Cruising: What to Do if.....

Your luggage doesn't arrive at the ship-If you opted for the cruise line's air/sea package, it's the cruise line's responsibility for getting your luggage to the next port. If you bought them separately, well, it's your problem then, but I'm sure the airline will do what they can.

You miss the ship-Again, the air/sea package will have the airline get you to the next port. If the ship is just pulling away as you get to it, however, see the ship's port agent immediately.

Your cabin is too noisy or has no air conditioning or has plumbing problems-Tell your cabin steward immediately, or if he doesn't help, tell the hotel manager.

You do not like your dining room seating time-Only if there is room in the earlier or later seating do you really have an option. Ask the maitre' d' for help.

You want a smaller table instead, such as for two-Again, see the maitre' d' about it.

A port of call is deleted from that cruise's itinerary-The captain has final say in the matter, and he will not sail to a port if the seas are too rough or if there is some major event at the port, such as a recent terrorist attack.

You are unwell or get hurt onboard-There is a qualified medical staff onboard, although a surgery would probably require you to get airlifted to a proper hospital.

You have a problem with a crew member-Tell the hotel manager or chief purser and insist on a full written report of the incident(s) which would be done by the staff (deputy) captain.

The ship's laundry ruins your clothes-Tell your cabin steward then report it to the purser's office as a formal complaint. Note, however, the laundry papers that you filled out before say that they cruise line is responsible to the tune of only $1 or so per item.

You have unknown charges on your bill-Look over your bill carefully and see the purser if there is a problem. Ask to see the charge slips themselves. Make sure to get a copy of the bill after the changes have been made, too.

Of course, if you have a wonderful time, or there is something or someone that you specifically enjoy, make sure to tell about that too! Tell a supervisor, tell the person involved, tell the cruise line in a letter..... They take all comments very seriously, and they also love it when you come to them as a recent booking with www.kingarthur.myttn.com . So do it today!