NO REFUND FOR MISSING KEY WEST

[gymbrat33]

I just got off the phone with Carnival, and was told that they are not giving refunds because of the extra 5 hours that we'll be in Cozumel and they have to pay the port charges for those 5 extra hours. They are offering a bottle of Champagne.

Imagination 8/02
Glory 8/03
Victory 3/04
Imagination 7/04
Days til Miracle Partae Pirates Cruise from Tampa
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[cantwait2cruise]

I'd rather have drink coupons...hmmmm. Interesting...

HM on Inspiration 3/9/03
Sovereign of the Seas 8/17/03 (Just Mom and I)
Imagination 6/17/04 (w/ the Inlaws!)

[cantwait2cruise]

gymbrat33,

Just wondering if you booked directly with Carnival?

HM on Inspiration 3/9/03
Sovereign of the Seas 8/17/03 (Just Mom and I)
Imagination 6/17/04 (w/ the Inlaws!)

[imsulin]

I don't think it mattered who he booked with. Whover you book with is going to charge those 5 extra hours of port charges for Cozumel, because Carnival is required to charge them. JMO, but I'd rather spend a longer time in Cozumel than go to Key West.

[gymbrat33]

Yes, I booked directly through Carnival and they didn't even inform me about the change. I found out about the change from this board.

Imsulin, I'm a she.

Imagination 8/02
Glory 8/03
Victory 3/04
Imagination 7/04
Days til Miracle Partae Pirates Cruise from Tampa
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[imsulin]

Oops! Sorry 'bout that, gymbrat33! I know that TAs received e-mails and faxes about the itinerary change. I wonder why Carnival didn't notify you? Just want to say that I was on a cruise last year that was in Key West for pretty much the whole day, and I decided to go to a beach for the day, as the store shopping prices were pretty high, and the bars didn't open until noon. KW has really crappy beaches! Very rocky on shore and in the water. Wish I would have brought my aqua socks, but I didn't. Have fun on your cruise!

[gymbrat33]

Thank you, Imsulin. I went to Key West 2 years ago ago, and we just walked around and shopped for souveniers. I didn't go to any of the beaches.

Imagination 8/02
Glory 8/03
Victory 3/04
Imagination 7/04
Days til Miracle Partae Pirates Cruise from Tampa
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[Cotton]

By booking with Carnival directly, they [I]should[/I] have notified you of the change, as well as the TAs.

Their policy, as stated in their big book (also at carnival.com):

"When practicable, Carnival will promptly notify guests of a [B]pre[/B]-cruise itinerary change through their travel agents or directly, in the case of direct bookings. Carnival will offer such guests an opportunity to cancel their cruise within 24 hours without penalty.
No additional compensation for the itinerary change will be offered at a later time."


.....then it goes on to say what happens when port changes while at sea.


Soooooooo - other than their NOT notifying you, I think they're being more than fair in offering the additional five hours on Cozumel! Obviously, they don't have to do this.

Personally, I feel you're coming out 'way ahead. Enjoy your cruise! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]



"Laissez les bon temps rouler!"
Festivale 1987
Carnivale 1988
Mardi Gras 1989
Pacific Princess 1990
Norway 1994
Holiday 2001
Holiday 2002
Holiday 2003
Sensation 2004

[ama-sam]

So, what happened to the pier in Key West that is under construction? I have to assume there was an accident recently or Carnival would not have listed Key West on an itinerary it knew it could not honor?

Also, as for Key West being a "bad port" - - with only two ports on the 4 day Imagination itinerary I have to think the cruisers who chose it wanted to go there, as there were other cruises to choose from without Key West. Therefore, missing it is a big deal and five hours at a port I was already going to is not compensation. I thought the 10 hours I originally had in Cozumel was more than sufficient.

Ally

Imagination....July 29, 2004

Brilliance of the Seas....June 2003

[cantwait2cruise]

I agree completely ama-sam!!! I booked on the representation that we were going to two ports. I've heard the various negative opinions on Key West...I would like to judge for myself! I have been to Cozumel previously and am looking forward to going back. But 10 hours was plenty and 15 is really no benefit to me.

If they were working on a pier at a more popular port and just cut out that port without replacing it, I would think some of you fellow cruisers would also be disappointed and upset.

HM on Inspiration 3/9/03
Sovereign of the Seas 8/17/03 (Just Mom and I)
Imagination 6/17/04 (w/ the Inlaws!)

[imsulin]

There was no "accident" at Key West. The pier - which can only accomodate two ships at a time - is undergoing renovation. It's been posted all over the place. The pier that Carnival uses at Key West was closed by local officials on May 1, 2004, for extensive construction work. The pier will re-open on Nov. 1, 2004.

[cantwait2cruise]

Yes, it was posted a pretty good while ago that there were concerns about Glory not being able to dock. The first I saw about Fascination/Imagination was last week. We booked in March and nothing was disclosed about the pier issue.

As I have said on other threads, we considered going on Sensation b/c Tampa is closer and has been cheaper airline wise. We would have possibly flown down and drove back. This is what we did for our HM on Inspiration and it worked well. But out of 17 cruisers, 12 of which are new to cruising and 15 of which are new to Carnival, wanted to go to two ports instead of one.

We are all spending a lot on this vacation...it is super expensive for this four day cruise in June plus $200 flight. DH and I 1)wanted to go in the spring when it's cheaper and 2) did not want to go out of Miami. So now we're spending all this extra money to go on Imagination and to fly and it's not even worth it.

Regardless I'm planning on having a super time but I just don't think that we are getting what we paid for.

I would like my champagne or whatever we get...should I call my online TA or call Carnival directly???

HM on Inspiration 3/9/03
Sovereign of the Seas 8/17/03 (Just Mom and I)
Imagination 6/17/04 (w/ the Inlaws!)

[ama-sam]

So, Carnival knew the pier would be closed and continued to book cruises to a port they could not dock at?

hmmm....

My first time with Carnival is likely to be my last if this is how they they treat their customers.

I do agree that I will make the best of this trip (as it is paid for and basically unrefundable) and will enjoy the extra day of relaxation with my traveling companions. I also want to know how to get the free champagne - because a drink or two on that extra sea day will help me along on a nice comfy nap! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

Ally

Imagination....July 29, 2004

Brilliance of the Seas....June 2003

[cantwait2cruise]

I just got off the phone with Carnival. She put me on hold and went to go find out when they knew...she came back and said June 1 was when they realized that there was no docking or tendering.

She said all they were offering was the extra time in Cozumel. I'm still planning to talk to my TA.

HM on Inspiration 3/9/03
Sovereign of the Seas 8/17/03 (Just Mom and I)
Imagination 6/17/04 (w/ the Inlaws!)

[TinaB]

I don't like champagne! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]

Ecstasy '91
Ecstasy '93
Triumph '01
Conquest '03
Imagination '04
Mariner of the Seas '05

[cantwait2cruise]

Me neither...I've got the bottle from our HM in our fridge already. It's been sitting there for over a year!

HM on Inspiration 3/9/03
Sovereign of the Seas 8/17/03 (Just Mom and I)
Imagination 6/17/04 (w/ the Inlaws!)

[imsulin]

June 1 was when TAs were officially notified of the itinerary changes, even though Carnival had been told on May 1 of the pier renovation. Carnival tried for weeks to negotiate with the KW officials to let their ships dock there, but it didn't work out. Please don't think that Carnival "stalled" by not notifying you or your TA of the itinerary change in May, as they were really trying to get the Imagination and the Fascination there, by negotiating with KW officials. You can talk to your TA all you want, but your TA is bound by Carnival's right to change their itinerary. [B]June 1[/B] was the official date of notification about the itinerary change. Please realize that not all cruise passengers "get what they pay for". Inclement weather, political situations, and contractual negotiations can cause a ship to change its original itinerary. This information is in Carnival's brochure, as well as on your cruise documents.

[imsulin]

June 1 was when TAs were officially notified of the itinerary changes, even though Carnival had been told on May 1 of the pier renovation. Carnival tried for weeks to negotiate with the KW officials to let their ships dock there, but it didn't work out. Please don't think that Carnival "stalled" by not notifying you or your TA of the itinerary change in May, as they were really trying to get the Imagination and the Fascination there, by negotiating with KW officials. You can talk to your TA all you want, but your TA is bound by Carnival's right to change their itinerary. [B]June 1[/B] was the official date of notification about the itinerary change. Please realize that not all cruise passengers "get what they pay for". Inclement weather, political situations, and contractual negotiations can cause a ship to change its original itinerary. This information is in Carnival's brochure, as well as on your cruise documents. Cruises in June are very expensive, as it is Honeymoon/graduation/family vacation time.

[cusyl]

Interesting that they charge docking fees by the hour? I have NEVER heard of that. Wonder who we could verify that with?

A bad day at sea is better than a good day at work
26 cruises since 1964 -Proud member of O.A.T.C.

Queen Mary 2 Maiden Caribbean Voyage 1/31/2004
Zuiderdam 3/27/2004
Caribbean Princess 8/28/04

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Carnival Miracle from Tampa 11/7/04
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[imsulin]

Yes - "port charges" mean docking fees, and are charged by the number of hours the ship is in "port." That's what "port charges" are all about". Some ports are cheaper than others, which is why you'll see cruise ships going to the same places over - and over - and over - and over - again.

[krayziecr]

Glad I just docked in Key West on my 5/30 Miracle cruise. . I love that port and was one of the reasons for taking the Miracle out of Baltimore rather than NY

Carnival Victory 5/28/01
Carnival Pride 5/25/02
Carnival Legend 5/29/03
Carnival Miracle 5/30/04

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Till I'm on the Miracle

[Cotton]

Please go back up and re-read my post carefully. It explains Carnival's policy very clearly:

Although the KW dock construction was completely out of their hands...

They DO have the right to change/skip any port.
They DO have the right to NOT give any compensation for such changes.
They DO say you may cancel the cruise with no cancellation charge.

They DO [B]NOT[/B] have to give you champagne, NOR extra hours in Cozumel. (But they ARE doing this.)

When you book a cruise on ANY cruise line, it is your responsibility to know what their policies are. Then you may either accept the policies they set forth or not. I have NCL, RCL, and Disney books - they all have basically the same policy about "Change in Itinerary".

Hoping you all have a wonderful cruise! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

"Laissez les bon temps rouler!"
Festivale 1987
Carnivale 1988
Mardi Gras 1989
Pacific Princess 1990
Norway 1994
Holiday 2001
Holiday 2002
Holiday 2003
Sensation 2004

[cantwait2cruise]

We will have a wonderful cruise....we are just disappointed. I guess that's just difficult for all the Key West haters to understand.

I understand the policies. The policies are fair. There are so many things that are out of our control. I don't think Carnival knew when I booked in March. I don't think they are trying to screw everybody over.

However, I don't think they are really complying with their own policy. I did not book directly with Carnival...that's why I would still like to speak with my online travel agent. If they were notified around June 1st then I expect to have been called or emailed by this point for a June 17th sailing so that I could excercise my option to cancel in the 24 hour time period. I haven't been pleased with the TA's communication, or lack thereof, when I've had questions. I plan on cruising a lot more and they have good prices but if this is how there customer service is I will go else where when I book in the future.

There are three groups in my party that booked with Carnival PVP's and to my knowledge, none of them have been notified. I have a feeling there are going to be some irate folks on board next Thurs. After all I wouldn't have known if it weren't for this board.

No they don't owe us champagne. No this isn't in their control. But businesses deal with things that are out of their control everyday. Some say tough sh*t and some try to work with customers. What kind of company do you prefer??? I was only looking for a small credit or some drink coupons. After all they are certainly going to make a lot more money during that full day at sea. An extra five hours in Cozumel doesn't mean much to me. We are not going to spend 15 hours off the ship in Cozumel. An "I'm sorry" and a small credit or photo coupon would have appeased me. Some people are prob. excited about extra hours in Cozumel and some are not. It's up to Carnival how they want to deal with it. We already like Carnival, but for those who are cruising Carnival for the first time how they choose to deal with this may leave lasting affects.

HM on Inspiration 3/9/03
Sovereign of the Seas 8/17/03 (Just Mom and I)
Imagination 6/17/04 (w/ the Inlaws!)

[Cotton]

Can'tWait - You seem to be a logical thinker. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] I do understand your disappointment. I'm not a Key West-hater. I enjoy Key West, and visit whenever I can with my cousin who lives in the Keys. If you haven't been there, it's a wonderful little town with lots of history, and I am sorry that you'll miss it.

Again, I truly hope you have a nice cruise. Those days at sea can be soooo nice and relaxing. Simply being on the ocean is what I enjoy most. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

"Laissez les bon temps rouler!"
Festivale 1987
Carnivale 1988
Mardi Gras 1989
Pacific Princess 1990
Norway 1994
Holiday 2001
Holiday 2002
Holiday 2003
Sensation 2004

[Effie]

Our first Carnival Cruise we were taking to Key West and Cozumel. We woke up our first morning thinking we were docking in Key West and we were in FreePort Bahamas. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img] Talk about not ending up where you thought and feeling a little turned around!

No refund for us and we never made either of our ports. I was upset at the time too but not a lot to be done about it.

We've taken two other cruises since with Carnival so I guess we didn't carrry a grudge. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] (We did get a 50% off our [B]next[/B] cruise which we hadn't planned to take one... guess the 50% off persuaded us to spend more money to learn that this doesn't always happen).

Frances
<A HREF="http://www.ncvaughan.homestead.com/bahamascruise.html" TARGET=_blank>
Carnival Victory 6/8/03</A>
Fascination 9/2/02
[url="http://www.ncvaughans.homestead.com/cruise.html"]Imagination 8/2/01[/url]