DustinandStacy2015

I am posting what I wrote on Carnival's wall because this is becoming ridiculous....has anyone else received such horrible service through Carnival? I'm so fed up....

Total nightmare....I'm exhausted.

I am very unhappy with Carnival Cruise Lines and have no where to go. I have spent 5 total hours on the phone either on hold or being transferred to many different "customer service" agents. I have yet to receive any valid CUSTOMER SERVICE! I booked a wedding reception on the Liberty then I get randomly switched to the Valor which was a definite downgrade considering no 2.0 upgrades which is why we booked the Liberty in the first place. So that's a continued problem considering invitations have been made stating Liberty...... With no way of switching since we have about 40 guests who are attending we were told nothing can be done. Then, I was never once informed about group booking (probably because they wanted us to pay full price) and today I called and spoke with Jose. He told me that my rooms could be transferred to a group booking so we could receive the perks of having a group. I searched for everyone's booking numbers and called back to give them the numbers and well well well what do you know I am told we can't book a group because we already paid in full for our room. THIS IS COMPLETELY ridiculous. I would have NEVER booked Carnival for the most important time in mine and my fiance's life if we had known the hoops I would have to go through. This is so stressful and no one at Carnival seems to even remotely care. I've gotten the whole "I apologize" but what does an apology mean from a company that does not want to make something right........ 110% guarantee? I think not. Book elsewhere for your wedding needs or else you'll be sorry and stuck like we currently are.

I called to check up on that and apparently he was confused as to why we weren't asked to book as a group to begin with.... (reason number 23949494 I hate Carnival right now) so I have to go back and get all the info from my 10 rooms already booked to put them together as a group then we "earn" amenities by having a group like champagne, gift bags etc.

I just called Carnival about group bookings...no one ever metioned to us that we should book as a group even though I'll have close to 20 rooms when all is said and done. Apparently there are perks to booking as a group. Do you know the fundementals on that? Is it by dollar of volume of rooms?

any new tips??? trying to keep this post alive!

I can't (we'll...I can) believe they changed your ships! I can sympathize with you ladies as I would be upset and angry as well. But, there is a bright side; you will still have an amazing wedding! I know that it is hard to not dwell on this MAJOR change, but don't let it consume you. Those are my words of wisdom.

 

We attended our last wedding of the season on Saturday. It was one that I, honestly, was not excited about attending. Since FI was in the wedding I actually referred to it as a wedding that we were "obligated to attend." It was at a golf course (both wedding and reception) with 2 hours between the wedding and ceremony so I got 9 holes in during cocktail hours. Call me rude; I don't care. But, to my surprise, we had a really good time! We also learned a lot about how we want our own wedding to go, and how we want our guests and attendants to feel. We found there was a huge lack of communication b/t the bride/groom and the wedding party. Long story short we don't want our guests and attendants to be stressed about our wedding. Particularly because they are on vacation. Ok, I'll get off my soapbox about that.

 

On today's to-do list:

Hotel rooms, book Old Towne Trolley, start a rough draft of an itinerary, update cabin assignment list (4 more passengers!), commit to a color scheme.

 

Speaking of colors - what are everyone's wedding colors?? Before we had decided on a cruise/beach wedding we were going with red and turquoise. We are still keeping turquoise as a main color, but I kind of like the looks of each of my gal pals wearing a different color. Thoughts?

We chose turquoise. After wanting dark purple for so long I decided it just didn't fit my flowy beach theme. We are sticking with turquoise and burlap subtle things. I personally thought it looked best on the ocean but that's just me. I've seen a lot of colors that people have really pulled off though so I think it's honestly personal preference! :)

So far I have my guests just booking a room and not really mentioning the fact that we are a wedding group. Should I be telling them to mention us? Is there any perks or discounts in doing so? Carnival knows it's our wedding and one room has mentioned us to be connected but should they all be doing that?!

Why did they change your ship

That seems strange and yes imagine would upset a lot if issues already organised

 

 

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Carnival does these things. From what I know of how it works, basically Floridians cruise a lot. The locals spend quite a bit of time on the ships.... so when they have gone on the same one a few times they think it's time to change it up and "freshen" up the port. So they just switch ships out. I just wish they would figure it out before putting up reservations for people because it is annoying. Plus side at least it's a similar ship.

Do they decorate your room on wedding cruises or do you have to buy decorations for the room?

 

Also was there anything done that you didn't expect or didn't think of?

GREAT question! I'd like to know as well! Following.

I'm happy you're feeling a little better about the situation. You will have an amazing wedding and everyone will enjoy themselves.

 

The 6k rooms(9201) are so rare as there are only 2 on the ship, if you could get it, I would. balconies are a dime a dozen ;)

 

I'm glad I don't have my dress yet, I would be trying it on literally everyday hahah. It is ordered though, should be here in November. I also have to order my invitations. I didn't put anything about the cruise on the save the date because I figure a majority of the people are going to fly there if they are going. I never did the Facebook group. I just thought it might be too tacky for some reason even though it would help.

 

All my deposits are down, including finally putting the money down for the photography. Now all I do is wait. I'm not booking the plane ticket anytime soon. I just want to start getting some details figured out.

 

 

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I debated many many days about a fb group and although yes super tacky we ended up doing it anyway. It turns out, PEOPLE LOVE IT! It's super quick and easy to add updates as we go along and since I hoped everyone would check out our website (222 people have but who knows how many times that was me lol) I decided everyone checks fb so at least they can't say they didn't see it! So I say go with whatever is best for you. If people need immediate attention they will see it better that way. I invited a group of 90 originally too so it's been really helpful and it turns out around 40 are coming so that is a plus.

As far as transportation goes, here's where it gets tricky.... we are not getting married on embarkation day which is helpful as far as timing goes but Orlando airport is an hour away from the Port and I am having everyone arrive the day before as the grooms dinner will be Saturday night and we are leaving on the ship on Sunday. So from Orlando to the hotel it's 20 miles (for some reason the airport is far from everything) and then from the hotel to the port is another hour. It's easiest if people rent cars because it is not that expensive and I'm sure people will want to visit Disney and what not the day before anyway so I'm just wondering how to address this. I think I'm just worried about having people pay for stuff but if I put up different options then everything should be Ok I hope!!! :)

Update: So the last couple of days were a little rough, to catch those up to speed, Our ship the Carnival Liberty has now since been switched to the Carnival Valor. I spent numerous hours on the phone trying to get justification and possibly compensation for numerous items I have already made with the Liberty name on it...... I finally got a hold of someone that will look into it for me. The main reason I am so upset is that, the Liberty was the ship we wanted to book and we chose the days around the ship not the other way around. The Liberty has the 2.0 upgrade and that was something we were really looking forward to. It's been hard to explain to our guests that the things they were hoping for (guys burger joint, EA sports bar, redfrog and blue iguana) won't be there. In looking at the ship difference, I liked the look of the Liberty better and had been spending the better part of the year planning to be on board that ship. Thankfully the Valor is her sister ship so besides the decor and 2.0 upgrades everything remains the same and yes the 9201 room is pretty dang cool but I haven't decided if we want to give up our balcony for it.... decisions decisions.

I have come to the realization that this might be one of the many setbacks we may have in this process....annoying? Yes. But that is part of being a cruise bride is that you have to let the little things go and realize that marrying your best friend is the most important part. Sometimes I think we all need to take a step back in the planning process and see that again. It almost becomes a chore to plan this wedding and I don't want it to be that way. My FH and I created "Married Mondays" Lol where we go out on a date every other Monday whether it's just a small dinner or a dinner and movie or a night out it really has helped relieve some of the daily stress that we have and we can connect again.

As far as the planning goes,

-Dress picked up and hiding in the closet in a spare room!

-Jewelery for myself purchased and picking up b-maids on Monday.

-Reception is still the same on the Valor so that is set.

-Putting down a deposit on ceremony next week.

-Block of rooms in Orlando has been booked.

-Still trying to figure out transportation.....We are paying for the bus to the ceremony is it necessary to help everyone find transportation from airport to hotel as well?

Well that is where I stand right now. I keep buying accessories along the way as well as beach themed candles or decor for our at home reception. Right now is a good time to stock up on sandals or beach wear while it is on clearance!!! :) I'm from Minnesota so I don't know about elsewhere but it starts to get cool here in about 2-3 weeks so all the warm weather stuff is dirt cheap. I got 3 pairs of sandals yesterday at Gordman's for 2.50 a piece! Hooray! :) Hope all is well future brides and/or grooms!

Because we all need a laugh as we take this journey!

 

YES! I showed this video to my fiance' the other day it had me cracking up. SO TRUE!

What did you switch to? What was your original booking?

I am not sure where you read me being "mean" but that post was stating a fact. Meaning consider yourself lucky because you will be on an amazing ship. Mean no...truth yes.

The Liberty is what we were on. It's a beautiful ship with all the updates. So consider yourself lucky.

Contacted carnival and they said they would offer no compensation...... they "assured" us she would have the 2.0 upgrade before we got on but I want that in writing or if it isn't done we want compensation. I'm sick to my stomach.

Livid. Carnival just switched our ships.......complete downgrade not happy. I am literally fuming right now. Someone please tell me things will be fine because yes to most people a change of ship is not a big deal but when you are promising your 20 guests who have already booked that they are getting 2.0 upgrades and are just getting a mediocre ship.......not cool.

So Carnival just decided today to switch our ships after 20 guests and our wedding had been booked. I'm beyond annoyed.......this ship coming from Carnival Liberty to the Carnival Valor is NOT an ok switch. We lose all the 2.0 upgrades and everything promised to our guests........

Our wedding is confirmed for May 24, 2015 on the Sensation. I decided to go through a travel agent so my family and friends could do payment plans. As of today we have 67 people sailing with us and 5 non-sailing guest. I am sure this will change several times before then. Any advice you can give would truly help.

67 guests! Dang you're brave! I thought 40 was bad. LOL it's becoming easier and easier but also still a logistical nightmare. hahaha

Bumping this one back into action!!! Any newer brides/grooms have any tips?!

Getting married on 3/17/15 on the Liberty

Any updates?!

Please post a review when you get back! :) Enjoy every moment and hopefully it doesn't go by too fast. At least that's what I'm hoping for! :)

The wedding, reception, and dress are paid for. Just waiting on delivery of the dress.

Today I started pricing flights for my youngest son to come from Japan. Our flights will likely be our next purchase. We have hotels and rental car taken care of for before and after. Still need to book airport to hotel transfer for the day before the wedding.

Still waiting on RSVPs from several people.

How are your feelings on transportation.....here's why I ask.....

So Port Canaveral is an hour away from Orlando (which is where everyone is flying in) Now we requested everyone to arrive a day early (grooms dinner on Saturday, we depart on Sunday) and I have two problems.....1. The hotel is 30 min from the airport (so we need transportation there) and 2. The port is an hour away...do guest expect transportation to be paid for or do we offer rental car options or do we book a bus and state X.XX amount per person for the bus.... options options. Any thoughts guys!?

Weekly Update! I'm trying to get on this thread at least once a week to see where everyone is at!

Dress payment= Check! 1 more payment and then pickup on the 25th!

Reception on board the Carnival Liberty= Check! Booked and paid for! $950.00 we decided on the 2 hour package because we heard it just goes by so quickly.

Ceremony= no check. :( Still trying to gather all the information. We are doing a on beach ceremony while in Nassau.

Bookings= Check for a few. So far 4 rooms booked, 10 confirmed guests so far with possibly around 20-25 more.

So that's what we've gotten done this week. Here's to next week! I think I'm working on ceremony details and updating the website all the time!

How are you guys sitting?

Also I received all my booking info for the reception if anyone has questions on that! :)

Thanks for the spreadsheet!!!

I chose to do a facebook event as well as a website because I wanted to make sure people saw it. I think its tasteful in this day and age especially when its people spending a lot of money to travel. But even on my fb I send them to the website.

I know I need to break down and make a list but with all the details it is super overwhelming. (sand ceremony, flowers, jewelery, shoes, music, reception details) the list goes on and on..... wooftah.