Rita Yates

thank you so much - appreciate it!

UPDATE:

Good morning - I want to thank everyone who let me "vent" about my recent situation with Royal Caribbean.  Since my former friend was able to access and cancel my 40th anniversary cruise (since she had been provided the reservation number to link to our reservation) I have been doing everything in my power to have someone from RCCL just hear me out and take the time to investigate my claim.  This finally happened.  I reached out to an advocacy group - the Elliott Advocacy Group - for help.  Michelle Friedman took the time to review every document that I had provided RCCL in hopes of at least getting my $200 deposit back.  I am happy to report that the Chairperson of the Resolutions Department at RCCL reached out to me with a formal apology and stated that she and other staff members actually took the time to review and listened to the cancelation voice recordings.  Although they were not able to provide me with a copy of the actual recording they were now convinced that it was not me that phoned in the cancelation.  RCCL also offered to reinstate my original reservation - they were not able to offer the cabin on the back of the ship since it had already been sold - at the cost that we paid back in 2020.  Since we had already rebooked a cruise for the same week on a different ship they applied an additional $200 to the balance we owed and even provided us with a $100 on board credit.  I am so glad that this is finally over.  They too were surprised that someone would stoop that low and be that hateful.

So this restores my faith in RCCL and the groups that advocate for others.  Not sure that without the help of the Elliott Advocacy Group I would have ever received a response from RCCL - but I did and I am happy with their response and the outcome -so time to close this case and move on - looking forward to sailing in 2022.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!  - rita 

On 12/6/2021 at 7:57 PM, PG Cruiser said:

@Rita Yates, aside from your cruise being canceled, what else did you lose?

sorry just noticed I had not responded to this -- I was out $200 since RCCL said my deposit was non-refundable.  I am going to post an update since I finally heard back from Royal   yay

On 12/5/2021 at 8:47 AM, Ray said:

Under cruise with Confidence your deposit for cancelled cruise would have been issued in FCC 

but they are saying my FCC is less the $200 non refundable deposit I lost when "I canceled" - frustrating!

20 hours ago, cast530 said:

Also brings up the point of a deeply flawed security system, which is embarrassing for a multi billion dollar company. Even on United flights, I have to answer security questions about my favorite music or whatever and give a secret password answer to manipulate any flights. Makes total sense to have this very common extra security step in place when people are spending thousands on a reservation. 

AGREE!!!  As annoying as some of the password protection policies are - they are there for our protection - thanks for your response!

20 hours ago, D Alt said:

Identity fraud is a serious issue. I have dealt with it myself.  
I think an important lesson to learn here is to know who you're dealing with and staying on top of things. I'm surprised an email communication of the cruise cancellation was not sent to you immediately after cancellation, so you could have handled it then and there, and not weeks later. Always check your reservation because even without someone cancelling your reservation, some other weird IT issues could have happened. I look at my RC account every day practically to check it and the cruise planner. 

Not only contacting the police to report the fraud, but other consumer agencies and the FTC, so you have documentation.  I would have fought a little harder too with RC if this happened to me, either rebooking or getting my deposit back. I don't think legally RC can give you those voice recordings unless it is court ordered, but if you know and have other proof of who did this to you, I'd file a small claims suit against them to get your money back. 

Agreeing with the others, cruise with confidence policy should help you get your money back. 

Thanks so much for your response - venting about this situation makes me feel a little better - RCCL stated that this doesn't fall under the cruise with confidence policy and that I will not be refunded my $200 deposit however they will provide a $300 FCC - which to me is totally unacceptable - I am not giving up - I figure someone somewhere will be able to get me through to RCCL - who I look at in a totally different light these days --- thanks again and happy holidays -  

19 hours ago, Atlantix2000 said:

Honestly, I think the only way Royal releases a voice recording is after you file a lawsuit against your "friend".  During the evidence gathering phase, your lawyer or the court would request the recording from Royal.  Outside a lawsuit, I don't see why they would release this to you.

Funny thing is I talked to the "resolution manager" at RCCL who gave me the instructions for obtaining the voice recordings (sending certified/signature required envelop).  The police detective said since this is fraud/impersonation it would be best for the police to get all the information and than present my legal case to an attorney.  Guess I am going to have to skip the police and go straight to the lawyer - sad but this toxic "person" should not be able to yet again walk away as the victim --- thanks for your response - appreciate it! 

18 hours ago, sk8erguy1978 said:

I think at this point, if it was me, I would keep fighting with Royal, find that FCC and book the cruise at the higher price (with a travel agent).

Here's why - 

I don't disagree this person needs to finally have someone stand up to them, but I see this as a tough case to win (disclaimer not a lawyer or even close just my gut). Even if they do convict your friend of fraud will the judge award you something you really didn't lose (besides the deposit, which there may be a FCC coming)? Also, if no FCC you can just file a complaint with your credit card. Is there a tangible value in this situation? You lost a price lock but not the actual money. You mentioned lawyer. Do you have one? What do they say about possible outcomes? Would lawyer fees be covered in a perfect win situation? Does this person have the means to actually pay the restitution? What about your mental health (IE: Stress) during the case?

For me, it might just end up being another life lesson added to my spreadsheet.

A side note. If this person is willing to mess with your vacation they are willing to do more. If you don't already, get some identity protection and maybe a password manager (and make each password strong and unique for everything, including this site). I don't have or use the product but hear great things about Norton 360 + LifeLock, it's a nice all in one package.

Good luck, I am sorry your "friend" is a shitty person.

Little life lesson from "A Bronx Tale" that may apply here. 

 

Thanks for your response - just venting and having people hear my situation makes me feel a little better.  This "abuse" has been going on for 15 years and now it is just the last straw with her canceling my anniversary cruise - if you would have seen my husband's face - not only when he was so proud he had booked this cruise as a suprise - but than when "she canceled it" - that look will never leave my mind.  He had booked the suite on the back of the ship over a  1 1/2 year ago - something that has been on our bucket list - it is now a matter of accountability.  I am under a lot of stress but it would be more difficult to let her once again claim she is the victim and walk away without so much as a slap on the wrist.  It is a game to her and I as of now am ready to play so she can realize that this is not acceptable behavior.  I am extremely curious to hear the tapes of "me canceling" - and the fact that RCCL won't cooperate or even let me hear the recordings is again frustrating!  The police are trying to secure the tape recordings so I can pursue legal action - without RCCLs cooperation - it goes nowhere - I did everything they asked me to do to secure the recordings - sent a $25 certified/signature required letter explaining what I needed (per their instructions) they don't call the detective back despite his numerous calls and requests - they make these recordings for a reason - and this is a good reason!  Thanks again for letting me vent - I pray this woman will be made accountable and than I can move on!!  Happy holidays!  

17 hours ago, TXcruzer said:

They do have security in place, it is called your "booking number", you gave that secure information away, what do you want Royal to do now??

The only way Royal can be compelled to assist in the way you are asking, is under a court order, should you decide to pursue a lawsuit.

I have a "criminal order" obtained by the police department - this is needed prior to determining if I have a criminal case to take to a lawyer.  Without the voice recordings it is her word against mine - just wanted to warn everyone about how important the booking number is - I for one did not realize this and I have learned my lesson - just hope I can make this woman accountable and move on to cruising and celebrating my anniversary!  

18 hours ago, sk8erguy1978 said:

Me too. Recently received a flight cancellation from United via email. I checked the app, yep flight gone. I called, given some nonsense excuse about "glitch" and in a minute my reservation was back in the app. The seat wasn't assigned but that took a few clicks. Something that could have been a big deal wasn't because I was alerted and handled it immediately. +1 for technology and walking around with instant access to email LOL.

Funny thing is - I never received any email confirmation on this cancelation - that was the first thing I asked RCCL - it wasn't until I called and inquired about my so called cancelation that I was sent an email cancelation - makes the situation even more frustrating!  I need to hear what "I said" on the voice recordings - 

17 hours ago, JimnKathy said:

From the perspective of me being a fellow RC Blog "friend", if it were me, I'd take the FCC and move on.

Wasting time, emotional energy and $$$ on something like this is a fools errand...all you've experienced is a bit of inconvenience...nobody died or suffered permanent injury.

All this will do is keep you in a state of perpetual anger and prevent you from enjoying your life while the legal process grinds away for a year or two...just ain't worth it in my humble opinion.

Good luck and Godspeed to you, Rita.  

Thanks so much for responding - in my 15 years of dealing with this toxic narcissist I have "turned the other cheek" so many times.  The RCCL incident is just the tip of the iceberg.  Like you mentioned, I decided to move on and just ignore her - but that is when she wasn't used to being ignored and she turned to ways to hurt me (emails/texts to my friends and family) -  I could tell you stories - she just needs to be accountable - no one every stands up to her and she is always the "victim".  The Royal incident was the final straw because it did involve a surprise that my husband planned.  It is really not about the money- it is making this woman accountable - I now fear if she could convince Royal she is me - who is next - my bank!  I appreciate your well wishes -   rita

4 hours ago, JimnKathy said:

While this entire story is certainly unique in many ways, it does highlight a benefit of using a good travel agent instead of dealing directly with Royal's call center. No doubt a good agency would have better success working out a quick financial fix with Royal on the cancellation of the original cruise. 

Thanks for taking the time to respond - this 40th anniversary cruise was the first "surprise" my husband has ever planned for me in our 40+ years together - you can rest assured from now on I will be using a travel agent - I hope no one else has to deal with what I am going through - it is horrible - all I want is to make the "woman" accountable and I cannot do it with the help of RCCL - they gave me their protocol for obtaining the voice recordings and I followed their instructions including sending out the documents in a  $25 certified mail /signature required envelope - just hope that just maybe someone will read my correspondence and help me obtain what I need to get RCCL to help me stop this toxic person and make sure she doesn't get away with this!!  Happy Holidays !

24 minutes ago, Ray said:

Then you need a lawyer 

I know - but I need the voice recorded message to be released from Royal before the lawyer can move forward - that is what is so frustrating - Royal is not cooperating - despite me doing everything they told me to do to obtain the voice recording

21 hours ago, Neesa said:

We just linked reservations ( I did it) for our past Thanksgiving sailing. There are numerous warning boxes that pop up asking are you sure as the linking allows access to all that are linked. I knew going in before I hit the button to link that we could all "manipulate" the reservations. Royal made it abundantly clear as they do with almost every protocol they have been releasing lately, the fine art of reading seems to be a thing of the past.....

@Rita Yates This is unfortunate that a trusted friend did this to you but I would take all of your support documents and take your friend to small claims as you would need to be reimbursed by her, to be fair Royal has nothing to do with these actions on her part. Good Luck to you! 

you're missing the point -- I need royal to release the voice recordings - I am not going after royal I am just mad that they won't provide the evidence I need to take this case to the courts -- and since I wasn't the one linking my reservation - I was unaware of all the warnings - this cruise was a surprise from my husband who had never booked before - lesson learned !

21 hours ago, Ray said:

My question would be where did the FCC go? 

I mean its book with Confidence so even if cancelled cruise credit is issued! 

However theres no doubt these past few weeks there has been numerous people joining then posting complaints straight away never to be seen again, at first i thought it was Matt boosting membership numbers before selling forum for millions of dollars ( joke ) but now i think its just someone either trying to badmouth RC or who gets a kick from posting things then sits back and watchs the replies 

Also how come all of these recent complainants switch off profile view thing? Even those who are not tech savy manage it!  

I am not bad mouthing Royal - I am a diamond member and have 4 additional cruises booked - just want to press charges against this former friend for impersonation and Royal hasn't been cooperating - despite them requesting I send a registered letter with copy of police report, etc - which I did - it is just frustrating and wanted to make people aware to guard your booking number - hope no one goes through what I have gone through and believe me I will be more careful with friends - this person was a "friend" for over 13 years and I guess she has snapped!

23 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

I was skeptical from the start since the whole thing is a rant against a neighbor. Then I was totally lost when there was some expectation that the police should help get her booking back. 

It's not about getting my booking back - it is too late for that - I am just frustrated that Royal has no security in place - ie pin number, etc. - never would I have ever thought someone would step so low but right now I just need Royal to cooperate with the police - this is a matter of impersonation and fraud

On 12/4/2021 at 8:19 AM, Ray said:

Lol have you noticed also the amount of people joining site same day just to post a complaint about RC and they never return? 

I am here -- needed to vent because it is so frustrating that Royal will not cooperate with the police to at least get my deposit back - 

On 12/4/2021 at 7:03 AM, smokeybandit said:

A lot to digest here. I'll wait to see if this poster ever returns to the site to determine how I'd respond.

I am here - seriously awaiting any advice on how to get Royal to cooperate - this entire situation has been so frustrating !

First and foremost, I want to express how embarrassed I am to be 60 years old and have to make a complaint about a former friend.  I have had nothing but issues from this woman since I decided I had enough of her narcissistic ways.  She has stalked me, sent horrible emails to my family and friends and all my “support groups” have told me not to respond to her – now she is pretending to be me, so I must draw the line here!  I am not in fear of my life, but I am in fear of what she can do behind a keyboard – I know she is computer savvy and at this point I don’t put anything past her.  She is dangerous and toxic, and someone needs to confront her so she will not get away with this game that she plays!

The incident in this report is as follows:

On November 16, 2021, I contacted Royal Caribbean Cruise lines to inquire about the balance on my upcoming cruise scheduled for May 14, 2022.  When I was unable to locate my booked cruise on the RCCL website I contacted their customer service department.  The customer service department informed me that I called and cancelled my cruise on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 – they did not give me the time of the call. 

I informed RCCL that I did not cancel this cruise – since it was my 40^th anniversary cruise and we have other couples coming with us to celebrate.  I know for a fact my estranged neighbor – who was originally invited to help us celebrate – had access to my booking number since she was originally linked to our reservation. 

When RCCL played back their recorded messages their resolutions department said the voice on the recording sounded too much like me to make a reversal of their decision of not to refund my deposit of $500.  I was speechless.  I asked if they had the phone number of where this call originated from, and they would not reveal this information to me.  The RCCL representative said the reason” I” cancelled this cruise was because my granddaughter was coming to visit – I don’t have a granddaughter !

I filed a police report for identity fraud/impersonation and all I am asking of RCCL is to cooperate with the police to stop this woman.  Per the RCCL Resolutions department – I sent a certified letter with a copy of the police report and all my booking documents.  I need help!! I am out my anniversary cruise – since Royal will not honor my original booking price and the cruise has doubled in price – my real friends will have to cancel since I won’t be on the ship. The detective has called Royal’s corporate office many times and after putting him on hold for hours – he has been unable to speak with someone to help or resolve this issue.  Meanwhile I am out my deposit and my anniversary cruise.  The way their customer service has been handling this is horrible.  I am a diamond member and a stockholder and that has been worthless!  Just a note -- Did you know that with Royal anyone can cancel your cruise if they have your booking number – so beware!!  Sure hope I can get RCCL to cooperate and get my money back and get this woman the help she needs.