Jump to content

Are onboard mutinies justified?


Erica@cruisecritic

Are onboard mutinies justified in the event of an itinerary change?  

2,615 members have voted

  1. 1. Are onboard mutinies justified in the event of an itinerary change?

    • Yes -- cruise passengers should get compensated for all missed ports.
      45
    • Yes -- cruise lines don't give passengers another way to complain.
      23
    • Maybe -- but only if the cruise is seriously re-routed.
      48
    • Maybe -- but only if the cruise staff mishandles the situation.
      135
    • No -- if you can't handle a missed port, don't cruise during hurricane season.
      1726
    • No -- cruise passengers need to read the fine print.
      406
    • No -- you're still on vacation, aren’t you?
      188
    • I've posted my opinion below.
      43


Recommended Posts

My worst day on-board a cruise ship is far better than my best day at work, or home for that matter. That is why it's called a vacation. Life is too short to stress over the things I can't control.

I WILL CHOOSE SAFETY, OVER ANY PORT.



THANK GOD THE CAPTAIN IS AT THE HELM.

I CAN ALWAYS TAKE ANOTHER CRUISE TO "THAT PORT"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I spend my hard earned money on a vacation, I want it to be a good, fun and relaxing vacation. Don't go on a cruise if you don't have the mental capacity to accept changes.

You are not in charge, the Captain is and he is responsible for the ship and the passengers. So, if they have to change the itinerary due to inclement weather and you don't like it...well, tough crap! That is the way it is. I don't need a bunch of cry-baby's ruining my vacation. If I was the Captain, I would kick them off the ship on the next port.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it comes down to those who are happy just cruising, being on the ship, no matter where it goes and those who only cruise for the or a port. I've been on a few cruises that were diverted. Once we went Western (again), when we were booked Eastern. Though it was disappointing, we rolled with the punches, happy to be having DOD's and relaxing with friends.

 

I remember a bride on that cruise, supposed to be married in St. Thomas, that's disappointment too. Many were heard complaining...I only cruised to go _____. (fill in the blank), now my cruise is ruined. If you feel that way, hurricane season is the worst time to go, though itinerary changes can happen any time. BTW...I'd never recommend planning to getting married in port. :eek:

 

Although I enjoy the ports, I cruise to be on the ship, so I'm fine with port changes, and I don't care if the staff tell me where we are going till we get there, then I do like to know where I am. LOL

 

I don't think mutinies are justified. That riot mentality does no one any good. Who are we to question the Captain of the ship anyway? I trust my life to him (all cruisers do), I trust they will do the best they can for me. If I didn't feel that trust, I wouldn't cruise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We were on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera (Stardancer) fifteen or so years ago and a hurricane dogged our every move with rain and 35 foot seas, causing us to miss a couple of ports. The captain went in to Ensenada on the way back to LA, and we had a great time. The hurricane was a free added attraction- it was magnificent. ...One fellow started talking loud and long about mutiny, but my friend with whom he were traveling told him, when everyone had just about had enough of him, "If you don't shut up, I'm going to throw you over the side." He shut up. The Admiral cruise line then treated us to a free cruise the following year. Regretfully, neither the ship nor the cruise line are around any more.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's great that you have such confidence in the Captain, but...I just gotta ask, when the dude can't even follow basic Customer Service practices, it's kinda hard to have such total confidence in his overall competence.

 

 

 

Oookay...and would you feel that way if YOU were not given any information about where you were going, and what little you WERE given was conflicting or clearly wrong, and in the meantime you were being told that you were a sucker and your feelings don't matter?

 

I'm having a hard time understanding why so many are failing to see the REAL issue that occurred on Miracle, that contributed to the mutiny: abyssmal behavior by the Captain. Look, cruises have been dropping and diverting ports in hurricane season for decades - how often has a passenger revolt happened? Doesn't anybody wonder what was different about THIS cruise that caused it to happen?

 

It's been stated repeatedly by those who were on the ship, and their friends/family on this board: it was the Captain's inexcusable behavior.

 

 

I'm not singling you out on purpose but your post expresses a common sentiment that puzzles me. What many of these passengers seem not to understand is that the position of Captain is not some "figurehead" who is there to walk around the ship and exude bonhomie. Unlike a lot of CEOs, he actually has a real job to do and a very real responsibility to keep the ship and all her crew and passengers as safe and as comfortable as possible.

 

While some have claimed there was no communication, others have clearly reported that there was an effort to keep them informed in what was, I'm sure, a constantly changing situation.

 

It was a no-win for the staff. If they announced a change of plans and then had to go back on that due to weather conditions beyond their control, they are accused of not knowing what they are doing. If they wait to announce a change of plans until they are virtually certain that it will work out, they are accused of not communicating and keeping vital information from the passengers. :cool:

 

(....and how, for Pete's sake, could anyone POSSIBLY think that removing the tips from the crew was in any way a "retaliation"? Retaliation for what? Against who? It really beggars belief.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can understand people being upset. But I also agree that they knew they were taking their chances when they booked a cruise during hurricane season. The captain has to make decisions during bad weather. There is nothing else he can do. He has everyone on board's lives in his hands. But it kind of sounds like he made his decision a little late to get into some other better ports.

 

But when they boarded the passengers should of been reminded about the hurricane and the chance of ports being changed. They should of been given the chance to reschedule their cruise to another time, refund, or to continue on with the cruise taking the chance of going to other ports. It would only make it fair to the cruise company and to the passengers.

 

The passengers knew that Hanna was there and coming, they should of made a decsion to reschedule their cruise if they didn't want to take the chance. And I'm sure their price of the cruise during hurricane season was a bargain. No compensation would be needed if passengers are give the above choices at the time of their cruise. Neither passenger or cruise line can help what mother nature dishes up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

People are too kind.....using terminology like 'mutants'.

 

In reality, those seeking refunds are obviously unaware of what a hurricane can do to your voyage. You won't be able to go on the deck, you won't be able to enjoy the fine dining, you certainly won't enjoy your stateroom while it bobs up and down like a cork.....

 

Those people complaining are simply 'cheapskates' and just plain 'losers' that want a free ride.

 

Perhaps they would be better off in a third world country during a hurricane where the officials are more worried about saving their drugs and ignoring the tourists.......as has happened numerous times in the past.

 

They would ALWAYS be welcome there......

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's sad that there are so many whiners in the world. While they were complaining about their cruise ports being changed, there were people losing their homes, possessions, and lives in the hurricane. The Captain made the right decision, and right decisions are sometimes unpopular. They should have given the whiners a lifeboat and provided a course to the original ports to make them happy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One fellow started talking loud and long about mutiny, but my friend with whom he were traveling told him, when everyone had just about had enough of him, "If you don't shut up, I'm going to throw you over the side." He shut up.

 

You think it's OK to threaten other people with violence?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

People that are stupid enough to not realize the reason for itinerary changes should just shut up, sit down and enjoy the facilities aboard the ship. When we cruise, we don't care where the ship goes...we go for the shipboard experience.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Um, I am from the Northeast and I don't think anyone owes my anything. That was a ridiculous comment! Anyway, their behavior was deplorable and they should have been put off in BEAUTIFUL Newport. I really can't believe that anyone would want to risk their safety for one day at a port!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No one can control Nature! The Captain did what was best for the ship and the passengers. At least they are safe and alive and Can perhaps get to see there "missed port" at another time. Cruising in hurricane season is always a gamble!! Such bad behavior is unexcusible. When life hands you lemons....make lemonade!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

booking during the HEIGHT of hurricane season, travelling through the middle of hurricane alley? take your chances. i'd rather sit in port the whole week in a safe calm environment than be at sea puking my guts out & running lifesaving drills. as long as the bar & casino are open, and fresh food can be brought aboard, who cares? it's still a vacation. grow up & get over it. :cool:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There is no excuse for a passenger revolt over missed ports due to foul weather. If there were missed ports due to mechanical problems, and compensation was not adequate, there is cause for complaint, but not revolt.

 

A couple of years ago I was on the Carnival Victory headed to Cozumel, Limon, Costa Rica, and Cristobal, Panama. We had booked this cruise because we had never been to Panama or Costa Rica. Things went well through Cozumel. On the way to Limon, we told there was some kind of civil unrest going on there, and we were going to Cristobol a day early, and would try to go to Limon on the way back. We rushed to the internet cafe and changed our off-ship tours to be a day earlier and all was well.

 

When we got back onboard, we were told that the civil unrest in Limon was continuing, and we were headed to Ocho Rios instead. While we were disappointed, as we have been to Ocho Rios before, we dealt with it. we contacted our favorite guide to arrange more touring. We even convinced 6 or 7 other passengers to come along with us. So, we all still had a good time, and we brought our guide some extra unexpected income.

 

The bottom line? I still need to book another cruise that will take me to Costa Rica.

 

Anyone that sails during hurricane season needs to know this is a possibility and go with the flow. Taking tips from the crew is not the answer. On that topic, I once heard someone asking how to remove their gratuities, as they never ate in the dining room. I caused a scene when I read them the riot act. "That table was there waiting for you every day. The people were there waiting to serve you every day. Part of the gratuity went to yourr cabin steward. Did you get service in your cabin? Did you give any gratuities to any of the people that served you on the Lido deck? How dare you rip-off those hard-working employees." I got applause from the people that heard my rant. I'll bet they removed the gratuities anyway.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Once we were on a Princess ship where the communication was not good between the crew & passengers. We never knew where to go to disembark at ports or times, & at Ketchikan tendering was an absolute mess. We were more than a little annoyed, but we kept it between ourselves. We vented by writing a letter to Princess afterwards, but of course, we received no response.

 

Another time in Lisbon, on an RCCL ship, we had to miss ports because of problem with the ship & I think a labor dispute with the port; however, there was really good communication with the passengers. Still there was a pessenger revolt, which we found very annoying because those folks were ruining our good time. And RCCL did offer compensation, which I felt was very generous. These folks just wanted more-like the entire cruise for free. I think the crew handled the entire incident very well.

 

No I don't think passenger revolts are ever acceptable, even if folks are really upset. We call these folks BMW's-bitchers, moaners, & whiners.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Too bad for the passengers that they were sailing into a hurricane. This is why cruises are cheaper in September, duh! I read the fine print so when this same cruise which I took in July, cut out Tortola for Grand Turks, (nothing to do with weather) I wasn't thrilled but knew they had the option to change ports. We sailed past "Bertha" and were lucky to have a great cruise anyway. SAFETY is the byword here and most cruisers know that and don't argue the point.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think, that the passangers who felt (loudly) that the fine print did not apply to them, owe the other passangers compensation. Also, I think that what ever powers that be should have doubled their gratuities for the crew members having to put up with their tantrums!!!:eek:

Cassi

 

PS Who are they going to demand compensation from when it rains during their whole camping vacation???

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:eek: We just returned from a wonderful week on Carnival Conquest. Our itinerary was reversed, we missed Jamaica, had rough waters getting off in Grand Cayman and had some rough waters the first two days in the Gulf. Overall, the cruise was wonderful:D ! The job of the cruise line is to provide a safe and enjoyable vacation to over 3,000 guests and staff which is a huge undertaking. Cudos to the cruise lines for providing a wonderful vacation!:)

Last week, passengers on Carnival Miracle started a near revolt when a significant itinerary change due to Tropical Storm Hanna turned their Eastern Caribbean sailing into a cruise to Florida, the Bahamas...and Newport, Rhode Island. Cruise Critic Editor in Chief Carolyn Spencer Brown shares her opinion on onboard mutinies in today's From the Bridge feature: http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=736

 

Do you think these increasingly common mutinies are justified? Please vote in our poll or share your opinion below.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We were on a cruise last week and had one port canceled but the Captain was able to get us to our next port ahead of schedule and we were able to dock overnight. While the port we overnighted at was not one that we were looking forward to we did have a good time ( we have been to this port many times.

 

Yes we were dissapointed that we missesd the one port, we were looking forward to this port, but we survived.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One part of me thinks that petition signers ought to be blackballed by the line from cruising...

 

No, mutiny isn't justified - BUT:

 

It is invited by cruiselines that think that $25 is adequate compensation (where day-at-sea revenues probably exceed that on average).

 

I view hurricane season cruising as something of a lottery - but still, the lines need to increase their basic compensation offer and then blackball the uncontrollable.

 

Why oh why should they get ANY "compensation"? They booked to go to 3 ports, they GOT 3 ports. That's like whining because I booked a trip to Toronto in January and then sued the hotel (or expected "compensation") because it SNOWED and I wanted to sunbathe, dangit!! HELLO????? It is HURRICANE SEASON!!!! If you travel during this time you get what you get. Think about your logic here. If the cruiselines needed to "compensate" every passenger who gets caught in a hurricane during hurricane season, wouldn't you see a situation where people would book during hurricane season ON PURPOSE just because they knew they'd get an extra $100 off?? And wouldn't the otherwise cheap rates during that season then go up because of the selfish, entitlement-filled passengers who wanted to fill the ships? You may balk but I swear to you if the cruiselines had a "guarantee" that a passenger would be compensated x number of dollars for an act of God, you KNOW who would be lined up waiting to sign on. That argument just does not make sense. At all. If you CHOOSE to sail during hurricane season you get what you get. If one thinks they deserve more, perhaps a trip to the dictionary might help one to understand what the words selfish and entitlement issues mean. Believe me, they are not pretty.:eek:

 

And lastly, I posted this on the Carnival board....I'd like to see the folks who caused all these issues on the Miracle and every other ship this has actually happened on, rounded up, set sail on a ship sailing right into a cat 3-5 hurricane. Let them experience the utter and complete joy of getting their way and see how many still feel that sailing INTO harms way is a good idea. I would be willing to bet that every single one of them would get off the ship and sue whatever cruiselines it was for "putting them in harm's way". Sometimes, you cannot win for losing and when dealing this with level of mental capacity, it's best to do what is the best for the whole and let the um, idio......I mean other passengers just do what they're going to do.

 

This is NOT rocket science peeps!! Really.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Roll with the new ports of calls instead of with the 30 foot seas! You'll be glad you did. We have been on the fringes of 2 hurricanes with Captain's trying desperately to find calm waters while many of the passengers were violently ill from sea sickness. You never want to take an elevator during a storm - many people can't help themselves and your shoes are likely to be slimed to put it mildly. We have been re routed a number of times and I'm very thankful. I'm not on vacation to risk my life like that, let me scuba instead.

 

A few years ago we were on a Carnival where the air conditioning and refrigeration went out in Barbados on the way to Aruba. We were held hostage on the ship and headed back to San Juan. The Captain and Cruise Line refused to port (although they did stop to have food tendered to the ship) so that they did not have to allow passengers to disembark and require refunds. It was one of the situations where some degree of MUTINY was well justified. Sorry, so many people had illnesses from the heat and it rained at night and we couldn't sleep on deck. Carnival's idea of justice was to hold us in a floating prison of sorts, open the bars at no cost and keep us in San Juan overnight when many of us couldn't get off the ship until late that night. Passengers SHOULD have RECOURSE! I totally agree with safety and port changes during a storm and have personally seen the results of not getting away fast enough. Mutiny abord ship should be reserved for the worst of circumstances!

 

I happened to be on this site tonight as I was looking for a great rate to fill a ship to cruise any week and just enjoy the ship and maybe dodge a couple of hurricanes. Please, wish me luck! P.S. No Ports Necessary!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Um, I am from the Northeast and I don't think anyone owes my anything. That was a ridiculous comment! Anyway, their behavior was deplorable and they should have been put off in BEAUTIFUL Newport. I really can't believe that anyone would want to risk their safety for one day at a port!

Me too and I agree with your post..

These people were ridiculous

 

 

... and just because the ship sailed out of NY.. does not mean all the passengers were NY'rs... ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...