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Cruise customer says she didn't have A/C in her room for entire trip

By Jason Stoogenke, wsoctv.com
By Jason Stoogenke, wsoctv.com

Pamela Harmon said she doesn't get to go on vacation very often because her husband is recovering from a broken back and can't travel.

So, when she got a chance to go on a Carnival cruise with a friend, she took it.

She said the trip cost each of them about $800.

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"We didn't have a clean cabin. Our beds were not made. No air conditioning. No electricity in the bathroom. We asked several times to have it corrected. It took them two days to get us electricity in the bathroom. We never got air conditioning the whole cruise," Harmon said.  "It was really hot."

She said the crew only gave her a portable fan.

"It helped to keep some air moving, but it was still hot," she said.

When she got back home, Harmon said she complained to Carnival.

"They said, 'Well, you know, we're sorry it didn't happen to your liking. There's nothing we can do,'" Harmon said.

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So she emailed Action 9's Jason Stoogenke, saying she didn't feel she was entitled to a full refund, just something.

"I feel like I took the cruise, but I don't feel like I got my money's worth," she said.

Action 9 emailed Carnival. The cruise line didn't address Harmon's complaints about cleanliness, electricity or the air conditioning specifically but said it would give her $300 back as a "gesture of goodwill."

"Once I contacted you folks, it was like 24 hours. It was just like add water and stir. My problem was solved," Harmon told Stoogenke.

Tips for anyone who has a problem with lost luggage, a cabin, noisy neighbors, the food or excursions during a cruise: 

  • Always start by asking the crew for help.
  • If they can't fix the problem right away, don't be afraid to ask for freebies.
  • If you end up having to deal with the issues when you get back, just make sure you take good notes and contact Action 9 if you're not getting anywhere.

Cox Media Group

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