Disappointing shore excursion booked through Celebrity

Celebrity Reflection Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

richardbyers

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 78

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 25, 2017

Ship: Celebrity Reflection

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7344

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

We took the tour below that was organized by Celebrity Cruise Lines. It was extremely disappointing in a multitude of ways as listed below.

transportation was a large van type vehicle that was extremely uncomfortable, no leg room and poor air conditioning, far too small to use as a vehicle for a group tour with three stops before we got to the beach Instead of stopping at local vendors for crafts and souvenirs we were taken to a store with pricey merchandise Before arriving at Bamboo Beach we were asked which of three entrees we wanted to eat and to mark our selections on the list with our cabin number included. This in itself lead us to believe that the venue had been vetted by the cruise line and the food would be safe to eat. My husband chose not to eat as he did not like any of the choices. Thus, he was more than 7 hours without food. Myself and two of our friends were ill that evening and the next day. My husband was fine as he ate nothing on the excursion Beach was unusable due to Black Sea urchins and coral immediately upon entering the water The driver was speeding to get us back to the ship on time.

Having taken 3 cruises with Celebrity in the past and thoroughly enjoying all aspects of our cruises, we were extremely upset with the attitude we received from the excursion desk staff. When my husband spoke with them, they were not helpful and stated they would get back to him later that evening. They called our State Room and left a message for another passenger who had obviously complained as well. They stated they would offer this passenger 30% off. My husband went down to the desk again and was told that the ship has no control over what we eat. My husband explained that we were a captive audience on this tour with no alternative for a meal. The woman he was speaking with stated she had no time to talk as she had to get to a meeting, that she would mention it to her boss but she did not think he would be willing to do anything more. She stated she would get back to us that night. Never heard from anyone.

If the cruise line does not expect us to eat on the excursions they sell, then it should be clearly defined in the excursion write up and lunch should be provided by Celebrity. It cannot be expected that people would go on a lengthy excursion and not eat. In all this time, not one person asked if I was okay or did I need anything to assist me. At least some compassion would have been appreciated.