The week that was. Mariner 4/26 cruise.

[CaliforniaDreamer]

[quote name='critterchick']Nope. That only works on a round trip. If it's one US city to another, it has to be a distant foreign port. Perhaps the passengers who disembarked will find an extra $300 per person penalty on their seapass accounts, perhaps RCI paid or perhaps it was waived.

There is quite a parade of ships going past my kitchen window right now! First the NCL Star left port in San Pedro and turned north instead of south. Mariner came out shortly after and cranked up the engines, passing the Star as if she were standing still. Now the Carnival Splendor is heading up out of Long Beach. I feel badly for anybody who doesn't actually want to be on any of those ships, but I'm having a ball watching the flotilla!:D[/quote]


Actually that was the NCL Pearl you saw. I was down at the port today to check it out. The Star left for Alaska on 4/26 i believe.
The Pearl was coming from their repositioning cruise from Miami and is now repoing to Alaska, as scheduled.

It was a beautiful day to watch the ships set sail.

[IMG]http://lh3.ggpht.com/_TQszfj5ZerY/Sf5o-ymBbXI/AAAAAAAAB0k/qM7ghJOpVzA/s128/P1010600.JPG[/IMG]

[pscruzinboyz]

[quote name='Host Anne']Hello Mariner Friends ~ we were sailing along side you this week on Carnival Splendor with a group of Cruise Critic hosts (we occasionally cruise together on different lines....my first host cruise was on Mariner about six years ago). I want you to know we "feel" your pain. However, I have to also tell you that you fared much better than we did.

You may have noticed that Splendor "stopped" in Cabo but we didn't disembark. We stayed long enough to get some paperwork taken care of and then immediately turned back north to head to San Francisco. I'm not sure if you noticed but you arrived in San Francisco long before we did (we arrived a little after 1:30 and didn't get to disembark until almost 3:00 due to a medical emergency).

We made a stop back in Long Beach to disembark more than 600 passengers who wanted to leave the ship. We did have a bit of a mutiny (I missed it but someone did get it on video) and people were still yelling at the Guest Relations desk on Wednesday morning. So we made a stop that cost us several hours and prevented us from getting into San Francisco early on Thursday.

Finally, those of us (2,600 of us) that stayed on board weren't offered anything other than one hour of drinks on Thursday afternoon when we already had a pre-planned cocktail party included in our cruise. No on board credit, no future cruise credit....nothing.

I just wanted to stop by and give you the perspective from those sailing along side of you. We managed to still have a lot of fun. Hope you managed to do the same![/quote]

Anne,

I hope many of the CCer's out there read your comments. You are a Jewel to be so POSITIVE. Thanks for giving your honest Reveiw of what happened on Carnival. Looks like RCCL did a good job with the passengers on their ship.

Looks like RCCL should be the cruise line of choice when the next " INCIDENT " comes along.

Thanks again ANNE

Mike

[critterchick]

[quote name='CaliforniaDreamer']Actually that was the NCL Pearl you saw. I was down at the port today to check it out. The Star left for Alaska on 4/26 i believe.
The Pearl was coming from their repositioning cruise from Miami and is now repoing to Alaska, as scheduled.

It was a beautiful day to watch the ships set sail.

[IMG]http://lh3.ggpht.com/_TQszfj5ZerY/Sf5o-ymBbXI/AAAAAAAAB0k/qM7ghJOpVzA/s128/P1010600.JPG[/IMG][/quote]

I couldn't quite see the ship's name.:p I assumed Star, but we all know what happens when you ass u me!

[easyshi]

Great ship, great staff! Real suspicious circumstances on how this whole thing was handled. Start a cruise with a set of circumstances, circumstances never changed but the cruise was altered mid-stream. Many people made the best of it, but it sure was an awful lot of money just to make the best of it. Cruisers seem to accept getting screwed much better than anyone else. The same people would scream bloody murder if they paid $25 for a shirt with a small tear in it and demand a refund. But let the cruise line take your money ($1000's) and give you a line of bs and all you hear is excuses on why the cruise line couldn't help what happened. Maybe that's the reason they get away with it. I know darn good and well I wouldn't be able to treat my customers that way. I thought the cable companies had a good thing going, they have nothing on Royal Caribbean and the rest. As you can tell, I think we got robbed.

[MilliesMom]

[quote name='critterchick']It was quite a sight to behold - normally they turn south and I just get a glimpse, but tonight was a real treat![/quote]

Thanks for posting the photo. How neat to be so close to see the ships going in and out of port.

[quote name='Host Anne']Hello Mariner Friends ~ we were sailing along side you this week on Carnival Splendor with a group of Cruise Critic hosts (we occasionally cruise together on different lines....my first host cruise was on Mariner about six years ago). I want you to know we "feel" your pain. However, I have to also tell you that you fared much better than we did.

You may have noticed that Splendor "stopped" in Cabo but we didn't disembark. We stayed long enough to get some paperwork taken care of and then immediately turned back north to head to San Francisco. I'm not sure if you noticed but you arrived in San Francisco long before we did (we arrived a little after 1:30 and didn't get to disembark until almost 3:00 due to a medical emergency).

We made a stop back in Long Beach to disembark more than 600 passengers who wanted to leave the ship. We did have a bit of a mutiny (I missed it but someone did get it on video) and people were still yelling at the Guest Relations desk on Wednesday morning. So we made a stop that cost us several hours and prevented us from getting into San Francisco early on Thursday.

Finally, those of us (2,600 of us) that stayed on board weren't offered anything other than one hour of drinks on Thursday afternoon when we already had a pre-planned cocktail party included in our cruise. No on board credit, no future cruise credit....nothing.

I just wanted to stop by and give you the perspective from those sailing along side of you. We managed to still have a lot of fun. Hope you managed to do the same![/quote]

Thank you for posting what happend on the Splendor. We wondered. I had read about the stop in Long Beach b/4 San Francisco.

[jbobst]

It sounds like people on the Mariner (and the Carnival ship) actually ended their cruise early in San Francisco (and Long Beach for Carnival). WHY would anyone choose to get off a cruise ship early??? Even if you don't make your scheduled ports of call, who wouldn't take advantage of the food, entertainment, and amenities of a cruise ship for another day or two??? Maybe I read these comments wrong, but that sounds really odd to me. Maybe they were afraid of catching the flu or something, but even if I lived in San Francisco, why not enjoy a couple more days of the ship vs. getting off early and just going home??? Maybe someone can help me out with this dilema. :confused:

[msett1]

[quote name='jbobst']It sounds like people on the Mariner (and the Carnival ship) actually ended their cruise early in San Francisco (and Long Beach for Carnival). WHY would anyone choose to get off a cruise ship early??? Even if you don't make your scheduled ports of call, who wouldn't take advantage of the food, entertainment, and amenities of a cruise ship for another day or two??? Maybe I read these comments wrong, but that sounds really odd to me. Maybe they were afraid of catching the flu or something, but even if I lived in San Francisco, why not enjoy a couple more days of the ship vs. getting off early and just going home??? Maybe someone can help me out with this dilema. :confused:[/quote]

I agree, I don't understand why people wouldn't stay onboard and finish the cruise.

[Coralc]

[quote name='msett1']I agree, I don't understand why people wouldn't stay onboard and finish the cruise.[/QUOTE]

Most people do stay onboard and make the best of it. The people that stay onboard may already have air arrangements made and time off work scheduled. You're right, it's still a cruise...just not the warm, tropical one you signed up for. I absolutely understand why people would be upset with the change in itinerary. We just flew back on Friday from Las Vegas, and it was 80+ degrees there and cold, nasty, rainy weather here. We weren't even on a cruise, and we were disappointed!

The people that disembark early are generally those folks that live in southern California and have cars at the port so they can just drive home. :)

[lisabrooke1130]

[quote name='WendyinOC']Thats right it was 1 hour and 1/2. They gave out over 1200 drinks.[/QUOTE]

Please correct that to say 12,000 drinks, as was announced by the CD (Ken) during the encore performance by the Nelson Brothers!!! By my calculation, that meant about 4-5 drinks per adult passenger. No wonder we weren't complaining (at least that day)!!

BTW, at LAX I spent some time with folks from the Carnival Splendor. To say we (on the Mariner OTS) had a MUCH better experience would be putting in mildly.

It was a great cruise and although it wasn't what I was hoping for, it was still great!

[36kruzes]

If this 'flu' keeps popping up here and there as it has been, all over the world as well as in more locations in U.S., where will it be deemed 'safe' to cruise and/or travel at all? Changing itineraries will soon be ridiculous!

No, this flu is not killing many people, and no, it has not made very many people severely ill. It is only called a (possible) 'pandemic' because that word means it is widespread, not that huge numbers of cases have come to light.

It is certain to get worse before it gets better. Will we just shut down the whole world, and hunker down at home, waiting for 'it' to pass? Give me a break!


[quote name='jules815']I wonder if they will shorten the time that they'll be doing PNW cruises. They're already talking about how H1N1 isn't as severe as some flues -- maybe they jumped the gun a little committing to cruises through mid-June? There are reported cases in San Francisco and Vancouver. And now they have people booking for the PNW cruises for the low fares. Do you think they might switch it on those folks and go back to doing Mexican Riv earlier?[/quote]

[rubrrick]

I know that a few (Karen & Pete for one) that were planning a b2b starting with last weeks cruise. I wonder if they elected to stay aboard. Anyone know if some decided to stay on???

Rick

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

[quote name='jbobst']It sounds like people on the Mariner (and the Carnival ship) actually ended their cruise early in San Francisco (and Long Beach for Carnival). WHY would anyone choose to get off a cruise ship early??? Even if you don't make your scheduled ports of call, who wouldn't take advantage of the food, entertainment, and amenities of a cruise ship for another day or two??? Maybe I read these comments wrong, but that sounds really odd to me. Maybe they were afraid of catching the flu or something, but even if I lived in San Francisco, why not enjoy a couple more days of the ship vs. getting off early and just going home??? Maybe someone can help me out with this dilema. :confused:[/quote]


ITA....they would have to take me off kicking and screaming!!! :eek: :D :p

***

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

[quote name='rubrrick']I know that a few (Karen & Pete for one) that were planning a B2B starting with last weeks cruise. I wonder if they elected to stay aboard. Anyone know if some decided to stay on???

Rick[/quote]

Karen and Pete were one of the first couples I thought of.....Karen always told me they would never wanted to go to Alaska because of the cold.
They have a wonderful go with the flow attitude, I hope they stayed on!!

***

[stanford's girl]

[quote name='critterchick']
I'll be interested to hear if any of the 4/26 pax came down with the crud that afflicted our group. I'm finally at 95% today after a week of congestion. Others have had sore throats, nasty coughs, plugged ears, etc. None of it was swine flu, though.:)[/quote]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]I was on the 4/26 sailing and I came down with this crud on the ship Saturday 5/2. My head feels like it's going to explode and I have a sore throat, coughing, plugged ears, and the congestion is awful. So not only did I not go on the itinerary I booked, I came home with this crap. The Mariner obviously needs a major scrubbing down. This has been a problem since the Around the Horn cruise and RCCL needs to do something about it!! :mad:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]And now I found out that Found out that I'm quarantined from work for a few days. Apparently the State of Oregon and the World Health Organization has stated that anyone that has traveled to Mexico cannot come back to work until after the incubation period. Word is still out whether that means 7-9 days from the day we were in Cabo or when I left the ship.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[NYCRUISR]

[B]Ouch! [/B]

[B]We feel for you throughout the whole ordeal. Most importantly...get well quick. [/B]

[Merion_Mom]

[quote name='lisabrooke1130']Please correct that to say 12,000 drinks, as was announced by the CD (Ken) during the encore performance by the Nelson Brothers!!! By my calculation, that meant about 4-5 drinks per adult passenger. No wonder we weren't complaining (at least that day)!!

BTW, at LAX I spent some time with folks from the Carnival Splendor. To say we (on the Mariner OTS) had a MUCH better experience would be putting in mildly.

It was a great cruise and although it wasn't what I was hoping for, it was still great![/QUOTE]

You had an EXTRA show of the Nelsons?!?!?!?

You lucky dogs!!!!! :eek: :D

[rubrrick]

[quote=stanford's girl;19388625][FONT=Arial][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]I was on the 4/26 sailing and I came down with this crud on the ship Saturday 5/2. My head feels like it's going to explode and I have a sore throat, coughing, plugged ears, and the congestion is awful. So not only did I not go on the itinerary I booked, I came home with this crap. The Mariner obviously needs a major scrubbing down. This has been a problem since the Around the Horn cruise and RCCL needs to do something about it!! :mad:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]And now I found out that Found out that I'm quarantined from work for a few days. Apparently the State of Oregon and the World Health Organization has stated that anyone that has traveled to Mexico cannot come back to work until after the incubation period. Word is still out whether that means 7-9 days from the day we were in Cabo or when I left the ship.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]


Janice..........Bobbie has the same thing.........all over again! She came down with it on 2/19..........and it has not left her as of yet.

I finally caught what she has......hopefully a mild case......since she refuses to go to our doctor.........anyway.......my Doc says that I'll be over it within 7 days.

Now for the real story..........he had me on Cipro for 5 days because of my travelers GI............and that pretty much kills anything in sight!

As you know by now........the Swine flu is subsiding.........and I expect that there was some over reacting.....but one cannot be too carefull these days.

Be careful.............and get well!!

I'm thinking about you Janice!!

Rick

[luvcruising2]

Sailed on 4/26. We only got $150 credit (not $200). Had an OV room. I'm still upset about not getting compensated like those traveling this week. I'm sure it has to do with them already having my money, and this week they had to offer more to not lose more passengers. I called RCCL and was told basically I'm crazy asking for compensation for a future cruise as I did go on a cruise... I'm going to write a letter but not sure if I will get anywhere...

If Royal Caribbean was really trying to help passengers...why didn't they sell sweat shirts at a decent price?

Did enjoy the Nelson brothers 2nd show. The ice skating show was fantastic (althought waiting in line and being turned away for the 1st show was crazy)! I felt so sorry for several disabled people that were chased out of Edmintons that wanted to see the golden gate bridge. The staff there were just mean! I saw one person begging for a couple of minutes - and offered to leave immediately after we passed the bridge - only to be told to get out!

A day before we arrived back in LA I came down with a terrible had cold. I don't have a fever yet so I hope it's not the flu. Running nose, congested head, migraine, sore throat, and aching muscles.

Not sure if I mentioned...I tried to cancel my trip a couple days before leaving - due to seeing the swine flu on the news, and was told I couldn't reschedule/refund and not to worry, I would be able to go to the ports of call.

The food in the dining hall was weird - one day it was good, then the next day was bad. This was my first RCCL cruise and was a big disappointment...I had heard RCCL was so much better than Carnival, Norwegian, and Costa that I've gone on... The boat was great but not sure the service was better. Felt I was getting nickeled and dimed.

I think it's nice Princess is offering 50% off a future cruise...why can't RCCL do that?

[RBOUR]

[quote name='critterchick']No cases reported in PV or Mazatlan, either, but somebody on our Roll Call for the 4/19 reported that her brother tested positive for swine flu after returning home.

I'll be interested to hear if any of the 4/26 pax came down with the crud that afflicted our group. I'm finally at 95% today after a week of congestion. Others have had sore throats, nasty coughs, plugged ears, etc. None of it was swine flu, though.:)[/quote]
It will be hard to tell Jean.After going from HOT in Cabo to COLD in SF many will most likly catch colds and the flu.many were outside in the fog and cold with no jackets just those .99 slickers from SF to try to stay dry.The trolly tour was cold but our friends enjoyed it.We rebooked for next May 2nd with $200 shipboard credit also got $300 for JS back on this cruise.We tried to make the best of a bad situation we did not want to go to San Diego as Mike goes there every day.I felt for the people from SF :(
The Mariner crew worked double hard as they could not get off either.They were wonderful!We loved Kizzy our stateroom atten. and our bar tenders ESEP and Palo great guys in the casino bar.We got a couple of bottles of free champane from portofinos which was very nice.Our main dining left much to be desired so we ate 4 nights in Chops and Portofinos.The MD just couldnt get the orders right and seemed in another world or something,We did have a table for 12 but still.....So 8 of us defected on 4 nights lol. The cruise was not bad just inconvient for alot of people not having the clothes ect.and unable to handle the disappointment. We will go again;) Ruthie

[stanford's girl]

[quote name='rubrrick']Janice..........Bobbie has the same thing.........all over again! She came down with it on 2/19..........and it has not left her as of yet.

I finally caught what she has......hopefully a mild case......since she refuses to go to our doctor.........anyway.......my Doc says that I'll be over it within 7 days.


Be careful.............and get well!!

I'm thinking about you Janice!!

Rick[/quote]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]Bobbie has had this crud since 2/19 and still refuses to go to the doctor??? :eek: I have only had this since Friday and I'm heading to the doctor tomorrow. I can't imagine feeling like this for almost 3 months. Tell that silly woman that I think this crud has affected her brain! [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]Hope yours is a mild case and you start to feel better soon, Rick. :)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]