Conquest Captain Boots Man off Ship for Starting A Protest !!!03/16/08 Cruise

[Timmys_mom]

I don't know what those members in the bingo discussion wanted more from me. I told them I was new and by mistake I muts have posted on their board not on this one. Some fool with the name of FROGCRW or something like that jumped all over me yelling for blood and also posting that I was already poofed when it was me who asked the moderator to remove my post because I posted it in the wrong forum. How smart does that member feel now about his superiority complex? Any an ass.

Guys, because someone has never heard of cruisecritic before and posted for the first time today, it does not mean that they are not telling the truth or trying to pull anything on anyone.

Thank you.

Thanks for coming back. Not everyone around here is as quick to pull the trigger.

 

I am dying to see that video. I want to see Steve-O flexing his massive muscles and intimidating the captain with his masculinity! :p

[dmwnc1959]

"...the ships Command believed he was disruptive to the safe operation of the vessel".

 

 

Enough said. Anybody that organizes a petition while onboard to make demands or to specify compensation that they think is appropriate, and rounded up 500+ signatures in a day, is stirring up trouble for the staff and crew. They deserved what they got. They should have waited until they got back to port and wrote a complaint letter to Carnival. What did he think he was going to accomplish while onboard? An open bar? $250pp shipboard credit? Seriously... :rolleyes:

I think people forget that a cruise ship is not a democracy.

[Seachase20]

There are a few things to consider, please.

First, without doubt communications had taken place with the port in Jamaica canceling that call so returning to Jamaica probably wasn't an option even if they could have gotten there in time for a short visit in port.

Second, I don't believe that they would have had the option to merely arrive at Grand Cayman, or any other port, early. All of these calls are scheduled months in advance and such things are not easily changed. Granted it occasionally happens during hurricane season but the logistics necessary to coordinate such things are daunting!

None of these actions are taken lightly. The Captain is very aware of the impact that his decision has on the passenger's vacations and plans. Sadly, some situations simply can not be avoided.

 

I think you've got it exactly right. If it looked doubtful that the ship would make Jamaica, Carnival, not the Captain, would have cancelled the call. It would then be next to impossible to reinstate it, and probably not really worth it. Not only would the berth have been cancelled, but also tours, etc.

Cruise ships are not designed to go very fast, unlike ocean liners like QE2, or QM2, which probably could easily have made up the time, so the decision makes sense. The Captain is Master of his ship, but also must obey his bosses ashore, where matters relating directly to the actual operation of his ship are not concerned. Perhaps, excellent ship's captain that he no doubt is, his communication skills are a little lacking when dealing with an irate and no doubt ignorant (regarding ships and their operations) passenger. As someone has already said, if he had run amok on an aircraft, he'd have been arrested, not just sent down the gangway! Who needs people like that onboard any vessel?! Well done, Carnival.

[Seachase20]

By mistake I posted also posted on some Bingo thread and the guys there jumped on me and started hurling abuse at me!

What a bunch of uptight posters they are, so mcuh for trying to do the right thing for some people!

As I tried to explain to them, I am new to this, I only found out about this site today, you make one mistake and people came after you like crazy.

Goodbye Cruise Critic. sorry guys

Listen, there are jerks everywhere. And even they make mistakes - what a surprise! - and I'm sure don't want people jumping all over them when they do. Ignore them, don't waste your time on them. Most people on CC are great, and we can all share information and learn loads of great information.

Welcome and I hope you come back again and again.

[ala-kat]

We took a cruise on the Sensation in May 2002 during which the ship was delayed 3 times due to medical emergencys. One of these involved a helicopter airlift with somewhat rough seas. My husband and I watched the whole thing from topside. It was very time consuming, with several attempts required. One thing we noticed, before the helicpter arrived was a convergence of lights from the open waters around us. By the time the actual rescue attempt commenced we were virtually ringed, (at a distance) by other ships both Cruise ships and commercial vessels. It wasn't till after we saw the difficulty involved with a helicopter rescue that we realized those ships were there to rescue US in the event, the worst happened and the helicopter itself crashed into our ship. At the time I never heard anyone complain about the delays or inconvenience or even possible danger to us. Everyone was just glad the person was able to be taken off. The only discussions I heard about it afterwards involved concern for the persons welfare.

 

Wow!! Who knew? Not me...

[Drew B]

I wasn't on this cruise, but I was once on a cruise that missed several ports (due to mechanical problems, not a medical emergency). While the missed ports were disappointing, the thing that actually threatened to "ruin" the cruise was the angry, hostile crowd of militant rabble-rousers. It became very difficult to enjoy the remainder of the cruise when it was all people could talk [complain] about - at meal times, on excursions, in the casino, in the theater. It got to the point where we had to avoid the atrium entirely because the mob pretty much took up residence there with their several-times-a-day "meetings" and demonstrations... Oh, how I WISH the captain on that ship had removed each and every one of these people!

 

I congratulate the Captain here. I really don't understand the mindset that because something is bad for one person, that gives him the right to ruin things for everybody else... Moreover, I don't understand the idea of "entitlement" that makes people think they should be told anything and everything they may want to know...

[kevmoley]

Carnival charged each passenger $194.00 in port charges for this sailing. It seems only fair that they should have been reimbursed 1/3 of it or $64.66 per person.

[flamingos]

Carnival charged each passenger $194.00 in port charges for this sailing. It seems only fair that they should have been reimbursed 1/3 of it or $64.66 per person.

 

Not if they only paid $25 for the port of Montego Bay.

[drb888]

I wasn't on this cruise, but I was once on a cruise that missed several ports (due to mechanical problems, not a medical emergency). While the missed ports were disappointing, the thing that actually threatened to "ruin" the cruise was the angry, hostile crowd of militant rabble-rousers. It became very difficult to enjoy the remainder of the cruise when it was all people could talk [complain] about - at meal times, on excursions, in the casino, in the theater. It got to the point where we had to avoid the atrium entirely because the mob pretty much took up residence there with their several-times-a-day "meetings" and demonstrations... Oh, how I WISH the captain on that ship had removed each and every one of these people!

 

I congratulate the Captain here. I really don't understand the mindset that because something is bad for one person, that gives him the right to ruin things for everybody else... Moreover, I don't understand the idea of "entitlement" that makes people think they should be told anything and everything they may want to know...

 

There are two issues here. First, the 'entitlement' may stem from the fact that passengers pay a lot of money for their cruises. I too would be unhappy if a favorite port was missed, but I would take it into context. In this instance - a 'rescue at sea' of an ill crew member - I would understand completely.

 

However, (second issue), there are some cases where ships have mechanical issues that cause them to miss ports, but they are not fixed, and in those cases, it's a case of pure fraud. The contract stating that ships have the right to miss ports or change itineraries is clear, but one would hope for an honest application of that clause.

 

My mother was on an NCL Hawaiian cruise a couple of years ago that missed 2 ports. Once out at sea, the captain announced that unfortunately, one of the ship's engines had stopped working, and that they wouldn't be able to put in to all the advertised ports. OK, everyone understood...until they got to the disembarkation port. My mother asked a crew member if they were going to have time off while the engine was fixed, and the crew member said "No, that engine has been broken for 6 months - we're sailing the same cruise starting tonight". In that case, the cruise line knew in advance that they were going to have to miss those ports due to the mechanical problem, and they let people board under false pretenses. My mother was offered $50 in OBC, which she threw in their faces, and swore never to cruise with NCL again.

[Drew B]

Wow! I would think that in the information age, there is NO WAY they could get away with that for 6 months. Weren't people here comparing notes and saying "Hey, how come every sailing is skipping ports?" Still, the proper approach then is to take it up with the company AFTER the cruise. There is no excuse for compromising passenger enjoyment let alone their safety by displaying that kind of hostility while at sea.

 

The contract stating that ships have the right to miss ports or change itineraries is clear, but one would hope for an honest application of that clause.

 

Yes, one would hope. However, I think that people really should question their own tolerance level for changes to an itinerary. The line has reserved the right to change for any reason, and it makes no difference if the passengers deem the reason to be valid or not. People who would be really upset if their plans were changed after they had spent a lot of money should probably choose a different vacation option. Cruising will just open them up to lots of disappointment...

[ClipperMiami]

Just an an informational point, the UH-60Q Medevac helicopter (arguably the best medevac chopper in the world) has a max range of 315 nautical miles on internal fuel. The Dolphin, that was apparently dispatched to do the evacuation, has a max range of 300 nautical miles.

 

Some how I doubt that your statement that the decision was financially based is realistic... Just my opinion, of course...

And the OP should thank God that there are Coast Guardsmen willing to take that aircraft to the limit of its range in the dark of night, and often in the worst weather imaginable, to try to save someone's life --- the next time it might just be the OP. Just saying.

[BillyJen]

That man got off very lightly.

 

A few years ago on an all inclusive resort vacation in Cuba (Canadians have no restrictions going to Cuba) this particular man was drinking straight from the bottle on the bus going to the airport.

 

He even had the bus stop a couple times to barf. When we got on the plane, he became loud, argumentive and just made a complete ass of himself. When it became apparent that he would be trouble, the Captain ordered him off the aircraft. Everybody in the aircraft, except the girlfriend, applauded.

 

On the tarmac, the Cubans didn't want to take care off him. After over an hour or so, off arguing, the Cuban officials relented and brought him somewheres. Never did learn where to, probably the next plane leaving.

 

We were over two hours late taking off to Halifax.

 

At least, Carnival paid this trouble maker his airfare back home.

 

There comes a time when enough is enough and the Captain must make a stand.

 

Bill

[BillyJen]

That man got off very lightly.

 

A few years ago on an all inclusive resort vacation in Cuba (Canadians have no restrictions goin to Cuba) This particular man started drinking straight from the bottle on the bus going to the airport.

 

He even had the bus stop a couple times to barf. When we got on the plane, he became loud, argumentive and just made a complete ass of himself. When it became apparent that he would be trouble, the Captain ordered him off the aircraft. Everybody in the aircraft, except the girlfriend, applauded.

 

On the tarmac, the Cubans didn't want to take care off him. After over an hour or so, off arguing, the Cuban officials relented and brought him somewheres. Never did learn where to, probably the next plane leaving.

 

We were over two hours late taking off to Halifax.

 

At least, Carnival paid this trouble maker his airfare back home.

[London]

Imagine you are a waiter, or a steward, on a cruise ship.

Imagine watching your wife being helicoptered off the ship - possibly the only way to save her life.

And then imagine hearing passengers demanding com-pen-saaaaaay-shun because of it.

Everyone who signed the petition should be banned from cruising, for life.

[halos]

The guy is loving this attention that the news media is givng him too. It's his 15 minutes of fame. I really believe that he has no clue how big a freaking a$$ he is making of himself....he is obviously, pathologically self obsessed.

 

Of course the media loves to sensationalize all this....they look like buttheads as well (to those of us that know better especially)

 

Everyone who signed the petition should be banned from cruising, for life.

ahhhh. :)

Blackballing cruisers!! How awesome would THAT be???????

[1cruisedoggie]

We have been on several cruises. I'd like to have $25.00 for every port or medical delay that happened, we could almost pay for another cruise.

 

When on the ship the Captain is the boss, period, end of conversation. Read ALL the fine print in the cruise contract, all your really guaranteed is a boat ride for x number of days. Ports get missed, people get sick. life happens.

 

Our first cruise was on the Mariner in 2004, seven days, eastern caribbean. Hurricane Jeanne turned our seven day cruise into 9 days. We never received a bill for the extra two days, go figure.

 

To us part of the fun of cruising is whats going to happen, both the expected and unexpected. If you think everything is going to go exactly as planned and your going to be upset if something changes, maby cruising isn't for you, maybe a nice ride to the local Dairy Queen is more your style of vacation.

 

Get out there, just don't frget to come back !!!!!

[Kudos2Fly]

I can't keep up with this thread anymore its getting to long...:o Any Boat Any Time, post was the best on explaining what happen on the cruise. With that I do feel the Captain was in his right to remove those people...

 

LOL besides I'm spending to much time on the computer...:eek:

[shipty2]

I think this comes under the banner of buyer beware. If a person is purchasing a cruise they are provided with documents outlining basic things they need to know. It is not the Captain's nor Carnival's fault if the passenger doesn't bother for whatever reason to read through and understand their own cruise contract.

I for one am happy the Captain booted this guy off-hopefully it will cut down on any similar drama on other ships as well. I wish he could have booted all 100 of those people who also did not read their contracts.

[jackkip]

I sailed on the Conquest in 2006. During the cruise we missed Grand Cayman due to high winds. Carnival was very vague about was happening. Most passengers were very angry about this, including myself. The staff decided to make it up to us by offering to show a great movie. It turned out to be the movie "Hitch". If I remember right, that movie was already out on DVD at that point. A whole day in Cayman or "Hitch"? After much grumbling from alot of the passengers we were given a $25 credit.

 

The icing on the cake came when a crew member shared with us that missing Cayman happens all the time and this was nothing new. The official word was that it was rare and almost never happens. Leave it to Carnival to treat us all like Mushrooms. Kept us in the dark and I am sure you know the rest!

[Drew B]

The icing on the cake came when a crew member shared with us that missing Cayman happens all the time and this was nothing new. The official word was that it was rare and almost never happens. Leave it to Carnival to treat us all like Mushrooms. Kept us in the dark and I am sure you know the rest!

 

I'm no expert, but I believe that they miss Cayman more often than other ports because weather and water conditions can make it dangerous to anchor and tender. I'd certainly rather miss the port than risk everybody's lives if it is too dangerous.

[salty dingo]

Carnival charged each passenger $194.00 in port charges for this sailing. It seems only fair that they should have been reimbursed 1/3 of it or $64.66 per person.

 

Seems like the home port would count as a forth port. They have to pay the port where they dock to embark, don't they?

 

So now it's 1/4 rather than 1/3.

 

I did a quick check on the cheapest cabin for an upcoming Conquest cruise on the same itinerary. I got $160.66 for taxes and fees (what you call port charges.) My numbers were less than the $194.00 mentioned earlier because it includes room taxes, and more expensive rooms have higher taxes.

 

Do you really think you should get a refund of your room tax for a missed port? I did not think so.

 

I can't get a breakout of port fees versus taxes, but I imagine the port fees come to around $25 or so, maybe less.

[daWoods]

Maybe keelhauling would have been a better solution.:rolleyes:

[Ms Belvedere]

He logged off. Boy, the bingo players really must have gone postal on him. You couldn't tell he was a new poster by the little number "1" in the upper right hand corner? :confused:

 

Wow, they MUST have. Looks like the whole thread was poofed. Bingo Players are harsh. :D

[traveling1969]

What an idiot! They shoulda TASED him bro.

[jackkip]

I'm no expert, but I believe that they miss Cayman more often than other ports because weather and water conditions can make it dangerous to anchor and tender. I'd certainly rather miss the port than risk everybody's lives if it is too dangerous.

 

It was not that I wanted to put anyone in danger. It was how the crew and staff handled the whole situation. They did very little to inform passengers of what acutally was happening. Carnival did very little to keep loyality to the brand. I will have to think very long and hard before sailing with them again.