories of others.

 

Example conversation: Witch #1: "I've sailed on 20 Carnival cruises, and this is the worst. I only got ice once a day the last two days!" Warlock #1: "Oh, you think you have it bad. I'm Platinum on Carnival and Princess, and I'm Four-Star Mariner on HAL, and I've never been treated worse. My prime rib was tough, and all three lobster tails I ordered were mushy. I think we ought to take over the ship, hold the captain hostage until they cook lobster right." Witch #2: "Oh, I wish I had mushy lobster!" "I came up with Oceania, Crystal and Seabourn Cruise lines, and Carnival PAYS ME just to get me to sail on her, but this is the final straw. I didn't get much ice in my drink, and then a lady in a walker cut-me off and almost knocked me on the ground! I'm going to sue Carnival!" Me: "Are you saying Carnival is responsible for the actions of a woman and her walker? Witch #2: "Yeah, I am! They let her on board, didn't they? And what are you doing smiling??? You're not one of us, are you?" Me: "No, but I do have big hands!" Head Warlock: "Okay, let's all go down to Guest Services to complain. Hurry! If you can log your complaint before the half cruise mark, I hear that Carnival has to pay money, or credits for future cruises that we won't like either!"

 

We wouldn't let the harpies take us down to their level. We had some things go wrong, but they were minor in the whole.

 

If only they do develop a manual for walker users so they don't almost run down the professional keeners and moaners. Almost doesn't count. They should be able to easily take their target down quickly and quietly!

 

Gotta love a post complaining about complainers. Ironic at best.

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

Gotta love a post complaining about complainers. Ironic at best.

 

Exactly the comment I was talking about earlier. It's OK to complain but not OK to complain about the complaining. Got IT!

[Ellusionz]

Companies need to stop letting complainers benefit from complaining... they should be giving more perks to people who don't complain or give rave reviews :rolleyes:

[cruzelover55]

When we were on our Ruby Princess cruise and had to do the muster drill, there were a couple ladies sitting next to us who were saying how glad they were to be sailing Princess again and how awful there last cruise on Carnival was. The whole time we were waiting for the drill to start it was just one complaint after another about Carnival and how awful it was. DH and I, having enjoyed all of our Carnival cruises just looked at each other rolled our eyes as we ease dropped on them. Funny thing was when our Princess cruise was over I was more disappointed in it than I was any of our Carnival cruises. It just didn't live up to the expectations I had for it. Could be we set our expectations too high but I have to say we have enjoyed our Carnival Cruises much more than we did that one Princess cruise.

 

No way, the couple of ladies, you describe, will ever be satisfied. Can't imagine wasting time on the current cruise, complaining about the last one. I would almost bet that they do the same, the next cruise they take, just change the ship lines name.:p

[Lenliner]

I agree that people complain about things out of Carnival's control. Most of the time people are complaining about the weather, rough seas, change of ports, ect.

 

 

 

 

 

But some of your examples didn't fit. How is not getting ice, tough prime rib and mushy lobster out of Carnival's control? Those are in their control. Of course quality of the prime rib and lobster might be all you can expect at Carnival's prices. But not getting ice is something definitely under their control. Some people do not care if there is ice in the cabin, but others do. I thought this was one of the amenities that your cabin steward can provide.

 

 

 

 

 

I'm am tired of hearing I'm on a cruise and that's all that counts. So far I am pretty happy with my Carnival cruises but they keep making small cutbacks. They add up. Just like a quarter more here and a quarter more there add up to $ after awhile. Of course the newer cruisers don't know what was before. You can't miss what you never had.

 

 

Just off the Sunshine last weekend, and had to bring our own herbal teabags! After spending thousands on a balcony for a 13 day cruise, we should NOT have to pay extra for TEA! Call me a complainer if you like, however when Carnival focuses on pleasing the shareholders ahead of the customers, it will soon be the shareholders howling the loudest. 😠

[TaDaaa!]

And, less we forget, when complaining about complainers the vitriolic few point out, in no uncertain terms, that "we" are acting far worse then "they" were/are and that "we" are now "personally attacking them" for their totally legitimate complaints and how dare "we" set ourselves up as judge and jury.

 

Catch 22 is alive and well.

 

I was judge and jury for my kids for 20 years so I have no problem doing the same for people that act like my kids (or worse). ;)

[TaDaaa!]

Just off the Sunshine last weekend, and had to bring our own herbal teabags! After spending thousands on a balcony for a 13 day cruise, we should NOT have to pay extra for TEA! Call me a complainer if you like, however when Carnival focuses on pleasing the shareholders ahead of the customers, it will soon be the shareholders howling the loudest. 😠

 

You don't have to take tea bags, they do carry them on board.

[MCFTJCH2V]

You don't have to take tea bags, they do carry them on board.

 

Now with a charge. Except orange pekoe.

[htkodiak]

I never know if people who complain constantly are truly just unhappy people or whether they feel complaining makes them appear more sophisticated or knowledgeable.

 

Because of the true misery and heartbreak I see every day in my job, all of life's other irritation s really fade away. Well, except maybe for standing on long lines... and politicians... and bad wine or bad chocolates...People have told me I am naive because other things don't bother me enough.

 

I work in a prison and we have a saying "there is no such thing as a bad day at home" or on a cruise.

[aenglish1609]

This happens with every cruise line it seems, not just Carnival. You will find people that blame the weather, the ports, the type of people, etc on the cruise line.

 

There are too many people out there that can't enjoy a cruise without complaining.

[JAGR]

And, less we forget, when complaining about complainers the vitriolic few point out, in no uncertain terms, that "we" are acting far worse then "they" were/are and that "we" are now "personally attacking them" for their totally legitimate complaints and how dare "we" set ourselves up as judge and jury.

 

Catch 22 is alive and well.

 

I'm afraid sarcasm may not be in the Dutch vernacular. I'm not complaining about boorish behavior, just tired of misdirected criticism.

 

By the way, when people complain about people complaining about people who complain, do they not set themselves up as judge, jury and executioner?