If the sentence starts, "[Your name], as a FREE Cruise Recipient, you are entitled to $X, XXX. XX of money..." throw it in the TRASH immediately.
Caribbean Cruise Line, the crowned thug of the Caribbean, is the shadiest cruise agency ever existed. I write this in hoping to help a victim or deter someone from being a VICTIM of this scam. Let me present my experience with this "FREE CRUISE."
I received a ticket stub in the mail stating my free 2 Nights Cruise for two adults with an extended vacation package and a $1300.00 travel credit voucher from Caribbean Cruise line. My friend and I were curious and in dire need of a vacation therefore, we called and see what was being offered. From the start I was skeptical hence, the old adage "there is no free lunch..." I called and they made the trip feels like it was given to us for free until they told me to deposit $797.00 for the trip, and you cannot call back. No matter how desperate, I told them this is not a bargain. This is what they offered:
-2 nights of accommodations in the sunny Ft. Lauderdale, FL
-2 nights of accommodations in the magical Orlando, FL
-2 nights Bahamas Cruise with all the meals, live entertainment and activities.
-FUN GUIDED TOUR OF A BEAUTIFUL VACATION OWNERSHIP RESORT
-7 days of transportation by Alamo or Budget Rent-A-Car with unlimited mileage.
They also threw in: 3 days and 2 nights in Las Vegas; Nevada and 4 days and 3 nights in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
I refused to leave a $797.00 deposit, so they decreased it to $199.00 and I have to make 6 monthly payments of $99.00. I was probably possessed so I gave them my credit card number. This is when it gets scary. Knowing this was not entirely free, but a 6-day-800-dollar trip was pretty cheap. I know it's not going to be a first-class vacation but I wanted a trip. They said three days later the package will be available online for me to view.
My friend and I did a little research on the company and found that it has many complaints for bad quality and miscellaneous charges being applied throughout the trip. I knew but still found it to be a chance for me to travel. When I called to ask questions about the trip two days later, I was in for a surprise.
I asked them where I will be staying, they told me it will be the Ramada or some other "hotel" in Ft. Lauderdale or Orlando. The cruise will DEPART from West Palm Beach, a few hours away from your FREE hotel; so basically you have to drive that's why they gave you a "free rental car."
I asked them if I wanted to stay somewhere else and FORFEIT my "free accommodations" they told me "no, you must stay there." I agreed to attend the Timeshare event because it was required in order to receive this "promotional offer;" they never told me that I had to physically sleep in the hotel also. Do a google search and read the reviews and you will understand why I strongly disagree to sleep at the hotels they were trying to promote. However, I could deal with that also. I said I wanted to stay on the Bahamas for a few extra days. They happily obliged but when I said I wanted to book a hotel of my choice on the Bahamas island they said refused and said it has to be through them. The inflexibility of this "FREE CRUISE" was not something I had in mind. But wait, here's the good part.
I told them this trip was inflexible not only for me but for my companion also. So I asked to cancel the package and have the deposit of $199.00 returned they said "NO, WHY DID YOU AGREE TO GO WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT WAS BEING OFFERED?" I was literally stunned. I expained this travel package is not feasible, both money and time-wise. The customer representative was extremely intimidating and heavy on attitude. As soon as I mention the phrase "I want to cancel;" it was like a trigger cue for them to be rude, aggressive, and demanding. They told me to call back on Monday. I knew immediately it was another tactic to expire my the cancellation grace period. I immediately called my bank and cancel my card and filed a claim.
On Monday I called again, I told them that I cannot make the trip they immediately put me on hold and said they cannot do that but what they can do is extend my travel package for another 12 months and cancel my monthly payments. At this point, I know that negotiation was over; I adamantly told them I want to cancel and have my deposit returned. They denied me and gave me illogical reasons to why it wasn't possible. I asked them what was their cancellation policy; they told me it was sold on the intent to travel. They refused to tell me what was their policy. I knew beforehand the policy because it was hidden within their web site, but I wanted them to acknowledge their flaw.
After 6 holds and transfers to a "supervisor, " they keep asking me about my time managment and why wasn't this trip possible. I got frustrated and enfuriated at times, but I know my $199.00 will be hard-earned so I didn't let my emotion interefere. I asked them upfront will they return my deposit or I have to ask Bank of America to get it back for me. They dare told me Bank of America will not help and persuade me otherwise, which is not true. I was put on hold then they told me they will return only $100.00 and keep the $99.00 for reservation fees. WHAT RESERVATION FEES? I did not book anything besides put a deposit. I told them I will tell Bank of America claims department this and let see what happens. Of course I was put on hold again. They then said "Okay, we will return your $199.00 deposit."
This is just the overall story. I hope they returned my money in 5 to 7 business days as promised. Nonetheless, I already filed a claim with Bank of America. Please be advised when dealing with these people. They will stall you, tell you lies, and make it sounds like this trip is part of your life and you cannot do anything about it. Stand your ground and don't let them intimidate you. Never have I felt such discontent. Cancellation is possible. Don't let them brainwash you into thinking this is something you must purchase. This trip is no bargain. Here's a breakdown:
Caribbean Cruise Line Package: $797.00
Flights to Ft. Lauderdale or Orlando: $225.00 (booking 2 months in advance)
Entrance to Bahamas Fee:$59.00 per person upfront
Not including taxes, gratuities, fees,: $XX
This is just the money involved not including the terrible service they provide. Do a google search of this cruise ship and company before depositing anything. This company is the best example of how you should not run a business. Take a little time planning your vacation and researching the company. I was desperate and naive. Please take my advice and save yourself from wasted time, money, and expectation.
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