Jim Stillman
Nevar
Prologue to a Cruise (Part I of what I hope will be an interesting series)
May 14th 2008 18:24
Our upcoming Carnival cruise celebrating our 50th anniversary has some issues! I also need to get stuff off my chest!
Readers of my scribbles are aware that, next month, we are taking our four children and nine grandchildren on an eight-day cruise to the western Caribbean out of Tampa. This is in lieu of an anniversary party suggested and offered by our daughters; The Lovely Joan and I both felt that a family trip would be more fun, certainly for us.
We chose Carnival’s Legend for a number of reasons. First, Carnival sails out of Tampa which is most convenient for the family rather than traveling to Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Second, the son of close friends was employed by Carnival and he promised personal service and would look out for discounts and special offers. We are aware that Carnival caters to a younger crowd, but we felt this was beneficial for the kids.
We are all excited and Joan and I have arranged to have the festivities start early. We have hired a Hummer limo, and driver, to pick us all up at our home and take twelve or thirteen of us to the Port. There will be Champaign on board for the adults.
So what could go wrong?
Our Carnival representative, Chuck, left Carnival and we were handed off to Adrian who, in turn, handed us off to Mike. Mike is a decent enough fellow but, apparently is not high enough on the corporate totem pole.
Joan and I have purchased (and paid for) six cabins and passage for 18 people. We have neither sought nor received a discount on our passage or our cabin. I did ask for one thing, however. I requested that I be given free Internet access; the ship’s usual charge is $1 per minute; giving me free access would cost Carnival nothing. Joan, ever more practical than I, asked if we could be given a modest sum of shipboard credits.
Both requests have been turned down; Mike did allow that the Bon Voyage Department might be willing to provide a token! Perhaps a cheese tray?
We’ll see – maybe these issues will be resolved. But no matter what, I intend to be with family, umbrella drink in hand
As of now, however, I think that Carnival is missing the boat.
Readers of my scribbles are aware that, next month, we are taking our four children and nine grandchildren on an eight-day cruise to the western Caribbean out of Tampa. This is in lieu of an anniversary party suggested and offered by our daughters; The Lovely Joan and I both felt that a family trip would be more fun, certainly for us.
We chose Carnival’s Legend for a number of reasons. First, Carnival sails out of Tampa which is most convenient for the family rather than traveling to Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Second, the son of close friends was employed by Carnival and he promised personal service and would look out for discounts and special offers. We are aware that Carnival caters to a younger crowd, but we felt this was beneficial for the kids.
We are all excited and Joan and I have arranged to have the festivities start early. We have hired a Hummer limo, and driver, to pick us all up at our home and take twelve or thirteen of us to the Port. There will be Champaign on board for the adults.
So what could go wrong?
Our Carnival representative, Chuck, left Carnival and we were handed off to Adrian who, in turn, handed us off to Mike. Mike is a decent enough fellow but, apparently is not high enough on the corporate totem pole.
Joan and I have purchased (and paid for) six cabins and passage for 18 people. We have neither sought nor received a discount on our passage or our cabin. I did ask for one thing, however. I requested that I be given free Internet access; the ship’s usual charge is $1 per minute; giving me free access would cost Carnival nothing. Joan, ever more practical than I, asked if we could be given a modest sum of shipboard credits.
Both requests have been turned down; Mike did allow that the Bon Voyage Department might be willing to provide a token! Perhaps a cheese tray?
We’ll see – maybe these issues will be resolved. But no matter what, I intend to be with family, umbrella drink in hand
As of now, however, I think that Carnival is missing the boat.
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