Discrimination against elderly women of color

Explorer of the Seas Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

afenning1215

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 15

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaska Sawyer Glacier (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 08, 2016

Ship: Explorer of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 7577

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

I was disappointed with this cruise for the following reasons:

1. As an elderly woman of color (African American) I was discriminated against by white people who did not want me and my sister friend Trudy Martin, sitting at their table. They made racist, derogatory remarks and even let their teenage son rudely turn his back to Ms. Martin, 71 years old, because she sat next to him.

2. The above people at the table I was assigned to on 7/8/16 complained about Ms. Martin and myself, and requested that we be moved to another table.

3. Your people never questions us about what happened, instead, you left a note in our rooms that we were being moved yet again to another table.

4. You should have never assigned Ms Martin and Ms. Fenning to eat at 8:00 p.m. as we were both elderly women who had to eat earlier and take medication at 6:00 p.m.

5. You should have told me and Ms. Martin that if we drink the bottled water in the room we would be charged for it. The listing was placed in the back of the large bottles so I didn't see it before I drank the small bottle of water.

6. Free water should be offered to all passengers in their room on a daily basis without costing them money or at least have a water placed where we could fill up our bottled water without charge. Free amenities needs to be offered for passengers who save up for expensive cruises.

7. When served, noted that white people were asked first and then Ms. Martin and myself in the dining room.

8. Subtle forms of discrimination, racism, sexism, ageism and any other "ism" was experienced in the cruise. It has become so ingrained that people and staff don't even know they are doing it.

9. Not a big fan of Explorer of the Sea and I'm pretty sure I won't recommend it to others.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Iwayan Ariasa was very nice and helpful. I rate him very good.

Ports of call

Seattle, Washington

3 out of 5

Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska

3 out of 5

Juneau, Alaska

3 out of 5

Skagway, Alaska

3 out of 5

Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

3 out of 5

Victoria, British Columbia

3 out of 5

16 Comments

meghad23 8 years ago

Well said JusMe. For seasoned cruisers, there are some things you should know.

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amyjjohnson 8 years ago

So sorry! Some people are beyond ignorant and very limited.

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mbbarnes80 8 years ago

Hmmm. This review sounds a bit far fetched.

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JusMe 8 years ago

I'm very sorry that you did not enjoy your cruise. But a few things about your review.

1. RCI is not responsible for the people at your MDR table. I have had people at a MDR table that changed tables because people at the next table were cussing. I have requested a table change because a lot of the table were not talking in English. They paid just as much as you did, they also have the rite to sit with people that they want to interact with.

2. You would have known your assigned Dining time when you got your conformation of the cruise. Higher cabin levels and loyalty program levels get priority assigned dining times, not race or age.

3. If you have medical issues that need early dinner your TA should have had this set up for you.

4. If you were unhappy with late dining did you try and change to early or to "MyTime dining" ? You could have also had dinner in the buffet early any night or room service.

5. You say you have cruised before. If so you would know that the water and mini bar items were not free.

6. Not everything is racism or ageism. Not everybody likes everybody.

Maybe you would do better on HAL, can not claim Ageism on that cruise line.

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shipmate13 8 years ago

Don't belive this one bit. I won't be part of this pitty party. Maybe you should try something else. If you can't afford the water you probably shouldn't cruise

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newtraveler 8 years ago

Table for two is what you should've gotten- but you need to ask for that. I was by myself and always sat alone - by choice. I was just fine. You guys would have had a very nice time that way. Of course everyone is different. Live and learn and don't be looking for things that may ruin your good time.

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kentbarb 8 years ago

You pay just as much as everyone else and should be treated the same, sad! Try Carnival. You can choose your time dinners and go to eat from 5:30 - 9:00. You are not assigned the same table every night and can sit at a table for two, four or more, they will ask before they seat you. Water and other drinks are not free but you can order cheaper before cruising or bring your own on some cruises.

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smurfette64 8 years ago

Actually service usially syart from a specific point - like 12 on a clock and work clockwise - doesn't matter who you are. I've never seen anyone discriminated against ever

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SvetlanaS 8 years ago

Sorry for your spoiled vacation. Service people usually take orders clock wise starting with oldest (or the most memorable) person. Other way we will never get what we order.

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juliusandtoni 8 years ago

WOW! I was on this same cruise at this time. I am sorry that this happened!

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cruiselover64 8 years ago

The onion is missing it's skin please send it's thin skin back. Come on be serious, not everything is race based and not all white people discriminate against people of color. I would wager that there are just as many people of color who discriminate against Caucasians. Complain to the line. Just remember they can't control what people feel, believe or how they act. Having been on Royal many many times I know for a fact there is an obvious card in every room that there is a charge for the bottled water.

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newtraveler 8 years ago

You can complain to the cruiseline and you should ,but they cannot control other passengers attitudes. Really sickening and rude. We are not all the same- just as the blk community are not the same. Some people just live intheir own sick bubble. In any hotel- motel or cruise- anything in the refrigerator- there is a very large charge.Sad to say- racism exists no matter where you go. We all have a touch of it at times. If you are friendly and a really pleasant person- it should really help- for all of us. We just need to keep working hard at accepting others that are different.All that is going on in this country needs to stop.

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Fishingstars 8 years ago

That is awful! I am so sorry you experienced that!!! Definitely talk to the Cruiseline because that is unexceptable!

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banaford 8 years ago

I am so sorry you experienced this. I am sure you and your friend are a "delight". What a wonderful life story your table mates did not get to hear. I would write to the cruiseline and make them aware of these experiences. I hope if you cruise again, it is a much better experience.

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kathypell 8 years ago

I am sorry that your experience was not good.

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stevensjc 8 years ago

Should complain to cruise line.

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Other reviews of this sailing

Mostly good.

North to Alaska

Good experience with some concerns