FTTF Disasterous waste of money

[golfb4cruzing]

Just off Conquest and the list of issues is lengthy but FTTF was a total bust. We were at checkin at 945 and were 4th seated in the FTTF area (what a joke area). We sat there until 1230 before boarding started. A mysterious Coast Guard Inspection delayed boarding. Someone's relative up on ship, n wheelchair, waiting, said they could not board because a wedding was taking longer than expected (you be the judge). Anyways, the place is packed and a bunch of people that just arrived (35-50) are milling around the roped off area and then when they open up to start boarding they just gang rush and absolutely no one made a peep to stop them. Later in the week, we went to GC to get priority tender on HMC because there was a huge line wrapped around the hallways and this tool at the desk said to just go down, no waiting, he was just there. I told him he was wrong but he wasn't helping. So we went down stairs and ran into a large line. At this point I'm ready to remove gratuities because it's been just that kind of trip (out of 10) but we figured it will help us getting off in FLL. Had to report to Renoir at 730 being FTTF. The ship got into port late. This ship is late coming, going and standing still. We sit in the restaurant until 930 as self assist and others get off. We had Zone 2. 930 I had enough and we picked up our overnight bag and walked out and off ship. They dinged us out, nobody blinked and on the road by 10. Just ridiculous. There is no controls on this ship at all. Don't waste your money.

[riffatsea]

Definitely sounds like something was wrong on that ship!!

We have had FTTF several times now for our cruises and won't cruise without it.

We did have the same issue as you on the Conquest and was also told that there were inspections going on but I don't think they do them that often so that excuse is not a valid one!

The rest of the time though everything worked perfectly for us.

Someone escorted me down and off the ship when I needed a tender.

We were practically the first people off the ship doing self assist from the priority restaurant meeting place.

It sounds like the person who was supposed to walk you guys off the ship before anyone else leaves, forgot their jobs????

I'd write a letter to corporate about that as it sounds ridiculous!!

[bakersdozen12]

Sorry you had a late embarkation, but things like that do happen. I had FTTF in NOLA and were checked in and seated at about 10:30. We didn't get to board until well after 1:00. There was also a Coast Guard drill (that I can vouch for as I saw the crew taking part in it). But, we didn't stress about it because it was our vacation, and one of the few weeks every year where we don't have to rush, rush, rush all of the time.

 

Did they not give you instructions the night before on how to get a priority tender to HMC? We had FTTF for Grand Cayman and we were instructed to meet in the dining room. We showed up a few minutes earlier than what was listed as the start time. Someone promptly led us right onto the first tender. We never had to go to Guest Services (GS).

 

And someone can correct me if I am wrong, but as far as debarkation is concerned, self assists do debark first, before Diamonds/Platinums/FTTF's. So there wasn't anything wrong with how FTTF worked for you then. Just perhaps you missed how it was supposed to work. But then again, you said you had zone 2. So you should have waited until they called zone two, correct? I feel like I'm missing something here.

 

 

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Edited May 2, 2016 by bakersdozen12

[golfb4cruzing]

I received my survey and really laid it all out. From taking things out of our luggage ( brand new portable steamer ) to wrong excursion tix to Spa coupon for my birthday not extended to just rude officer staff. This ship had it all beyond the drunks in the hallway at 3am. 1 yr in a diaper in hot tub, roaming group of kids running through ship. It just was a bad cruise. Luckily we have a Princess trip coming up at the end of October. No point in complaining as we won't be back. We will be Platinum (or whatever it is) on Princess after this coming trip and are real happy over there. Carnival was a group decision which I voted against but it's over.

[mimxmom]

You mention removing the tips....did you also have issues with the service staff (wait staff, bartenders, room steward and staff)?

 

 

 

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[coevan]

I would like to know how a wedding could be taking place between embarkation and debarkation. I highly doubt that would be possible. I am not shy about speaking up and would have demanded the priority tender.

[bakersdozen12]

I received my survey and really laid it all out. From taking things out of our luggage ( brand new portable steamer )...

 

 

Steamers are on Carnival's list of prohibited items that they confiscate:

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2261/~/restricted-items-list

 

Not trying to be rude, but you can't blame Carnival for that. You need to take responsibility for not reading the list before you boarded. That's your fault, not theirs.

 

 

 

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[Keys2Heaven]

Just off Conquest and the list of issues is lengthy but FTTF was a total bust. We were at checkin at 945 and were 4th seated in the FTTF area (what a joke area). We sat there until 1230 before boarding started. A mysterious Coast Guard Inspection delayed boarding. Someone's relative up on ship, n wheelchair, waiting, said they could not board because a wedding was taking longer than expected (you be the judge). Anyways, the place is packed and a bunch of people that just arrived (35-50) are milling around the roped off area and then when they open up to start boarding they just gang rush and absolutely no one made a peep to stop them. Later in the week, we went to GC to get priority tender on HMC because there was a huge line wrapped around the hallways and this tool at the desk said to just go down, no waiting, he was just there. I told him he was wrong but he wasn't helping. So we went down stairs and ran into a large line. At this point I'm ready to remove gratuities because it's been just that kind of trip (out of 10) but we figured it will help us getting off in FLL. Had to report to Renoir at 730 being FTTF. The ship got into port late. This ship is late coming, going and standing still. We sit in the restaurant until 930 as self assist and others get off. We had Zone 2. 930 I had enough and we picked up our overnight bag and walked out and off ship. They dinged us out, nobody blinked and on the road by 10. Just ridiculous. There is no controls on this ship at all. Don't waste your money.

 

We were on the same cruise as you and seated just down from you a bit in the FTTF area. We had on the light blue "This guy/gal needs a cruise" shirts. Yes, we agree that all the horror stories I've read about the cattle holding area in Port Everglades is, unfortunately, all too true. We too had a HUGE problem with the [insert choice words here] who got up and wanted to rush to the front. My god, what goes on in the minds of some people? Do they think the buffet is going to run out of food, that if they aren't one of the first on board that their cruise is going to be ruined???? What's worse is one of these jokers who got up crop dusted right in front of us. Someone also did this in the stairwell to the theater when debarking. Go to the bathroom people!!!

 

We were glad that the Carnival employee finally told everyone to sit down and they will call us by rows. We hate the herd mentality that seems to take root in these kinds of situations. I always think that, if there were an emergency onboard and we had to evacuate, that this mentality would be the norm and it would be every man for themselves.

 

We purchased FTTF as an experiment. Can't really comment on it unless you try it, at least that's how we feel. I wrote up a pretty detailed review about our experience with it and didn't find it to be worth the $60. The only thing I used it for that received expedited service was communicating with guest services.

 

We will also say that debarking was the WORST we've ever encountered. We have the opinion that most people don't give two hoots what zone they are in. Whenever they start releasing people, they head down. We purchased the luggage express, and went off with self-assist, since we had all the bags we needed.

Edited May 2, 2016 by Keys2Heaven

[firemanbobswife]

I received my survey and really laid it all out. From taking things out of our luggage ( brand new portable steamer ) to wrong excursion tix to Spa coupon for my birthday not extended to just rude officer staff. This ship had it all beyond the drunks in the hallway at 3am. 1 yr in a diaper in hot tub, roaming group of kids running through ship. It just was a bad cruise. Luckily we have a Princess trip coming up at the end of October. No point in complaining as we won't be back. We will be Platinum (or whatever it is) on Princess after this coming trip and are real happy over there. Carnival was a group decision which I voted against but it's over.

 

 

Steamers are not allowed, and therefore they removed it. I'm glad actually. Not for the fact that you lost your steamer, but that they are enforcing the rules. I'm sorry you didn't know they aren't allowed.

[Keys2Heaven]

I received my survey and really laid it all out. From taking things out of our luggage ( brand new portable steamer ) to wrong excursion tix to Spa coupon for my birthday not extended to just rude officer staff. This ship had it all beyond the drunks in the hallway at 3am. 1 yr in a diaper in hot tub, roaming group of kids running through ship. It just was a bad cruise. Luckily we have a Princess trip coming up at the end of October. No point in complaining as we won't be back. We will be Platinum (or whatever it is) on Princess after this coming trip and are real happy over there. Carnival was a group decision which I voted against but it's over.

 

That steamer would have come in handy though, since the captain ordered all self-service laundries closed after the 2nd day. There was a potable water shortage on board that caused this. I just wanted to use an iron and had to call GS twice in order to receive a complimentary press of our clothes for dinner. They could have put this as a message to view from your TV or had Josh make an announcement.

[Catrin]

Last year, same week - same ship same embarkation port. Disaster. We are Platinum and the embarkation and debarkation were the worst of 17 cruises. Deja View!!!!

 

 

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[firemanbobswife]

That steamer would have come in handy though, since the captain ordered all self-service laundries closed after the 2nd day. There was a potable water shortage on board that caused this. I just wanted to use an iron and had to call GS twice in order to receive a complimentary press of our clothes for dinner. They could have put this as a message to view from your TV or had Josh make an announcement.

 

 

That honestly doesn't matter. It is a fire hazard and isn't allowed. Not even "just in case". I agree the iron issue could have been handled differently.

[Podna's]

Sorry it didn't work out for you, but I'll continue to "waste" my money since our Conquest FTTF experience, along with other ships was flawless. Also I have a feeling your list of issues were probably written before you stepped foot on the boat.

[evandbob]

I was on the Conquest April 2 sailing and that too had a late start to embarkation at 12:30PM or so. I agree that FLL's priority waiting areas are like a small town's bus depot you'd rather forget.

 

We were told initial boarding was delayed due to previous passengers remaining on the ship. There was no rushing when we finally boarded, just relief after waiting over 2 hours.

 

Guess what? I'm sailing on the Conquest again in June! I don't think in small matters like this that what happens is important. I think how one percieves the matter is really the crux.

[ShellLoves2cruise]

From taking things out of our luggage ( brand new portable steamer)

 

I was always under the impression if they take any prohibited item out of your luggage, in this case the new portable steamer, that you can retrieve it at the end of your cruise...is this not the case?

[Keys2Heaven]

That honestly doesn't matter. It is a fire hazard and isn't allowed. Not even "just in case". I agree the iron issue could have been handled differently.

 

I agree and it wasn't a "just in case" comment.

[Keys2Heaven]

Sorry it didn't work out for you' date=' but I'll continue to "waste" my money since our Conquest FTTF experience, along with other ships was flawless. Also I have a feeling your list of issues were probably written before you stepped foot on the boat.[/quote']

 

I was on the same sailing and can attest the fiasco that was embarking/debarking at Port Everglades. I can't speak to having an item confiscated. If it was a prohibited item, then the OP needs to understand that.

[Hog Rider]

Just off Conquest and the list of issues is lengthy but FTTF was a total bust. We were at checkin at 945 and were 4th seated in the FTTF area (what a joke area). We sat there until 1230 before boarding started. A mysterious Coast Guard Inspection delayed boarding. Someone's relative up on ship, n wheelchair, waiting, said they could not board because a wedding was taking longer than expected (you be the judge). Anyways, the place is packed and a bunch of people that just arrived (35-50) are milling around the roped off area and then when they open up to start boarding they just gang rush and absolutely no one made a peep to stop them. Later in the week, we went to GC to get priority tender on HMC because there was a huge line wrapped around the hallways and this tool at the desk said to just go down, no waiting, he was just there. I told him he was wrong but he wasn't helping. So we went down stairs and ran into a large line. At this point I'm ready to remove gratuities because it's been just that kind of trip (out of 10) but we figured it will help us getting off in FLL. Had to report to Renoir at 730 being FTTF. The ship got into port late. This ship is late coming, going and standing still. We sit in the restaurant until 930 as self assist and others get off. We had Zone 2. 930 I had enough and we picked up our overnight bag and walked out and off ship. They dinged us out, nobody blinked and on the road by 10. Just ridiculous. There is no controls on this ship at all. Don't waste your money.

Not nice to bash Carnival here. It was a Brilliant review.

[Hog Rider]

Sorry it didn't work out for you' date=' but I'll continue to "waste" my money since our Conquest FTTF experience, along with other ships was flawless. Also I have a feeling your list of issues were probably written before you stepped foot on the boat.[/quote']

 

I doubt that Bill.

[TomAceEsq]

What's worse is one of these jokers who got up crop dusted right in front of us. Someone also did this in the stairwell to the theater when debarking.

 

I literally laughed out loud.

 

That's a bummer when that happens and there's no escape!

[Podna's]

I was on the same sailing and can attest the fiasco that was embarking/debarking at Port Everglades. I can't speak to having an item confiscated. If it was a prohibited item, then the OP needs to understand that.

 

 

Not questioning the embarking mess. Really sorry they couldn't be more organized. Op didn't want to go on this cruise to start. He could've wrote his review before the cruise. (He probably did) [emoji4]

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

It's experiences like the OPs that make me really glad that we always wait until 1pm to arrive for check in. The herds are on the ship and its check in, walk on for us. Besides it saves us $$ that we would rather spend elsewhere. Besides we can immediately drop off our luggage, the buffet is over the initial stampede, our luggage always seems to arrive fast since, it seems, luggage is off-loaded from the top down (or that has been our experience). "Time" is of little importance to us on a cruise. We are controlled by clocks at home in our regular lives and we pretty much throw away the clocks while cruising. And we are always last off the ship when its really easy to find our luggage and there are always plenty of cabs at the curbs who have dropped off the next batch of impatient early arrivals. And now I will get off my soapbox.

[lizardhowson]

Did you speak to a supervisor in Guest Services and request your FTTF charge be refunded ? Certainly more appropriate than removing tips.

 

If a Coast Guard issue delayed embarkation, not sure Carnival is responsible.

The tender issue should have been handled better.

 

Maybe the "golfb4cruzing" identity is truer than you might realize. :rolleyes:

[balcony bound]

I can tell you for a fact that the Coast Guard was aboard during embarkation - they monitored our safety drill at muster station G. We watched and overheard the conversation with what they were looking for. Coast Guard officer stated he would wrap up after he observed life preserver instruction.

 

I agree the delays for embarkation/debarkation were a mess. Other than that were had a great cruise and hope others did as well.

[Havingfun2010]

Looks like Carnival continues with their Company policy of poor service modeled after WalMart and McDonalds