Awful Guaranteed Cabin

[Mira28]

 Depending on the cruise and when you book, sometimes GTY rooms are all that’s available in the category you want. This has happened to me. It isn’t a question of choosing, unless you want to go to another type of cabin. For some, guarantees are fine, for others they are not.

 Regardless, the OP came here to express frustration and disappointment. This is, after all, supposed to be a site for sharing experiences related to cruising, both good and not so good.

I think the OP said it best, thanking those “who responded with kindness and respect”.  Seems like everyone should be doing that in all our responses on the site.

[May1cruiser]

We have an upcoming cruise in May 2020, the only option for a balcony was guarantee since the itinerary was very good. I understand that we are playing the waiting game. we have had rooms all over the ships, by far the worst was a midship interior with a lot of late night traffic, horseplay, and even a domestic fight at 3 am. I agree with the comment of Forward or aft cabins being quiet. I am sure the OP will have a fantastic cruise.

[pe4all]

I love aft cabins.  We always book a balcony, and I try to get as aft as I can.  Less foot traffic back there- much quieter.  I have never noticed more movement.  Sometimes while docking there is a bit more shaking, but not enough to annoy us.  Love being able to walk up to aft pool/lido from that location.  As far as dining goes - we have booked as far out as 9 months, and have not gotten the early dining we requested.  We would just go to the maitre-d when we board and put in a request - has always been granted.  For our last 5 cruises we book any-time dining, and love it!  Can still request the same wait-team/table with ATD, which we do if we like them.  

[Elaine5715]

5 hours ago, Mira28 said:

 Depending on the cruise and when you book, sometimes GTY rooms are all that’s available in the category you want. This has happened to me. It isn’t a question of choosing, unless you want to go to another type of cabin. For some, guarantees are fine, for others they are not.

 Regardless, the OP came here to express frustration and disappointment. This is, after all, supposed to be a site for sharing experiences related to cruising, both good and not so good.

I think the OP said it best, thanking those “who responded with kindness and respect”.  Seems like everyone should be doing that in all our responses on the site.

We should respond to people who are experienced cruisers and are complaining with validation? 

[Mira28]

It is my opinion that we should respond to everyone with respect and kindness, even if we believe they are wrong or have no right to be upset. Agree or not, that’s up to you. 

[christyran1228]

I feel for you.  When I booked our December cruise in May, there were only GTY balconies left so I booked one.  Then I stalked the website almost everyday to see if any non-GTY cabins opened up.  I was lucky and some did, especially after final payment so I was able to upgrade.  I probably won't do that again, wondering what cabin they will stick me in is too stressful!

[mandmcruise]

As far as the aft I think you will be fine.  We just returned on the 13th from the Sunrise, and that Friday was pretty rocky onboard( think the sea sick bags were posted by elevators) , we had two ports cancelled because of Melissa.  We had an aft balcony on 7  and yes we felt some rocking, but when we went to the Limelight lounge for bingo that day, the rocking was pretty bad, in fact by the time the games were over my daughter said lets get back, to the back  where  its not so rocky.

[LibratPDX]

15 hours ago, StolidCruiser said:

Another Plat who expected to book a guarantee (to save around $80) and get assigned a primo cabin that they would have chosen for themselves in what is essentially a crapshoot - because of their so-called “status”.

 

Karma, baby... pure and simple.

 

 

Another poster who has nothing to contribute to the conversation other than a snarky comment.  This is why many people leave this forum and/or are apprehensive about asking questions.   Why even bother typing a comment at all?

 

 

OP, this is why I don't book guarantee cabins!  My one and only guarantee experience I got a "deluxe ocean view" cabin and thought that would be great, I got a bathtub.  But it was the last cabin on deck 1, all the way aft, and I got to hear all the clanging and banging of the ship.  No thanks!

[dmdiver]

I've only done one guarantee & fortunately it ended up being a great cabin.  As far as the dining time, we went to the maitre d as soon as he was available on embarkation day.  He was able to change us from late to early dining as long as we were willing to share a table.  It worked out well - the other couple was really nice.  And no, we did not have to grease his palm.

[marci4tony]

I love aft cabins...less traffic, quieter.  We never do guarantee because we want aft.

 

As far as motion, I don't have anything to compare it to.  We always have aft cabins.  

We even had an aft wrap that had 2 doors - first door was a small entryway for 2 cabins - one was ours, one was our neighbors.  The most ABSOLUTE quiet available!  

 

Have fun

[jimbo5544]

24 minutes ago, marci4tony said:

I love aft cabins...less traffic, quieter.  We never do guarantee because we want aft.

 

As far as motion, I don't have anything to compare it to.  We always have aft cabins.  

We even had an aft wrap that had 2 doors - first door was a small entryway for 2 cabins - one was ours, one was our neighbors.  The most ABSOLUTE quiet available!  

 

Have fun

Aft wraps are among our most favorite rooms.

[LMaxwell]

19 hours ago, rcarrosq said:

booked a last minute cruise in June sailing on the Breeze on Nov 2.

 

That's not last minute.  You booked a Guaranteed Category (Interior) and that is what you got.  

 

I do not think cruiselines should issue the guarantee assignments until guests arrive at the terminal.  That will eliminate the constant attempts to game the system.  If you want a lower fare, you book a GTY.  You are receiving a discount for being flexible.  If you like/want/need a specific room you can pay to get that at time of booking.  

[LMaxwell]

18 hours ago, rcarrosq said:

So..... I booked interior and that’s what I got.....and no, it was not a special discount. It was the same price it would’ve been had I picked my own cabin. 

 

If booking a GTY wasn't any cheaper than picking your own cabin, no one would do it.  I strongly doubt it was the same price.  

[groundloop]

21 hours ago, rcarrosq said:

..... In a cabin so far in the back we will feel every pitch and roll. .....

 

I've had an aft corner balcony cabin before, so in theory I was in the worst possible location for ship movement.  It was a total non-issue.  Don't sweat it and have fun.

[chasinraynbowz]

I let Carnival pick our cabin once and never again.  I have 18 cruises under my belt and should have known better, but the price of the guaranteed cabin vs an OV we pick was significant enough that I decided to gamble.  I lost.  I got an aft cabin and felt every movement the entire cruise.  In fact, the first day was so bad I was sicker than a dog.  Never again.

 

We were stuck with what we had and it was our own fault.  Lesson learned!!

[glrounds]

Not critisizing the OP. But, I must say, this solo cruiser on a very limited budget that must always cruise an inside cabin, is mildly amused at the concept of a "bad" balcony cabin. 🙂

[Elaine5715]

34 minutes ago, glrounds said:

Not critisizing the OP. But, I must say, this solo cruiser on a very limited budget that must always cruise an inside cabin, is mildly amused at the concept of a "bad" balcony cabin. 🙂

Yep

[kingston13]

I always went midship and then one time took an aft and now that is what I purposely book. I like the back elevator going up the lido for lunch, etc so it is my favorite place now. Didn't really notice any more movement at all.

 

[Jasonsterling]

Just to reassure you on the aft cabin, the Breeze was a very stable ship when I was on it and I think you'll find the location quite nice. I had an aft cabin on the Vista and it was extremely easy to move up and down the ship as the stairs and elevators in the back are much less used. As well, the new Havana rooms which are premium prices are all located on the aft of the ship so it truly is a nice part of the craft. If you've never been on the Breeze it is a beautiful ship and I had a wonderful time on it. As well, can you switch your dining time to Anytime Dining. I've done that the last two cruises and there was never a wait of more than ten minutes from the time I requested a seating to being seated. In that way you could eat early or late as you wish. I hope you enjoy your cruise. Have fun! 

[marshhawk]

I like small ships and prefer interior-portholes.  Which are in the front of the ship, so very little traffic outside my cabin door, I get two small windows that I can look out of, and I smoke (don't flame me) so when I get out of my cabin I take the elevator up to the smoking area.  All my needs are met.  Two days ago I got a call to do an upgrade to an interior on the same deck, which would put me under the kitchen-near the aft of the ship. A true interior. no windows and for 30 dollars more.  per day. Nope. 

 

I think that the booking agents for Carnival are looking at the dollars and not the history o the cruisers.

 

Two hours later I got a call to see if I wanted to upgrade to the owners suite, for an additional 300 per day, um, turned that one down too.  hahahhahaha great cabin but I get to listen to all that noise from the lido 24/7, and of course I couldn't afford it if I had wanted it.

 

One man's ceiling is another man's floor-thank heavens we don't all like the same things.  Have a good cruise!

[monzter]

if you are platinum,do you not use a pvp??they are usually able to see cabins you cant see,also can give you a better price. When you pick a room it doesnt cost that much more.

 

 

 

[13cheermom]

On 10/23/2019 at 6:52 PM, rcarrosq said:

We are platinum with over 22 cruises and booked a last minute cruise in June sailing on the Breeze on Nov 2. We like midship interior cabins and this is what we chose. Today we finally got our cabin assignment. We were given #6495 aft. Seriously? This cabin is darn near the very last cabin on that deck. At this point is there anything we can do? In a cabin so far in the back we will feel every pitch and roll. I was under the impression that our platinum status would help us get a decent cabin.  
 

 

We are also on this cruise, actually we booked in March, 2018 because it is a Journey's cruise (14-day) and very popular and it did sell very quickly.  I noticed the guarantee only option while checking for price drops.  But as far as the location we are also on Deck 6 aft but in a balcony.  We also had this exact same room location last year on the Breeze for another Journey's cruise last November.  This room was perfect, didn't have any issue with movement and we slept fine.  The rooms back there are above limelight lounge, however we usually go to the comedy shows anyway, but still again nothing bothered us concerning noise.  I think you will be fine, and as others have said you will just be a few floors below the aft adult pool as well as lido (food), lol.  We love this location,  it's a 14-day cruise and with great ports, so enjoy!!!

[heidiatmn1]

I book guarantee almost always because the worst room is usually "good enough" for me.  We've gotten good and bad.  Now in regards to you being platinum.  I am convinced Carnival is going to give first time cruisers and first level the best deals and best cabin assignments.  They know they have you hooked.  I'm gold-recently I booked a guarantee because it was much cheaper-friends who are 2nd time carnival cruisers decided to join us.  Their rates were lower than mine and could PICK their stateroom.  It wasn't a casino rate or anything special.  We called carnival and they confirmed this was the case.  If I wanted to pick the same stateroom, it would have cost me $150 more.  This put a bad taste in my mouth.  Give me no motivation to stay loyal to carnival.

[mom2tcdx2]

I have to say I personally would have no issue with the cabin on the aft end.  I love the aft balconies, so an interior aft wouldn't bother me either.  I don't see them looking at status when assigning cabins, my guess is a lot of it is computer generated anyway.  My upcoming cruise I have an interior booked all the way forward that I chose myself.  

 

As for the dining time, I had late dining chosen, decided I wanted MTD, I picked that option even though it said it was wait listed.  Two days later my time dining was then confirmed.  So you could have chosen to switch to the early dining and just waited out the confirmation.  

[jimbo5544]

4 minutes ago, heidiatmn1 said:

I book guarantee almost always because the worst room is usually "good enough" for me.  We've gotten good and bad.  Now in regards to you being platinum.  I am convinced Carnival is going to give first time cruisers and first level the best deals and best cabin assignments.  They know they have you hooked.  I'm gold-recently I booked a guarantee because it was much cheaper-friends who are 2nd time carnival cruisers decided to join us.  Their rates were lower than mine and could PICK their stateroom.  It wasn't a casino rate or anything special.  We called carnival and they confirmed this was the case.  If I wanted to pick the same stateroom, it would have cost me $150 more.  This put a bad taste in my mouth.  Give me no motivation to stay loyal to carnival.

Your logic escapes me, how does it give you a bad taste about Carnival?