How To Address Problems on Board

[Host Walt]

Here's a link to an article in today's LA Times that is quite helpful:

 

(click)Unhappy at sea? Know how, when to complain

 

A very brief outline of the rather lengthy article:

Knowing how to handle common problems on a cruise can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a ruined vacation. Among the suggestions:

 

Speak up immediately when there's a problem

 

How you complain is important. "Be reasonable"

 

Contact the right person.

For complaints about any tour you booked with the line, go to the shore excursion desk.

 

In the dining room, if your food is cold or your steak isn't cooked as ordered, tell your waiter.

 

If you don't get satisfaction from other sources go to the top — the hotel manager, not the captain.

 

For the most effective communication, Sbarsky suggests, "Write the problem in a note and put it in an envelope addressed with the name of the hotel manager and marked 'personal and confidential.' Give it to the front desk. That will get his attention."

 

If you return home dissatisfied, you can write to the cruise line's customer service/relations department.

 

It's important before you start the complaint process to have in mind what you think is a fair resolution

 

Get your travel agent involved in the complaint process

 

Most major cruise lines are members of the American Society of Travel Agents, which has a consumer affairs department to mediate complaints with its members. For tips, go online to its consumer travel website, http://www.travelsense.org , and click on "Consumer Info" and then "Travel Complaints."

 

The article concludes, "A cruise passenger's legal rights are minimal"

 

[CruiseFever]

What a great article, thanks!

[springtxbill]

If more people followed these steps, they would have a lot better cruise. Of course the same works for other situations.:)