Buyer Beware-The Is No Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee

[Sammy_Beans]

It sounds to me like you should have a legitimate warranty claim and that you should contiue to pursue your claim. Good luck.

 

When I was dealing with the parties mentioned in my original post I told them the old customer service saying, "A satisfied customer tell five other people about their experience, and a dissatisfied customer tells twenty other people of their experience". We are the type of people that will tell fifty when we are satsified, and hundreds when we are not.

[lennel]

Maybe its just me but if people just stick to having fun on a cruise, buying drinks and souvineers etc. and not treat it like a jewerly buying spree you would have much more fun. As for saving money and after reading numerous complaints on this and other boards, my oppinion is unless you have a jewler backround, dont cry whent the pieces of c$%^ you buy fall apart. You get what you pay for. Buy American from reputable jewlers in the USA such as Zales, Kay Mayors etc. we always buy from them with confidence that if something goes wrong they are right in our own backyard. Remember the ships fly a Foreign Flag, You Buy from Foreign companies who you cant sue in the USA, so next time keep the money in your pocket guide your husband or wife to the ice cream store or the bar and have fun dont buy exp. products and then cry when they break.

[Chacooe]

I have purchased 3 times from DI....

 

On our very first cruise..bought a beautiful diamond band in Alaska..good price- excellent quality..no problem.

 

On another cruise purchased a citrine ring in St.Thomas. nice piece but probably not a super bargain (now that I see similar ones at local stores)..then .stone became loose a few months later.....when we went on our next cruise I brought it with me....they tightened it -no charge.

 

 

Last cruise..purchased another ring...pretty good price. sized for me within 2 hours....and so far no problems....

 

I do have to say, though, that I really am done buying jewelry on cruises I really do not need more stuff:rolleyes:--and if want or need something..will patronize my local jeweler..fair prices..and less chance for "impulse" buying..

 

That is what all of these port shops and the cruise lines hope for and that is the impulse shoppers.

[Chacooe]

I understand the concept of nothing is too good to be true. What I do not agree with is the aggressive marketing of the jeweler and promise that any purchase would be guaranteed. I also do not agree with Carnival passing the buck to their contractors for what was represented as a Carnival Cruise Line program.

 

 

Now I did not look at it as a Carnival Cruise Line Program, I took it as the cruise line being a go between. In other words, like ABC or any of the national networks that advertise companies. If you bought something from one of their advertisers, you could not hold ABC responsible. I do agree with you that DI and their insurance company should have honored the guarantee. Did the guarantee specify what size rings they would cover and which ones they would not cover.

[LHP]

This post is intended to warn shoppers NOT to purchase from Diamonds International and NOT to trust the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee.

From April 13, 2009 through April 18, 2009, my wife and I were passengers on the Carnival Fantasy. While on board the Carnival shopping specialist conducted shopping seminars and explained that while in port, if items were purchased at Carnival approved retailers, the purchases would be protected by the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee. The most frequently mentioned retailer was Diamonds International, and the most frequently pushed product was tanzanite jewelry.

On April 16, 2009 we stopped at the port of Cozumel, Mexico. While in Cozumel, my wife purchased a .28 carat tanzanite ring. When we returned to the ship, she registered the purchase so as to qualify for the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee.

On Sunday, May 3, 2009, the tanzanite gem stone fell out of the ring. The ring had not been abused or altered in any way.

On Monday, May 4, 2009, I telephoned PPI Fleet Services, Inc., the company that administers the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee. They took my information and informed me that they would contact Diamonds International, and someone from Diamonds International would contact me.

Later that day, a representative from Diamonds International telephoned me and took a report. The representative informed me that they would investigate this, and get back to me. The following day I received this response from Diamond International; “It will be our pleasure to help you, I can offer you to send your ring to us and then I´ll advise you the cost of the replacement for the tanzanite. But this is the only this I can offer.”

I advised the representative from Diamonds International and PPI Fleet Services, Inc., that this was unacceptable. The representative from Diamond International said that she would escalate this matter to management and get back to me. On Friday, May 15, 2009, I received this response; “any type of replacements for gemstones that are above .15cts will be with a cost for the customer.”

On Monday, May 18, 2009, I telephoned PPI Fleet Services, Inc., and updated them on the situation.

On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, PPI Fleet Services, Inc. responded that they could do nothing because Diamonds International said that they would not replace the tanzanite gem stone without charge. The PPI Fleet Services, Inc., Buyer’s Guarantee Form which was provided by Carnival Cruise Line clearly states, “This guarantee is valid for repair or exchange”. PPI Fleet Services, Inc., will not guarantee your purchase if it conflicts with the terms and conditions of Diamond International or any other retailer.

I then called Carnival Cruise Line Customer Service Center. I was advised that this matter did not involve Carnival Cruise Line and there was nothing Carnival Cruise Line could or would do.

My wife and I will cruise again. We will be wiser in our purchases, and it will be on a cruise line other than Carnival.

 

I have not read all the posts on this thread so if this is a repeat, I apologize.

 

You wrote a well worded post....so write 2 well worded letters...

 

One to:

 

1-888-774-4768

 

PPI Fleet Services, Inc.

4517 NW 31st Avenue

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-9506

 

Make sure you CC on the PPI letter that you are sending a copy to

Ruben Rodriguez.

 

 

 

The other to:

 

MR. Ruben Rodriguez

Carnival Cruise Lines

3655 NW 87th Avenue

Miami, Fl 33178-2428

 

This is unacceptable and should be repaired for you at no cost.

[happy cruzin]

Maybe its just me but if people just stick to having fun on a cruise, buying drinks and souvineers etc. and not treat it like a jewerly buying spree you would have much more fun. As for saving money and after reading numerous complaints on this and other boards, my oppinion is unless you have a jewler backround, dont cry whent the pieces of c$%^ you buy fall apart. You get what you pay for. Buy American from reputable jewlers in the USA such as Zales, Kay Mayors etc. we always buy from them with confidence that if something goes wrong they are right in our own backyard. Remember the ships fly a Foreign Flag, You Buy from Foreign companies who you cant sue in the USA, so next time keep the money in your pocket guide your husband or wife to the ice cream store or the bar and have fun dont buy exp. products and then cry when they break.

 

 

Wow!! :eek: That seems a little harsh.....

Besides....I am not sure what buying jewelery has to do with having - or not having - fun?? :rolleyes:

[ib4cruzn]

File a complaint with the Miami BBB and the Florida Atty General. That seemed to get Carnival's attention when they tried to screw me. Keep at it!

[wernew2cruising]

My suggestion is to NOT buy anything from any store recommended by a cruise line. I bought a Philip Stein watch for 15% off. Got home and 6 months later the battery died. Well, since I did NOT purchase it from a certified retailer my warranty is void. $140 later I have learned my lesson. A 15% discount is not worth the hassle and aggrevation. Also, I found a Fossil watch on our recent Fantasy cruise to actually be more expensive than at Dillards! Buyer beware. If you love it buy it, but if you are buying it because of the "good deal" think twice.

[bzymom22]

I just got off the Fascination yesterday. They were pushing DI and other shops like crazy touting the guarantee. I didn't buy any fine jewelry on board or in port.

My DH bought me an emerald and diamond ring as a surprise on our 1st cruise in 1999. He bought it on the ship, because he was leary about buying from the stores in port. We were home about 3 days and one of the diamonds fell out. We sent it back to Carnival who repaired it. After we received it back, 2 days later the same stone fell out again. This time I took it to a local jeweler for repair. He told me that the ring couldn't be repaired, because the prong was too small and he wouldn't be able to build it back up.

[terisu10]

I bought diamond stud earrings at DI a few years ago. Last year, I was cruising and went back to DI and traded my earrings up to a bigger size. They are beautiful and I get many compliments. I have not had any problems. I had my jewelrer back home take a look at the original pair and he said they were of great quality. I did not even bother to show him my bigger pair.

[samikitty]

Remember the ships fly a Foreign Flag, You Buy from Foreign companies who you cant sue in the USA, so next time keep the money in your pocket guide your husband or wife to the ice cream store or the bar and have fun dont buy exp. products and then cry when they break.

 

The ship may fly under a foreign flag, but the Carnival Corporation is definitely an American company (as opposed to the British counterpart Carnival PLC).

[Carnival Platinum Cruiser]

My suggestion is to NOT buy anything from any store recommended by a cruise line. I bought a Philip Stein watch for 15% off. Got home and 6 months later the battery died. Well, since I did NOT purchase it from a certified retailer my warranty is void. $140 later I have learned my lesson. A 15% discount is not worth the hassle and aggrevation. Also, I found a Fossil watch on our recent Fantasy cruise to actually be more expensive than at Dillards! Buyer beware. If you love it buy it, but if you are buying it because of the "good deal" think twice.

 

The whole Carnival endorsement of jewelers is a bunch of crap. They should be embarrassed to resorting to such tactics to make $$. Several years ago the jeweler "Touch of Gold" was the darling of Carnivals sales pitch now that they no longer pay Carnival they are never mentioned in the shopping talks or on the approved list. Yeah I know it is business but a scam if you ask me and a lot of folks get sucked in by impulse buying and have little recourse if there is a problem.

[Sammy_Beans]

UPDATE:

 

After I disputed the Diamond's International with my credit card provider, Diamond's International has offered to repair the ring.

 

Prior to returning the ring to Diamond's International we had it inspected at a local jeweler. The jeweler felt that the prongs that secured the gem were significantly undersized and that the ring was poorly made.

[newlife_2010]

shop on Jewelry television! It is much better. jtv.com

[calicruise74]

Maybe its just me but if people just stick to having fun on a cruise, buying drinks and souvineers etc. and not treat it like a jewerly buying spree you would have much more fun. As for saving money and after reading numerous complaints on this and other boards, my oppinion is unless you have a jewler backround, dont cry whent the pieces of c$%^ you buy fall apart. You get what you pay for. Buy American from reputable jewlers in the USA such as Zales, Kay Mayors etc. we always buy from them with confidence that if something goes wrong they are right in our own backyard. Remember the ships fly a Foreign Flag, You Buy from Foreign companies who you cant sue in the USA, so next time keep the money in your pocket guide your husband or wife to the ice cream store or the bar and have fun dont buy exp. products and then cry when they break.

 

 

What makes you think you are "buying American" from Zales or Kays? Because they are located here in the US? If thats your premise for "buying American" you are sorely mistaken.

[golfadj]

Never understood why people thought they would get such great bargains on jewelry while cruising.

 

First there is a world market for stones and you should pay same price for the stone no matter where you are located.

 

Second unlessd you are a jeweler how would you know wht you asre getting or how well the ring or other jewelry is made.

 

People leave their brains at home while cruising and it is amazing how they are taken by the cruise line an the stores on islands that they might never go back to.

 

They believe the nonsense peddled by the cruise line and the "super" shopped.

 

To digress a bit amazes me that people will undergo accupuncture treatments by people who they do not know and will never see again. Why would anyone allow a stranger to stick a needle in them?

[Sammy_Beans]

Never understood why people thought they would get such great bargains on jewelry while cruising.

 

First there is a world market for stones and you should pay same price for the stone no matter where you are located.

 

Second unlessd you are a jeweler how would you know wht you asre getting or how well the ring or other jewelry is made.

 

People leave their brains at home while cruising and it is amazing how they are taken by the cruise line an the stores on islands that they might never go back to.

 

They believe the nonsense peddled by the cruise line and the "super" shopped.

 

To digress a bit amazes me that people will undergo accupuncture treatments by people who they do not know and will never see again. Why would anyone allow a stranger to stick a needle in them?

 

You must have misunderstood the purchase of this ring. I purchased it for my wife a a present for our twentieth wedding anniversary. Had Carnival Cruise Line not vouched for this company and offered a written guarantee, I would have not purchased the ring.

 

The reason for my post is to advise others that it is nonsense peddled by Carnival.

[DjVyrus69]

UPDATE:

 

After I disputed the Diamond's International with my credit card provider, Diamond's International has offered to repair the ring.

 

Prior to returning the ring to Diamond's International we had it inspected at a local jeweler. The jeweler felt that the prongs that secured the gem were significantly undersized and that the ring was poorly made.

 

Consider yourself lucky because if I was a local jeweler and I sold you a ring and the stone fell out I would fix it if you brought me the ring with the stone. If you tell me you lost the stone then I'll say too bad so sad you need to pay for a new stone.

 

You may getting a new stone on your ring from DI, but I bet you anything you will get one of less quality then originally bought, cause now they are losing money since you lost the stone.

 

Its like buying a car, and you lose the hubcaps to the car and you go back to the dealership and demand new ones. You lost it, not them, why should they be responsible.

 

I think this day and age where people can dispute any and all charges becuase they feel like they got "duped" is just wrong. They sold you an item you were happy with, and when you lost something you demand it replaced.

 

Just my two cents, but consider yourself lucky for getting it fixed.

[Sammy_Beans]

Consider yourself lucky because if I was a local jeweler and I sold you a ring and the stone fell out I would fix it if you brought me the ring with the stone. If you tell me you lost the stone then I'll say too bad so sad you need to pay for a new stone.

 

You may getting a new stone on your ring from DI, but I bet you anything you will get one of less quality then originally bought, cause now they are losing money since you lost the stone.

 

Its like buying a car, and you lose the hubcaps to the car and you go back to the dealership and demand new ones. You lost it, not them, why should they be responsible.

 

I think this day and age where people can dispute any and all charges becuase they feel like they got "duped" is just wrong. They sold you an item you were happy with, and when you lost something you demand it replaced.

 

Just my two cents, but consider yourself lucky for getting it fixed.

 

Your analogy is not appropriate. The valuable part of the ring was the stone, not the ring. An equivalent analogy would be if the motor fell out of the car because the motor mounts were poorly made. According to the independent jeweler, the prongs that held the stone were poorly made and of insufficient size.

 

As for this day and age, expecting companies to stand behind their product and their word is a good idea.

[DjVyrus69]

Your analogy is not appropriate. The valuable part of the ring was the stone, not the ring. An equivalent analogy would be if the motor fell out of the car because the motor mounts were poorly made. According to the independent jeweler, the prongs that held the stone were poorly made and of insufficient size.

 

As for this day and age, expecting companies to stand behind their product and their word is a good idea.

 

Agreed, but you would be able to take the motor back with you to get it fixed and re-installed. If you show up asking for a new engine they would laugh in your face.

 

I'm all about a company standing behind its product, but if you lose said product you shouldn't demand for a new one when you lost it.

[Sammy_Beans]

Agreed, but you would be able to take the motor back with you to get it fixed and re-installed. If you show up asking for a new engine they would laugh in your face.

 

I'm all about a company standing behind its product, but if you lose said product you shouldn't demand for a new one when you lost it.

 

We lost said product (the gem) because the devices that were designed to keep the product from falling out of the ring (the prongs) were poorly made.

 

It seems unreasonable to require my wife to watch the gem constantly to make sure it does not fall out of the setting. She should be able to trust the workmanship.

 

And since Carnival Cruise represented to us that they would guarantee the products, including workmanship, from Diamond's International, it seems reasonable that they would honor their guarantee.

[Sammy_Beans]

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[G'ma]

Never understood why people thought they would get such great bargains on jewelry while cruising.

 

First there is a world market for stones and you should pay same price for the stone no matter where you are located.

 

Second unlessd you are a jeweler how would you know wht you asre getting or how well the ring or other jewelry is made.

 

People leave their brains at home while cruising and it is amazing how they are taken by the cruise line an the stores on islands that they might never go back to.

 

They believe the nonsense peddled by the cruise line and the "super" shopped.

 

To digress a bit amazes me that people will undergo accupuncture treatments by people who they do not know and will never see again. Why would anyone allow a stranger to stick a needle in them?

 

I couldn't agree more. Unless you KNOW jewelry, how it's made, what is real or fake, what good workmanship is...save your $$$$ for your local jeweler who you trust or who you can at least sue.

 

I'm also amazed at those who buy all that stuff...Gold by the Inch (everyones favorite electroplated crapola), "Tanzanite" and/or head for Diamonds International or all those other stores in and around ports and buy stuff they know nothing about. Off they go, credit card in hand, and blindly buy just because someone tells them to.

 

The only real deals I've ever seen on a cruise is tobacco and alcohol.....

[Sammy_Beans]

I couldn't agree more. Unless you KNOW jewelry' date=' how it's made, what is real or fake, what good workmanship is...save your $$$$ for your local jeweler who you trust or who you can at least sue.

 

I'm also amazed at those who buy all that stuff...Gold by the Inch (everyones favorite electroplated crapola), "Tanzanite" and/or head for Diamonds International or all those other stores in and around ports and buy stuff they know nothing about. Off they go, credit card in hand, and blindly buy just because someone tells them to.

 

The only real deals I've ever seen on a cruise is tobacco and alcohol.....[/quote']

 

Just to clarify. I do not have a problem with whether we could have purchased a comparable ring for the same price back home or whether we paid more than we should have. My wife liked the ring, so I bought her an anniversary present.

 

My problem is the fact that the ring was poorly constructed, which caused the gem stone to fall out. Carnival Cruise represented that this was a retailer that could be trusted, and gave us a written guarantee that stated that it would cover repairs. Had Carnival not vouched for Diamonds International, I would have trusted them no more than the vendors we purchased the trinkets from in Mexico.

[Sammy_Beans]

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