Buyer Beware-The Is No Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee

This post is intended to warn shoppers NOT to purchase from Diamonds International and NOT to trust the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee.

From April 13, 2009 through April 18, 2009, my wife and I were passengers on the Carnival Fantasy. While on board the Carnival shopping specialist conducted shopping seminars and explained that while in port, if items were purchased at Carnival approved retailers, the purchases would be protected by the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee. The most frequently mentioned retailer was Diamonds International, and the most frequently pushed product was tanzanite jewelry.

On April 16, 2009 we stopped at the port of Cozumel, Mexico. While in Cozumel, my wife purchased a .28 carat tanzanite ring. When we returned to the ship, she registered the purchase so as to qualify for the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee.

On Sunday, May 3, 2009, the tanzanite gem stone fell out of the ring. The ring had not been abused or altered in any way.

On Monday, May 4, 2009, I telephoned PPI Fleet Services, Inc., the company that administers the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee. They took my information and informed me that they would contact Diamonds International, and someone from Diamonds International would contact me.

Later that day, a representative from Diamonds International telephoned me and took a report. The representative informed me that they would investigate this, and get back to me. The following day I received this response from Diamond International; “It will be our pleasure to help you, I can offer you to send your ring to us and then I´ll advise you the cost of the replacement for the tanzanite. But this is the only this I can offer.”

I advised the representative from Diamonds International and PPI Fleet Services, Inc., that this was unacceptable. The representative from Diamond International said that she would escalate this matter to management and get back to me. On Friday, May 15, 2009, I received this response; “any type of replacements for gemstones that are above .15cts will be with a cost for the customer.”

On Monday, May 18, 2009, I telephoned PPI Fleet Services, Inc., and updated them on the situation.

On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, PPI Fleet Services, Inc. responded that they could do nothing because Diamonds International said that they would not replace the tanzanite gem stone without charge. The PPI Fleet Services, Inc., Buyer’s Guarantee Form which was provided by Carnival Cruise Line clearly states, “This guarantee is valid for repair or exchange”. PPI Fleet Services, Inc., will not guarantee your purchase if it conflicts with the terms and conditions of Diamond International or any other retailer.

I then called Carnival Cruise Line Customer Service Center. I was advised that this matter did not involve Carnival Cruise Line and there was nothing Carnival Cruise Line could or would do.

My wife and I will cruise again. We will be wiser in our purchases, and it will be on a cruise line other than Carnival.

I know better than to feed the trolls, but did you read all the fine print in whatever you signed with the "product guarantee" whatever?

I do not recall seeing or reading the terms and conditions. An expensive lesson learned. Their basic terms cover the gem stones until you sign the terms and conditions.

My wife and I will cruise again. We will be wiser in our purchases, and it will be on a cruise line other than Carnival.

Carnival isn't the only cruise line that recommends Diamonds International. :rolleyes:

I do not recall seeing or reading the terms and conditions. An expensive lesson learned. Their basic terms cover the gem stones until you sign the terms and conditions.

Sounds like your grudge should be with PPI not Carnival. If you are not going to sail Carnival again because of the actions of a third party then you probably won't want to sail with any of the 38 other cruise lines (http://www.ppigroup.com/html/CruiseLinks.htm) that PPI is in business with.

Here is something else to be aware of. You know those stores on the ships, they are not run by Carnival, but by a 3rd party. We bought a ring onboard which wasnt fine jewelry and the stone fell out in the car on the way home, didnt even make it home. I guess my bad for buying a pearl ring that the pearl stuck up.

The cruiseline gave me the name of the site that handles the selling onboard who said only fine jewelry is guaranteed, sure it should have lasted longer. But too bad, we cant do nothing.

I did talk to the shop on Conquest who suggested I bring it back with the receipt. Hopefully, I can find a receipt. But they said with a receipt I could exchange it. I think I need to stop buying jewelry too. I also purchased a ring for $350 in Grand Cayman that I could have gotten on bidz. com for about $75 including shipping. learned my lesson, buy that jewelry at home that looks so appealing.

I did it, so no one else to blame, but you cant trust the appraisals either, can buy most of that stuff cheaper at home on the computer. We do need to be more aware when we buy stuff as tourists. I buy way too much junk, I admit it.

Interestingly, the same outfit runs the stores on both Carnival AND RCL, so all the folks calling RCL floating shopping malls, be aware they sell the same stuff that is sold on Carnival ships, the same brands of jewelery etc. Same sales even, I was on Voyager and Conquest 3 weeks apart, and both had the exact same deals on jewelry on the same brands.

I dont understand.. I just got off the Miracle last Saturday..

I have the capers..

It lists the Buyers Guarantee Form:

It reads as follows:

Congratulations. You saved time and money using Carnival's recommended and guaranteed stores. Now is the time to activate your free 30 day Carnival Insurance by filling out the Buyers Guarantee Form. They will be delivered to your staterooms. They are 100% Free and 100% Confidential. Deliver the completed forms to the Guest Services Desk and or to the VIP Shopping Desk drop Box.

You should be covered for 30 days.. I think you need to call Carnival regarding this...

I'd be frustrated, too, that DI didn't address the problem and Carnival ignored it altogether. The setting had to be defective for the stone to fall out within a couple weeks of purchase. Does any of your documentation from DI warrantee the setting from defects? Did Carnival give you anything in writing regarding their 'buyers guarantee"?

So sorry this happened to you.

BTW - I had a very good experience with my purchase from DI.

Here is something else to be aware of. You know those stores on the ships, they are not run by Carnival, but by a 3rd party. We bought a ring onboard which wasnt fine jewelry and the stone fell out in the car on the way home, didnt even make it home. I guess my bad for buying a pearl ring that the pearl stuck up.

 

The cruiseline gave me the name of the site that handles the selling onboard who said only fine jewelry is guaranteed, sure it should have lasted longer. But too bad, we cant do nothing.

 

I did talk to the shop on Conquest who suggested I bring it back with the receipt. Hopefully, I can find a receipt. But they said with a receipt I could exchange it. I think I need to stop buying jewelry too. I also purchased a ring for $350 in Grand Cayman that I could have gotten on bidz. com for about $75 including shipping. learned my lesson, buy that jewelry at home that looks so appealing.

 

I did it, so no one else to blame, but you cant trust the appraisals either, can buy most of that stuff cheaper at home on the computer. We do need to be more aware when we buy stuff as tourists. I buy way too much junk, I admit it.

This was something new, at least that I noticed.. There was a card put in one of Capers in our cabin. I have it.. I will sum it up:

THANK YOU

Thank you for your purchase in the Fun Shops. blah blah blah

We are proud to offer you a two year guarantee on your purchases of fine jewelry.

blah blah blah

It goes on to say that if you find the identical product at an authorized dealer within 30 days they will price match.

It then lists Starboard Cruise Services address and contact info..

I agree. I would have a bone with Carnival as well. They are a seller for DI and others. They should help you with the situation I think. That's why they tell you to only "trust their recommended sellers". Just my Op

I am very sorry for what happened to you. It really does not sound right. All I can say is age and experience is a teacher...never trust anyone...EVER...

When I was a young mother I "promised" my 2 children we would do...*something"(I and they do not recall what)

Something happened and we were not able to do "that something" that day.

My oldest daughter who I think was 6 or 7 at the time, when told we couldn't do "something" declared that I LIED...I said we would DO SUCH AND SUCH and it was not going to happen so I LIED...

I was pretty devestated. At that point I said I WLL NEVER PROMISE ANYTHING EVER AGAIN!!!...and even after 25 years I never have...

A little sad..

Is the stone lost or just fallen out of its setting? From what you said, I assumed it has just fallen out and you still have the stone, but the response from Diamonds international makes it sound like they believe the stone is lost. If it is not, you may need to clarify that.

I agree. I would have a bone with Carnival as well. They are a seller for DI and others. They should help you with the situation I think. That's why they tell you to only "trust their recommended sellers". Just my Op

Well, we all know they tell you to go to their trusted stores because they get a kickback from those particular stores. Thats why those stores will always be more expensive.

It doesnt mean Carnival stands behind those stores, the guarantee comes from a 3rd party.

Even the internet on Carnival turns out to be run by a 3rd party. We asked about getting on for a reduction during the Ike mess and the purser's desk told us that they couldnt reduce it because the service wasnt provided by Carnival, so they had no control over the cost. (thats ones thing RCL provides, its own internet). But mostly both lines are pretty much the same.

OP Im sorry you are going thru this. I would think you should be able to send it back in and have it mounted for what you obviously must have spent.

If you refuse to cruise Carnival after a 3rd party and DI won't back their guarantee then I think you need to stick to land vacatoins. I know that sounds snarky and it isn't meant that way. What I mean is the other cruiselines give the lines to get you to shop. It's definitely buyer beware on all the ships.

I think basically the real deal is...I would never buy something from any of those shops...they are most likely not worth buying...I would choose to spend my money on something I can check out and investigate. I would never spend any kind of "money" on a spur of the moment "great deal"...uh huhh oh yeah...I know I have a bad attitude:eek:

I believe that ultimately Carnival Cruise Line is responsible. Carnival employees encouraged their guest to use these shops. Carnival held at least two seminars urging their guest to shop at Diaomnd International. The most prominent visual on the Port Shopping Buyer's Guarantee is the Carnival logo.

A good analogy would be if I contacted food poisoning from the Carnival buffet. Carnival could simply hire all of their staff as contractors and then says this is not out responsibility, it is the responsibility of the contract chef.

To clarify, the stone fell out of the setting and is lost.

So exactly what does Carnival do to earn its 20% of the bill?

I believe that ultimately Carnival Cruise Line is responsible. Carnival employees encouraged their guest to use these shops. Carnival held at least two seminars urging their guest to shop at Diaomnd International. The most prominent visual on the Port Shopping Buyer's Guarantee is the Carnival logo.

Yes, but what everyone's trying to tell you is that all the other lines do the EXACT SAME THING. So if you're not going to cruise Carnival over this, you should avoid Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian, etc. as well.

So exactly what does Carnival do to earn its 20% of the bill?

That is exactly mine point.

I have used independent contractors in my business for almost twenty years. When one of them screws up, my customer does not look to the contractor for relief. They look to me and my company It is my company's duty to make things right.

This post is intended to warn shoppers NOT to purchase from Diamonds International and NOT to trust the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee.

 

From April 13, 2009 through April 18, 2009, my wife and I were passengers on the Carnival Fantasy. While on board the Carnival shopping specialist conducted shopping seminars and explained that while in port, if items were purchased at Carnival approved retailers, the purchases would be protected by the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee. The most frequently mentioned retailer was Diamonds International, and the most frequently pushed product was tanzanite jewelry.

 

On April 16, 2009 we stopped at the port of Cozumel, Mexico. While in Cozumel, my wife purchased a .28 carat tanzanite ring. When we returned to the ship, she registered the purchase so as to qualify for the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee.

 

On Sunday, May 3, 2009, the tanzanite gem stone fell out of the ring. The ring had not been abused or altered in any way.

 

On Monday, May 4, 2009, I telephoned PPI Fleet Services, Inc., the company that administers the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee. They took my information and informed me that they would contact Diamonds International, and someone from Diamonds International would contact me.

 

Later that day, a representative from Diamonds International telephoned me and took a report. The representative informed me that they would investigate this, and get back to me. The following day I received this response from Diamond International; “It will be our pleasure to help you, I can offer you to send your ring to us and then I´ll advise you the cost of the replacement for the tanzanite. But this is the only this I can offer.”

 

I advised the representative from Diamonds International and PPI Fleet Services, Inc., that this was unacceptable. The representative from Diamond International said that she would escalate this matter to management and get back to me. On Friday, May 15, 2009, I received this response; “any type of replacements for gemstones that are above .15cts will be with a cost for the customer.”

 

On Monday, May 18, 2009, I telephoned PPI Fleet Services, Inc., and updated them on the situation.

 

On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, PPI Fleet Services, Inc. responded that they could do nothing because Diamonds International said that they would not replace the tanzanite gem stone without charge. The PPI Fleet Services, Inc., Buyer’s Guarantee Form which was provided by Carnival Cruise Line clearly states, “This guarantee is valid for repair or exchange”. PPI Fleet Services, Inc., will not guarantee your purchase if it conflicts with the terms and conditions of Diamond International or any other retailer.

 

I then called Carnival Cruise Line Customer Service Center. I was advised that this matter did not involve Carnival Cruise Line and there was nothing Carnival Cruise Line could or would do.

 

My wife and I will cruise again. We will be wiser in our purchases, and it will be on a cruise line other than Carnival.

did they give you a DI guarantee at DI? When you purchase through DI on line, you get the certificate of authenticity with the lifetime gurantee.

Yes, but what everyone's trying to tell you is that all the other lines do the EXACT SAME THING. So if you're not going to cruise Carnival over this, you should avoid Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian, etc. as well.

I enjoyed the cruise experience and plan on cruising. My frustration with Carnival is that they put their name on this program and they should stand behind it. I have no way of knowing how other cruise lines would handle this situation.

My point of the initial post is to warn others to avoid Diamond International and not trust the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer's Guarantee.

did they give you a DI guarantee at DI? When you purchase through DI on line, you get the certificate of authenticity with the lifetime gurantee.

Diamonds International lifetime guarantee does not cover precious stones over ,15 carats.

I don't know how much you paid for the item, but have you thought of contacting an attorney over this. Sometimes just a letter from an attorney changes their minds real quick.

When I went on my first cruise last Oct., I had learned from cruise critic to beware of DI and all of the port shops. I remembering reading a post that said that if you have more then 2 companies involved in the guarantee to beware and to put up red flags because they probably would not honor the guarantee and that is what happened in your case. I am so sorry this happened, but I would not give up on it, get all of your paper work together and really read the fine print and then get in touch with an attorney.

We don't patronize the shops that Carnival recommends. Carnival (and the other cruise lines as well) are paid by the selected shops $1000 per ship per port call (it could be more for larger shops). That is why the ships recommend them. We've found other shops that are very trustworthy and have never had a problem with them. In St. Thomas we use Star Jewelers and have dealt with them for over 20 years and have become friends with the owners.