This is a strange tale, and certainly not a lot of fun, from the line that likes to calls its vessels the Fun Ships.
Chris Harvey and family were stopped when disembarking from Carnival Freedom at the end of their cuise, taken back to their cabin and accused - very nicely, apparently - of causing damage to the edge of the desk.
They were given two options - accept responsibility (which no doubt really meant give us some money to pay for the damage) or be banned from Carnival for life.
Now I don't know about anyone else, but I've often noticed minor damage in the cabins I'm staying in - a mark on a carpet, a scuff on the desk - and never really thought too much about it. I will now. In fact, after this I imagine everyone will be rushing round taking pictures before their luggage is unpacked to use as evidence. Just in case.
Anyway, back to the Harveys. They were adamant they had not caused the damage (and later found a picture taken early on in the cruise that proved they were telling the truth) so they chose to be banned.
When they got home, Chris posted their experiences (and the picture) on line. The story was picked up by a US journalist, who contacted Carnival for a comment. Within an hour, the line had apologised and the ban was lifted.
The thing is, having been treated like that, do they really want to cruise with Carnival again? After all, there are plenty more ships in the sea.
Jane Archer
