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Carnival Cruise Lines

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To say that Carnival gets more than its share of complaints would be quite an understatement. We get more complaints about Carnival than about all other crise lines combined. We'd recommend reading this section carefully before you put down big bucks -- not after.

Here are just a few of the more recent complaints ...

Vic of Tustin, CA September 17, 2008

Vic of Tustin CA (09/17/08)
I just finished a cruise on the Elation with Carnival cruise lines. I discovered when I boarded that the card they used for my sail and sign was the card I used to purchase the cruise. I asked about billing and the front counter told me that I could switch cards at the end of the cruise to settle up the cost. I discovered while on the cruise that I was being charged on the card which the front counter person told me would not happen.

I immediately talked to the information desk onboard and I had them correct it on a different card. After I returned home I discovered they had charged my first card and the second card in effect double charging me. I called Carnival and they told me that I need to call 1-800 to correct the problem.

If the cruise line can charge on the fly for services then they should be able to refund over charges just as quickly. It has been 3 days and I have not had any satisfaction. I will continue to call or seek legal resolution.

Mallory of Carlisle, IA September 15, 2008

Mallory of Carlisle IA (09/15/08)
My husband and I purchased a cruise with Carnival in the spring of 2007 for our honeymoon in July 2007. We called a Carnival agent and got the trip set up and bought our airfare through Carnival also. On the day of our trip, our connecting flight was cancelled and we were unable to go on our cruise. We had to wait in the Memphis airport for a good 8 hours before having 2 delayed flights back home to Des Moines. Neither Carnival or the airline (Northwest) has refunded us any money. Both blame the other.

We were told by Carnival to cancel our crise so that we weren't recorded as no-shows and that if we wrote a letter documenting our troubles, that we would get cruise credit for another trip. We did as we were told, but Carnival offered us nothing comparing to what we had booked. All we asked for was cruise credit for the same package we had bought, or a refund. Neither has happened.

We are out 3500 or so for the entire cruise package. We were deprived of a once in a lifetime honeymoon. We can never get that time of our lives back. Anytime we hear about cruises or flying or anything, it just brings back sour memories and feelings.

Veronica of Brooklyn, NY September 15, 2008

Veronica of Brooklyn NY (09/15/08)
On 8/31/08, my family and I were denied passage on the Carnival ship, Valor, after my bags (including my diabetic daughter's and my nine year old grandson) were lost on board the ship. The shipped sailed with my passport on board and we were forced to spend the night in Miami and change our return flight to New York. Mr. LaVan was consistently apathetic and condesending during the entire incident. He refused to assume any responsibility for the incident, while failing to extend any customer courtesy to my family. I have written several letters complaining to Carnival Cruise Lines without response.

As of this date, 9/15, our bags containing our personal belongings and my passport have not been returned. I had to make a police report in order to gain airline passage (paying 100 per person) to New York. We incurred expenses spending the night in Miami (Hilton Hotel), plus meals and cabfare. My daughter, who is diabetic and was left without her medication) suffered a physical reaction later that evening.

Shirley of Mayflower, AR September 12, 2008

Shirley of Mayflower AR (09/12/08)
this nov. 2-08 will be my third carnival cruise this year, the 8-31-08 i had a balcony room but DID NOT get to use it because of the smokers, why do [they] not put smokers on one side of the ship and non smokers on the other. i paid for the balcony and COULD NOT EVEN GO OUT ON IT TO ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE OUTSIDE.

Kary of Phoenix, AZ September 11, 2008

Kary of Phoenix AZ (09/11/08)
My travel companion and I have sailed on Carnival twice now, Valor May 07 and Triumph May 08 and now have our 3rd cruise booked on the Splendor April 09 and have had nothing but great experience on both ships, the food has been very good, dining room and cabin service efficient and professional, and the cleanliness of the ship is right there with 5 star hotels. Any problems encountered, which were few, were handled promptly, professionally and courteously by the ship staff.

There were a few times some of the food served was disappointing but overall very good and definitely didnot ruin our cruise vacation. And how can one complain about the gourmet pizza that is served 24 hours on the ship? Best part of the cruise in my book! If the pizza didn't look fresh and hot, I asked them to make me one and they did with no questions.

I have sailed Princess as well and enjoyed their ship too but overall rate Carnival a good cruise product and will sail them again! And I recommend you take private travel insurance anytime you book a cruise from you travel agent or a private company because they will provide greater coverage than the cruise line's insurance, I never travel without it!

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