Denied boarding

[Warm Breezes]

Me!! I could!!

 

I'm sorry, but if this young man was considered old enough to escort his girlfriend on a cruise with her family, I'm guessing he considers himself an adult. The OP made a decison for the group to forgo their vacation instead of leaving the young man behind, and that's fine if that was her decision. I have no idea what I would do in that circumstance, but I'm inclined to think that an 18 year old male, old enough to go fight in a war, old enough to vote, old enough to go away to college, is old enough to get on a Grayhound bus. A different kind of adventure, to be sure - not a perfect solution, by any means. But I would have a lot of respect for a young man who insisted on doing this. Again, no idea what the OP's circumstances were. Maybe the young man was unable to travel independently. Maybe it didn't occur to any of them that it was an option. But big picture-wise, I would not have scuttled an entire family's vacation because of a boyfriend's mistake. Boyfriends are temporary, especially at that age. Unless they show a lot of maturity and selflessness, by taking one for the team and graciously taking the Grayhound bus back home.

 

JMO,

 

KC

 

Or have 1 other "adult" stay behind with him while the rest went on with the vacation if he wasn't "adult" enough to handle it on his own. That way only 2 people were losing out and not the whole family. That was the choice the OP made not Carnival.

[First and Ten]

I agree. 18 is still a very young adult, almost a child. You certainly don't leave someone like that alone, without their wallet or ID, hundreds of miles from home.

 

Who could even enjoy a cruise in such circumstances?

 

And for those who say they would leave him, let me ask you this....You are on a family vacation and your son/daughter who is 18, forgets their paperwork. Are you saying that you will leave them? Are you really going to hand them some cash and tell them "make sure you water the plants when you get home"....If you say yes, you are some cold people

Edited August 11, 2016 by First and Ten

[cruizinisthebest]

Or have 1 other "adult" stay behind with him while the rest went on with the vacation if he wasn't "adult" enough to handle it on his own. That way only 2 people were losing out and not the whole family. That was the choice the OP made not Carnival.

 

EXACTLY EXACTLY! Same thing I've been saying all along. There were two mature adults there. One of them should have stayed behind so that they didn't lose every dime on the trip. My husband would have insisted I go and I would have insisted he go. One thing is for sure, all 5 of us wouldn't have let the whole trip go to waste. Pretty ridiculous the more I think about it. Nobody did a quick check when they got in the car to make sure everyone had everything. We always do that. Always. If he's so young and incapable, why did the mature adults take all the IDs and hold on to them? Get there and he doesn't have it and the only solution is to all leave and start shaming Carnival?? Please.

[cruizinisthebest]

And for those who say they would leave him, let me ask you this....You are on a family vacation and your son/daughter who is 18, forgets their paperwork. Are you saying that you will leave them? Are you really going to hand them some cash and tell them "make sure you water the plants when you get home"....If you say yes, you are some cold people

 

The OP said the guy had family nearby. They had options. One adult stay or have his family come get him or meet him at the train or bus station. That's not being cold. That's making the best out of an unfortunate situation. Either of these solutions would have worked and made plenty more sense than wasting cruise fare x 5.

[RuthlessBoss]

EXACTLY EXACTLY! Same thing I've been saying all along. There were two mature adults there. One of them should have stayed behind so that they didn't lose every dime on the trip. My husband would have insisted I go and I would have insisted he go. One thing is for sure, all 5 of us wouldn't have let the whole trip go to waste. Pretty ridiculous the more I think about it. Nobody did a quick check when they got in the car to make sure everyone had everything. We always do that. Always. If he's so young and incapable, why did the mature adults take all the IDs and hold on to them? Get there and he doesn't have it and the only solution is to all leave and start shaming Carnival?? Please.

 

I'm still stuck on the fact the boy left his wallet behind. I would think it would be part of his daily outfit.:eek:

[sfaaa]

Don't people argue all the time that 18 is old enough to be on Serenity because they are in the military? So an 18 yr can't manage traveling home alone but could drive a tank in Iran?

 

Precisely. What's with this 18 is still a kid that requires babysitting thing? I was already backpacking all over the country on my own at 19.

[amydresh]

I have never cruised before and now I am freaking out that something like this would happen to us in Jan. But when we get in the car before leaving anywhere to go on a trip I always make sure we double check that everyone has everything. I will definitely be making sure that we SEE all IDs, passports, BC before even driving away.

[CdrescherRBL152]

This is my biggest issue is just have some compassion and give us a break. Especially since we have went on multiple cruises with them. I'm not saying it was in anyway shape or form Carnival's fault. It was completely on him/us for not making sure sooner he had it. But would it hurt them to be a little compassionate? At one point we were standing at the counter debating whether or not my family was going to go without him and both my kids were crying. One Carnival employee even made the comment that if somebody else was in working in customs that day that they would have probably let us on. I also don't understand why we had to wait over 3 hours just to be told no. The boyfriend had family relatively close to the port and had we been told sooner that he wouldn't be allowed on, the rest of us may have went on the cruise anyway. At least then we could have been assured that he had someone there to pick him up and he wasn't just stranded hundreds of miles from home. I guess I just feel doing a good deed here may cost them a couple grand, which is nothing to them but overall would do more good than harm. We will most likely spend more money than previously if they credit us for another cruise, would be more likely to consider future cruises with them and would pass on that they are a good company that takes care of their customers. As it stands now they will definitely not get any future business from us, not that it will hurt them at all lol.

 

 

There is the real problem. No you or your daughter's bf deserves any as you put it compassion. He screwed up. End of story. No ones fault but his. Sorry but showing compassion or making an exception for him only teaches that he dosn't have to be responsible for his actions.

[JustCruiseMe]

I think it would have been good will to give you, not a refund, but a future cruise credit. It was an accident, not neglect. I know everyone has forgotten or lost something at one time or another. I am the most ardent planner and once we went to Fla and I couldn't find our pre bought Sea World tickets, luckily we bought them through AA and they were able to fax them to us. I couldn't figure out where in the world they went then a few weeks later while changing the sheets on the bed my other half found them. They had slid down the foot of the bed between the mattress and the foot board. The whole stack didn't fall, just those.

 

OP I hope you get things worked out. Was it too far to drive back to the hotel? I can't remember if you said that in your original post.

[bigdawgmatty]

As others have stated, sailing with 2 empty staterooms costs the cruise line the "potential" sales made by those who were supposed to be in those staterooms. Already "out"

those potential sales they at LEAST can use the cruise fare to defray their lost sales...additionally, the food not consumed by these 5...possibly making it a wash.

 

Some options:

 

If Carnival had a panel to review such incidents on a case-by-case basis and could determine if the cruise history/money spent in the past warrants a partial/full refund or nothing at all.

 

If a "benefit" of higher VIFP status involves more lenient cancellation policies, again due to money previously spent and money potentially spent in the future.

 

I'm a gold. I'll be a gold for some time, but if you're a diamond passenger and this happens, perhaps it's better to take the loss now to ensure future sales rather than possibly alienating a customer who has proven their loyalty.

 

Bottom line...on every step of my journey to the port I make sure all my stuff is in order.

 

Lastly, bravo for not leaving the 18 year old on his own without his wallet. That shows character.

 

 

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[sgttami]

Precisely. What's with this 18 is still a kid that requires babysitting thing? I was already backpacking all over the country on my own at 19.

 

Me too!

 

Sorry this happened to the OP, and I really don't know what I would do if I were in that situation.

 

I was never allowed to take friends on a "family vacation" as a kid (especially a boyfriend) but at 18 I would think he'd be able to figure out how to get home. I know my father would never have left any of us behind, but a boyfriend......I don't know (lol)

[berrieh]

(Deleted)

Edited August 11, 2016 by berrieh

[Smart Arsenal Fan]

It's problematic getting to the next port because they didn't have passports and even if they did cruise lines are not as inclined to allow this as they used to be and have tightened when they will allow it.

 

Ok, fair enough, no passports makes that not possible.

 

Then perhaps he could have used those 3 hours on the phone with those nearby relatives? Explaining your bind, in between a rock and hard place? I personally would be happy to come rescue my nephew/cousin/grandson.

 

 

Finally, I guarantee this was not the first time this exact thing has happened to someone.

Nor will it be the last. Why should the precedent be set?

Yes good will is nice, but what of the 1000's of prior cases? What of the huge unknown number in the future? Carnival is in the bag for making exceptions for all of these? Why? Or inversely, why not? "They got it, why not me?" "And me?" "And me?"...............

 

Good will is just that. But OP is "requiring" Carnival to make exception to their rules for you or you want to punish them (albeit so tiny in the grand scheme) You say Carnival will no longer be getting your business, fine that's 100% your prerogative.

 

But sadly, realize you are also perpetuating the "Me" generation in your kids. Teaching them: 1) rules don't matter. They are in place for others, but not I. 2) And if you break them there shouldn't be consequences. And 3) if there is consequences due to your fault, be sure to lash out, because you didn't get your way.

 

Yes the whole matter really really sucks, and losing that money stings.

 

I'm not trolling and not talking down to you but as a fellow father, suggesting to take those lemons, and at least use opportunity teach a valuable life lesson to your daughter and son.

[Swissmiss6253]

I agree not Carnival's problem.

 

I also agree that I wouldn't leave another person on the cusp of childhood and adulthood behind. I would take more care of another person's child/adult than my own because I know what my own are capable of.

 

A warning about travel insurance. Read it carefully. I was well aware of pre existing conditions meaning cancelling because of those was excluded. However when I had to change travel arrangements because my mother died earlier than expected (I was told she had months so I was going back to see her for a week or so every month) the travel insurance company wouldn't pay up because SHE had a pre existing condition!

[elliair]

Let me ask, can you get insurance for basically "forgetting" boarding papers?

 

"Cancel for any reason."

 

https://www.travelguard.com/gold/

 

You can read the whole gold plan policy in their pdf file. This is the policy we have.

Edited August 11, 2016 by elliair

[elliair]

I agree not Carnival's problem.

 

I also agree that I wouldn't leave another person on the cusp of childhood and adulthood behind. I would take more care of another person's child/adult than my own because I know what my own are capable of.

 

A warning about travel insurance. Read it carefully. I was well aware of pre existing conditions meaning cancelling because of those was excluded. However when I had to change travel arrangements because my mother died earlier than expected (I was told she had months so I was going back to see her for a week or so every month) the travel insurance company wouldn't pay up because SHE had a pre existing condition!

 

You are the insured and not your mother. It's you with the prexisting condition not your relatives that are insured. Be careful who you get your travel insurance with as well.

Edited August 11, 2016 by elliair

[FLSteve11]

As others have stated, sailing with 2 empty staterooms costs the cruise line the "potential" sales made by those who were supposed to be in those staterooms. Already "out"

those potential sales they at LEAST can use the cruise fare to defray their lost sales...additionally, the food not consumed by these 5...possibly making it a wash.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I don't think it's a wash by any means. It costs the cruise lines maybe $12-15 a day to feed a person. That's like 2 drinks, let alone bingo, shop sales, etc. Not to mention the staff is losing on two cabins worth of gratuities.

 

On top of that, what about the money lost on the sale of their future cruise, which is now being paid for by a credit? There could be people paying money for those cabins, instead of a credit by someone of a past cruise.

 

All-in-all, the cruise line is out the money of 2 cabins booked, and 2 cabins worth of on-board spending, no matter how you slice it.

[katiel53]

His main gripe was asking about some help on a future cruise, not a refund. Comparing a single unit to a cruise ship is apples and oranges as well. Nobody is saying Carnival is technically at fault. But the "too bad, so sad" response to a guest is a bit off putting. To me at least.

 

How about another analogy. You are at a restaurant, order a dish, it's made perfectly, but you just don't like it at all. Whether you ask for it or not, the waiter notices you didn't eat it, you clearly didn't like it, and offers you a new dish to enjoy - complimentary. It was your fault for ordering the wrong item, the restaurant did nothing wrong, but to keep a good reputation and make sure their guests are as happy as possible, they do whatever they can to make it right, even at a cost.

 

That's good business, and I think a little more accurately reflects the tone of this thread.

 

Your reasoning on this, as well as other posts of yours, baffles my mind. A meal at a restaurant somehow doesn't compare to the price of a cruise for this family. Also, even saying it was a VERY expensive restaurant, not all people would be comped.

 

I guess that you are one who feels that everyone/anyone should cruise without ID because it's not that important and geez, if you can't provide what the feds say is necessary, you should get your money back. Do you ever take responsibility for anything?

[zdcatc12]

Someone way up thread said "send the boyfriend home" - but you know what, you cannot even board a domestic air flight without a valid ID.

 

Actually you can if you can confirm your identity: In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete a form to include your name and current address, and may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening.

[Elaine5715]

Maybe we are all missing the obvious...Dad tossed the wallet aside so he didn't have to pay for a grand baby souvenir...

[bigdawgmatty]

Maybe we are all missing the obvious...Dad tossed the wallet aside so he didn't have to pay for a grand baby souvenir...

 

 

My new favorite post of all time [emoji106]

 

 

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[sparks1093]

"Cancel for any reason."

 

https://www.travelguard.com/gold/

 

You can read the whole gold plan policy in their pdf file. This is the policy we have.

 

You have to cancel your trip 48 hours prior to departure, so it wouldn't have helped. I did not delve into the policy enough to know if it covered losses occurring because of lost or stolen travel documentation.

[elliair]

You have to cancel your trip 48 hours prior to departure, so it wouldn't have helped. I did not delve into the policy enough to know if it covered losses occurring because of lost or stolen travel documentation.

 

TRIP DELAY

The Company will reimburse the Insured up to the Maximum

Limit shown in the Schedule or Declarations Page for

Reasonable Additional Expenses until travel becomes

possible to the originally scheduled Destination, if the

Insured’s Trip is delayed 5 or more consecutive hours and

prevents the Insured from reaching the intended Destination

as a result of a cancellation or delay of his/her Trip for one of

the Unforeseen events listed below:

(a) the Insured being involved in or delayed due to a traffic

accident while en route to a departure as substantiated

by a police report;

(b) Common Carrier delay;

© the Insured’s or Traveling Companion’s lost or stolen

passports, travel documents or money;

(d) reasons listed under Trip Cancellation and Interruption.

 

...

[Little Elm]

If Carnival makes an exception in your case, then it will have to make an exception every time a similar case comes up to be fair to everyone. Where does it end? The young man has learnt an important lesson that will benefit him the rest of his life. Look at this as a positive from an otherwise crappy situation.

 

I would have the young man paying for this mistake.

[Little Elm]

Actually you can if you can confirm your identity: In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete a form to include your name and current address, and may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening.

 

Does this apply to international travel?