Tildi

Exactly. What I would like to have the answer to is what does the menu read on the conquest and the valor? (my 2 upcoming crusies) Did carnival change the menu? when?

I have to say this....

YOUR TONE in YOUR POSTS....

Seems so VERY SELF-IMPORTANT,

& ME-CENTRIC.

Saddened to read posts,

like yours...

Flame Away,

Supporters of this particular mindset....

We ALL pay $$$ for Our Cruise Experience,

& sometimes, Our Perceived Outcomes, Do Not Materialise...

Hello.... That's Life....

I love a happy ending! :D

Thank You! :)

The CONLUSION to this Story! Yay!! :)

We now have an Extended Balcony Midship. :)

T.A. has said she "will look after us" with some OBC .:D

Will find out once we are on board.

♥♥♥♥ Thank you to everyone!... ♥♥♥♥

...for your support, & allowing me to vent, some of the initial disappointment & frustration.

It REALLY helped a lot!

Finally got the cases out & started thinking about packing for next week. :cool:

Great result.

 

You've also found a good TA as well, I'd stick with them if you look to book in future. :-)

We will be sticking with this TA now!

Happy with this resolution, & didn't have to "Yell"

or get on a "High Horse",

(even though we wanted to "saddle-up", & yell at TA...) to get a happy resolution. :)

Thank You for all of your lovely replies!

Finally starting to feel I can relax & get ready to enjoy the Cruise.

Still a bit of "Sh*tefullness", currently in Our Lives, to sort out/get going, before we leave, & to finally "Chillax".

(I am about to lodge a grievance against my Manager, for Bullying, for past 20 Months... (Meeting Her Manager on Monday) One of the hardest/most stressful things, I have ever had to deal with. But am not going to leave, without a fight. Like the last 5 permanent Staff who resigned, because of Manager! ) Also seeking Legal Advice....

& to everyone who watched this thread (&didn't reply),

I do know, if it wasn't Me/Us, in this situation,

I would be interested in the outcome, for future reference.

Thank you ALL, once again! :cool:

Brilliant result .....have a wonderful cruise cheers Shiona

In ALL Honesty, it MAY NOT have happened, without the info you gave me.

I passed your info to the TA, & got the best Cabin you found.

Thank You so much Badgerbill, for "reminding" me, to Think outside of the Box.

You are a LEGEND!!!

(& even Hubby thinks so too...) :)

The CONLUSION to this Story! Yay!! :D

We now have an Extended Balcony Midship.

T.A. has said she "will look after us" with some OBC.

So will find out once on board.

♥♥♥♥ Thank you to everyone!... ♥♥♥♥

...for your support, & allowing me to vent some of the initial disappointment & frustration. It REALLY helped a lot!

Finally got the cases out & started thinking about packing for next week. :cool:

Interestingly enough I had a similar experience. I had booked through an online travel agency here in the US on an early saver fare. At the time, they were offering half deposits with the balance due at final payment. I booked it and found a couple of price drops along the way. Unfortunately on the second one, Carnival cancelled my cruise. The early saver offered at that time did not have half deposits and now there was a shortage in my deposit. Since it is all done electronically, no one was able to inform my TA that it would be a problem and Carnival neither informed me or my TA of the problem.

 

Fortunately, it has worked out so far. I went online to check out my reservation and noticed it was gone. I contacted Carnival who said to call my TA. He then noticed it was gone and worked with Carnival and his boss. They got me back my exact cabin and the agency paid the difference in fare between what I had and the current rate.

 

Ultimately I blame Carnival as they should not have cancelled my cruise without informing either me or my TA about the shortfall in the deposit. I am quite impressed with the agency that they stepped up to pay the difference and I am quite frankly disappointed that they are having to do so. I don't like them being out money due to Carnival's error.

 

In the end, I am going to enjoy my cruise and will almost certainly use my TA again for making everything right.

I/WE (Hubby & Me), are still looking for a response/solution.

Will definitely UPDATE this post, once i/We have Confirmation, as to where we are...

Due to ALL of the "Bad Luck", WE have experienced of late, "I" have NOT been willing, to check Carnival MAIN website, for booking details...

I/We are just HOPING FOR THE BEST OUTCOME, ONCE WE HEAR FROM T.A./Carnival, as to booking issue.

Happy enough (right now) that OUR T.A., is working as hard as she can, behind the Scenes, to remedy Our situation & She could acheive a Satisfactory Outcome. Have to Say, this Whole Situation, Has been Extremely Stressfull, for US.

Will definitely Update, once Final, result, is known.

WE certainly ARE in "limbo land", at this point of time. = 7 Days To Sailing...

Your attitude is a breath of fresh air.. Most people would be blasting the TA but you seem calm and controlled.. I hope this works out for you and you get what you paid for.. Good Luck keep us posted....

Thank YOU, so much for YOUR kind words! :)

The OP does have an excellent attitude and I bet that will mean alot when this is all said and done.

 

Mistakes happen. Nobody is perfect. Good luck and please let us know what happens. In the meantime, get ready to go on your vacation. Don't you have to pack!!:o

Thank You, for your extremely kind words.

Sincerely appreciated, right now. :)

Still working on conclusion….

Will update, once We know…

Will Start packing sooooon.... We hope...

Thank you to every single one of you,

who is interested in the resolution to Our current issue!!!

I have appreciated, all of your replies...

Thank You, to ALL of You, for your General Interest & support !!

I/We don't feel quite, so isolated & alone, in trying to sort this out.

It's been a "right Royal, schmozzle"... (One way or another…)

Yes, although they really looked after them and now have sworn them to secrecy.

MicCanberra, NOPE, NOT sworn to secrecy on Anything at this stage, because no resolution… just yet....

badgerbill

We the retail public aren't as ignorant and as complacent as we were in the past....we in fact can be a whole lot more knowledgeable than the salesperson......having worked in retail for way too many years I have seen so many people take ownership of their mistakes, and we all make them, BUT when it comes to resolve and the possiblity of making a loss from, in this instance, one sale they balk....pfft..... man up agency, cop the loss and regain the confidence of your client ... a greater loss to you could come via word of mouth.......and we all know bad news travels faster than good....

I definitely agree with what you are saying.

Both Hubby & I have run several Businesses, in our past years, on this Planet.

(Yes, they have been rather Small, Home Based Businesses, but we developed some unique products that targeted a niche market, at that those times. – We did OK.)

I fully understand your logic, as if “We”, messed up, any orders, (not often – Thank Goodness!) but “We” had to take a Loss, in order to keep that Client, in the future.

But would like to re-iterate, Everyone is Human, & even though we do try our best, mistakes CAN occur.

That’s part of life’s journey….

& YES, I do agree, that bad news, does travel fast these days…

The internet now, is a wealth of information & many folks DO Love to vent their issues, to the World!

Esilef

Owners suit here they come!

Only in OUR Wildest dreams!

Dizzy

It's a bit like old TV......."tune in folks for the next thrilling instalment"

Even if they are "sworn to secrecy' - Yes and No are affirmative answers......."tune in for the next thrilling instalment"

Hi Dizzy,

Sorry, to keep you in suspense, on the next episode....

WE are working Hard, on completing the next Script/TV Series episode….

So Far, there hasn’t been a quick & easy resolution to this particular TV plot.

& I fully understand your interest in this topic/TV episode.

If WE weren’t involved, WE would be interested too,

as to the resolution/outcome, for future reference!

joyfulone

Just read thru this thread, I hanging out now to find out how it ends. Fingers crossed

Still working on it….

Will update, once we know…

I am not a travel agent nor do I play one on TV...But, for many people they are useful and valuable. Surprising as it may seem there are millions of folks who are not tech savy, still use antiquated phones, and wouldn't even know what on-line booking even means. Luckily many of us on these forums have the ability to view and understand web sites and can easily understand the system, can see a deck plan and instantaneously understand what all the jargons and symbols mean. But, just like me and a car, many can't see beyond the ignition key and the inlet for the gasoline. Or, like me, they just enjoy the convenience of saying where, when, and how coupled with a budget and they let someone else work out the details.

 

I make mistakes when I computer...my husband never ever realizes that web sites are notorious for filling in and you need to opt out rather than opt in.

 

The OPs TA made a mistake....now the OP needs to figure out what she is prepared to "live with" concerning that mistake. If things can't be "righted for the cruise" what compensation is she willing to accept. And, bottom line, will the mistake prone TA ever get her business again.

I agree with your thoughts...

I will definitely update this post, once WE have a final conclusion,

(for Anyones reference, now... or in the future. Should this scenario, happen to anyone else Out there...)

Thank YOU Sweet Dutch Girl, for your support & understanding, of where we currently are with this...

Never using a TA again or not wanting a middle man makes no sense at all. I've had bad meals at a restaurant before and I continue to eat out. Yes I could cook all my meals at home but I like the service and experience of a professional chef. That doesn't mean they never mess up.

 

I have mechanics make my vehicles worse. I could learn how to fix them myself and do it myself, but I like to trust a professional even though they are human.

 

I hope the at can make it up to you, but everyone makes mistakes sometimes. You could have easily done the same booking it by yourself. You seem to have a great attitude. Enjoy your cruise!

Thank You so much Genesis803, for your kind words about our attitude.

Genuinely appreciated, & have to tell you, we are Genuinely trying... to maintain a "relatively" positive attitude right now.

Our T.A. IS working on the problem & WE DO trust in Her (at this stage), & that She will achieve, the BEST result possible for Us. WE are willing, to give 2 days, for Her to resolve this satisfactorily.

(Sailing now in a week now... EeeeK.... SO wish that this was sorted & could be excited... haven't even started packing... feeling so un-enthusiastic about this cruise…)

WE DO "feel" Our T.A., understands Our feelings/disappointment, & understands, the gravity of the situation (for Us), & is doing Everything possible to resolve it happily, for Us.

Will definitely post any update, once all of this has concluded.

But, Thank You, for Your kind words to Us. :)

Maybe they will give you a suite to make up for the error.

 

I don't know if you can use a PVP in Australia, but I would use them rather than a TA. I don't like having a middleman in anything I do.

 

Hope it all works out for you.

Bobby_Mac,

You obviously realise, we are from Australia, (Thank You!)

but my "interpreptation", of "PVP", is "Personal Vacation Planner"?

Is that right, or have I got the abbreviation wrong?

Where is your PVP? - (Direct to Carnival?)

I am NOT in any way, being critical of what you wrote.

I have "read" of the PVP, in many US based posts, but on Aussie forums?... never heard it mentioned.

Please feel free to inform/educate me, because, let's face it, no matter how Young, or Old any of Us are, WE never stop learning, something NEW.

So please help Me/Us out :)

I am impressed at your calm, and kind responses to everyone here and your calm thankful attitude at support and help. It helps a lot of us who put up with hot heads in our lives and against our better selves sometimes melt down too soon. I am one who believes there is always a story within a story and a lot is going on in each of our interactions...you know you are helping many stay calm and persevere by modeling and responding to all here even so kindly; (KUDOS) and not yelling.

 

Just got off the phone from my yelling dad and it takes zero for him to start in..not finding a phone number this am and my not having my personal book at the helm..LOL.

 

Thank you OP for modeling how handling problems should be done...no matter what happens I just want you to receive the cherry on the top of this cruise in making it right.

Thanks for being such a wonderful example to us all in a rough spot..

 

Sincerely,

 

Sarah

OMG.. SARAH!!!!

You Have truly made my Day/Night

(it's WAaaaaY past "usual" Aussie bedtime)

but beside, the Cruise booking drama, I/We have several other REAL LIFE issues, I/We are dealing with at the moment, leading to lack of sleep...

At the moment, I am feeling like I am a Juggler, trying to keep as many Balls in the Air, as I possibly can.

YOUR REPLY, made ME, feel me feel WONDERFUL !!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

P.S. Caps are NOT yelling/shouting, but for emphasis, of how your response, has made ME feel :)

Thank You SO MUCH !!!

Seeing that the TA admitted the error, they should do their best to correct the issue...even if that means they get you into a higher category cabin than you paid for (i.e., quad-shared balcony, suite, etc).

 

If they don't upgrade you (at no additional cost to you), the very least they should do is refund the difference between GTY Balcony and Ocienview.

 

Good luck.

Thank you so much for reply, which in the Big Picture, is what we are "trying" to acheive. We realise, T.A. Messed up, not us.

As for OBC, it depends on what she paid. Did she pay for a balcony? If so, the OBC will be what she actually bought herself because she over paid for the OV. I would hope the TA would step in and offer something.

Just to clarify your question, we did book "Balcony Guarantee", at time of booking, & were charged accordingly. Yes it was a good deal, but we did pay the price for a "Balcony Guarantee".

The T.A. has admitted, it was "entirely" her fault, & apologised Profusely, for her error.

Is T.A. is trying to rectify situation?

Well Yes, She is trying the "best she can", at this stage, & pulling all the "rabbits out of the Carnival Hat", that She can.

But of course, She/T.A., made the error, & both would probably like to get out of this as "cheaply" as possible, for herself & her employer.

We fully recognise that.

Badgerbill, gave Us the "Best Heads" up, as to the reality, of the ship being full, so we definitely, have hope of a decent resolution.

What ray98 said.:o

 

If they don't fix it in a big way I would definitely not be back as a customer. Hopefully they can work something out for you. Good luck!

I totally agree with you Frank,

We will not be back as a customer, if there is no satisfactory conclusion.

A CC poster, "Badgerbill", gave me/us a great deal of HOPE.

==============================================

Originally Posted by badgerbill

On Carnival Australia site do a booking quad share not twin ...mock booking shows these two cabins are bookable quad share .... it pays to look beyond the obvious btw my mock booking price for 4 = $6536 .... up to agent as gesture of goodwill to try and secure if still available in morning ... at that price dont see folk queueing for them cheers

=============================================

BadgerBILL, You ARE an absolute LEGEND!!!!!

I never thought of looking at quad shares, just looked at twins!!

YOU are 100% right, there are balconies & suites for quad share!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FINDING THIS & POINTING IT OUT TO US.

Will be using YOUR info, to OUR advantage, in negotiations with T.A.!

"Thinking" that the Cruise was Full, (except for Interiors & NO "real" hope, of a "good" resolution, was a horrible place to be...)

Feeling "EMPOWERED", because of YOU!!!!

(P.S. BadgerBILL... Caps are for emphasis, absolutely, NOT YELLING at You.

Just SHOUTING, A massive HALLELUGIAH, that there REALLY IS some HOPE in Our Scenario!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH....!!!!

YOU TRULY, have made OUR Day !!! :D __________________

You say you booked a balcony guarantee. An OV was booked. Wouldn't the initial pricing difference be apparent? What did your initial confirmation say? Did you actually pay for a balcony or think you did? I just can't grasp how that OV got booked if the agent was in the balcony section getting the rates. I'm not saying it didn't happen, I just can't grasp HOW it happened.

H Ruthlees Boss,

I spoke on the phone from T.A. She takes full responsibility for the error.

She apologised profusely & thanked us for not yelling at her.

(Yelling wouldn't change the situation & we are all Human & prone to error)

She is trying every avenue & is hopeful on talking to someone in Carnival who is back from A/L tomorrow.

She touched on the fact that if we couldn't get the balcony would we still sail? I told her it's hard, because already out of pocket for non-refundable flights & hotel to the tune of $1,000.

She assured me she would work with her manager, to give a satifactory outcome.

Just really posted here, to vent my frustration...

Thanks for listening/reading :)

Sounds like she's taken responsibility and doing the best for you, so things are promising if there is a way something can be worked out.

 

Much easier than when the agent is in hiding, or making excuses, or saying it's the cruise line's mistake.

I am not a huge Facebook User, but I wish there was a "LIKE" option on CC.

"LIKE" your reply & agree.

Thanks Big M

:)

Thank You Everyone, for Your replies & understanding.

I really needed an opportunity to vent & "pick other Cruiser brains", for possible solutions.

I posted my question on another forum, within CC & had this reply,

which has given Us a feeling of empowerment.

==============================================

Originally Posted by badgerbill

On Carnival Australia site do a booking quad share not twin ...mock booking shows these two cabins are bookable quad share .... it pays to look beyond the obvious btw my mock booking price for 4 = $6536 .... up to agent as gesture of goodwill to try and secure if still available in morning ... at that price dont see folk queueing for them cheers

=============================================

BadgerBILL, You ARE an absolute LEGEND!!!!!

I never thought of looking at quad shares, just looked at twins!!

YOU are 100% right, there are balconies & suites for quad share!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FINDING THIS & POINTING IT OUT TO US.

Will be using YOUR info, to OUR advantage, in negotiations with T.A.!

"Thinking" that the Cruise was Full, (except for Interiors & NO "real" hope, of a "good" resolution, was a horrible place to be...)

Feeling "EMPOWERED", because of YOU!!!!

(P.S. BadgerBILL... Caps are for emphasis, absolutely, NOT YELLING at You.

Just SHOUTING, A massive HALLELUGIAH, that there REALLY IS some HOPE in Our Scenario!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH....!!!!

YOU TRULY, have made OUR Day !!! :D

On Carnival Australia site do a booking quad share not twin ...mock booking shows these two cabins are bookable quad share .... it pays to look beyond the obvious btw my mock booking price for 4 = $6536 .... up to agent as gesture of goodwill to try and secure if still available in morning ... at that price dont see folk queueing for them cheers

BadgerBILL, You ARE an absolute LEGEND!!!!!

I never thought of looking at quad shares, just looked at twins!!

YOU are 100% right, there are balconies & suites for quad share!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FINDING THIS & POINTING IT OUT TO US.

Will be using YOUR info, to OUR advantage, in negotiations with T.A.!

"Thinking" that the Cruise was Full, (except for Interiors & NO "real" hope, of a "good" resolution, was a horrible place to be...)

Feeling "EMPOWERED", because of YOU!!!!

(P.S. BadgerBILL... Caps are for emphasis, absolutely, NOT YELLING at You.

Just SHOUTING, A massive HALLELUGIAH, that there REALLY IS some HOPE in Our Scenario!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH....!!!!

YOU TRULY, have made OUR Day !!! :D

Carnival website showing cabin 7189 Extended balcony and 5197 balcony avail to book quad share ... mock booking ... suggest your travel sales person tries a little harder for you .. it will cost the agency but their error they wear it ... good luck

Thank you for your reply.

Hmm, can I ask, in a round about kind of way, can you tell me where you have seen that?

On the main Aussie site, they only have interiors showing.

Well she better start pulling some big strings because she has messed up big time.

 

If she can't fix it. Seek some sort of compensation from the agency for their error and try and enjoy your cruise. Not much you can do about it at the moment.

 

Have you tried calling to speak to the manager at the cruise agency?

Just got off the phone from T.A. She takes full responsibility for the error.

She apologised profusely & thanked us for not yelling at her.

(Yelling wouldn't change the situation & we are all Human & prone to error)

She is trying every avenue & is hopeful on talking to someone in Carnival who is back from A/L tomorrow.

She touched on the fact that if we couldn't get the balcony would we still sail? I told her it's hard, because already out of pocket for non-refundable flights & hotel to the tune of $1,000.

She assured me she would work with her manager, to give a satifactory outcome.

Just really posted here, to vent my frustration...

Thanks for listening/reading :)

If this is Spirit 18 Feb Carnival web site currently showing balconies available.

It is that cruise.

I know it shows on main page that balconies are available, but if you go two screens further, in this mock booking, there are only interiors to book.