*LIVE* from Mariner of the Seas - PROBLEMS!

[mojo4trav]

My open letter to Adam Goldstein and Michael Bayley:

 

Gentlemen,

 

It is with immense displeasure that I write you this letter to convey my recent experiences on the Mariner of the Seas. My wife and I boarded the Mariner on October 15th for a 7-night eastern Caribbean sailing. We have been loyal Royal Caribbean customers, exclusively choosing RCCL for our cruising vacations together. After our recent Mariner cruise, we are rethinking our loyalty; we cancelled our plans to sail the Liberty in 2007 and are encouraging our friends and family to take their business elsewhere.

 

Two days into the cruise, my wife and I together (and I, separately) started being harassed by members of a large group you booked onboard named, "The Bears." My wife and I had water splashed on us by members of this group while walking together through the Solarium, had sexually suggestive comments made to me while we walked together, and I alone was whistled at, had cat calls made at me, etc. On many occasions RCCL Security, Deck Patrol staff, or private security (McKenna Protective Services) officers stood by and did nothing. Throughout the cruise, I observed members of this group fondling one another; hands down one another's shorts in the pool area all within plain view of passengers, both adults and children.

 

 

Once again, shipboard staff did nothing.

 

 

 

On Friday, something was done however; the Solarium was reserved for the exclusive use of “The Bears.” Signs were posted at all entry and exit points to the Solarium (which I photographed) and RCCL Security details were posted in pairs at those same doors.

 

 

My wife and I were denied access.

 

 

I was told by Guest Relations that your shoreside offices made the decision to close the Solarium for the remainder of the sailing in the best interest of all passengers. After speaking with Maria - Guest Relations Manager, on Saturday, she explained that the signs and guards were posted merely to warn people of the group occupying the Solarium. Regardless of the intent, the execution was entirely different.

 

Nevertheless, I firmly believe, as do many other passengers, that Royal Caribbean made a huge mistake booking this group on a family-oriented cruise. Furthermore, my wife and I were subjected to harassment throughout our cruise and were unable to enjoy one of the few times each year when we have an opportunity to travel together. Not only did your company fail to protect its guests from harassment, Royal Caribbean encouraged this behavior by allowing a group that is sponsored by a pornography company who sells videos of sex acts reportedly filmed on the ships they sail. (http://www.***** / http://www.**************)

 

Royal Caribbean has marred what was a stellar opinion in our eyes of cruising, through your recent actions; your response will set the course for the rest.

 

 

 

Should you care to read more about our experience and that of others onboard as well as the public’s opinion, you can navigate your web browser to the following thread on Cruise Critic: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=430768

[Jamrenjer]

Mojo,

That is an excellent letter. Please let us know how and when they respond. If they don't make things right-(not sure what exactly would make it right??) I know we will definitely write them as well.

All the best!

[wolfgang36]

Yes, Ziggydaddy, there is a petition that was started onboard. The situation was so bad that several of the Mariner's sweet, sweet crew wanted to sign it!!! That is very telling!:mad:

[Host Karen]

Thanks to the OP for coming back to finalize his report on this cruise.

 

As unfortunately happens whenever a controversial subject arises, some replies violated community guidelines. As a result, this thread is now closed.

 

Karen

HostKaren@CruiseCritic.com