Do the cruise lines check these boards?

[Buddy L]

Just wondering, with so much information, complaints, praise, advice and ideas on this site, does anyone from the cruise companies read these boards with a view to improving their service (and, to take credit where its due).

I would be surprised if they dont because its their business to understand the passengers needs but anybody know somebody in the industry perhaps?

[cabostleda]

They do check them but don't take nearly as much notice of them as many seem to think. Shoreside seem to take these boards a bit more seriously than management staff aboard the ships where many regard these board as more of a hinderance than a help.

[bUU]

Most businesses consider online communities like that. They represent concentrated sources of non-normalized information, and as such are practically worthless for constructive use by the business. Online communities tend to attract the extreme views -- the raving fans and the ranting critics -- which often reflect a miniscule portion of the overall market. Often, the raves embellish the positives and overlook the negatives. Usually, the rants exaggerate the negatives and ignore the positives. While some businesses have tried (with varying success) to foster their corresponding online communities, they've often done so solely in the attempt to have some measure of control over their direction, without losing sight of the fact that they'd be better off if they didn't exist. (But since they are going to exist anyway, might was well...)

[mems]

I hope so. If they are smart they will.