Some practical tips for a good cruise experience, and advice on what to do if you have a problem.
1. Your luggage does not arrive at the ship
If you booked as part of the cruise line’s air/sea package, the airline is responsible for locating your luggage and delivering it to the next port. If you arranged your own air transportation, it is wholly your problem. Always have easy-to-read name and address tags inside as well as outside your luggage. Keep track of claim documents, and give the airline an itinerary and list of port agents.
2. You miss the ship
If you miss the ship’s departure at the port of embarkation, and you are traveling on an air/sea package, the airline will arrange to get you to the ship, possibly at the next port of call. If you are traveling ‘cruise-only,’ however, then you are responsible for flights, hotel stays, and transfers.
One answer to lack of storage space aboard Queen Elizabeth.
Ayako Ward
It is up to you to get back to the ship before the appointed sailing time. Miss the ship and you’ll need to get to its next port at your own cost. Always take a copy of your passport with you, just in case.
Ships have also been known to leave port early because of impending inclement weather conditions or natural disasters. If this happens, the ship’s port agent will be there to assist you. Always take the port agent’s name and telephone contact details with you.
3. Your cabin is too small
When you book a cruise, you pay for a certain category and cabin grade (low-cost cabins are usually not in good locations), and, generally, you get what you pay for in terms of size.
4. Your cabin has no air conditioning, it is noisy, or there are plumbing problems
If there is anything wrong in your cabin or bathroom, tell your cabin steward or go to the reception desk immediately. Some cabins are located above the ship’s laundry, generator, or galley; others may be above the disco. If the ship is full, it will be difficult to change.
5. You have noisy cabin neighbors
First, politely tell your neighbors that you can hear them brushing their hair as the cabin walls are so thin, and would they please not slam the drawers shut at 2am! If that does not work, complain to the hotel manager (via the reception desk).
6. You have a problem with a crew member
Go to the reception desk and explain the problem. Insist on a full written report of the incident, which must be entered into the ship’s daily log by the staff captain (deputy captain).
7. You don’t like your dining room seating
Many ships operate two seatings for dinner. When you book your cruise, you choose whether you want the first or second seating. The line will make every attempt to please you. If you want second seating and are given first seating, there may be little the restaurant manager can do if the ship is full.
8. You want a table for two and are put at a table for eight
Explain why you are not satisfied to the restaurant manager, who should be able to resolve the situation.
9. You cannot communicate with your waiter
Dining room waiters might be of a nationality and language completely foreign to yours, with limited fluency in your language. This could prove frustrating for a whole cruise. See the restaurant manager, and tell him/her you want a waiter with whom you can communicate.
Part of the Medical Center aboard MSC Musica.
MSC Cruises
10. The food is definitely not the gourmet cuisine portrayed in the brochure
If the food is not as described (for example, whole lobster is shown in the brochure, but only cold lobster salad is provided once during the cruise, or the ‘fresh squeezed’ orange juice on the breakfast menu is anything but), inform the restaurant manager.
11. A large group has taken over the ship
Sometimes, large groups have pre-booked public rooms for meetings. Make your displeasure known to the hotel department immediately. If nothing is resolved, tell your booking agent, and write a follow-up letter to the line when you get home.
12. A port of call is deleted from the itinerary
Read the fine print in the brochure before you book. A cruise line is under no obligation to perform the stated itinerary. For whatever reason – political unrest, weather, mechanical problems, safety, etc. – the ship’s captain has the ultimate say.
13. You leave personal belongings on a tour bus
If you find you’ve left something on a tour bus, tell the shore excursion staff. The tour operator will then be contacted to see whether any items have been handed in.
14. You are unwell aboard ship
There will be a qualified doctor (who generally operates as a concession). Medical facilities usually include a small pharmacy. Although there are charges for medical services, almost all cruise lines offer insurance packages that include medical coverage for most eventualities. It is wise to take out this insurance when you book.
15. The ship’s laundry ruins your clothes
If any of your clothing is ruined or discolored by the ship’s laundry, tell your cabin steward(ess) and register a complaint at the reception desk. Obtain a copy of the complaint, so you can follow up. Unfortunately, you will probably find a disclaimer on the laundry list stating that liability is limited to about $1 per item.
16. You have extra charges on your bill
Check your itemized bill carefully, then go to the reception and ask to be shown the charge slips. Make sure you get a copy of your bill after any modifications have been made.
17. You fly internationally to join your cruise
If your cruise begins a long way from your home, it makes sense to fly to your cruise departure point and stay overnight before your cruise. You will start the cruise refreshed and adjust better to any time changes.
18. You are unhappy with your cruise experience
If your ship delivers less well than the brochure promises, then let your booking agent and the cruise line know immediately.