Couple Sues Over Gay Themed Cruise - Page 2 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

HevLewis · 10-25-2009, 11:02 PM

Customer service nightmare for Grimaldi. Just give their money back already. For whatever reason, they didn't know it was a themed cruise. They obviously had a bad experience. They are simply asking for a refund. Recent polls show 87% in favor of this couple getting their money back.

Cruise line may win the legal battle, but they are losing the war of public opinion. Late night comedy acts are having a field day with this issue.

Do cruise passengers need a bill of rights?!

Blizzard · 10-25-2009, 11:36 PM

I have been on cruises where there were groups that exceeded 1/2 of the ships capacity. On one of them we could not get our desired 2nd seating even though we had book over a year ahead. The large group took all of 2nd seating. Other than that their presence had no effect on our cruise. On another occasion some of the lounges were not available during the day but it was ok.

Although most large groups have little or no impact on the rest of the passengers, this is not always the case. At some point the size or nature of a group can impact other passengers. The time may be coming when cruise lines should address the situation.

cruisin' chick · 10-26-2009, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blizzard

I have been on cruises where there were groups that exceeded 1/2 of the ships capacity. On one of them we could not get our desired 2nd seating even though we had book over a year ahead. The large group took all of 2nd seating. Other than that their presence had no effect on our cruise. On another occasion some of the lounges were not available during the day but it was ok.

Although most large groups have little or no impact on the rest of the passengers, this is not always the case. At some point the size or nature of a group can impact other passengers. The time may be coming when cruise lines should address the situation.

I agree. I think this is the issue, that passengers considering booking a cruise on which accessibility to dining rooms, pools, other aspects of the ship, should be told up front (or told when the large group is booked if after their booking).

If it's simply that someone has trouble with the type of group, that should be their problem and not the cruiseline's.

nealberk · 10-26-2009, 12:59 AM

Patti, John, Lets hear you say that next time you accidentally get booked with half a ship full of accordion players, or even worse, mimes!

cruisin' chick · 10-26-2009, 05:31 PM

I probably would go listen to the accordian players, at least for a short while.

I bet the mimes would regret going on a cruise. I would probably tell my daughter to go behind one of them and put rabbit ears on their head, just to see if the other mimes crack up.

LuLu · 10-26-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HevLewis

Customer service nightmare for Grimaldi. Just give their money back already. For whatever reason, they didn't know it was a themed cruise. They obviously had a bad experience. They are simply asking for a refund. Recent polls show 87% in favor of this couple getting their money back.

Cruise line may win the legal battle, but they are losing the war of public opinion. Late night comedy acts are having a field day with this issue.

Do cruise passengers need a bill of rights?!

Welcome to CLF!

Thanks so much for posting your comment and opinion! It's great to have lots of different thoughts on this situation!

sue miller · 10-26-2009, 06:17 PM

Cruiselines will NOT tell you if there is a large group but there is a site that gives a listing on dates and type and you can check it for your date. I don't know the name but maybe someone else will post it. I would not be offended and can always find a place to relax away from the crowds. I have never taken offense to any group or color, I will however take offense from a person who is rude, ignorant, pushy, nasty to another passenger or any crew member.

cruisin' chick · 10-26-2009, 06:37 PM

I've seen people talk about shoretrips whenever this subject comes up. I believe it's a company that books shore excursions for groups. But I wouldn't just go by this site. Maybe a good way to check on major group bookings is to google your ship and date of sailing and see what comes up. If an organization is hosting a group onboard, maybe it'll show up in that kind of search.

sue miller · 10-26-2009, 06:52 PM

Thanks Patty

cruisin' chick · 10-27-2009, 04:57 PM

Back at ya, Sue. I just hope people wouldn't freak out if they do find out a large group has booked the same cruise. Just about every cruise has family reunions and groups onboard. I think on our Star Princess cruise, one of our tablemates said that she was a travel agent who specialized in booking family reunions and one of her groups was onboard.