Thread: Hanna-caused detour prompts 'mutiny' on Carnival Miracle

Originally Posted by Cruise Planner

I hear what Dave is saying about communication! It's so very important for the staff to give full, complete, and timely information to the passengers - that's stops alot of problems before they start.

We had one occasion on the Caribbean Princess where we had to change from doing the Eastern Caribbean to doing the Western Caribbean due to a hurricane and the captain explained in detail why he made this decision and we all thoroughly understood and agreed with the reasons.

Another time on the Holland America Maasdam, we had engine problems. We had to miss two ports of call and the captain was constantly keeping everyone appraised of the situation on a regular basis. Obviously, we were all disappointed we were not going to Half Moon Cay, which is all-time favorite stop, but we understood the problems because we were well-informed.

Of course, that's not to say that the captain did not keep them properly informed; it's possible he could have done more, but then again, it's possible some of the irate passengers would not have been satisfied no matter how much information they were given. As we all know, those on the 'dark side' do tend to complain alot.

It would be nice if we could get a first-hand report from someone who was on the ship and not one of those involved in the ruckus.

Pete

Exactly Pete, I am curious who is making the reports, angry prople calling home, or talking to media as they disembark. or passengers that still enjoyed it. My feeling is the media is not interested in talking to the ones who still had a good time

Or at least they are not willing to publicize the fact that some people (gasp!) enjoyed the cruise. No news in that.

It was a fateful trip that made it to only one tropic port.

Before Hanna was a tropical storm hitting the East Coast, she was a hurricane that held cruise-ship passengers hostage for eight days.

And boy, were they mad.

Cruise ship patrons unhappy after storm causes early return -- Newsday.com


*Another report on the Miracle Situation.

Here's what the article states in part:

"About 300 unhappy vacationers berated crew members and demanded refunds. But they had been warned at the outset by letter that itinerary changes were possible, de la Cruz said"(she's a Carnival spokeswoman)

I have a hard time believing that the Capt. and crew did not inform the passengers of other changes as the voyage progressed. They knew from the outset why there would be itinerary changes. There was absolutely no reason in my view for a few passengers to act like spoilt brats, given the circumstances.

Originally Posted by Cruise Planner

I hear what Dave is saying about communication! It's so very important for the staff to give full, complete, and timely information to the passengers - that's stops alot of problems before they start.



Of course, that's not to say that the captain did not keep them properly informed; it's possible he could have done more, but then again, it's possible some of the irate passengers would not have been satisfied no matter how much information they were given. As we all know, those on the 'dark side' do tend to complain alot.

It would be nice if we could get a first-hand report from someone who was on the ship and not one of those involved in the ruckus.

Pete

I agree.

Originally Posted by MD11F

Here's what the article states in part:

"About 300 unhappy vacationers berated crew members and demanded refunds. But they had been warned at the outset by letter that itinerary changes were possible, de la Cruz said"(she's a Carnival spokeswoman)

I have a hard time believing that the Capt. and crew did not inform the passengers of other changes as the voyage progressed. They knew from the outset why there would be itinerary changes. There was absolutely no reason in my view for a few passengers to act like spoilt brats, given the circumstances.

If I was Carnival, I would put all the troublemakers on a Carnival "No Cruise" list, and I wouldn't let them sail with Carnival anymore.

I have had first hand experience in 1994 with a hurricane and missing 2 out of 3 ports and it was on Carnival. The Captain kept us informed all the time and the crew tried their best to keep the passengers happy. More than 1/2 the staff and 1/2 of the passengers were sea sick and didn't leave their cabins for 3 days. Was I happy about missing 2 ports? No, but at least the Captain kept us safe. Was the ship rocking n' rolling for 4 days? You bet it was but we made the best out of a bad situation and still had a great time. Have I booked a cruise during hurricane season again? No, because once was more than enough for me. LOL

I agree that the "ring leader" and anyone else that came close to causing chaos should be put on their "no cruise list". And not just for Carnival but ALL the cruise lines.

These cruise lines should get together and make it known that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.

It amazes me that people today take absolutely no responsibiity for the choices they make.

The passengers on this cruise made the choice to cruise during hurricane season. That is when the rates are the cheapest for a reason.

I have absolutely no patience for this kind of whining!!

Btw, we were on the Ecstasy that got turned from a 5 day with 2 ports to a 3 day cruise to nowhere. We had 2 options... we could cancel for a full refund....or take the cruise and get a 50% refund and 50% off a future cruise.

We took the 50/50 and had a GREAT time. Weather was beautiful, seas were smooth and karaoke ROCKED!!! woo hoo

Seems to me these were probably the same ones who cut class the day they gave the lesson on "'How to behave in a civilized manner... even if you're not."

Originally Posted by stanford's girl

If I was Carnival, I would put all the troublemakers on a Carnival "No Cruise" list, and I wouldn't let them sail with Carnival anymore.

I wholeheartedly agree.

Originally Posted by snoodel

" Good Afternoon Cruiser's,, This is Capt. Gustove,, We are running into one of God's Funny little jokes,, Hurricain Hanna,, For your safty, we have changed ports of call and will be staying away from these 15 foot seas with major swells.
For those that have congregated at the Purser's desk Crying and removing your gratuities, causing major hate and discontent. We the Capt. and Crew understand how upset you must be.. Therefor we will be launching 3 of our life boats for you to resume the rest of your Caribbean Cruise. We are now asking for 3 people to step up and take Charge of all discontent's. Have a wonderfull trip"

Originally Posted by Cruise Planner

I hear what Dave is saying about communication! It's so very important for the staff to give full, complete, and timely information to the passengers - that's stops alot of problems before they start.

We had one occasion on the Caribbean Princess where we had to change from doing the Eastern Caribbean to doing the Western Caribbean due to a hurricane and the captain explained in detail why he made this decision and we all thoroughly understood and agreed with the reasons.

Another time on the Holland America Maasdam, we had engine problems. We had to miss two ports of call and the captain was constantly keeping everyone appraised of the situation on a regular basis. Obviously, we were all disappointed we were not going to Half Moon Cay, which is all-time favorite stop, but we understood the problems because we were well-informed.

Of course, that's not to say that the captain did not keep them properly informed; it's possible he could have done more, but then again, it's possible some of the irate passengers would not have been satisfied no matter how much information they were given. As we all know, those on the 'dark side' do tend to complain alot.

It would be nice if we could get a first-hand report from someone who was on the ship and not one of those involved in the ruckus.

Pete

Agree. It could be that the captain or his staff did communicate, before and during the cruise, and either the passengers ignored the announcements or disregarded them altogether. Somehow, I don't think skipping ports due to bad weather would be considered a breach of contract (I'm not a lawyer, but it just seems this would be thrown out).

The one port I've missed was due to high waves. The captain didn't feel it would be safe using tenders in those conditions. Disappointing as I hadn't been there before and really looking forward to it, but nothing to sue Princess over.

I just wonder how many of these people would be the first to contact a lawyer if the captain did sail close enough to a hurricane to incur damage to the ship or at the very least, made the passengers sick due to rough seas.