We checked on Saturday, December 9th for a twelve night cruise on the Grandeur of the Seas. It's an easy place to get to, located right next to I-95. Once in you're directed to an area where you drop off your tagged luggage, then into the designated parking lot. I'm legally disabled and looked for a handicapped parking spot - they didn't have many and all were filled - first strike. I did find a close spot, and after grabbing my walking cane and carry on luggage, we made our way to the terminal entrance. We're Diamond Plus members of Royal Caribbean's loyalty club and were directed to that line, about seven couples were already in line, but next to it was the Handicapped line, an empty line. I looked at the woman giving directions, she again pointed to the crowded line. We waited and waited, and saw the "director" point other people to the handicapped line, people with canes just like me, and they were quickly checked in; I still waited. This was their second strike.
Once checked in, we made our way to the ship. And once again my Disability was ignored. We were directed up the ramps despite my apparent difficulty in walking. I thought we'd only go up once or twice, but on the third level was only the start. Too late to turn back, I trudged up the switch back ramps getting slower and slower. I few people behind us wanted to rush on by, and since I was slowing everyone down, I stepped aside to let one group pass. Some commented on my slowing everyone down, others asked why they didn't let me through the handicapped entrance. I wondered why too.
Finally up about eight ramps, an exhausted, hurting, and grimacing passenger, me, made it to the security check point. I immediately complained to the Royal Caribbean Officer present. He didn't appear too concerned, or willing to offer help or an apology. Shame on them. Third strike.
Nothing new though. Royal Caribbean has a habit of discriminating against disabled passengers. I've complained to them for many years, their ill treatment of handicapped passengers.
From check in, to getting on the ship, to shore excursions, they often forget about us. I had to stop going on their shore excursions because they don't reserve seats up front for disabled passengers. I've asked numerous times about this and each time they say they can't do anything about it.
The only good thing is their Special Assistance Team. After you reserve your trip you fill out a form for your Special needs. I always ask for extension cords (for CPAP), refrigerator (for diabetes meds), raised toilet seat (some ships still have lower seats).This team is excellent in serving their disabled passengers.
So a two star rating for the Terminal because they fail to recognize disabled, all disabled passengers. Perhaps they can add a wheelchair symbol to your cruise documents, even put on on your card. To signal their personnel that yes, this passenger...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreThe primary reasons I scored Carnival cruise a zero (0) was because this organization is an avaricious scandal-less rip off who do not GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THEIR CONSUMERS! Two days before I was scheduled to depart on 09 Sept 2018, the travel agent from Vactionstogo informed me that Carnival changed the itinerary from the original destination of Bermuda to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, Half Moon Cay, Freeport (Port Lucaya), Bahamas due to hurricane Florence. I informed the travel agent that I did not want to attend the cruise due to the itinerary change and requested a refund since I only wanted to go to Bermuda. The travel agent contacted Carnival and informed their organization that I did not want to attend the cruise and requested a refund. Carnival refused to refund me the cost of the Bermuda cruise because they claimed in their contract when I purchased the tickets that the captain can change the itinerary arbitrarily without compensating the consumer. In addition, Carnival refused to offset the difference between the costs for the Bermuda cruise versus the new Bahamas cruise, which was over a $500.00 difference! Since I would not be refunded for cancelling and I did not want to waste the $2,624.80 (cruise cost) plus 128.00 (CSA insurance) total $2,752.80 my mother and I felt forced to attend.
While on Carnivalās horrible cruise the following transpired:
We boarded Carnival Cruise in Baltimore Maryland. Personnel that were responsible for our luggage did not provide my mom's luggage to our room when mine arrived. When I contacted guest services they did not locate my mom's luggage until almost midnight. Once my mom obtained her luggage she observed that majority of her previous full bottle of prescribed pain medication pills were missing and only 6 pills remained in the bottle. I contacted guest services and informed them that one of their personnel had stolen majority of her pain medication. guest services advised me to file a report, which I did that night. For the next few nights guest services contacted my room to see if someone had brought the stolen pills to our stateroom. Of course no one ever did nor did they try to locate the personnel who handled our luggage. So guest services lack of effort was a waste of time since thereās no security to report the incident to while on the cruise. Upon my return I informed a deportation officer of what transpired and he informed me who to report the incident at the Baltimore Maryland port, which would ensure security would be notified for...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreThe Cruise Maryland Terminal is a fantastic facility that offers a top-notch experience for cruisers from all around the world. The terminal is located in Baltimore,which is a popular port of call for various cruise lines. I had the pleasure of using this terminal during my recent cruise and I was beyond impressed with the overall experience.
One of the things that I appreciated about the Cruise Maryland Terminal is that it isMaryland and easily accessible by car or public transportation. The staff at the terminal are friendly, helpful, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience.
The terminal itself is clean, spacious, and well-organized. The check-in process is efficient and streamlined, with multiple lines and attentive staff members directing passengers to their proper destinations. There are plenty of seating areas and amenities available for passengers waiting to board their ship, including restrooms, charging stations, and food and beverage options. The terminal also offers complimentary shuttle service to and from designated parking areas, making it easy to access for travelers coming from out of town.
One of the things I appreciate most about the Cruise Maryland Terminal is the attention to detail when it comes to security. The staff is vigilant in ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers and their belongings. There are plenty of security checkpoints throughout the terminal, and every bag is thoroughly screened before boarding the ship. This gives me peace of mind that my belongings are safe and secure while I am away.
Overall, the Cruise Maryland Terminal offers a fantastic cruise experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to embark on an unforgettable journey. The staff is friendly and professional, the facilities are clean and well-maintained, and the attention to detail when it comes to security is unparalleled. It's no wonder why so many travelers choose to sail from this...
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