Sensation - Drug use in neighboring cabin followup

[ComradeRyan]

Last week I posted about an issue we had on the Sensation with the neighboring suite smoking marijuana frequently and my displeasure with how it was handled by security. Quick summary, reported the smell 5-6 times to security, they detected the odor, asked them to stop several times, then told them that we were the ones that complained. They told me that they would charge them a cleaning fee and inform Customs and Border Patrol upon their return to port.

 

I escalated the issue to the Carnival executive team and quickly received a response that they were investigating the incident with the ship team. I am happy with the response and how Carnival handled it. We were offered a credit equal to what we paid to upgrade to a suite for a future cruise (not much as we got a great upsell deal, but fair as the cruise was otherwise great) and they promised to follow up with the department heads of security and guest services. They explained that as they aren't law enforcement there isn't much they can do. I'm guessing it takes a lot more than what they were caught doing to get debarked from the ship - so barring that all that they can do is charge them the cleaning fee and inform customs. Really my biggest concern was the member of the security staff that identified us as the ones that complained - and I've been promised that it is being addressed. We will continue to cruise with Carnival and their response exceeded my expectations.

 

Thank you to those that provided advice on who to contact. Below is from the response that I received.

 

"Please know, the safety and well-being of our guests is always our top priority and we do our best to enforce our policies to ensure maximum enjoyment by all. It was very disturbing to hear of the marijuana smell you reported and I can personally relate how frustrating it can be. Despite our efforts, we trust you will understand that because our onboard Security personnel do not have the same authority as law enforcement authorities, they are limited as to how much they can do.

 

However, we do want to assure you that any reports of illegal activity are passed on to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, and appropriate law enforcement agency. Carnival has zero tolerance on things of this nature. We apologize this was not evident, and trust your previous experiences with us shows this is a very isolated incident. "

[loxley]

While I am glad you are happy with the results, I still think carnival dropped the ball.

 

Not only were they smoking, what they were smoking is illegal. It was bothering at least you.

 

I think they should have been put of the ship after a warning.

 

It is true they are not law enforcement, but they have debated other people do it is not unheard of. I saw people being put off in cozumel once and there was no doubt about it. The teenage son was crying and begging not to be put off.

 

Anyway, I am glad you are happy. I would not have been.

 

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[loxley]

Oh, btw, I don't have a problem with people smoking even that, but do not do it where it is going to bother me.

 

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[steph7021]

Interesting. I've read stories about Carnival putting people off the ship for a whole lot less than illegal drugs. My friend's 22 year old son thought it would be funny to throw a life preserver overboard....they threw him off at the next port.

[ComradeRyan]

While I am glad you are happy with the results, I still think carnival dropped the ball.

 

Not only were they smoking, what they were smoking is illegal. It was bothering at least you.

 

I think they should have been put of the ship after a warning.

 

It is true they are not law enforcement, but they have debated other people do it is not unheard of. I saw people being put off in cozumel once and there was no doubt about it. The teenage son was crying and begging not to be put off.

 

Anyway, I am glad you are happy. I would not have been.

 

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

I wish they had been debarked but realize that it is probably unrealistic to expect that to happen. There were many people in the room (several people appeared to be using the suite as a gathering/party point for the group) and while security did smell marijuana they didn't see anyone physically smoking it. One person admitted to smoking a "cigar in the bathroom" to security but they had no more proof than that and the smell from the hallway. I imagine it takes quite a bit to get kicked off a cruise ship...

[Elaine5715]

Carnival doesn't remove people from ships for smoking in a no smoking area. Even though many people can smell the marijuana smell including security personnel that alone doesn't prove it. Law enforcement requires even more than a nose. So, since they can't drug test or search cabins based on noses (they could be smoking marijuana flavored vapor or a smellalike herb), their best play is the smoking fee and notice to Customs.

[evandbob]

If someone is smoking anything (pipe, cigar, cigarettes, weed whatever) in a cabin next to mine, I would simply notify guest services or security and let them handle it. I would be appalled if they then told the smokers who complained.

 

I have been on ship and resort balconies when my neighbors lit up. I just asked them if they knew of the non smoking policy of the ship or resort. They usually went inside after that.

 

To me, it is insignificant the substance being smoked, it is all against the ship's policy and I don't have to put up with it in non smoking areas.

[thinfool]

http://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/legal-notice/ticket-contract.aspx

 

All staterooms and suite accommodations are entirely smoke free, including the outside balcony (Effective October 9, 2014). Guest agrees to strictly comply with Carnival’s non-smoking policy.

 

 

All Guests agree Carnival has, at all times with or without notice, the right to enter and search Guest’s stateroom, personal safe or storage spaces, or to search or screen any Guest, and/or personal effects, at any location, to ensure compliance with any of the restrictions set forth in this agreement. Any Guest who refuses any such search or screening may be denied boarding or disembarked and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued.

 

OP....so sad that Carnival cannot read their own rules.

[Wilgr]

Interesting. I've read stories about Carnival putting people off the ship for a whole lot less than illegal drugs. My friend's 22 year old son thought it would be funny to throw a life preserver overboard....they threw him off at the next port.

 

Because that is more serious than smoking some pot.

[Wilgr]

When I smell pot on a ship I walk by really slow.

[steph7021]

Because that is more serious than smoking some pot.

 

 

I live in Colorado so I get it being no big deal. But, it's against the law to smoke in public here; its against the policies of Carnival and you can be thrown off the ship for it. You can be thrown off for smoking cigarettes. It's not about your opinion about pot in general, it's about Carnival not consistently following their own policies.

[crzndeb]

The point is that smoking is not allowed in cabins or balconies on Carnival. It is a fire hazard. And it is my business if somebody is putting the ship and it's passengers in danger.

 

I hope that nobody has to deal with a fire onboard because somebody can't follow the rules.

 

I live in Washington state where marijuana is legal. I have no problem with people smoking it, but not in cabins on a cruise ship.

 

I do not agree with security telling the offenders who complained.

[Wilgr]

I live in Colorado so I get it being no big deal. But, it's against the law to smoke in public here; its against the policies of Carnival and you can be thrown off the ship for it. You can be thrown off for smoking cigarettes. It's not about your opinion about pot in general, it's about Carnival not consistently following their own policies.

 

Throwing a life ring off the ship is a way more serious offense than smoking cigs, smoking pot, not wearing proper clothes on formal night, kids in hot tub, 18 year olds having a beer ....etc All of those are rules on the ship, but a life ring thrown overboard should get someone kicked off the boat every time, hopefully they were asked not to come back too.