Caribbean Cruise Line Bahamas Celebration Bait and Switch, Promise of Services than disown, refuse to acknowledge or recognize conversation ever happened. Pompano Beach, Florida

I received the "Ticket" style mailer and have seen this before so I entered the dealings with my eyes wide open.  After talking with the Customer Care Rep on the "Recorded" call I had several questions and was transfered to another line where I discussed the following concerns.  Question 1 - Is this a timeshare deal and will I be required to "Sit in" on a presentation taking any time at all away from my vacation time?  The answer was, NO.  Question 2 - Since I live within 40 minutes of Orlando and frequently do business there do I have any options for not using that portion of the package?  The answer was, book your cruise on Friday and use whose days in Nassau than return on the next cruise ship.

This is what happened two days later after arranging all the dates with our out or state visitors.  I placed a call to the Reservations Department with the dates and locations.  I spent 30 minutes giving all the specific traveler information to the agent.  (For the record, the lady was very good at her job, cordial and nice, I have no issues with the service provided by the worker on the line).  I was informed I was not allowed to cruise on the Friday sailing due to it was a 3-day cruise.  Also I was not allowed the extended stay in Nassau in place of the Orlando portion.  I was not allowed the promise of returning on any other cruise than the one I departed on.  I asked to speak with her supervisor and this is where the attitude kicked into overdrive.  To make a long story short I was placed on hold to "look into the matter" after 32 minutes and 18 seconds on hold, the line went dead.  (After 5 minutes on hold it became a game to see just how long I would be waiting).  

I received a call two days later from a Customer Service rep stating we were not allowed to use the stateroom we were assigned on the vessel due to we were all over the age of 50.  The explanation given - since the sleeping arrangement in the assigned stateroom is two lower and two upper bunks and the travelers were over 50 the cruise line would not allow it.  But, for and additional fee of $150.00 per person we could be moved to another cabin.  This little jewel of information was never addressed in any previous conversation.  Hence the "Bait and Switch" claim.  Next I asked to speak with the department supervisor and connected one of my guests, my cousin, an attorney on a three way call to witness the conversation.  I asked the supervisor for a copy of the policy to review, one showing the cruise line name and this discriminatory practice.  The supervisor got very upset when he was pressed for this information by my cousin by stating what I was doing was illegal than placed me on hold.  He came back 6 minutes and 46 seconds later stating he had changed the reservation to reflect two cabins, at no additional cost.  I have yet to see a copy of the policy.  Beware of this kind of discrimination, just because someone is over 50 means nothing.  

Take all your notes with you when checking in at the "Welcome Center".  You will need to be forceful and stand your ground.  If you feel your not getting what was agreed to, push for it, loudly-if needed.  Above all DO NOT be pressured into sitting for and wasting your time at a presentation, unless you're interested in buying a timeshare.  Trust me, a 20 minute talk will turn into 4 hours lost out of your day. Drive yourself, even if they insist you take the van provided.  Above all, remember, No means No.

I strongly suggest you tape record all conversations you have with this outfit. You do need to advise that person you are making a recording of the conversation so you can remember all the details. (Be Advised: It is illegal to make an audio recording of a person without their knowledge).  It has been my experience as a photojournalist for the past 15 years, if they have nothing to hide it will not be an issue for them to be recorded.

Above all, remember:

This is your vacation, your time to relax and enjoy all the wonder Florida has to offer. Trust me you will run out of time before you know it, take advantage of every minute.  Take advantage of the booklets at most restaurants, they will save you a lot of money and give you valuable ideas for things to do that you may not have thought of.  Above all, have lots of fun and be safe.