City Lights Cruise Ship - Chicago
Complaint 250600 Details

I recently purchased cruise tickets from a "promotional" given by City Lights Cruise. They had a attention grabbing sign stating that during this promotion you could purchase $80 cruise ticket for $15. I thought that would be a great appreciation gift to give to my social club staff who works so hard to find social events for our club members. Since I was not familiar with this cruise company I spoke to the representative for about 10-15 minutes asking questions. I was told by the representative that this is just a promotion and that the tickets are usually $80. I asked prior to purchasing the ticket what was included in the promotion, I repeated such questions several times during our conversation. She stated the buffet, and DJ was of no charge, however, the only thing I had to pay was a $10 tax fee when I board the ship and if I wanted something to drink I would be responsible because it was not included as part of the promotion. I asked was that all and she repeatly stated yes that's all. So I told my selected members and they were elated. I relayed to them what she told me $10 to board and we are responsible for any drinks. However, when I went into the system to book the reservation I noticed a charge for $39 not the $10 as promised. Based on our conversation I purchased the tickets however later I found she was not be truly honest. The additional $39 is for the $10 tax fee, fee for 2 drinks that must be paid prior to boarding and a 18% service fee. What I feel was misrepresented was she failed to tell my about the 18% service fee nor did she mention paying for drinks prior to boarding (have some members that do not drink) The other thing that bother me is that the front of the ticket expiration date is 12/30/13 but the back of the same ticket
states the expiration date is 12/30/14...which is it. I spoke to a representative in New York who referred me to a ticket contractor (Smart Circle) who as me for a serial number on the ticket, of course I had none. She directed me back to City Lights who continues to hang up on me before I speak to anyone.