Royal Caribbean Cruises review: Harassment on ship-security not addressing issue

Freedom of the Seas-October 23rd, 2023 - October 27th, 2023

On day 1 of the cruise I encountered harassment that continued throughout the entire length of the cruise. Day 2 of the cruise, I went down to the front desk/customer service desk and presented the staff with my harassment issues coming from an unknown cruise patron. I was told by the front desk staff that they would notify the security staff and they would contact me. Day 3, I was not contacted by security staff so I once again went to the front desk and was told I would be contacted that same day. Day 4, I went down to the front desk and asked to speak to the Head of Security and waited for an extended period of time in which the front desk staff apologized for the extended wait time. Upon the Security Manager approaching me, I felt his negative vibe and still I had a positive attitude even though I was clearly upset. He took my statement and stated that the reason that his staff had not addressed my issue was because there were probably more important issues than mine on the boat and they took precedence over mine. I immediately felt the RACISM that was present from him and I watched as he addressed other SPANISH/LATIN patrons with respect and concern when dealing with their issues. My ethnicity as an African American woman made my situation unimportant to him which was clear to see on this boat especially since the other party was believed to be of Spanish descent which 70% of the boat seemed to be. THIS BEHAVIOR is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE. I asked the Security Supervisor to review the cameras and to have the patron reprimanded for the harassing behavior and at first was told no cameras are in the area even though I can clearly see them. After I stated that there are cameras in the hallways and I know they could see the culprit doing these acts, then the Security Supervisor said he would look into it; however, his response was condescending and I could tell nothing would come of this.

As a Cruise Patron, I followed all of the protocols of how an issue onboard any Cruise Line should be addressed and was completely ignored by the group of individuals who are supposed to assure my safety onboard a ship (Security Staff). Protocols that I followed were: 1) Report inappropriate behavior to Cruise Staff, and 2) If the issue is not acknowledged and the behavior continues, speak to a supervisor.

I found it deeply upsetting that there were multiple situations on the boat that were clearly RACIST against me. I did not come on a cruise to be harassed and treated so poorly by employees of Royal Caribbean as well as patrons of the cruise ship who I still do not know. This was the WORST CRUISE (yet alone BIRTHDAY CRUISE) that I have ever been on and I expect you to try to rectify this situation.

To Rectify the situation, I am requesting a FULL REFUND for my Cruise and/or a Voucher for a Fully Paid Cruise on another Royal Caribbean Ship as I refuse to board the "Freedom of the Seas" ever again. This Full Refund or Cruise Voucher includes the entire Cabin (me and my guest).

It would be professional of your organization to respond in a timely manner to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Update: Response was received from Michael Bayley/Nicole Toro and they refuse to address the issue with more than a "sorry you feel this way". They also stated that Security looked at cameras and saw no harassment. Unacceptable because the is saying I did not experience what I did and had other patrons aboard the ship see the harassment occuring.