Top Cruise Complaints

Though generally, travelers seem to be overall quite satisfied with their vacations on board America’s cruise lines, there are going to be complaints. Whether small or large, a complaint is still a complaint and any negative experience can disappoint even the most understanding passenger.

As being an informed traveler can help you make more of your experiences, we invite you to look at a few of the most common cruise complaints so that you may know what to look for. Be informed and know before you go to make the most of your vacations.

• The experience was not what they expected – For the first time traveler, this is a top complaint. Cruising is not for everyone. If you enjoy catered, all inclusive vacations with lots of other people, you may enjoy a luxury cruise liner. If you want a different kind of experience out of your cruise, you can try a smaller liner perhaps. However, if you enjoy roughing it on your own, you may not enjoy the structured and organized vacation experience afforded by cruising.

• Price of not “included items” is to high – This complaint is not limited to cruise ships but almost any all inclusive type vacation. You have to anticipate this complaint as this is where most of the money tends to be made. As a prepared and informed traveler, you can know what to avoid and how to work within the all inclusive restaurants to make the most of your experience and your money.

• Internet connections are weak – You are supposed to be on vacation. Although not all travelers are into social networking or bringing their work with them, some are and for these people, a bad internet connection can be quite frustrating. It is important that you remember that cruise ships are moving and catching a signal may be difficult. Have patience.

• My room was too small – Cruise ships are designed for maximum passengers to maximize profit. They are also designed to afford cruisers many options for recreation and dining as well as activities to keep you out of your room. If you truly take advantage of all a cruise has to offer, you may find that the size of your room really does not matter as you will only be there to sleep.

The best way to make the most of your cruise is to enjoy the experience and just relax. Get out and enjoy the sights, the people and the activities that make it unique, you are after all, paying for it.

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Know Your Rights–A Way To Avoid Complaints

The airlines carry millions of travelers each and every day. Although generally, most travelers will have no issues when traveling, some will be affected by common airline travel complaints. Issues such as lost or damaged luggage, flight delays and cancellations, overbooking, long lines, security issues and other complaints can be both annoying or even dangerous. As a passenger, you have rights. It is your job to know these rights to better cope and deal with these and other complaints.

Passenger Rights

Controlled by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Passenger rights are always changing to better service the public. As of April of 2010, a new passenger bill of rights was created with the passengers rights in mind. From reducing tarmac delays to the amount you can claim if your luggage is lost or damaged, many issues regarding your well being are taken into account. Further changes have been taking place since this time including international tarmac delays in 2011 and in 2012 a requirement to disclose all fees as well.

Your rights and new updates to your rights include:

• Lost Bag Refund: Airlines will now be required to refund any fee for carrying a bag if the bag is lost.

• Full Disclosure of Additional Fees: Airlines are obligated to prominently disclose all potential fees on their websites, including to fees for baggage, meals, canceling or changing reservations, or advanced or upgraded seating.

• Bumping : This rule doubles the amount of money passengers are eligible to be compensated for in the event they are involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight.

• Tarmac Delays: The new rule expands the existing ban on lengthy tarmac delays to cover foreign airlines’ operations at U.S. airports and establishes a four hour hard time limit on tarmac delays for international flights of U.S. and foreign airlines.

Other Rules Include:

Allowing reservations to be held at the quoted fare without payment, or canceled without penalty, for at least 24 hours after the reservation is made.
Requires airlines to promptly notify consumers of delays of over 30 minutes, as well as cancellations and diversions.
Bans post-purchase fare increases unless they are due to government-imposed taxes or fees, and only if the passenger is notified of and agrees to the potential increase at the time of sale.
Requires more airlines to report lengthy tarmac delays at U.S. airports with DOT

Tradewinds Vacations reviews complaints, issues, tips and information on travel to help you become a more informed traveler. Learn more about travel and how you can deal with travel complaints with tips and review to help you from Tradewinds Vacations.