Pitiful

[Cairn Mom]

Well, based on the thin-skinned responses of the OP to the "attacks" () here on Cruise Critic, I would lean to "there's more to the story than we're being told." I've had my fair share of service quibbles and have certainly voiced them. Plenty of people write about their negative opinions day-in and day-out, and most of the posters here generally don't reflexively defend the cruise line no matter what. Perhaps it's the poor writing and lack of detail that is making everyone doubt the severity of the issues.

 

 

 

He has been attacked, and he got defensive. Nobody enjoys that experience. He’s upset because an important event did not come off as planned and he blames Celebrity. OP is entitled to feel that way. You may have a different experience with X and you are entitled to enjoy traveling with them.

There is no cause for you criticize his writing, or infer he’s a liar. Please, let’s be civilized.

[r4addz]

He has been attacked, and he got defensive. Nobody enjoys that experience. He’s upset because an important event did not come off as planned and he blames Celebrity. OP is entitled to feel that way. You may have a different experience with X and you are entitled to enjoy traveling with them.

There is no cause for you criticize his writing, or infer he’s a liar. Please, let’s be civilized.

 

Thank you, you have hit the nail squarely on the head. However I could have easily accepted any and all that happened if it had been handled with even a modicum of sympathy and respect. I haven't related everything that went wrong because of the sheer nastiness of some of the comments here. There is a lot that is good with the ship but a lot that is wrong with it too and you cannot show those that refuse to see.

[Miaminice]

He’s upset because an important event did not come off as planned and he blames Celebrity. OP is entitled to feel that way.

 

Not a oneway street, though!

He keeps lashing out at each and everyone not agreeing with him.

 

I think all is said here!

[r4addz]

Not a oneway street, though!

He keeps lashing out at each and everyone not agreeing with him.

 

I think all is said here!

 

Actually no it isn't, just because you are losing ground doesn't end it. Perhaps we should discuss the bingo, which on Christmas eve was a potential $45,000 so we went along and obviously didn't win. The next day we went (the jackpot hadn't gone off) but when we got there the cost had halved from $49 to $25 so we just assumed the $45,000 was a Christmas bonus and it would have dropped to the ongoing jackpot as on other cruises, Imagine our surprise (the prizes not being announced till after the first game) to find out that the prizes were, for example, an hours internet and a water bottle!!!! The top prize wasn't much better! Absolutely disgusting rip off! If you are going to the bingo, ensure you know what you are playing for before handing over your money!

[Jade13]

Actually no it isn't, just because you are losing ground doesn't end it. Perhaps we should discuss the bingo, which on Christmas eve was a potential $45,000 so we went along and obviously didn't win. The next day we went (the jackpot hadn't gone off) but when we got there the cost had halved from $49 to $25 so we just assumed the $45,000 was a Christmas bonus and it would have dropped to the ongoing jackpot as on other cruises, Imagine our surprise (the prizes not being announced till after the first game) to find out that the prizes were, for example, an hours internet and a water bottle!!!! The top prize wasn't much better! Absolutely disgusting rip off! If you are going to the bingo, ensure you know what you are playing for before handing over your money!

 

 

 

That’s strange. We stopped playing bingo years ago, but they generally announce what you are playing for when they start. It was often only a couple hundred dollars because not that many people where playing, but someone did win. When they do the high payout coverall it is generally set up that it has to be competed in so many rounds so the likelihood that anyone wins is next to none (someone who was a regular gambler once posted the statistics).

 

 

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[Jade13]

This still does not tell us whether the TA actually paid for the cake etc. Because it costs a TA $ to pay for the celebration gifts, I highly suspect that the TA was relying on Celebrity to make it happen after the TA flagged in the system that there was a birthday.

 

.

 

 

I think that is likely what happened. The agent probably flagged the system (but didn’t pay for anything) that there was a birthday and told the OP, “expect a surprise”. When nothing arrived, even though the OP did not know if that meant a full cake, champagne, flowers, balloons or all, he was disappointed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[r4addz]

That’s strange. We stopped playing bingo years ago, but they generally announce what you are playing for when they start. It was often only a couple hundred dollars because not that many people where playing, but someone did win. When they do the high payout coverall it is generally set up that it has to be competed in so many rounds so the likelihood that anyone wins is next to none (someone who was a regular gambler once posted the statistics).

 

 

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Yep that was the arrangement on the first night (200 players at $49 average) second night about 200 and just vouchers, T shirts and drink bottles! Most cruises I have been on, the jackpot was played for each day and the number of numbers went up each day until the last day when there was no limit and it was won! Not on the Solstice though. I wonder how long this jackpot has been offered in order to suck people in?

[sandancer]

I have found that other lines have the same problems with special events (unless you purchase a special package if available).

 

Personally, I don't tell any line about a special event anymore. We just book a specialty restaurant and enjoy the evening.

 

 

Had exactly the same treatment on Cunard for my 70th, they also blamed our TA. No cake, no card in the cabin, no “happy birthday” from the the dining room staff despite our table mates having all put birthday cards on the table and we had brought a bottle of Bollinger champagne to share (for which they charged $20 corkage). The cake arrived the following night and once our cabin attendant saw my birthday balloons in the cabin he produced not one, but two bottles of champagne. So have to agree that other lines sometimes let you down as well.

 

 

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[parrotfeathers]

Yep that was the arrangement on the first night (200 players at $49 average) second night about 200 and just vouchers, T shirts and drink bottles! Most cruises I have been on, the jackpot was played for each day and the number of numbers went up each day until the last day when there was no limit and it was won! Not on the Solstice though. I wonder how long this jackpot has been offered in order to suck people in?

 

I played bingo one time on a HAL cruise. I cannot remember the jackpot but the definitely said "someone would win." No one won the jackpot but the winner did win something insignificant. I've never played again.

[Miaminice]

Actually no it isn't, just because you are losing ground doesn't end it. Perhaps we should discuss the bingo, which on Christmas eve was a potential $45,000 so we went along and obviously didn't win. The next day we went (the jackpot hadn't gone off) but when we got there the cost had halved from $49 to $25 so we just assumed the $45,000 was a Christmas bonus and it would have dropped to the ongoing jackpot as on other cruises, Imagine our surprise (the prizes not being announced till after the first game) to find out that the prizes were, for example, an hours internet and a water bottle!!!! The top prize wasn't much better! Absolutely disgusting rip off! If you are going to the bingo, ensure you know what you are playing for before handing over your money!

 

OK, now this is actually turning out to be an entertaining comedy :D

What is next? The color of the toilet paper wasn´t to your liking?

 

But all jokes aside, you are testing us, aren´t you? I keep looking for a hidden camera. This has got to be some kind of joke. Even with all the things going on here on Cruise Critic, this is too much to be true. Maybe I am an optimist, I can not imagine anyone can be like you...

[bouhunter]

Royal Caribbean missed the birthday stuff we'd purchased for our daughter once. We talked to them and it showed up next day. Did not get worked up and upset, things happen. Lots of minor issues over the years, that's travel. What's pitiful is people who take them so seriously.

 

Yes they charge to get money at the casino. And bingo is a joke. Get over it.

[r4addz]

OK, now this is actually turning out to be an entertaining comedy :D

What is next? The color of the toilet paper wasn´t to your liking?

 

But all jokes aside, you are testing us, aren´t you? I keep looking for a hidden camera. This has got to be some kind of joke. Even with all the things going on here on Cruise Critic, this is too much to be true. Maybe I am an optimist, I can not imagine anyone can be like you...

 

Strange that, I'm here relating what actually happened to me and you can't imagine anyone like me, sad really because I can't imagine anyone like you who has none of the facts yet still pours out the drivel that you do. So you want more? Ok .....

 

Ok so I had raised issues elsewhere but in order to give aholistic view of why everything seems negative from me, I will relate things Ihave raised in other threads on here. I use a CPAP machine and arranged thespecial needs arrangements as required, this provided for a gallon of distilledwater and an extension lead (the power being in the opposite corner of the roomto where I needed it). I took a power board with me as my equipment needs morethan one connection but of course that was confiscated on boarding (even thoughit comes under the heading of essential medical equipment) I was directed toGuest relations to resolve the problem. I was given, for a deposit of $100 acheap Chinese powerboard that I would not have allowed in my home or business!I went to the room and found that the extension lead was American plug/socketformat whereas the powerboard was European format. What’s more, the extensionlead was one that some one (possibly an electrician) had cobbled together andthat it was unsafe and in Australia,any attempt to use it would have been considered a near miss safety incident.The strain relief was loose and individual conductors were exposed. I calledroom service and a manager was quick to remove the offending lead. It turnedout that the lead on the powerboard was just long enough to reach my equipmentand they offered to tape the lead down as it was a tripping risk, problem was,if they taped it down, we wouldn’t have been able to open the minibar as thelead stretched across it!

 

 

Feel free to ask for more if you wish.

[Miaminice]

Now seriously where is the camera?

 

You keep raising issues known to everyone here... no extension cords allowed! Sure they should have made an exception just for YOU, though.

 

BTW: informed as you are, you are aware that there are both kind of plugs in the stateroom, European and US.

Or was that too far away?

[Oceangoer2]

Strange that, I'm here relating what actually happened to me and you can't imagine anyone like me, sad really because I can't imagine anyone like you who has none of the facts yet still pours out the drivel that you do. So you want more? Ok .....

 

Ok so I had raised issues elsewhere but in order to give aholistic view of why everything seems negative from me, I will relate things Ihave raised in other threads on here. I use a CPAP machine and arranged thespecial needs arrangements as required, this provided for a gallon of distilledwater and an extension lead (the power being in the opposite corner of the roomto where I needed it). I took a power board with me as my equipment needs morethan one connection but of course that was confiscated on boarding (even thoughit comes under the heading of essential medical equipment) I was directed toGuest relations to resolve the problem. I was given, for a deposit of $100 acheap Chinese powerboard that I would not have allowed in my home or business!I went to the room and found that the extension lead was American plug/socketformat whereas the powerboard was European format. What’s more, the extensionlead was one that some one (possibly an electrician) had cobbled together andthat it was unsafe and in Australia,any attempt to use it would have been considered a near miss safety incident.The strain relief was loose and individual conductors were exposed. I calledroom service and a manager was quick to remove the offending lead. It turnedout that the lead on the powerboard was just long enough to reach my equipmentand they offered to tape the lead down as it was a tripping risk, problem was,if they taped it down, we wouldn’t have been able to open the minibar as thelead stretched across it!

 

 

Feel free to ask for more if you wish.

 

After reading through all the comments, I feel quite bad for you...not the complaints re 'things gone wrong' as sometimes it's just not your day (or cruise in this instance) and one thing after the other wasn't handled properly. I feel bad for the fact it's hard enough for some to sleep in strange beds, but needing a Cpap to work properly is important to ones health. Having to deal with, and oversee, the make-shift arrangement and lack of sleep affects one's attitude and ability to overlook annoyances, major and minor. I can now understand your upset taking it all together. Hopefully you feel better now getting all this out, and the next cruise, with whichever line, will be more enjoyable.

[G.M.T.]

I believe Princess is behind this thread, they know Celebrity beats them on nearly on all points and Princess are trying to get "their" passengers back onboard.:o

[hcat]

As I tried to point out, I don't know how it was arranged or paid for, however I have spoken to the TA and she was appalled at what happened. and I know what it should have been because she told me when I got back, what was supposed to have happened. I accept that things can go wrong but the level of indifference was what got to me.

 

What did TA say the surprise was actually supposed to be.

Our TA once ordered a very nice Champagne for us, inquired how we enjoyed it upon our return, and when we told her we never got it she brought us a new bottle post cruise.

[Talex831]

In answer to the question, When someone tells me they have arranged a "surprise" for me, I don't demand to be told whether or not they have paid for that surprise. So I can't answer the question for you.

 

 

 

I venture to say, it sounds like you had a few “surprises”.

 

You expected to be doted on and treated more special than the rest of the guests. Everyone pays for chips, even you. Extension cords are prohibited, even for you. Birthday celebrations are PAID for, even by you. Dining times are set for all guests, even you. Being snarky with the crew will get you ignored, even you.

 

 

 

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[r4addz]

Now seriously where is the camera?

 

You keep raising issues known to everyone here... no extension cords allowed! Sure they should have made an exception just for YOU, though.

 

BTW: informed as you are, you are aware that there are both kind of plugs in the stateroom, European and US.

Or was that too far away?

 

Oh my wrong again! my extension cord was allowed through as was a double adaptor that I forgot was in my hand luggage. It was the powerboard that wasn't allowed through and the reasoning behind that was very questionable (other cruise lines allow them). Yes I knew there were both types of outlets in the cabin but it is impossible to plug a euro plug into an american extension lead and the reach of the cheap and nasty powerboard was borderline but I had no choice but to put up with a bow string lead. Are you being so obtuse on purpose or are you actually having problems understanding?

[r4addz]

i believe princess is behind this thread, they know celebrity beats them on nearly on all points and princess are trying to get "their" passengers back onboard.:o

 

lol! :d

[r4addz]

I venture to say, it sounds like you had a few “surprises”.

 

You expected to be doted on and treated more special than the rest of the guests. Everyone pays for chips, even you. Extension cords are prohibited, even for you. Birthday celebrations are PAID for, even by you. Dining times are set for all guests, even you. Being snarky with the crew will get you ignored, even you.

 

 

 

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You think you are right but not even you! you have missed the point of everything discussed, try reading it all again!

[r4addz]

What did TA say the surprise was actually supposed to be.

Our TA once ordered a very nice Champagne for us, inquired how we enjoyed it upon our return, and when we told her we never got it she brought us a new bottle post cruise.

 

this has already been covered, please feel free to read back to find the answer.

[jsea]

Regarding your dining assignment, often at time of booking preferred arrangement is full. Do you know if that was the case? (Meaning traditional fixed dining was full, and therefore you were placed into Anytime?)

[Talex831]

You think you are right but not even you! you have missed the point of everything discussed, try reading it all again!

 

 

 

With everything you try to defend, you have changed “the point” with every post. Clearly, you are not going to get much sympathy here. There is no changing of Celebrity’s policies because you didn’t like them. Your defensive attitude will get you shut down regardless of the issue, both here and onboard the ship. So you had a few issues, life isn’t perfect, learn and move on.

 

 

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[r4addz]

Regarding your dining assignment, often at time of booking preferred arrangement is full. Do you know if that was the case? (Meaning traditional fixed dining was full, and therefore you were placed into Anytime?)

 

We were never given a choice and from the day it was booked, we were trying to change it but couldn't get a response on the website and our TA was unable to get a response. We booked almost a year in advance so if it was full then, I would be truly amazed! We eventually got a notification that we had beeen wait listed and when we boarded, we had a letter saying it had been confirmed but when we rocked up for the meal, it didn't happen!

[Klaycruiser]

Savvy cruisers know to speak with the maiter'd as soon as they board in regards to changing dinner times, tables, and special requests.

 

 

 

What difference does ONE day make in celebrating a birthday? NONE!

 

 

 

You definitely handled the situation wrong. Have to say the mix-up was your fault.

 

 

 

Not all cruisers are Savvy. Kind of presumptuous of you to say that. I do agree 1 day difference is no biggie!

 

 

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