Carnival Venezia Pt.4 - Secret Asian Buffet, Shower Chat, Debarkation, Airport Transfer Struggles

[@DEFain-hj5hc]

You guys are awesome!!! 7 cruises in 80ish days wow!! I’ve enjoyed all the great content!! Thank you for sharing and making us feel like we are right there with you!!

[@cherylbacheler4299]

We had a similar situation at the port in Los Angeles. We did the carnaval transfer to the airport. Ended up getting to the airport with 30 minutes before time to leave. But for the grace of the Delta customer service, we made it just before the door were getting ready to close at the plane.

[@toniamartin3041]

We don't use the airport transfer since our very first cruise. We also had a negative experience. We paid for the bus to go from the Miami pier to the airport and they said we weren't on the list. It took about 15 minutes or so for the driver to contact someone to make sure we paid.

[@SouthMainTravelers]

We've had problems with the Carnival airport transfers in the past. We finally had to give up on them because they more often than not ran hours late, both from the airport to the cruise port and back.

[@carolynshepherd8344]

Our first time sailing out of New York, we decided on the Carnival transfer too. Our experience wasn't nearly as bad as yours but it wasn't great either. We left on time but unfortunately, our driver just let everyone off in the middle of a construction zone at LaGuardia. There were no signs saying where to go for what terminals or gates. When we asked the driver if he could drop us off at the Delta terminal, he said, "This is as far as I go because of the construction." Then he closed the door and drove off. Luckily we were able to take a shuttle to our terminal (If the shuttles can get there, why couldn't our transfer bus?) and caught our flight with no problem. Now we take a taxi or the train.

[@carolyngardner4999]

I never knew a train goes to LGA. I know the M T A bus goes to LGA and I’ll from New York.

[@carolyngardner4999]

All that’s matters is everyone got home safely

[@carolynshepherd8344]

The train doesn’t go directly to the airport. You have to take the Q70 shuttle bus to get to the station to grab the train. (Or the train to the shuttle if you are going to the airport).

[@JoyJohnson-hn9zt]

That transfer would have given me heart palpitations

[@boganpainter1638]

I was on the same sailing. I am glad I didn't use the Carnival bus. I read a lot of bad reviews of the Carnival buses in New York so chose not to use them. I had a 1:30 PM flight and didn't get through customs until 11:15AM. The rumor to why there was such a backup was that someone fell down the escalator in the port and was badly injured. I got a taxi to Penn Station and took the LIRR to JFK. This took under an hour and only cost about $30, so it was the right decision. I was sweating it a little. I have TSA Precheck and Clear so I wasn't trying to get to the airport 2 hours early, but I was worried about getting to the airport early enough to check my bag which I barely did.

[@michelleb749]

That was the way to do it. Long Island Railroad to JFK

[@kristenhansen2599]

Spumoni is my FAVORITE!!

[@haznut5]

We had a similar issue with Celebrity transfer in Miami last April. We did make it but barely made our 2:00 or 3:00 flight back to Canada. I decided never again would we do that. They had 1 bus but there wasn't enough room so we stood out in the heat for quite awhile finally another bus came.... all in all it caused me anxiety. However, as stated, we did make it but had to do some running when we got to the airport. I enjoyed your reviews. We are going on the Venezia in April 2024.

[@jacquiekolodiej3008]

I love watching your videos. Because of health reasons I can no longer cruise so the videos that give the latest cruise news makes me sad. But your videos are so much fun they make me very happy. And I adore both of you.

[@angelas9467]

I have no clue what I am going to do until your next cruise? I am addicted to you guys.

[@leemason3450]

cannot wait for this one thanks for the video

[@lorettachapman4244]

Not a fun way to end a great adventure, I hope you get it resolved soon!!

[@JeanCarlos-lz4vd]

I really enjoyed the whole series. I'm sailing on October 28th on a 12 day so this was very informative. We live in Jersey, fairly close to NYC so thankfully no flight issues for us!

[@avaa1217]

See you onboard, I’m on the same sailing!

[@theresacurry3728]

We had a similar experience with Carnival in 2016 out of Fort Lauderdale. We had a 1pm flight, so we booked transportation with Carnival. We arrived in port on time and exited the ship, however customs was in super slow motion and it took us 2 hours to get through that process. We finally made it to the bus, but they wouldn't leave until it was full. We ended up grabbing our luggage and hopped into a cab. Luckily, no line in security and we made it to our gate with about 10 minutes to spare. We never got a refund from Carnival for their transportation. I still love Carnival and cruise with them, but I don't book their transportation anymore.

[@ricktaylor5397]

The only tomatoes that are great with no dressing are those picked straight from the garden. Just a little salt and pepper.

[@DreamsRemembered6592]

I am sailing out of New York, on Venezia, for Canada/New England in Sept. ‘24. Thank you for the series/reviews! ♥️

[@TropicLuv]

These kind of mess ups, I was going to call them F ups, can really disrupt your travel. You become nervous, anxious and have a whole lot of headaches you don’t need at this point coming off the ship all rested and happy to this kind of a mess! Not acceptable at all! So sorry for your experience, but again, you have taught us all a good lesson about what to do and not to do! NOT to do is booking their transfer service!

[@bastiman85]

@parodeejay In addition to the snack shelf you also have the “condiments” (aka shampoo/conditioner) there in the shower😜

[@Tom-rd9qp]

Good information. I booked Carnival Transportation too for cruise in November. It was the best option $ for a solo.

[@CalCobra]

We booked a 7 day cruise on the Venezia when it comes to California next year, can't wait!

[@emilym3981]

I had an issue with transfers in Galveston, we purchased transfers from the port to IAH airport as it was actually cheaper than a taxi. Fine, we are directed to a bus that sat for a while- I would go outside to the rep directed everyone concerned we would miss our flight, she assured me we were fine and that we are going straight to IAH airport, but the driver was telling me he was going to HOU airport 1st and then IAH and we might not make it. We made the decision to pull our luggage and take a taxi. The shuttle rep said we would not get a refund; I told her trust and believe I would get back my money and I did.

[@dianeharris7227]

Sorry to hear about your experiences with the transfer, I use it every time I cruise every year and they have multiple buses that leave every hour.

[@sandydowney5742]

We had a similar situation with the transfer on Norwegian in Miami. Ended up getting an Uber to the airport to make our flight on time.

[@travelwithus750]

Our experience on ncl in New York debarking was really bad as well. I think pier 88 is just to congested to have a chance to be a smooth process. And people not following directions adds to that.

[@diannaboothe6946]

I enjoy all your videos and always want to cruise after I watch. This ship is not doing it for me. Lol.

[@julietaylor2497]

The transfer situation is unfortunate. I've used NCL's transfer service quite a few times without incident. I would expect the same from Carnival. I hope you get your much deserved refund soon. As for disembarkation, there were major issues with it in Galveston too. Luckily, we were staying an extra day so no worries for us, but a lot of people were freaking out. I would like to say it was just the Dream, but it was a problem for the Vista also according to people we met in the airport the next day. Certain places just seem to have more issues than others. Have fun in Alaska!

[@kbmotherhen7222]

Are you going to come down to Australia and do a cruise

[@VenieDettmers]

We are sailing on the Venezia in September. May I know how much the taxi cost from the ship to the airport? Enjoyed your Venezia videos, we got the information we wanted to have.

[@2luvjazz]

OMG, I’m so sorry you guys went through this. I know we there were some issues with the ship and reps at the pier with everyone being new to NY. I work at the pier as well and I know there was an incident on the escalators that day. In fact, someone fell on the second sailing as well. As of now, everyone is finally comfortable with the ship and pier and things have been running smoothly. Guess there were hiccups in the beginning. I wish I had a name of someone to give to escalate your refund. Thanks for the wonderful vlogs and I hope you give NY another chance.😊

[@AimeeTracy]

When will you guys be back to the Caribbean? 😊

[@nancymurphy3127]

Jay and Dee have you had any resolution to this situation?

[@parodeejay]

We did, finally! I need to update a pinned post. After 200 days of waiting for a response, they decided to give us onboard credit in the amount of that failed transfer for one of our future cruises.

[@nancymurphy3127]

@@parodeejay that's awesome. That didn't cost Carnival anything to provide that credit to you.

[@TravelWithTheFunShips]

Dee and Jay, in the future go to Penn Station take the LIRR to Jamaica for the air train to JFK

[@gigadadadventures]

Dee & Jay, That bus story gave me anxiety. I would've been going crazy

[@hollysquire7133]

Right?! You guys have the patience of a Saint. My husband would have murdered someone at that point.

[@TravelWithTheFunShips]

Doing a 12 day Journey sailing from New York on Feb 12 plus b2b Feb 2 9 day from NYC. Don’t like 4 day cruise, too short and don’t get all the shows the ship 🚢 offered

[@JNTravels]

We are sailing on this ship in October. Is the top secret Asian buffet included and when is it served? 🐸

[@kevinfadgen]

Served at seafood shack on sea days only.

[@JNTravels]

@@kevinfadgen Is it complimentary? 🐸

[@parodeejay]

@JNTravels Complimentary, yes!! :D

[@alk61695]

The bus driver was actually notified about your ban from Long Island so that was the hold up. In all seriousness though I hope you get a refund as they did not provide the service they promised you which may have resulted in a missed flight. You should also get reimbursement for your taxi as I know that is an expensive trip. It makes sense there was a disembarkation delay as pier 88 really can't handle the crowds from the larger ships.

[@JohnCostanzo]

So I’m worried of how busy the ship looked, is there enough to do that you’re not crowded? Going on 10 day and a little nervous.

[@parodeejay]

Most any ship can feel crowded if you go to dining venues or events at peak times. We'd imagine a longer cruise might have a less chaotic feel overall than a shorter "party" cruise, so you can probably expect a slightly calmer atmosphere than what we experienced, but we'd say the crowd level might be similar in terms of numbers.

[@sarao8074]

I've started using my credit card as my primary payment method for security reasons and because with a credit card, it's super easy to dispute charges. Carnival did not provide the service you paid for. I would dispute the charge for the airport transfer and let the credit card company deal with it. I would record the lady at the bus telling me that yes, this is the 9 o'clock bus, the time is now 10:15, and I cannot promise it will leave at any specific time. Because that is absolute bull. Literally just not providing the service they charged money for.

[@Chrisnina84]

I may have missed it. Is the gelato included or extra?

[@parodeejay]

Gelato should be extra, as far as we saw.

[@DepecheMatt84]

I think I heard Dee giggle when Jay said..."POTATOES!" Is Dee a LOTR fan?

[@sabrinalavdisarnold825]

Hi guys. Maybe you can reach out to John Heald about your bus fiasco? He can tell the "beards." You have a large following but Carnival should refund you, regardless. When I saw the remodel videos on the Venezia I could tell right away the Lido was too small.

[@ProPhile]

As a New Yorker that’s super frustrating to hear! Even a Yellow Taxi would probably only cost $60 to JFK. 😢

[@greghodges6489]

What about all the fights and the need for drug dogs ?

[@michelleb749]

Sorry about the bus transfer fiasco. Carnival should reimburse you. They know what happened.

[@carolyngardner4999]

I don’t think it was Carnival fault of the other people wasn’t on time.

[@parodeejay]

No, but if Carnival took our money with the promise that a sanctioned excursion would operate a certain way, and it doesn’t, it seems that they would owe us that money back. Say we booked an island tour in a port through Carnival that was advertised to leave at 9am, and the bus sat there until 11am with no communication as to if or when the tour would actually start, I would hope you’d seek compensation from Carnival for selling you those tickets.

[@annodal8465]

They should have taken the people that were there then ordered another bus or had the one that left earlier come back for the passengers who had been delayed. Carnival grossly mishandled (and seems to continue to) this situation.

[@joshuaw87]

They have the worse transfer system. I have had to get a Uber twice because they were delayed waiting for others

[@parodeejay]

PINNED UPDATE COMMENT: The airport transfer matter has been resolved after some persistence... here's a timeline... June 20, 2023 - we emailed Guest Care and received an automatic reply that we should hear something back with 45 days July 20, 2023 (30 days later) - Guest Care requested copies of our unused transfer excursion tickets and a paid receipt from our taxi ride July 20, 2023 - we emailed back to explain that the port workers did not return the vouchers to us, and that we were not expecting reimbursement for the taxi ride, only the Carnival transfers September 8, 2023 (50 days later) - after no response, emailed to check the status of our inquiry October 24, 2023 (46 days later) - after no response, emailed to check the status of our inquiry December 22, 2023 (59 days later) - after no response, emailed to check the status of our inquiry February 6, 2024 (46 days later) - after no response, emailed to check the status of our inquiry February 6, 2024 - after a total of 201 days had passed since their last response, 231 days after our actual first report, Guest Care agreed to give us a future onboard credit in the amount of the transfers, so the matter has been resolved!! ---------- Side Note: We’ve seen posts online where Tomodoro offers Italian options for lunch such as a meatball sub, etc. but we didn’t see this on our sailing. Either we completely missed lunch at Tomodoro or perhaps it wasn’t ready for our sailing…? ~Jay

[@lorettachapman4244]

Wow!!

[@adamp2384]

Waiting up to 45 days for a resolution each time you send a message is absolutely ridiculous especially in a refund situation that should be handled much more expeditiously especially since this was a carnival sanctioned transfer, I would have been trying to find Christine Duffy but I am sure she made it back to airport on time lol

[@TropicLuv]

Unbelievable! They have to know people are trying to make flights. What the heck!!?!?! Not acceptable at all! So sorry you went through this one 😢

[@ProPhile]

To an extent I believe that everyone should receive equal treatment… that said, given your status on Carnival I would think they would go out of their way to make sure you are happy! 😱🤦🏻‍♂️

[@butalina]

Did you really expect anything from Carnival.

[@denisemehlenbacher1952]

Shame on you, Carnival....

[@fadedlogic1]

Disgraceful customer service