Update on Cabin Robbed - JUSTICE!

To see thread click here

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=187529

UPDATE

Got a call today!!!

Here's what's happened - several weeks ago I decided to write a final letter to Carnival on my dissatisfaction with what had happened and said "This letter is to give you some suggestions in the future on how to handle victims of a crime on your ship adn how if your staff would have made these minor changes my family's vacation would not have been ruined."

In a nutshell - I detailed the negative responses of each of the employees we encountered and how their staff's response turned a sad incident into a terrible vacation. I told that the employees saying how this happens all the time and to "get over it" was not reassuring and made it hard to leave the cabin without being worried about what else could happen to us.

I then detailed the 5 things that they could have easily done to diffuse the situation. 1) treat us with kindness, 2)offer apology & NOT told us that crimes happen all the time, 3)explain that we should not expect anything to happen and the company policy and reason for it (we wasted a lot of time, anger & frustration over being told to pursue compensation G.R. for our loss when the reality is that it is against company policy), 4) expressed regret that the cabin, belonging, personal search and paperwork made us miss the entire formal night's activities which greatly added to our loss 5) offered us a token gift - like free drink tickets since we missed the Captain's reception or something like that.

I said that it is easier to "take your knocks" and get back up when you know the rules, what to expect, and are dealt with honestly and fairly.

I ended by saying "The total lack of understanding by your employees of how violated someone feels after being a victim of a crime, considering your company's size and share of the cruise market and the fact that we were basically told by your staff that this happens all the time, is atrocious. If this happens all the time, why don't you do something to prevent it and train your employees on how to respond appropriately?"

Well, I got a call from Tara at GR and the FIRST thing she did was say how sorry she was that this had happened. I pretty much had written the whole incident off (albeit vowing to never cruise CCL again) but when she said that this big part of me felt lifted and I can't even express how much better I feel about CCL that someone from there acknowledged that being robbed sucked and that they felt bad about it. She went on to say that she was sorry about the many cracks my H & I fell through and that normally they don't send that Patricia King form letter to robbery victims and that was a terrible error. I just wanted to HUG her!!!!

She also said that she was sending us a letter for $200 to use on our next cruise as a Sign-n-Sail credit and that we had 18 months to use it.

I was floored - as I had written a couple of free drinks and an apology was good enough - and I told her that! Probably a bad move - I sure hope that she doesn't forget to send that letter !!!! (CROSSING FINGERS!)

I called my H in shock and happiness and he said to my amazement "Let's give them another shot - what are you doing this November!!"

So now I am going to be bugging all y'all as we try and figure out what to do in November! I don't want to go on the Ecstacy again as the shows will all be the same - I guess Elation??? YEH!!!

I feel like the little guy triumphed today and justice prevailed .......Is there an icon for "happy dance?":D :p

Great ending !!!, all it takes is a letter.:)

Great ending !!!, all it takes is a letter.:)

Actually, it took 8+ letters but who'se counting! LOL;)

My Husband just said that I'd better get cracking because he gave me a budget and we can only go in Nov (we live in Galveston) if I can get a dirt cheap room.

Can you say, BUNK BEDS!

I am just so happy because it seemed like everyone and their brother has had awesome experiences with CCL and ours was so consistently bad that it felt like we must have had something tattoed on our foreheads.

I am going to really look forward to our next cruise now and be positive because, let's face it, with a cruise as sucky as our first this next was had got to be better.....knock on wood! :D

Very cool....glad the whole terrible mess was resolved! I truly hope that your cruise on the Elation exceeds all expectations. Keep reading the boards for all those great tips and ask, ask, ask those questions!

Have a great time!!!:D

I'm glad things were finally settled to your satisfaction. If you decide on the Elation do a search, there is a lot of good information on this board. Here is recent review by jordanaire that I found pretty informative:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=211284&highlight=elation

Thanks for reporting back to us, and have fun planning your next cruise!

John

That's great news Jenn! I'm very happy for you. I'd consider giving the Destiny a shot in November as she'll be fresh out of Drydock. The Southern itinerary cannot be missed..

Way to go girl!! :p

so glad you got a positive response from CCL. I think things like this probably happen from time to time on all cruise lines. The world is quite different than it used to be. Whatever ship you pick for your November cruise, I hope you have a wonderful time.

Hey Jennstx

Can I suggest something and please know this is said with humour..

Please leave all valuables at home, and carry travellers checks with you or American Express Cash Cards ( can be used in the ATM's ) and can be reloaded instead of taking cash....

Have fun on your next cruise...

Lisa

You will love the Elation! Have fun! :)

Jen....A great silver lining to your cloud. I think the Elation would be a great choice....we sailed on her twice when she did the Mexican Riviera itinerary and we'll be sailing on her to W. Caribbean at the end of this month...great ship!

Do make some changes however on carrying valuables/cash etc...it'll make for a whole lot better experience.

Great to hear! I'm sure you can find some great prices around that time of year!

you were not robbed.... you were the victim of a theft..robbery is when something is taken by force from a person who is present...:rolleyes:

Thanks for letting us know how it turned out!

You will Love the Elation! We had a great time. Glad you got everything resolved!

Congratulations! You earned that $200 credit with all those letters bless your heart. Enjoy!

Hope you find a cheap rate and end up with an upgrade. Sending positive thoughts your way for November.

Two words: Imitation Jewelry;)

Two more: Traveller's Checks:rolleyes:

Happy Sailing!:D

It never ceases to amaze me how much difference a kind word of understanding makes in life! So glad your situation worked out. Enjoy your next cruise!!

Jenn im glad you got everything worked out and that you havent given up on cruising.I hope your next cruise is wonderfull.:)

Jenn I sure am glad CCL came through for you.

Seeing your post reminded me of the time 4-5 years back on a cruise we took. There was a guy in the casino yelling and telling everyone in earshot (and them some) about how someone had taken $1000.00 worth of chips from his safe. This ship had the magnetic strip safes and as the casino manager was telling him it is hard to get into those without the right magnetic code. He was trying to be oh so polite as this guy was screaming at the top of his lungs.

I guess he wasn't aware of that even the casinos onboard have multiple security cameras that record every move made. ANd he insisted his wife was the only one who had access to the safe and he was certain she did not take the chips said she didn't even gamble. Well low and behold they ran the tapes back and guess who is seen cashing out $1000.00 worth of chips at the cashiers cage and putting into her purse-TADA the wife.

We had been on three different ships this casino manager had been on and in fact when they came through our town we actually met him and his wife for dinner at a very well know barbeque place in Memphis so that is how I found out the scoop on what happened to the man's money. He told us that this was not his first time dealing with a situation like this and it wouldn't be his last he was sure. And he said when it came to casino money it is usually the spouse that is the culprit.

I guess they deal with this thing quite a bit and I am sure some of the employees get used to hearing I was robbed-but that is not excuse for the rudeness you received from the Carnival empoyees and I am so glad it worked out for you.

Hello,

Glad you got your justice.........................what cruise is next ??????

I don't want to go on the Ecstacy again as the shows will all be the same - I guess Elation??? YEH!!!

ummm..I *think* that the shows are the same, fleetwide and run for a WHILE, aren't they? I could be wrong, but I thought I remembered hearing this...

glad to hear things have been worked out to your satisfaction.

you were not robbed.... you were the victim of a theft..robbery is when something is taken by force from a person who is present...:rolleyes:

:rolleyes: Wow....

Anyhooo, Jen, happy for you. Have a great cruise!

Good for you!

Having a husband who has been a restauranteur for years, it is honestly a joy to help someone who can say, "XYZ happened to me and ABC would make it better".

I'm so glad you are happy with the result and good for the cruise line to say"we made a mistake".

I hope your November cruise is your best ever!

Friends, relatives and myself included have been treated fairly and kindly by CCL for all sorts of problems, none of them robbery though. The best way to get and issue resolved is to keep a level head and always ask to speak to a person in charge. Always follow up as well.

Glad to hear the news!

While $200 credit is a lot to some, to Carnival it's a drop in the bucket! Their bucket because you have to spend another $2000+/- to get it! I'd say they came out on top not you. Usually one letter should have gotten it. Last time I did a letter on safety I got a flat 10% off my next cruise and that was after I got my lowest price so it ended up being around $500 but that was years ago so maybe they quit doing that much and go with the flat $50 to $200 cabin credit depending on the complaint. I'm sure you will enjoy your next cruise with Carnival and won't be turning your back this time.