Can I adjust automatic gratuities after disembarkation on Carnival Cruise Lines in the USA?
I don't want to discuss the ethics or practices of tipping. I just need to know if there is any way to adjust the automatic gratuities after I leave the ship.
I know that I agreed to this when signing up online. I just didn't catch that it had to be on the ship.
Their website says they don't allow this. But is there any way around this? I called customer service and they told me they will not let me adjust it after leaving the ship. And would not let me escalate the issue to a manager.
Can I call and try to get another representative? What is the legal basis for not letting me adjust it after disembarkation? Do I have any recourse at all?
Best Answer
It may be possible; I would certainly try. But you will have to sue them in the small claims court. You would represent yourself, the fee is small ($30 or so), and it becomes part of judgment if you win the case.
What you could argue is that the "we charge you automatic gratuities which you have to jump through multiple hoops to cancel" was not part of the original terms in the cruise purchase. I've never seen it presented clearly while buying a cruise - especially if you buy it at 3rd party retailer like Costco travel. And this is an important term.
Those terms are introduced later, during the check-in procedure, as part of "cruise contract". However at this moment the cruise has been already paid, and you're not having an option to decline the contract and get the full refund. Thus what Carnival is essentially doing is coercing you into contract modification, adding new terms which were not disclosed during the purchase. And the terms itself are not very clear.
Carnival also knows that this practice is shady, considering how deep they hide it. Thus once they are served with lawsuit, they will likely try to settle it with you. Don't waste your time talking to their support, they can't do anything. Like with most American companies, the only people who have real power in the company are those who read the court papers.
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Can I remove prepaid gratuities Carnival?
Carnival says that passengers can adjust it, or remove it entirely, by visiting the Guest Services desk while onboard the cruise ship. You can read the Carnival tipping policy here.How do you cancel gratuities on Carnival Cruise?
If you plan to remove tips from your onboard bill, you will need to plan in advance to bring enough cash for personal tipping, then wait in a potentially long line at the guest services desk to remove the auto-gratuities and chase down all the crew members you wish to thank on the last evening.How do you add prepaid gratuities on Carnival?
If a guest booked with a travel agent, they may contact their travel professional to add pre-paid gratuities to their booking. Prepaid gratuities are reflected in the 'Miscellaneous Charge' field on the confirmation and in the guest's E-Documents.Does Carnival automatically charge gratuity?
For your convenience, Carnival automatically charges the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your onboard Sail & Sign account. For all sailings: Standard Staterooms: $13.99 USD per person, per day. Suite Staterooms: $15.99 USD per person, per day.Carnival to Increase Automatic Gratuities… AGAIN!
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Answer 2
Can I adjust automatic gratuities after disembarkation on Carnival Cruise Lines in the USA?
No. (There are reasons, but are irrelevant because you cannot.)
But is there any way around this?
No.
Can I call and try to get another representative?
Yes. (But it won't make a difference.)
What is the legal basis for not letting me adjust it after disembarkation?
The contract you freely entered into with the cruise line.
Do I have any recourse at all?
Yes, litigation. (But you have an immeasurably small chance of prevailing.)
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