Carnival Rip-Off? Feedback please?

[jrmende63]

I have to agree with the other posters, you can't expect to have a military discount for your mother, elderly or not. Now maybe the way it was handled could have been different, but I would blame the TA. THEY should know if a military person is not in the cabin, then the discount no longer applies. I am the mother of a sailor...does that qualify me for a military discount?? NO. I or anyone else who is not military does not deserve the discount. You can notify the BBB, but Carnival is doing what any normal buisiness would do...otherwise a lot of cruisers would be getting a military discount. IF the circumstances change relating to the cruise fare then Carnival should charge the difference. For instance, the people who were paid in full to Alaska this summer would have to pay the extra $50 that Alaska is now charging.

I know you are trying to protect your mom, but Carnival is not wrong for assessing the 400 price difference.

[jrmende63]

She should get it because like any spouse or child who spends 20 or more years of their lives putting up with the military BS they deserve recognition for their sacrifices as well. If you think growing up in the military or being married to someone in the military is any way close to leading a normal life you are delusional.

 

Sorry...the way the discount works is IF the person IN the military IS IN THE CABIN. :cool:

[Brittgrrl]

Wow...some of you are quite a respectful and lovely bunch, and thank you for addressing my gripe in a courteous and informative fashion. :D

 

For those who still chose to make snide comments without any intelligent input ("sounds like you're trying to rip off Carnival"), how sad for you.:rolleyes:

 

MY MISTAKE IN ATTEMPTING BREVITY was clarifying which part of this story angered us so:

 

Someone from Carnival called my mother, who does receive the CCL discount as a military dependant, and raised their voice in a fashion that can only be described as yelling, demanding that my mother-not the gift giver, pay $400 immediately with a credit card. As if my mother had somehow tried to get away with something from Carnival. She was put on the spot and treated like a common criminal.

 

The $400, which is an increase in the difference that it would have been back in November, is not a financial strain. Although it's ridiculous that it's almost as much as the price as weekend cruise, they should have just offered to cancel it. I'm positive my step-brother will refund her. And yes, the TA (or "cruise specialist") is very much THE responsible party for the poor information-trust the fact that she will be addressed with equal fervor. But to her credit, she wasn't condescending to my mother (P.S. the TA works for Carnival), "customer service" was. Apparently, she did not want to be the one to make that call.

 

It's just that these are my mother's "Golden Years" and the thought that someone phoned her, not her step-son, and brought her to tears with their rudeness and demanding a credit card payment is unfathomable to us. There were so many better ways to go about it.

 

Thank (most of) you again for your kind responses.

 

Good to know that the majority of the Carnival CC members are such a fantastic group, come over and chat with the RCCL group sometime!;) Have a lovely weekend!

[dan40]

 

The $400, which is an increase in the difference that it would have been back in November, is not a financial strain. Although it's ridiculous that it's almost as much as the price as weekend cruise, they should have just offered to cancel it. I'm positive my step-brother will refund her. And yes, the TA (or "cruise specialist") is very much THE responsible party for the poor information-trust the fact that she will be addressed with equal fervor. But to her credit, she wasn't condescending to my mother (P.S. the TA works for Carnival), "customer service" was. Apparently, she did not want to be the one to make that call.

 

What does "the TA works for Carnival," mean? Was the TA a Carnival PVP or an independent TA, either online or brick & mortar? PVP's ARE NOT TA's and TA's do not work for CCL.

 

RCCL does not have a military discount for non-military either.

I'm a vet but not retired military or active, I don't even inquire about mil discounts. They are for actual military people.

A retired cops wife has a tough life too, and firemen's wives also, but that doesn't make the wives cops and firemen.

 

Your complaint if any is the tone of the call, and that's one opinion against another.

 

Dan

[mrdood]

If your family is anything like your post...

 

Not sure what is done by the TA v. Carnival. I think your TA is just as, if not more responsible for the whole thing...

 

I truly think your attack on Carnival is misplaced.

[VolzCruiser]

Sorry you are having these issues with Carnival and that seems to out of place. I agree with some of the other posters that your mother should be talking to her Travel Agent since they are there to protect you in situation like this. Next I would be calling Carnival and speaking to someone else and trying to get someone more rational on the line. Now there could be a lot of miscommunication going and it might require that there be a 3 way call going on between the travel agent and Carnival. I hope that your mother took down the name of the person who called so that she could call Carnival guest relations on Monday see what can be done this rude person that has upset your mother so much.

[pnjkeith]

Dumb thread. Was just some one wanting something they were not entitled too.

[aggieastrosfan]

I still can't tell if the $400 is the military discount added back in when the military person was no longer in the cabin, or if it is the fare increase since the original booking. If it's the former, I think Carnival is within their right to assess it - if it's the latter, that makes no sense whatsoever, since the booking was never cancelled.

 

Regardless, I agree with what the OP is saying - they had a TA, Carnival should've NEVER called the mother directly demanding payment. Sounds like there's a legitimate complaint in at least how the situation was handled (the TA not calling, but Carnival calling, and then them being rude by demanding payment). As I said earlier though, if the $400 is just the amount of the military discount, that's not a legitimate complaint.

[redskin80]

[

 

 

Suddenly (three weeks ago) my mother's aged husband was unable to go for health reasons. But he INSISTED that my mother go, taking his daughter in his place. The TA said this was no problem (two weeks ago) and charged a $50 change fee to add the step-daughter in the husband's place. You state here TA, then below you state CCL called her??

 

Suddenly (yesterday) Carnival calls my elderly mother demanding the $400 price difference from last November's rate (as if she'd booked today). The TA claims her "hands are tied". Now, my mother, having quite a bit on her plate at the moment, didn't want to argue, and paid it. Mainly because she was literally being yelled at by CCL "customer service" when she objected to paying an additional $450 for a $700 extended weekend cruise. But her family, hearing this story today, are ENRAGED :mad: at the callous nature, and the elderly bullying that took place over the phone. My first ever contact to CCL was speaking to Lillian, whom smirked her way through a "sorry, there's nothing we can do". We are contacting the credit card company to cancel the $400 charge-as my elderly mother was bullied into paying the fee, and cancelling the cruise...refunded or not. Although the BBB cannot rectify what CCL has done, we'll be sure to file a report with them as well. And I'm sure Bob Dickinson won't actually SEE the letter my step-brother will be writing, we'll at least go on record for having attempted to notify him of how CCL's "customer service" has just insured that every relative, neighbour, and associate will never, ever, step foot on a Carnival ship.

 

What would those of you whom are seasoned CCL do in this situation?:confused:

 

I am unaware of CCL calling a customer who has booked with an Agent. The TA should have been the one taking the calls from CCL. Was it explained to all that the military discount is for MILITARY PERSONNEL, they must actually go on the cruise. Sorry that he became sick was unable to go, and I am sorry that she was bullied. I would call the TA and see exactly what happened. A good TA, should be able to help in this situation.

Good luck

[crusinsd]

This is a rant-those who are easily offended or anxious to flame, need not read any further.

 

Hi all! RCCL Diamond member here (soon to be Diamond Plus by December 2007!). I don't cruise Carnival, so I need your assistance understanding whether or not this is the Carnival way of doing business.

 

In brief, my mother's step-son purchased a cruise for his father and my mother back in November (Christmas present). The step-son being a military officer, and his dad (my mother's husband) being a retired Admiral, he received the "military discount".

 

Suddenly (three weeks ago) my mother's aged husband was unable to go for health reasons. But he INSISTED that my mother go, taking his daughter in his place. The TA said this was no problem (two weeks ago) and charged a $50 change fee to add the step-daughter in the husband's place.

 

Suddenly (yesterday) Carnival calls my elderly mother demanding the $400 price difference from last November's rate (as if she'd booked today). The TA claims her "hands are tied". Now, my mother, having quite a bit on her plate at the moment, didn't want to argue, and paid it. Mainly because she was literally being yelled at by CCL "customer service" when she objected to paying an additional $450 for a $700 extended weekend cruise. But her family, hearing this story today, are ENRAGED :mad: at the callous nature, and the elderly bullying that took place over the phone. My first ever contact to CCL was speaking to Lillian, whom smirked her way through a "sorry, there's nothing we can do". We are contacting the credit card company to cancel the $400 charge-as my elderly mother was bullied into paying the fee, and cancelling the cruise...refunded or not. Although the BBB cannot rectify what CCL has done, we'll be sure to file a report with them as well. And I'm sure Bob Dickinson won't actually SEE the letter my step-brother will be writing, we'll at least go on record for having attempted to notify him of how CCL's "customer service" has just insured that every relative, neighbour, and associate will never, ever, step foot on a Carnival ship.

 

What would those of you whom are seasoned CCL do in this situation?:confused:

 

I agree with most here that Carnival has the right to charge if the military person will not be sailing. However the TA should NOT have said that this would be no problem leading you to believe that there would only be a $50.00 charge. I really think that you're issue is with your TA.

[TxStacey]

Wow...some of you are quite a respectful and lovely bunch, and thank you for addressing my gripe in a courteous and informative fashion. :D

 

For those who still chose to make snide comments without any intelligent input ("sounds like you're trying to rip off Carnival"), how sad for you.:rolleyes:

 

MY MISTAKE IN ATTEMPTING BREVITY was clarifying which part of this story angered us so:

 

Someone from Carnival called my mother, who does receive the CCL discount as a military dependant, and raised their voice in a fashion that can only be described as yelling, demanding that my mother-not the gift giver, pay $400 immediately with a credit card. As if my mother had somehow tried to get away with something from Carnival. She was put on the spot and treated like a common criminal.

 

 

The $400, which is an increase in the difference that it would have been back in November, is not a financial strain. Although it's ridiculous that it's almost as much as the price as weekend cruise, they should have just offered to cancel it. I'm positive my step-brother will refund her. And yes, the TA (or "cruise specialist") is very much THE responsible party for the poor information-trust the fact that she will be addressed with equal fervor. But to her credit, she wasn't condescending to my mother (P.S. the TA works for Carnival), "customer service" was. Apparently, she did not want to be the one to make that call.

 

It's just that these are my mother's "Golden Years" and the thought that someone phoned her, not her step-son, and brought her to tears with their rudeness and demanding a credit card payment is unfathomable to us. There were so many better ways to go about it.

 

Thank (most of) you again for your kind responses.

 

Good to know that the majority of the Carnival CC members are such a fantastic group, come over and chat with the RCCL group sometime!;) Have a lovely weekend!

If you read this second post by the OP, she states that her mother is a military dependent and gets the military discount. This is NOT TRUE. The military veteran/member must be on the cruise in order to get the discount. That is why the military discount was rescinded. The OP's mother was asked to then pay the regular non-military fee. Plain and simple.

[Payd]

It really sounds like the TA is to blame for the majority of the hassles.

 

I didn't get the hear CCL agent "literaly yell" at Mom, and if it occured it is out of line...in such trying circumstances this could be taken out of context also.

 

I'm with almost everyone else - military discounts for those who have served only.

 

Payd

[ala-kat]

CCL offered, up until about a year and half ago, the military discount to the spouse or widow/widower of a person who met all other requirements. I know this first hand. My mother recieved the discount (my father is no longer of this earth), Katrina hit, cruise canceled, rebooked - no discount. Cruise had been paid in full, blah, blah, blah. There but for the grace of CCL not making sure their e-mails to customers was NOT updated, we ended up getting the discount anyway (ha ha ha). Used their own stuff against them. Wasn't easy, but made it happen. Guess that's why I no longer receive any e-mails from them?

 

Bottom line, they have cut out the discount for spouses. Really too bad. I come from a military family, and although my mother did not go to war as my father did, she had her own war at home raising us heathens, alone.

[MizzCard]

The person qualifying for the military discount HAS to be sailing...plain and simple. Carnival offers the best military discounts of all the mass markets. If infact RCCL offers a military discount, perhaps you should've booked with them first, then you wouldn't be here "bad mouthing" Carnvial.

 

[firefly333]

I'v read here IF you book a military discount be prepared to prove it when you board. The person who the military discount was booked under cancelled.

 

You are outraged because now you owe for fare without the military discount that you are no longer entitled to. Im not sure how it was stated but your mother doesnt qualify. Just her husband, so if he is not even on the cruise the cabin no longer qualifies, thats it. sorry that you did not ask and see this coming.

[luckycruzer]

was rescended by CCL thru my TA for my last month cruise..I had to pay the diff..and didnt mind..as they did give it to me on an earlier one...the rules are not clear as they are printed (or were not by then) and my TA wasnt aware of it..but i yelled @ no one..just paid the diff and had a great time.as I was prepared to pay it b4 TA asked if hubby was mil..even fxd copy of ID and DL to TA and CCL....So lesson and rules learned.

[50cruiser]

numerous members of my family are eather in the military or retired military. Wife of active or retired has all benafits of husband as well as kids while living with member of armed forces . She should have military discount. However the niece or other members of family not directly related to military personel should be charged. However I would never put up with rude behaiver by anyone. I would go higher up chain of comand . In other words go to the top offical you can get and keep going higher till you get satisfaction.

[caribbean dreams]

[/quote]

[COLOR=red]I am unaware of CCL calling a customer who has booked with an Agent. The TA should have been the one taking the calls from CCL. [/COLOR]
[COLOR=#ff0000]Good luck[/COLOR][/quote]

I have never heard of this either.
Usually the cruiseline will not even talk to you if you have a TA.

Even if Carnival wants to move you from one cabin to another, they always call the TA and ask them to ask you.

[sharecruises]

50 Cruiser...this is not a matter of state or the military...the "rights" are a discount that Carnival offers kindly to military...it is not a govt matter :)

IMHO it is not even clear if the "TA" is a "TA" or a Carnival PVP..or just a carnival rep....?? Also...the OP says they "literally yelled at her"..well did they yell at her or did they "literally"..??

Maybe they just stood firm when she was trying to argue and keep the military discount without a military person sailing with her....this is NOT "elderly abuse" IMHO. In fact, I think you and and your family are trying to abuse the good military discount that Carnival offers. I think some people...ahem...complain and try to get a "deal" or whatever...well it didn't work.

At some point some people don't like the word "No"..maybe Carnival was calling to get the cruise paid in full or whatever...IF it was a private travel agent your problem is with them. But really you have no legitimate complaint with Carnival. Pay the right fare or cancel, I don't think you have any right to any complaint. If you buy a "child ticket" to an amusment park and the kid decides to go an adult can't use the kid ticket in their place.

[Mikew0805]

[quote name='pnjkeith']Dumb thread. Was just some one wanting something they were not entitled too.[/quote]

Wow, nice contribution! :rolleyes:

[quote name='Brittgrrl']
It's just that these are my mother's [B][COLOR=darkorange]"Golden Years"[/COLOR][/B] and the thought that someone phoned [B]her[/B], [I]not her step-son[/I], and brought her to tears with their rudeness and demanding a credit card payment is unfathomable to us. [B][COLOR="Red"]There were so many better ways to go about it.[/COLOR][/B][/quote]

This is really the point. She should have never been treated this way, and your anger with Carnival is understandable!

[quote name='Brittgrrl'] Thank (most of) you again for your kind responses.

[COLOR=purple][B]Good to know that the majority of the Carnival CC members are such a fantastic group, come over and chat with the RCCL group sometime[/B][/COLOR]!;) Have a lovely weekend![/quote]

I DO!! Just as often as here!:D Unfortunately the cruise line cheerleaders are everywhere, and its quite easy to spot them.

-Mike

[shepp]

[quote name='Mikew0805']
This is really the point. She should have never been treated this way, and your anger with Carnival is understandable!
[/quote]

On the other hand - and I'm no cheerleader - unless the conversation was on speakerphone with the OP in the room, all we have to go on is hearsay - the report of the elderly mom. And the whole TA vs. CCL rep issue already had me wondering about the accuracy of the report of the conversation.

I mean, it's not all that easy to believe that a customer service representative would actually [I]yell[/I], unprovoked, at a customer over the phone. I've never, ever had that happen to me under any circumstances, even when I've been exasperated enough to, um, vent. Anyone else?

[Mikew0805]

[quote name='shepp']I mean, it's not all that easy to believe that a customer service representative would actually [I]yell[/I], unprovoked, at a customer over the phone. I've never, ever had that happen to me under any circumstances, even when I've been exasperated enough to, um, vent. Anyone else?[/quote]

I dunno, while I was there I seen ( and heard ) it happen a few times, although I also watched those people get escorted out of the building. If it actually was Carnival that called her to request the payment, then most likely it was the sailing coordinator ( in res admin ) for that ship! I dealt with those people many times on behalf of a TA or guest, and they are snippy people... even to those of us in house who could easily report them. Makes me wonder what they would get away with, with a customer who has no idea who they are. Just a thought, but I would not easily dismiss a claim that someone at Carnival was rude to them. Most of us were not, but there are those "bad apples."

-Mike

[pholter]

[quote name='50cruiser'] Wife of active or retired has all benafits of husband as well as kids while living with member of armed forces . She should have military discount. [/quote]

This might be your "rule" but it is not Carnival's. I believe this was the first issue with the OP's TA that misinformed them. When I don't get my way, I can certainly yell at other's on the phone in order to get it, so if the person I'm unhappy with on the other end raises their voice to get my attention, then it's not their fault IMO :) :) Raising voice and yelling are up to anyone's personal interpretation and as I tell a story, I'm sure it could get more elaborate :rolleyes: If elderly mother wants to cruise, then she or someone in the family should pay the $400 and move on.

[GottaLuvCruising]

[QUOTE=Cruisin' Ron VA;9454235]With that said, the military rate was granted to your step father as he was former military. Your mother (elderly or not) was not. Why should she be given a military discount?

[/QUOTE]

The military discount requires that the service person sail. Period.

[redskin80]

[quote name='firefly333']I'v read here IF you book a military discount be prepared to prove it when you board. The person who the military discount was booked under cancelled.

You are outraged because now you owe for fare without the military discount that you are no longer entitled to. Im not sure how it was stated but your mother doesnt qualify. Just her husband, so if he is not even on the cruise the cabin no longer qualifies, thats it. sorry that you did not ask and see this coming.[/quote]

The proof of military comes when you book the cruise. We (I) provided a copy of my DH's DD214, when the cruise was booked and the military discount was given. We provided nothing more to CCL when we boarded the ship.