1st Cruise Ever...Huge Disappointment-Carnival Liberty

[Leesha112]

I wanted to make Carnival (and others now) know of the sheer dissatisfaction of my very FIRST cruise experience EVER, via the Carnival Liberty from Galveston to Cozumel-10/27/16 to 10/31/16. I was sooo excited to celebrate my 17th year anniversary with my husband...and on a cruise for that matter! We never had the opportunity to honeymoon or vacation without the kids...so this was a HUGE deal! Okay, the trip....Thursday evening, after about an hour of leaving the Galveston port we noticed the ship turning around...an announcement was made that a guest had an accident and we were turning around to get them medical care. So, after we dropped that person off...off to sea again...The entire day Friday was spent raining and the ship majorly rocking (to the point everyone walking like they were drunk and some were vomiting in the hallways). Now I understand Carnival can't control weather, but just wanted to describe the experience thus far...We were initially scheduled to arrive at Cozumel around 9:30a Saturday morning...we arrived about 2:30pm because apparently one of the engines blew on the way, so we weren't able to travel at full speed...It was well after 3pm when we were allowed off the boat to explore the port. We had initially decided to choose an excursion upon arrival to Cozumel, but opted not to, as we were to be back on the ship at 7:00pm (less than 4 hours in Mexico). On our way back to Galveston, Sunday...more rain, more rocking...Oh and we paid for "internet service" that barely worked. Then, Sunday night, we were told because of the mechanical malfunctions of the ship, we would be late coming back on Monday. Try...we were scheduled to be back at 8:00am Monday and did not arrive back to the port until 6:00PM!!! As a bonus, they shut the AC off in our rooms before noon in hopes that we would get our luggage and wait on certain decks, so they could clean our rooms for the next herd of people scheduled for that evening...After disembarking, we finally made it to our car about 8:00PM! An entire day lost...not to mention a half day of work missed and childcare rearranging that inconvenienced several people. I felt horrible Tuesday (body aches, disoriented, headaches,etc), so decided to reach out to Carnival customer service on Wednesday. After waiting about 10 minutes, a woman came to the line, pulled up my booking and listened to my experience. I was very polite and explained that I wasn't asking for my money back, but maybe something for a future cruise...She unapologetically (was not sincere at all) said Corporate office has made the irrevocable decision that NO one from the 10/27 Liberty trip would receive ANY type of compensation...I asked if I could speak with someone else, and her snide remark was, you can speak to my Supervisor's Supervisor and it's not going to change a thing. The decision has been made and is final." I could not believe the sheer unconcern for their customers by Carnival! I had to go back to work at the time, so couldn't go round with the rep anymore and had to hang up...In a nutshell, I tried to extend the courtesy of keeping my experience between Carnival and myself (via customer service line), but since that was unsuccessful, I decided to take it to social outlets...Hopefully, others can read this and think twice before booking with Carnival. I know I am! 😪😞

[WetToes]

Sorry your first cruise experience was a bad one.

When my husband and I took our first cruise, years ago, we were not happy with it. It took a couple of years before we decided to give it another go.

We've gone (he has since passed) every year since. I'm so glad we gave it another try.

We were offered compensation for the first cruise (Carnival) and have been treated well by them when things didn't go so well another time.

[Mr & Mrs Happy]

I wanted to make Carnival (and others now) know of the sheer dissatisfaction of my very FIRST cruise experience EVER, via the Carnival Liberty from Galveston to Cozumel-10/27/16 to 10/31/16. I was sooo excited to celebrate my 17th year anniversary with my husband...and on a cruise for that matter! We never had the opportunity to honeymoon or vacation without the kids...so this was a HUGE deal! Okay, the trip....Thursday evening, after about an hour of leaving the Galveston port we noticed the ship turning around...an announcement was made that a guest had an accident and we were turning around to get them medical care. So, after we dropped that person off...off to sea again...The entire day Friday was spent raining and the ship majorly rocking (to the point everyone walking like they were drunk and some were vomiting in the hallways). Now I understand Carnival can't control weather, but just wanted to describe the experience thus far...We were initially scheduled to arrive at Cozumel around 9:30a Saturday morning...we arrived about 2:30pm because apparently one of the engines blew on the way, so we weren't able to travel at full speed...It was well after 3pm when we were allowed off the boat to explore the port. We had initially decided to choose an excursion upon arrival to Cozumel, but opted not to, as we were to be back on the ship at 7:00pm (less than 4 hours in Mexico). On our way back to Galveston, Sunday...more rain, more rocking...Oh and we paid for "internet service" that barely worked. Then, Sunday night, we were told because of the mechanical malfunctions of the ship, we would be late coming back on Monday. Try...we were scheduled to be back at 8:00am Monday and did not arrive back to the port until 6:00PM!!! As a bonus, they shut the AC off in our rooms before noon in hopes that we would get our luggage and wait on certain decks, so they could clean our rooms for the next herd of people scheduled for that evening...After disembarking, we finally made it to our car about 8:00PM! An entire day lost...not to mention a half day of work missed and childcare rearranging that inconvenienced several people. I felt horrible Tuesday (body aches, disoriented, headaches,etc), so decided to reach out to Carnival customer service on Wednesday. After waiting about 10 minutes, a woman came to the line, pulled up my booking and listened to my experience. I was very polite and explained that I wasn't asking for my money back, but maybe something for a future cruise...She unapologetically (was not sincere at all) said Corporate office has made the irrevocable decision that NO one from the 10/27 Liberty trip would receive ANY type of compensation...I asked if I could speak with someone else, and her snide remark was, you can speak to my Supervisor's Supervisor and it's not going to change a thing. The decision has been made and is final." I could not believe the sheer unconcern for their customers by Carnival! I had to go back to work at the time, so couldn't go round with the rep anymore and had to hang up...In a nutshell, I tried to extend the courtesy of keeping my experience between Carnival and myself (via customer service line), but since that was unsuccessful, I decided to take it to social outlets...Hopefully, others can read this and think twice before booking with Carnival. I know I am! ����

 

As with anything in life, you may have a bad cruise on one ship and a good one on another. We had rocky weather where the ship rocked back and forth. Nothing can be done about that as no-one can control the weather, especially cruising at this time of year.

 

When we did our excursion in Cozumel, we were expecting crystal clear water but the water was murky due to a previous storm/wind or whatever. Originally we were told we couldn't swim due to the amount of seaweed (on top of the murky water) as well but they took it upon themselves to use the machines to sweep the beach, etc. While the water was a bit rough, we still, as well as other, went swimming and played on some of the toys that were set up in the water.

 

Machinery breaks down. They had to turn around because of a medical crisis.

 

I didn't have that great of an experience at debarkation but it wasn't that bad that I wouldn't travel via Carnival or the Triumph again.

 

Sorry that your first cruise wasn't what you expected. Hopefully your next cruise, should you cruise and use Carnival again, will be a better experience.

Edited November 5, 2016 by Mr & Mrs Happy

[Cruzlover7]

I am sorry things did not go well for you on your first cruise. Could you not find one positive at all during your cruise? Did you have some good alone time wit your DH? I hope someday you may try Carnival again,perhaps in the milder weather.

 

 

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Edited November 5, 2016 by Cruzlover7

[Kamloops50]

Try a different cruise line . This might not of been the line for you.

[bury me at sea]

I'm sorry the cruise was such a disappointment. A lot planning and money are involved.

 

I also know a change in schedule impacts others in your life and that is often difficult. Many people had return flights that had to be rescheduled.

 

I hope you have some fond memories and as time passes can even laugh about some of situations.

 

And I'll be among the first to wish you a happy 18th anniversary.

[cruizinisthebest]

You definitely had a bad experience. Try cruising again. I would bet things will go better. People get sick and they deserve priority attention. Bad weather is beyond anyone's control. That said, I am a bit surprised that Carnival didn't extend any type of goodwill courtesy at all to the passengers on this sailing because of the numerous issues - especially when they are sooo generous with subsequent sailings affected by the engine problem.

 

I do hope they fix the issues with the Liberty. This used to be one of Carnival's top rated ships. If you enjoy sailing out of Galveston then try the Breeze. Don't be discouraged. Things will be better next time! Was there anything you enjoyed?

[Micahs Grandad]

Dont think I have ever said this before but not one positive thing to say on a first post. hmm.

[chengkp75]

I will dispute the claim that they turned the A/C off in the cabins, because it is a huge fuel waste to allow a massive volume like the ship to warm up and then cool it back down, as opposed to leaving it at one temperature.

[pretzellover]

Try a different cruise line . This might not of been the line for you.

 

 

 

Good idea. Other cruise lines don't have medical emergencies or bad weather.

 

 

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[cruizinisthebest]

Dont think I have ever said this before but not one positive thing to say on a first post. hmm.

 

I noticed that too but tried to look past it.

[Homosassa]

Looks like to me that the OP received an extra 10 hours on a cruise ship at no cost to her. Sounds like a win to me.:)

[tatt2ed]

Good idea. Other cruise lines don't have medical emergencies or bad weather.

 

 

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I heard the same thing too, but make sure you check the box for good weather, quick debarkation, no chair hogs, funny comedians, quiet neighbors and free refills on all alcoholic drinks.

[StolidCruiser]

To the OP: if I had your experience I'd be disappointed too.

 

I would say more but the sick kids are puking all over the place, the wife's car broke down on the way to the urgent care center, it's raining buckets out so couldn't walk the dog so he took a dump on the white carpet and I need to find someone to blame, feel sorry for me and give me some compensation for my trouble.

Edited November 5, 2016 by StolidCruiser

[Leesha112]

I will dispute the claim that they turned the A/C off in the cabins, because it is a huge fuel waste to allow a massive volume like the ship to warm up and then cool it back down, as opposed to leaving it at one temperature.

You can dispute what you would like, but I was in the hot room. If they didn't turn them off, then that was just one more thing that broke down.

[Leesha112]

Nastiness is necessary. If you don't like hearing/reading my experience then feel free to pass my post by...Thanks and GOD bless.

Edited November 5, 2016 by Leesha112

[tatt2ed]

You can dispute what you would like, but I was in the hot room. If they didn't turn them off, then that was just one more thing that broke down.

It is unfortunate you had such an unbelievable experience but i can speak from my experiences (even been thru a hurricane once) that this is not how cruising typically is. Granted cruising isnt for everyone but i wouldnt hesitate to give it another try.

[Kamloops50]

You can dispute what you would like, but I was in the hot room. If they didn't turn them off, then that was just one more thing that broke down.

 

Yes you had a hot room on the cruise. If I have issues like that I would tell the Stewart or guest services . If this was your first cruise . You might not of been aware of what you can do. You where the one in the cabin not the rest . We have had issues with airflow in inside cabins .

[Port of Tampa]

Lol wow...we always go with the our bar set low and have had nothing but great times aboard every Carnival cruise. When you go with the glass half empty...guess what it will continue to get worse. Rain, rough seas yes that may happen when you are on a cruise. I recommend a longer cruise next time to allow for some weather days. As memory serves me I was not a fan of cruising after our first cruise but have been hooked from cruise two and beyond.

 

Cheers and happy cruising!

[seamusdad]

I was on this cruise. Yes there were some things that were less than ideal. I can understand how you may be disappointed but there are some inaccuracies in your account. First of all weather happens, we made it Cozumel at 2pm I was personally off the ship at 2:15 , we didn't have to come back until 7:30 many announcements were made about this I heard it in my cabin while in the bathroom. The ride was rocky, I waould describe it more as swaying, there were some passengers who eere sea sick, more than on usual cruises but I didn't see any one throwing up in hallways or anywhere else. We were late coming back on Monday but Carnival gave everyone with the Cheers program free drinks unrltil 3 pm az they did to those with the Drinks on Us,card from the casino.

 

I had a good cruise, yes there were things that were different than my previous 13 Carnival cruises. I choose to have a good attitude and just hang out with others who were like minded. Some people were not. I avoided the Guest Service area because I knew,there,would be people complaining and demanding compensation, even of a future credit. Witnessing that would have made my cruise a bad cruise. I'm glad I chose to cruise the,way I did.

 

Not going to try to convince you to give it another try because honestly some people really shouldn't cruise. Good luck woth your next vacation.

 

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[seamusdad]

Also I had the social media package and it worked great every day!

 

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[txhawk36]

Your thoughts are the architects of your destiny - David O. McKay

 

I had what I would call a horrible cruise experience on a 3-day from Miami and even posted about it, however horrible it was, it beat being at work. Especially since my work involves other people's life and death situations.

 

Perhaps I have a totally different perspective, but there are worse things in life than a bad cruise. My bad cruise just made me want to hop on another ship and try again. :)

[Domino D]

I felt horrible Tuesday (body aches, disoriented, headaches,etc), so decided to reach out to Carnival customer service on Wednesday. After waiting about 10 minutes, a woman came to the line, pulled up my booking and listened to my experience. I was very polite and explained that I wasn't asking for my money back, but maybe something for a future cruise...

 

Looking for some clarification, not disputing anything you say (I wasn't there).

 

Are you saying, to boot, you got sick form the cruise?

 

Why on earth would you want an on board credit? Your post makes it seem like you wouldn't sail Carnival again, and given everything that happened I 't wouldn't blame you. Why on earth would you want a credit?

 

So sorry your vacation got messed up, even if it was bad luck.

[A&Jfamily]

I wanted to make Carnival (and others now) know of the sheer dissatisfaction of my very FIRST cruise experience EVER, via the Carnival Liberty from Galveston to Cozumel-10/27/16 to 10/31/16. I was sooo excited to celebrate my 17th year anniversary with my husband...and on a cruise for that matter! We never had the opportunity to honeymoon or vacation without the kids...so this was a HUGE deal! Okay, the trip....Thursday evening, after about an hour of leaving the Galveston port we noticed the ship turning around...an announcement was made that a guest had an accident and we were turning around to get them medical care. So, after we dropped that person off...off to sea again...The entire day Friday was spent raining and the ship majorly rocking (to the point everyone walking like they were drunk and some were vomiting in the hallways). Now I understand Carnival can't control weather, but just wanted to describe the experience thus far...We were initially scheduled to arrive at Cozumel around 9:30a Saturday morning...we arrived about 2:30pm because apparently one of the engines blew on the way, so we weren't able to travel at full speed...It was well after 3pm when we were allowed off the boat to explore the port. We had initially decided to choose an excursion upon arrival to Cozumel, but opted not to, as we were to be back on the ship at 7:00pm (less than 4 hours in Mexico). On our way back to Galveston, Sunday...more rain, more rocking...Oh and we paid for "internet service" that barely worked. Then, Sunday night, we were told because of the mechanical malfunctions of the ship, we would be late coming back on Monday. Try...we were scheduled to be back at 8:00am Monday and did not arrive back to the port until 6:00PM!!! As a bonus, they shut the AC off in our rooms before noon in hopes that we would get our luggage and wait on certain decks, so they could clean our rooms for the next herd of people scheduled for that evening...After disembarking, we finally made it to our car about 8:00PM! An entire day lost...not to mention a half day of work missed and childcare rearranging that inconvenienced several people. I felt horrible Tuesday (body aches, disoriented, headaches,etc), so decided to reach out to Carnival customer service on Wednesday. After waiting about 10 minutes, a woman came to the line, pulled up my booking and listened to my experience. I was very polite and explained that I wasn't asking for my money back, but maybe something for a future cruise...She unapologetically (was not sincere at all) said Corporate office has made the irrevocable decision that NO one from the 10/27 Liberty trip would receive ANY type of compensation...I asked if I could speak with someone else, and her snide remark was, you can speak to my Supervisor's Supervisor and it's not going to change a thing. The decision has been made and is final." I could not believe the sheer unconcern for their customers by Carnival! I had to go back to work at the time, so couldn't go round with the rep anymore and had to hang up...In a nutshell, I tried to extend the courtesy of keeping my experience between Carnival and myself (via customer service line), but since that was unsuccessful, I decided to take it to social outlets...Hopefully, others can read this and think twice before booking with Carnival. I know I am! 😪😞

 

If I understand your complaints, they are:

1)The ship had to turn around for a medical emergency; this can happen on any cruise, or even flight for that matter, and not Carnival's fault;

2) It was raining and rough seas; you are correct this is a mother nature issue and not a Carnival one.

3)You had a port stop shortened due to a mechanical issue; ports are missed all the time - but yes, this was a Carnival issue and I believe I read somewhere passengers received some OBC

4) As a result of the same mechanical issue, you were late getting back to port; I assume Carnival fed you, and had entertainment available during those extra hours, but didn't charge you more for your cruise?

5) You began to feel sick from an unknown cause on Tuesday and as a result, you decided to contact Carnival, about a future cruise credit.

 

Let me say as others have, you had less than the idea cruise experience. But as I noted above, medical emergencies, coast guard inspections, pier runners - all kinds of things can cause delay on a cruise ship. Likewise, having bad weather is no fun, but again, it is something that comes with cruising; one cruise returning back from Cozumel across the Gulf to Tampa we had 15-20' seas; my kids were screaming "woo Hoo" like they were cowboys and have hoped for rough seas ever since. I took a bonine out of precaution and blamed bouncing off the walls on one too many DOD! And lastly, mechanical issues can and due happen - and that can cause delayed or missed ports as well as late returns.

 

What I find interesting is that you were clearly willing to cruise Carnival again - afterall, you were seeking a future cruise credit - and only when that was denied did you decide they weren't the cruise line for you.

 

I understand having high expectations for a cruise, or an event; my first cruise I was so excited to swim with the sting rays in Grand Cayman - and seas prevented us from missing port. Yes, I was upset. But a massage, covered by the cost of the excursion I was no longer funding as well as returned port fees, made everything just peachy. And my response? I booked the same route the next year and enjoyed my sting rays then.

 

More recently, we were set to fly into Seattle the day before our Alaska cruise; we got hung in Chicago and it was looking like we weren't going to make it, we started making a back up plan. We would fly to Anchorage, rent a car and spend the week in and around Denali. Luckily, life didn't hand us the lemons, and we made the cruise, but had they been dumped in our lap, we would have made lemonade.

 

See, cruising is about an attitude. There is SO much beyond your control when you cruise from weather, to seas, to mechanics, that you simply must be able to go with the flow - no matter how much you looking forward to the trip. And you buy trip insurance to protect yourself if needed.

 

I am truly sorry that this was rough. But Carnival does, have as a general rule great customer service, and it doesn't seem to me that they did anything wrong. Perhaps cruising isn't for you and you would be better off with a more predictable vacation in the future.

[BNBR]

If you honestly think you're going to get great cell/internet service while at sea during not so great weather..you're gonna have a bad time. That's one of the reasons we don't ever turn on our cellphones or use the internet period at sea. We know that it's going to be A)expensive and B) crappy service. Also C) we don't want anybody to call us, text us, send us emails or otherwise bother us while we're on vacation.

 

This is an entirely false assumption. Maybe internet is just terrible on Carnival? On my recent Glory cruise, it was slow, frustrating. On my recent Oasis of the Seas cruise it was fast and perfect the entire cruise. People video calling/facetiming all over the place. Different technology, different experience. It's also not expensive at all. On Royal, I think I paid $100 or so for 2 devices for the entire cruise. My kids were watching Youtube on the iPad, it worked that well.