Another lie by Royal Caribbean to a guest

[setsail]

:D..Watch out for the anger sharks now

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fscuv4PIjws&feature=related

[Sunny_Skipper]

Sunny--

When we went through"security" in Bayonne, my pack sack on the X-ray machine had my stainless water bottle with a bunch of cords for electronic devices stuck around it. They didn't even blink.

I walked through the metal detector with a clip knife for fishing in my pocket, phone and all kinds of metal. Turned and looked, the walk through

Metal detector wasn't even turned on. Don't sweat it. If someone questions you, slip them a few bucks and smile. They don't care. They're not TSA or anything. But keep calling them on their lies!

 

I am feeling much more comfortable about carrying a few sodas on board. Oh wait, I mean, my dedicated suitcase stuffed to the gills with soda, cuz that's all I'm doing on this cruise is sitting in the corner guzzling my soda! God forbid I go a minute without that stuff!!

 

Best,

Sunny

[Sunny_Skipper]

How do you know they're lying? The Department of Agriculture would be the department to oversee food/drink brought on/off a cruise ship. It could just be a case of different cruise lines interpreting regulations differently.

 

ROFL. Yeah, I'm sure that was it.

 

Best,

Sunny

[Sunny_Skipper]

I appreciate the feedback! I know people have good days and bad days and I know that people make mistakes and are misinformed. I gave this rep a chance to correct herself and she stuck with her story. And if it was a case of this person just not knowing the answer and filling in the blanks to her own accord, (after all, lying is a state of mind as stated by a famous liar) then shame on RCI for not training their staff more competently.

 

Best,

Sunny

[temple1]

The problem is - the OP wants to bring on a particular soft drink that is not carried by the cruise line. They asked and pushed the rep for a positive answer. Instead of just sticking with "Sorry, it is against company policy" the rep got creative and threw in the line about govt regulations. I don't think anyone else on here has had that response from a phone rep - so I tend to think it was one person getting creative.

 

As far as the other direction of the topic:

 

 

Honestly, then those people who can't afford a Dr. shouldn't be going on a cruise at all? lol

 

Actually, I totally agree with that.

 

It is one thing to budget for a cruise and then to waste money on an unneeded Dr's visit that will not be paid for by insurance to get an excuse to take soft drinks on a cruise. :rolleyes: Either some of you folks get all of your medical care for free or you really like throwing away money. Many of us have different priorities. I'd rather save that $75 - $150 for something I enjoy and not going to a doctor's office where I will probably catch something and not be able to go on my very expensive cruise.

 

 

 

The OP stated that any caffeine causes her heart to feel racy and sugar to make her dizzy. That means no iced tea, hot tea, coffee, lemonade, and juices. Besides the desalinated water that many claim cause them to have swollen feet and legs, what is there for her to drink to not get dehydrated? The desalinated water may also not be good for anyone who has high blood pressure as there is still some sodium in it.

 

Now - for my completely different view answer - how come the diet caffiene free is needed for soft drinks but alcohol served in the bars is not an issue? Just wondering.

 

I understand people have a preference in all things. But as was mentioned - it is only one week. I think some folks would never consider a vacation in more exotic locales because they would not be able to get their super duper caffiene free sugar free organically prepared by the light of the moon drink of the month. :eek:

[Onessa]

I spent a couple of really ugly months as the "quality assurance" portion of those messages at the beginning of many phone calls that state that ". . . your conversation may be recorded . . . "

 

I actually listened to taped conversations from a techncial customer support center. I discovered that there is actually very little "lieing" going on when you compared the training the reps received to the misinformation that they sometimes gave out - it was not the company's training that was spreading this misinformation (in fact the company I was dealing with tried really hard to disspell some of the misinformation).

 

It is just like any other "urban legend" out there. Someone mishears something (pax cannot carry on fresh fruit due to DOAg regulations, pax cannot carry on a fresh flower bouquet because of a DOAg restriction, Pax to this island cannot wear shoes they have worn on an active farm at any point in the past 90 days, etc.) So a CS rep hears that pax are not supposed to carry on beverages, he assumes that it is also because of a DOAg regulation. When the CS rep has an irrate customer on the line demanding to know why she cannot carry on a six-pack of diet cherry Dr. Pepper lite, the first CS rep tells the second CS rep that he thinks it is because of a DOAg regulation. The second CS rep tells another CS rep that the rule is because of a DOAg reg. That CS rep repeats it in a team meeting and now as far as CS is concerned, the rule is due to a Dept of Ag regulation :)

[ryano]

I am feeling much more comfortable about carrying a few sodas on board. Oh wait, I mean, my dedicated suitcase stuffed to the gills with soda, cuz that's all I'm doing on this cruise is sitting in the corner guzzling my soda! God forbid I go a minute without that stuff!!

 

Best,

Sunny

 

LOL! :p

 

Enjoy your cruise! Honestly, I dont think you are going to run into any problems getting some caffeine free diet Coke on board whether you put it in a carry on or just tote it in its original packaging.

 

I plan on taking a 12 pack of Coke Zero on my cruise! :)

[beachnative]

I love how people are trying to make it the guest's problem.

 

It's my vacation, not theirs. They are the big company making millions. I just want to drink the soda I like to drink, when I want to drink it.

 

And if you re-read my first comment I said "when" not that I "always" drink it. Besides, my drinking habits, or lack thereof are none your concern. this thread is about LYING.

 

It's no wonder the world is full of confusion when people can't follow a simple subject!

 

I don't mind if you want to veer from the subject to offer some advice but please don't make ridiculous statements like the one you just did! Seriously, you really sound like a self-righteous saint. Maybe you could start a thread about all the things you think people should give up while on a cruise!!!

 

ROFL

 

Best,

Sunny

 

And is this the way you talked to the representative who gave you an answer that you did not want to hear??:rolleyes:

[Debde]

on the RCCL website-

Q: Can I bring liquor or non-alcoholic beverages (from home or from a port) onboard?

A: Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages onboard for consumption or any other use. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from Shops On Board will be stored by the ship and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.

They need to follow the policy they have set in place. Then, confusion would be zero because it seems to me, if you play by the rules, you are not allowed and if you get soda on-you are lucky. No need to drag the Dept. of Ag. into it.

[Sunny_Skipper]

And is this the way you talked to the representative who gave you an answer that you did not want to hear??:rolleyes:

 

I knew this one was coming, lol. Yes, I was absolutely and completely rude to her. No wonder she lied to me. Silly me. I thought calling and talking to a rep was okay, after all, isn't that what they are there for? Oh wait, since I posted this thread, it could only mean that I was rude to the rep and therefore caused her to lie. You caught me.

 

 

Best,

Sunny

 

P.S. the rep, although lied, was much less judgmental than some on this board and we actually had a pleasant conversation.

[Paulxyz2004]

I´m always amazed, why people keep giving companies their business they feel so badly about:confused:

[Onessa]

Why are you assuming she "lied" or that the company "lied" - it could be a simple misunderstanding. Your thread is about lying. You seem to be upset at other posters because they strayed from your original point.

 

My point is that misinformation exists -- but you seem to think that you were lied to. Do you believe that the company is presenting this information - that RCCI is lying? Or do you believe that simply this agent lied to you? The term "Lie" is pretty inflamitory.

[TBone2K]

I was going to continue replying on this thread, but its starting to turn into a bringing alcohol on board discussion... and we know where those go.:eek:

 

I realize that fanning the flames wasn't the best choice, so my apologies to the group for carrying on with that.

 

Sooo.... Back to what the OP said... The reason is not important. I would go with the doctor's note as they suggested. Also get the response from RCCL in writing. Ask if they can email you the response and print it off. If not, email them so they have to email you back. Then pack the soda cans in your case. Here's why...

 

- If you try to carry it on, then they could refuse you bringing it on. You'll have to argue instead of getting on board and probably delay everyone else in your party as well. At least putting it in your case gets it onboard, albeit possibly in the naughty room.

- Leave a quick explaining note and a copy of your documentation attached to the soda in your case. Then if it gets opened in the naughty room, they might read it and send the case back to your room without further delay.

- Once your stuff is onboard, if its gets held back you can show someone the instructions you were given by the special needs staff and the doctor's note that was requested. This carries a lot more weight than "someone in customer service told me...". It also allows them to trace back and correct the problem. It also justifies getting cranky with them if they still say no.

- Contracicting what I just said, but try and be nice. Make sure you are speaking to someone with the authority to say "yes". Because right or wrong, they probably all think they have the authority to say "no".

[Sunny_Skipper]

I´m always amazed, why people keep giving companies their business they feel so badly about:confused:

 

I'm always amazed how people think they know about what other people know about other companies.

 

If you don't believe in something, you'll fall for anything----unknown.

 

Best,

Sunny

[bibbysnow]

Cruise Critic is a better source of information than Customer Service at Royal Caribbean. I know that isn't the way it should be, but, most here know that to be true.

 

I totally agree!!

[Paulxyz2004]

I'm always amazed how people think they know about what other people know about other companies.

 

If you don't believe in something, you'll fall for anything----unknown.

 

Best,

Sunny

 

Not sure why you responded with this to me, as I never said anything about what you know or not.

 

My question is simply why you give business to a company that you feel is lying to you more than once.

If I´d feel that way about a business I´m taking my money elsewhere.

[time4u2go]

Now - for my completely different view answer - how come the diet caffiene free is needed for soft drinks but alcohol served in the bars is not an issue? Just wondering.

 

Maybe because the alcohol doesn't contain caffeine or sugar? (At least not any added or refined sugar.)

[raskage]

 

If you don't believe in something, you'll fall for anything----unknown.

 

Best,

Sunny

 

Hey Sunny--

I think you quoted me saying I didn't know who to attribute. It's just attributed as " a proverb"

[CruisingMachine]

So, why does RCI want to lie about it? I hate when companies try to hush my intelligence with their lies. Why don't they just come out and say that they make a LOT of money on soda and really want to prevent anyone from bringing it on board even when they are not serving their beverage of choice.

 

The "Department of Agriculture" line is pretty lame, but to insinuate that Royal Caribbean tells its customer service reps to intenionally lie to callers and guests is beyond absurd. If you think that is what the reps have been trained to say, I dare you to call them 10 times in a row. No, make that 100 times, and I'll bet you never hear that "Department of Agriculture" line again. It sounds like you got a rep who was ill-informed or too lazy to find out the real reason. That does NOT equal "why does RCI want to lie?"

[Sunny_Skipper]

Hey Sunny--

I think you quoted me saying I didn't know who to attribute. It's just attributed as " a proverb"

 

Hey thanks Raskage!

 

I've actually been using this "proverb" for quite a while and was happy to see that you used it to! I looked it up and can't find out who the author is so I am with you on that!

 

I'm done responding to the thread. I said my peace and if people want to continue with their flaming, so be it. I have better things to do than attack people online!

 

Best,

Sunny

[raskage]

Hey thanks Raskage!

 

I've actually been using this "proverb" for quite a while and was happy to see that you used it to! I looked it up and can't find out who the author is so I am with you on that!

 

I'm done responding to the thread. I said my peace and if people want to continue with their flaming, so be it. I have better things to do than attack people online!

 

Best,

Sunny

 

Agreed.

[CruisingMouse]

I guess for us the problem is that we want to carry-on our luggage. Will they confiscate it if we carry it on?

 

If I can't get my soda on board through carry-on I will check it with the porters!

 

I don't know why they want to lie about it. It just makes my angry as a consumer to be lied to. I know it happens everywhere but I am just so tired of it.

 

Best,

Sunny

 

 

I wasn't aware you could carry your luggage on other than your carry on! Anybody know different??

[Ocean Boy]

I wasn't aware you could carry your luggage on other than your carry on! Anybody know different??

 

If it fits through the x-ray scanner you can take it. If it won't then it gets checked and goes through the big scanners. The scanner where you enter the terminal is no larger than the ones in the airports where you go through security.

[JenAndDan]

1. The port that had a duty free was in San Juan. I don't k now if the one in Bayonne has one but you can ask on this board. We also saw people buying alcohol in there but are not sure if they were allowed to bring it on. I know the first time two times I went out of San Juan (2001 & 2005) you were allowed to bring limited amounts of alcohol per person but since then the rules have been strictly enforced and we did not want to press our luck.

 

2. As to the posts about going to a doctor/can't afford -s houldn't cruise - FYI, there was about two years when I went without insurance (personal insurance covering everything was going to be some crazy insane amount because I owned my own business). I paid for my doctor's visits and prescriptions out of pocket. I needed to see a specialist but they required a referral from my PCP. I told them I didn't have insurance so that shouldn't be an issue, I was paying out of pocket and they told me it didn't matter, they don't see patients without a referral. It cost me $250 just to go into the office, speak with my doctor for 5 minutes and get the referral (since I didn't have insurance and hadn't been sick, I hadn't gone to him in a year). I could afford it but it still annoyed the ____ out of me! I now have medical insurance because of my husband but if I was not married, I likely would still not have insurance and know many people who do not.

 

3. To OP, my advice, bring it in your carry-on. If they question you at the port, tell them that you can not have sugar or caffeine in a NICE way. Hopefully, you will get it on. Good luck.

 

4. Many customer representatives really don't know much about the company they are representing. Like other posters have stated - they are reading from a script or speaking from training and likely THEY (not RCCL) are interpreting the rules their own way. You can try calling again and see if someone else will tell you something different but likely they are all suppose to say no outside beverages allowed.

[janice2348]

My guess would be that the rep was somehow truly under the impression she was giving you correct information.

 

I have found the front-line reps to be ill-advised on many issues. I was on the inaugural sailing of Oasis and even with all of the focus on her when she was new, a rep I spoke to to ask a question regarding the nursery replied that she was unaware there was a nursery... If we find it frustrating, I can only imagine how the rep feels having to be educated by the consumer as opposed to their employer.

 

RC does many things very well but I do believe they could do a better job in training front-line staff.

Been in customer service as a phone Rep for years and we are the last to know anything. I chatted with a Rep and asked a simple question, now I am thinking I should check here. Management generally gives out wrong info to phone reps so this would probably explain a lot.