My husband and I received a telephone call alerting us that we were one of a few couples that had been hand picked to receive a vacation package from Ramada Plaza Resorts. They explained that we would receive 3 nights, 2 days in South Florida and a 4 night crusie aboard Carnival's Fascination Ship. We also would be entitled to a rental car for one week, and if we chose not to use the rental but to drive our own car that we would be reimbursed $100.00 for the gas for our own vehicle. We ALSO for being such great people would receive 3 nights in an Orlando Resort, and 6 BONUS vacations all over the country at any time that we chose to take them. We could give these to our kids or use them ourselves.
My husband and I love to travel since we retired. We talked about it and then asked what the price was for this little vacation. We were told it was $ 898.00 plus we would have to pay the port charges for the cruise. We decided that it might be nice as we have family all over the U.S. And we could probably use the additional bonus vacations. So we booked.
We tried to get reservations for the cruise for January 24 and were told that before we could take the cruise we had to stay at the Ramada Resort at 2419 E. Commercial Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale. We agreed and then I was told that our vacation was going to be expiring soon and if we would just agree to paying addtional monies for an outside cabin that he would throw in an 18 month extension on our package and a buy one get one free meal package. We liked the idea of an outside cabin and thought that we would like that, so I asked how much extra it would be? It was an additional $298.00, so we agreed that if we were going to get an outside cabin we would like it. At that point I asked what type of cabin it would be? He said to me spread your arms out wide and that is how big the window is in your cabin. I told my husband and he asked me where we would be on the ship? I asked the gentleman where our cabin would be and he said mid ship. I told him that we DID NOT want to be in the bottom of the ship, He PROMISED me that that was not where we would be. Not with a window like that!!!
Well we arrived in Ft. Lauderdale on January 22 and were not greeted very friendly in the 'WELCOMING CENTER". We did however get checked in and get our paperwork. We then went to check in to our room. We were greeted by ANTS all over the beds and room. We called the front desk and told them that we had a very large problem, they were most gracious and told us to come right down to the desk and they would give us another room.
To the desk we go and get another room. We walked in and my husband almost gagged! It stunk like vomit. Well down to the front desk we go again. Another room and it was fine. Clean and didn't smell. We settled in.
We went to the restaurant for our two for one dinner. Well we ended up paying more for the one than most people did for two complete meals. They gave us the bill and had added on 7.5% meals tax and a 20% gratuity, for a BUFFET!!! Then they subtracted the price of the 1 buffet. We were not happy.
The next day we went to the wonderful lunch buffet and got the same ignored treatment from the waitress and today we were only charged an 18% gratuity. I was not a happy camper to say the least. But there was never anyone around at the cash register to ask.
The following morning we were all eager with anticipation for the cruise and we went ONE MORE TIME for the breakfast buffet. Low and behold there was a "Manager" if you could call him that at the register. This morning we were only chaged 15% gratuity. So I went to him and asked why and how they could do this legally. His answer to me was "cause thats the way we do it" Well now I was really fired up and wanted to see someone in the Welcome Center to vent on.
We ended up getting the attention of the Manager of the Ramada itself and he took us into his office and spoke with us very sincerely. He couldn't answer all of our questions but we truly felt he would take some time to investigate at least.
Now on to the cruise ship. We get on the ship and were allowed to go to our room after 1P.M. We get to our room and couldn't believe it. The LAST ROOM BEFORE THE BOILER ROOM, ON THE BOTTOM DECK!!! Mad you haven't seen mad. We did however have a very nice time on the Carnival Ship Fascination. The food and service was superb and the entertainment was great. We had a fantastic time when we weren't in our dungeon of a room.
I have a call into the gentleman that I have been dealing with and do think I have received a call back? Not on your life!!! We have a letter into the company and I am contacting the attorney general for the State of Florida. These people need to be stopped.
Don't take any of these vacations because you are in for rude surprise.
Diane
Brooksville, Florida
U.S.A.
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