We won a cruise!....but...

[Duncarob]

Please remember, not all 1A cabins are bunk beds, despite Carnival's brochures and website indicating that they are. On the Spirit class vessels, for example, the 1A's are identical to the other cabins, with two beds on the floor which can converted to a king size. Also, there are very few 1A cabins on most ships, meaning the chance of getting an upgrade, especially if you have a cabin guarantee, are quite good.

[firefly333]

Over the weekend I got a AVC Travel Voucher, for a 4 day free cruise, then is says another place, departure either Miami FL or Galveston TX, good, ok Ecstasy is ok with me. I havent called, for one thing I have 5 cruises this year to go, next one is on Ecstasy this coming Saturday. Guess what else, says "Your cruise includes all on-board meals and entertainment". wow. Your prize and gift minimum total value is $1,295.

 

Call within 72 hours receipt of this letter. Me Id take the 1A, but not sure about paying on a value of $1,295 and then I still have to pay another $300 plus for taxes and port charges, Im guessing about $140 taxes and $200 port charges on a 4 day cruise on Ecstasy. Oh and above it says my travel vouchers are a $795 value (wonder how my prize is valued at $1295?).

 

Wonder what else I need to do to claim my "free" Carnival cruise. I'd be travelling with my sister so I wouldnt mind bunk beds, I dont think, never did them before and it wouldnt be my first choice, but I'd say they are rating their prize way too high.

 

To the folks saying that not all 1As are bunk beds, they are on Fantasy class ships which are the only Carnival ships doing 4 days out of those ports.

[SNJCruzers]

With a 5 dollar tip, your steward should be able to procure for you a roll away bed assuming that your cabin has bunk beds. This way, you can still sleep next to your honey and no one has to climb up to the upper berth.

[Uncle Doug]

Can you put the mattress' on the floor??

 

We have done this every time that we have ended up with a 1A. It is hard for me to git my big a$$ up in that top bunk. Each night I would just pull the mattress off and place it by the door, out of the way and sleep on it.

 

As far as the booking issues it sounds like typical time share run around. They buy these select cruises in very limited quanties and then make it very difficult on the buyer to use the voucher. In other words they hope you don't end up using the voucher and they are money ahead.

 

In most cases anything time share related should be avoided. I do own a time share and know their tricks very well

[Uncle Doug]

Another option once you have a booking number is to move that booking to another TA that will work for you.

[JeffHatfield]

I would call the time share people and be very interested, if and until they make the change for me.

[firefly333]

Another option once you have a booking number is to move that booking to another TA that will work for you.

 

Problem with that idea is you have to get the first TA to agree to release the booking, which hardly ever happens. I know one TA who released someone after they complained and whined and changed dates, ships and cruiselines at least 5 times and called and called with questions, the TA said ok to releasing the booking (wonder why :rolleyes: )

 

Why would the TA sign to release a booking and lose all their commission.

[BullDogChief]

That's why whenever anybody "promotes"a "free" whatever we just say no thanks...

[June Bug]

Thanks, for those of you who are offering some replies that actually have solutions. For those of you who are offering up "semi-I-told you so's" you are so very wrong.

 

#1. I knew what I was getting into when I went ahead with this...knowing that we would get the lowest cabin, interior....the part I didn't know was that it was bunk beds. NOT GRIPING about it, just wanting help with a solution. For someone who said put the mattress on the floor....THAT IS A SOLUTION!;) For the one who suggested about asking for an upgrade at the dock...THAT IS A SOLUTION! For those of you who say, you should have never or you should have been old enough to know better....THAT IS NOT a solution!:rolleyes:

 

2. We didn't pay exhorbitant fees for this cruise...in fact, after calling my brother, our regular travel agent, the port fees and taxes were right in line with what I would have paid thru him. And I'm using the WON a cruise, very loosely, which is why I put the words FREE in all caps throughout my posting.;) And as I previously stated, we were open to ANY day of travel, which is also why we didn't care when the dates were....they just request you send in THREE...but of course, didn't give me any of the 3 I picked...which is part of their scam. I'm sure they do whatever they can to dissuade people to take this cruise on them, which is why there are so many stipulations.

 

3. My issue is with the bunk beds and being too old to climb up on them.

I'm EXCITED about my "FREE" cruise that I "WON" and just wanted assistance with a solution. Pulling the mattress will work fine, if there is room on the tiny floor:D. Asking for an upgrade will also work great! Hoping to hear from my brother's "high-up" friends with Carnival is also another great thing to look forward too!

 

PS...My very good friend is going on this cruise with us and her cruise is costing her 1199.00 for she and her husband for ocean view. It is costing my husband and I only 350.00. I would take that cruise anyday over NOT cruising!!!! Just wanting help with solutions for sleeping arrangements. Not criticism ;)

 

Thanks for those of you offering help! I really appreciate your postings!

June

[Uncle Doug]

Why would the TA sign to release a booking and lose all their commission.

 

In this case I suspect the TA is directly associated with the time share company (in house). With only paying taxes and port fee's the TA commission (if any) is coming from the time share company. They may release the booking just to say good riddance.

[Uncle Doug]

Pulling the mattress will work fine, if there is room on the tiny floor:D.

 

Thanks for those of you offering help! I really appreciate your postings!

June

 

Actually the 1A's we have had (3) seemed roomier than the normal inside cabin as the floor space is only blocked by one bed instead of two. Not sure if the square footage is the same but it would most likely depend on the cabin location on the ship. Some 1A's even come with a port hole.

 

Enjoy your cruise, even in a 1A it beats staying at home.

[marimojo]

We WON our very first cruise by taking a timeshare tour, it was on the Carnival Celebration several years ago. We didn't know what to expect on the cruise, we were lucky to get the date we wanted to travel - the port taxes and fees were pretty inexpensive. We found out later that we were upgraded from an interior (don't know if it was a 1A, as I knew nothing about cabin categories at that time), but we were upgraded to a window cabin on the Main deck. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time and have taken several cruises since then. So, try and go with the flow and maybe Carnival will give you a better room - its all a big adventure!! I hope it works out great for you.

[June Bug]

We have been on 8 Carnival Cruises so it isn't like we won't have a great time...we always do! Like I said...a "free" cruise with port charges and taxes is better than a "full priced" cruise, even if I have to pull the mattress on the floor!

 

Thanks!

June

[lhuggi1]

We won a cruise as well just this past October ..and were are taking it in May but maybe there is a misprint on your certificate as the cabin on our was a Cat 6A so on the Riviera but with a Picture Window and we there are 3 of us going so a 2 Doubles/1King Bed with a Upper

[Bibi]

I know what I HAVE done and that is learned from experience that these "time share" and "vacation club" incentives are garbage and nothing more than a ploy for the unknowing consumer. Spirit incentives doesn't give a hoot what the issue is and will not do anything for you unfortunately. My suggestion is learn from experience and don't bother going to these presentations in the future. (IMHO) However, if you decide to go on this cruise, try to upgrade directly with Carnival when you get on the ship if you havent been able to do so already. Good luck and no matter what...Happy Cruising!

[CruisingAmazona]

Okay...

My husband and I NEVER go to those silly time share things we always seem to get in the mail, but a friend of his really wanted us to go because A) he was already a member and was getting something out of it and B) We were guaranteed a FREE cruise out of it. Well, after visiting, we indeed did receive a FREE cruise...however we had to pay port fees and taxes, BUT, it was a 4 night cruise and that was all we had to pay. HOWEVER...here the downer:

 

The FREE cruise came with the lowest cabin option, an interior AND it has bunk beds....We are talking category 1A here....I haven't even seen those cabins let alone do, I, as a women with arthritis (and my hubby as well) want to even THINK about trying to climb up onto a bunk bed every night of our FIRST cruise ALONE without the kids. SOOO...thinking I could just "Upgrade" and pay a difference, I called the dreaded "Spirit Incentives" who the FREE cruise was thru. AFter speaking with them at length and TRYING to pay for my upgrade...I was told that I had to have requested an upgrade in the ONE AND ONLY phone call they would allow me to have with them, back when they also (after me requesting 3 sailing dates as requested) told me that I couldn't have any of the sailing dates I requested. They did NOT tell me that I couldnt' ever upgrade or make any changes to my trip!! What kind of "travel Agency" is this place....I am using that term very loosely for them. So thinking I wasn't out of the woods yet, I called Carnival, knowing that I have sailed on them for years and that they surely could help me. Got the specialist on the phone...told them my whole sorted story and "Melissa's" response was "I'm sorry, but you are using a travel agent...any changes you need done will have to be done thru them." WHAT!!?? I just want to pay for a STINKIN upgrade...can NO ONE help me??? :eek:

 

Soooo...I called my brother who is my "normal travel agent" :D and he has called some of his friends with Carnival who are regional reps...and believe it or not, they have never come across this problem before... They said they will try and see what they can do for me, but aren't sure anything can be done. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??!! I mean, I am willing to PAY for an upgrade and there is LOTS of room on the cruise that is only in a couple of months and no one can help me!!

 

Pray for me :) I know I will be visiting that ship's Dr. with a broken ankle if I have to climb up there each night. (I am the most logical choice for the top bunk since my hubby is 6'3 and weighs 250 lbs):eek:

 

What would you all do??

 

June

Go on the cruise and upgrade your room on the ship - go to the purser's office and ask them what's available for an upgrade.

[gibsones175]

The Dates are fine for us...we were really open to anything...just didn't expect the bunkbed issue...as I said, I didn't even know there were cabins like that. I assumed if it was for two, then it would be side/side beds. I guess it is fine for two traveling who aren't wanting to sleep together. Oh well, we will see how it all turns out!

Just ask you cabin steward to bring in a roll away! Give him a nice tip!

 

Then enjoy the cruise.

[tlombardi]

I won a "free" trip to Cancun Mexico several years ago....and I was very surprised when I had to pay taxes on the value of the trip ($3500.00) come tax time. That was the first time I didn't receive a refund and actually owed money to the IRS. :(

[Javajoni]

Okay...

My husband and I NEVER go to those silly time share things we always seem to get in the mail, but a friend of his really wanted us to go because A) he was already a member and was getting something out of it and B) We were guaranteed a FREE cruise out of it. Well, after visiting, we indeed did receive a FREE cruise...however we had to pay port fees and taxes, BUT, it was a 4 night cruise and that was all we had to pay. HOWEVER...here the downer:

 

The FREE cruise came with the lowest cabin option, an interior AND it has bunk beds....We are talking category 1A here....I haven't even seen those cabins let alone do, I, as a women with arthritis (and my hubby as well) want to even THINK about trying to climb up onto a bunk bed every night of our FIRST cruise ALONE without the kids. SOOO...thinking I could just "Upgrade" and pay a difference, I called the dreaded "Spirit Incentives" who the FREE cruise was thru. AFter speaking with them at length and TRYING to pay for my upgrade...I was told that I had to have requested an upgrade in the ONE AND ONLY phone call they would allow me to have with them, back when they also (after me requesting 3 sailing dates as requested) told me that I couldn't have any of the sailing dates I requested. They did NOT tell me that I couldnt' ever upgrade or make any changes to my trip!! What kind of "travel Agency" is this place....I am using that term very loosely for them. So thinking I wasn't out of the woods yet, I called Carnival, knowing that I have sailed on them for years and that they surely could help me. Got the specialist on the phone...told them my whole sorted story and "Melissa's" response was "I'm sorry, but you are using a travel agent...any changes you need done will have to be done thru them." WHAT!!?? I just want to pay for a STINKIN upgrade...can NO ONE help me??? :eek:

 

Soooo...I called my brother who is my "normal travel agent" :D and he has called some of his friends with Carnival who are regional reps...and believe it or not, they have never come across this problem before... They said they will try and see what they can do for me, but aren't sure anything can be done. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??!! I mean, I am willing to PAY for an upgrade and there is LOTS of room on the cruise that is only in a couple of months and no one can help me!!

 

Pray for me :) I know I will be visiting that ship's Dr. with a broken ankle if I have to climb up there each night. (I am the most logical choice for the top bunk since my hubby is 6'3 and weighs 250 lbs):eek:

 

What would you all do??

 

June

 

Bring an airbed:D

[karenh1127]

I just got one of those too! It is not a timeshare or land sale but from a new travel agency wanting to present their services and hopefully get future business. I know I will have to pay port fees and taxes but the voucher is for 2 up to a $1400 value for a 4 night on the Ecstasy. We also get a $250 gas voucher for sitting thru their presentation. We won a trip to disney world several years ago and we did have to claim it on our taxes and it did lower our "normal" tax return but we had a blast!! So I say go with the flow and just have fun. Let us know how it was when you get back!

[DelRio]

If you join a "Timeshare" -- "Vacation Club" - NOTHING is free. You will pay and pay dearly for your so called free whatever.