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Victory 9/6/08 - Review

Trainman52

By Trainman52,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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Trainman52

Trainman52

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I have started my review of our cruise on the Victory which sailed from New York on 9/6/08. It may be found on my web site:

 

http://richlevow.com/victory.aspx

 

I will post notification here as I make additions to the review. It typically takes me about a week to cover the entire cruise. If you want info not yet covered, just post your questions here.

 

Bon Voyage

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ETski

ETski

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Rich great review. I have decided not to write my own but will add as needed. I do miss the rocking from side to side that Saturday night. We too did not get seasick, thank you Bonine.

Since we generally cruise NCL we found the cabins on the Victory to be much larger then most lines.. Storage space was also ample. The Victory is an older ship, and some found the deck layout confusing. Once mastered we could get around quickly. Just remember on Deck 3 and 4 one can not go from front to back. Another thing to remember is that the Atrium glass elevators do not go down to the Rivera deck. We found the crew to be very friendly, always saying hello and trying to please.

Can't wait to read more and hope you don't mind me adding more.

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Trainman52

Trainman52

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It's dinner time at the review.

 

Hopefully I will be finished by Friday. Once again, if there are any specific questions, just post them here.

 

Lynn - thanks for the deck 3 and 4 dining room comment. That was the most convoluted design I have ever seen. I am now preparing for our cruise on The Explorer of The Seas. The ship has one dining room with three levels located where it should be, in the back of the ship (aft).

 

Bon Voyage

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bleuiz

bleuiz

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I enjoyed your review.....we took our 3rd cruise on the Victory..........this time we had a huge problem with Malcolm........

We were given a cabin over the lounge by the casino (we booked a guarentee).........the pursor tried to take care of this (by having the music lowered) because we were complaining as were the other cabins near us.........

The next day we spoke to the gentleman who was trying to take care of this...........he said that Malcolm handles this but he was emailing the people helping us that this was his domain and they should remain out of it......the gentleman basically said Malcolm handled this as a 'turf war'......

The pursors desk was in touch with us (found out that they were in constant touch with Carnival about us).........Malcolm did not reach us....we had to find him.......he said that he could not lose the integrity of the entertainment of the passengers (none of us wanted the music off.....just if they could turn it off around midnight)........I asked Malcolm if he prefers to lose the passengers.........he just repeated his statement.........When I asked about a cut off time........he said he had to follow what the Capers said......

I spoke to several crew members I befriended..........they rolled their eyes and were not surprised at his remarks........

I had been in email touch with my TA, who was calling Carnival, but to know avail........

I asked the pursor who wrote the Capers.........Malcolm does! So he has to follow the Capers, which he writes! But he can't have the music off at an earlier time unless the Capers says so...........go figure.........

By the way, Carnival knew my husband had recent surgery because they sent to our cabin, medical equipment that we requested (with a doc's note)........

So Malcolm is not one of my favorite people........

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Trainman52

Trainman52

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I enjoyed your review.....we took our 3rd cruise on the Victory..........this time we had a huge problem with Malcolm........

We were given a cabin over the lounge by the casino (we booked a guarentee).........the pursor tried to take care of this (by having the music lowered) because we were complaining as were the other cabins near us.........

The next day we spoke to the gentleman who was trying to take care of this...........he said that Malcolm handles this but he was emailing the people helping us that this was his domain and they should remain out of it......the gentleman basically said Malcolm handled this as a 'turf war'......

The pursors desk was in touch with us (found out that they were in constant touch with Carnival about us).........Malcolm did not reach us....we had to find him.......he said that he could not lose the integrity of the entertainment of the passengers (none of us wanted the music off.....just if they could turn it off around midnight)........I asked Malcolm if he prefers to lose the passengers.........he just repeated his statement.........When I asked about a cut off time........he said he had to follow what the Capers said......

I spoke to several crew members I befriended..........they rolled their eyes and were not surprised at his remarks........

I had been in email touch with my TA, who was calling Carnival, but to know avail........

I asked the pursor who wrote the Capers.........Malcolm does! So he has to follow the Capers, which he writes! But he can't have the music off at an earlier time unless the Capers says so...........go figure.........

By the way, Carnival knew my husband had recent surgery because they sent to our cabin, medical equipment that we requested (with a doc's note)........

So Malcolm is not one of my favorite people........

 

Interesting story. You are correct in stating that Malcolm writes the Capers and can make it say whatever he wants. Keep in mind that the music is like a flame to a moth, it attracts it. The more people listening to the music, the more booze that is purchased at the adjacent bar and the more money that is donated to the casino. Sad to say, but the added revenues that the live music brings probably far outweighs any concerns about the satisfaction of a few passengers.

 

Last year on the Crown Princess we had the pleasure of meeting James Deering the head of passenger services on the ship. He was in charge of all personnel on the ship (including the pursers office) with the exception of the actual "mariner" types. While I'm not sure that Carnival has an equivalent on the Victory, it does appear to be a pretty standard business model. This would be the person to complain to on board ship. If the band hours and location come from Carnival corporate, chances are that no one is going to "buck" the system.

 

I would send a letter to the president of Carnival, certified mail, return receipt requested outlining what happened and requesting that a member of his staff contact you. While one or two dissatisfied passengers doesn't seem like a lot, you are no doubt the first nor will you be the last to complain about the situation. With the technology available these days, information travels very quickly and it doesn't take a lot to get yourself a bad rep. Hopefully common sense will prevail and someone at Carnival will address the way your concerns were treated.

 

Bon Voyage

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bleuiz

bleuiz

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Interesting story. You are correct in stating that Malcolm writes the Capers and can make it say whatever he wants. Keep in mind that the music is like a flame to a moth, it attracts it. The more people listening to the music, the more booze that is purchased at the adjacent bar and the more money that is donated to the casino. Sad to say, but the added revenues that the live music brings probably far outweighs any concerns about the satisfaction of a few passengers.

 

Last year on the Crown Princess we had the pleasure of meeting James Deering the head of passenger services on the ship. He was in charge of all personnel on the ship (including the pursers office) with the exception of the actual "mariner" types. While I'm not sure that Carnival has an equivalent on the Victory, it does appear to be a pretty standard business model. This would be the person to complain to on board ship. If the band hours and location come from Carnival corporate, chances are that no one is going to "buck" the system.

 

I would send a letter to the president of Carnival, certified mail, return receipt requested outlining what happened and requesting that a member of his staff contact you. While one or two dissatisfied passengers doesn't seem like a lot, you are no doubt the first nor will you be the last to complain about the situation. With the technology available these days, information travels very quickly and it doesn't take a lot to get yourself a bad rep. Hopefully common sense will prevail and someone at Carnival will address the way your concerns were treated.

 

Bon Voyage

 

Thank you....I did send a letter to Carnival customer service, but I might send a copy of the same letter to the president requesting contact...... I understand the need for entertainment.....I don't understand egos, moreover, I don't understand why soundproofing hasn't improved.....it was as if we were home, every Friday evening, when my downstairs neighbor blasts his music........

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LHP

LHP

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I enjoyed your review.....we took our 3rd cruise on the Victory..........this time we had a huge problem with Malcolm........

We were given a cabin over the lounge by the casino (we booked a guarentee).........the pursor tried to take care of this (by having the music lowered) because we were complaining as were the other cabins near us.........

The next day we spoke to the gentleman who was trying to take care of this...........he said that Malcolm handles this but he was emailing the people helping us that this was his domain and they should remain out of it......the gentleman basically said Malcolm handled this as a 'turf war'......

The pursors desk was in touch with us (found out that they were in constant touch with Carnival about us).........Malcolm did not reach us....we had to find him.......he said that he could not lose the integrity of the entertainment of the passengers (none of us wanted the music off.....just if they could turn it off around midnight)........I asked Malcolm if he prefers to lose the passengers.........he just repeated his statement.........When I asked about a cut off time........he said he had to follow what the Capers said......

I spoke to several crew members I befriended..........they rolled their eyes and were not surprised at his remarks........

I had been in email touch with my TA, who was calling Carnival, but to know avail........

I asked the pursor who wrote the Capers.........Malcolm does! So he has to follow the Capers, which he writes! But he can't have the music off at an earlier time unless the Capers says so...........go figure.........

By the way, Carnival knew my husband had recent surgery because they sent to our cabin, medical equipment that we requested (with a doc's note)........

So Malcolm is not one of my favorite people........

 

Sorry but I find your request unreasonable.

 

You are the one who elected to go with a GTY to save money.

Since you knew your husband was recovering from surgery, you should have selected a cabin that was best suited for him. That is not Carnival's responsibility. This was not your first cruise...so you knew the ropes.

 

Personally I cruise for the music and would have felt short changed to have it cut an hour to 1 1/2 hours short, because you planned poorly and wanted to save some money.

 

Malcolm did exactly what he should have done...said sorry that is not possible.

 

Hope your husband is recovering well.

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ETski

ETski

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I enjoyed your review.....we took our 3rd cruise on the Victory..........this time we had a huge problem with Malcolm........

We were given a cabin over the lounge by the casino (we booked a guarentee).........the pursor tried to take care of this (by having the music lowered) because we were complaining as were the other cabins near us.........

The next day we spoke to the gentleman who was trying to take care of this...........he said that Malcolm handles this but he was emailing the people helping us that this was his domain and they should remain out of it......the gentleman basically said Malcolm handled this as a 'turf war'......

The pursors desk was in touch with us (found out that they were in constant touch with Carnival about us).........Malcolm did not reach us....we had to find him.......he said that he could not lose the integrity of the entertainment of the passengers (none of us wanted the music off.....just if they could turn it off around midnight)........I asked Malcolm if he prefers to lose the passengers.........he just repeated his statement.........When I asked about a cut off time........he said he had to follow what the Capers said......

I spoke to several crew members I befriended..........they rolled their eyes and were not surprised at his remarks........

I had been in email touch with my TA, who was calling Carnival, but to know avail........

I asked the pursor who wrote the Capers.........Malcolm does! So he has to follow the Capers, which he writes! But he can't have the music off at an earlier time unless the Capers says so...........go figure.........

By the way, Carnival knew my husband had recent surgery because they sent to our cabin, medical equipment that we requested (with a doc's note)........

So Malcolm is not one of my favorite people........

\

I too have have cruised below a lounge on the NCL Spirit. We picked our cabin and we were never told that Henry's Pub was above us. A few nights it did seem like the Irish singer was right in our stateroom. We did not complain since we had looked at the deck plan prior to booking. Any time you choose a cabin you need to check what is above, below, or around your cabin. This is your responsibility. Since you did book a guarantee and do save money doing this, I do not think it is Carnival or Malcom's fault. I understand you have already gotten some money or credit off your next cruise. So I feel sorry about your noise and hope your husband has a speedy recovery. My husband had hip replacement done 1 yr ago and we too took a cruise a few months later. Nice way to rest and relax or party!

Happy cruising...............................

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Trainman52

Trainman52

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Sorry but I find your request unreasonable.

 

You are the one who elected to go with a GTY to save money.

Since you knew your husband was recovering from surgery, you should have selected a cabin that was best suited for him. That is not Carnival's responsibility. This was not your first cruise...so you knew the ropes.

 

Personally I cruise for the music and would have felt short changed to have it cut an hour to 1 1/2 hours short, because you planned poorly and wanted to save some money.

 

Malcolm did exactly what he should have done...said sorry that is not possible.

 

Hope your husband is recovering well.

 

We got a 7:30 wake-up call on our last sea day with the anvil chorus. The crew was working on the ship banging on the side of the hull somewhere above our cabin. How about a little sensitivity there? On our last night on the ship we heard banging for most of the night. We were on deck two below the Ionian Lounge. I have no clue as to what they were doing there. Ships nowadays are built quieter than ever, nevertheless they are still made of steel and noise will travel. They are soundproofed from your average noise. We passed the music by the casino and it WAS extremely loud to the point that I couldn't stand there more than a few minutes. There had to be some compromise that could have been reached. I assume that the ship was not sold out. Why not then just offer another cabin? A cabin is a cabin regardless of CAT. As long as a request is not unreasonable the old adage should apply, "the customer is always right".

 

Bon Voyage

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bleuiz

bleuiz

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We got a 7:30 wake-up call on our last sea day with the anvil chorus. The crew was working on the ship banging on the side of the hull somewhere above our cabin. How about a little sensitivity there? On our last night on the ship we heard banging for most of the night. We were on deck two below the Ionian Lounge. I have no clue as to what they were doing there. Ships nowadays are built quieter than ever, nevertheless they are still made of steel and noise will travel. They are soundproofed from your average noise. We passed the music by the casino and it WAS extremely loud to the point that I couldn't stand there more than a few minutes. There had to be some compromise that could have been reached. I assume that the ship was not sold out. Why not then just offer another cabin? A cabin is a cabin regardless of CAT. As long as a request is not unreasonable the old adage should apply, "the customer is always right".

 

Bon Voyage

 

I felt it was inconsiderate that Malcolm did not contact us since he knew of this situation...........as CD he should have reached us......even if it was just to repeat his words........

And his double talk? I thought that was inappropriate.........he tells me he has to abide by the Capers......but doesn't tell me he writes the capers.........

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bleuiz

bleuiz

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Sorry but I find your request unreasonable.

 

You are the one who elected to go with a GTY to save money.

Since you knew your husband was recovering from surgery, you should have selected a cabin that was best suited for him. That is not Carnival's responsibility. This was not your first cruise...so you knew the ropes.

 

Personally I cruise for the music and would have felt short changed to have it cut an hour to 1 1/2 hours short, because you planned poorly and wanted to save some money.

 

Malcolm did exactly what he should have done...said sorry that is not possible.

 

Hope your husband is recovering well.

 

If the Capers said the music would end at midnight.....then it would not have been cut short..........because that would have been the scheduled times..........

Live and learn..........from one bad experience and we now pick the cabin..........I'm just grateful this didn't happen during the previous years' cruise when my entire family including my parents cruised together.......

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Trainman52

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If the Capers said the music would end at midnight.....then it would not have been cut short..........because that would have been the scheduled times..........

Live and learn..........from one bad experience and we now pick the cabin..........I'm just grateful this didn't happen during the previous years' cruise when my entire family including my parents cruised together.......

 

Even picking a cabin doesn't always guarantee peace and serenity. Watch out for locations used for port debarkation, crew storage, etc. I generally try to sandwich our cabin between two passenger decks, mid-ship a few cabins in from the elevator banks. Never get a cabin too close to the elevators - you will hear talking and "bings" into the wee hours of the morning.

 

The CD does have a lot more to do than just entertain the passengers, nevertheless he could have taken a minute out of his schedule to speak with you. Part of the problem is that with the growing capacity of cruise ships the attitude becomes "you can't please everyone"; well at least you can try.

 

Just remember that there are more important things in life. As I say, you vote with your dollars. Maybe next time you can try Princess, we really enjoyed their service and hospitality.

 

Bon Voyage

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