Track troubles. Before booking one of the newer ships, research its track record online. Cruisejunkie.com (www.cruisejunkie.com/events.html) keeps tabs on problems at sea reported by the media and passengers. It features three years of incidents by cruise line, ship and compensation offered.
Scrutinize itineraries. If a schedule includes lots of short stops, chances are one or more of those ports, particularly the congested ones, could get cut. That's because the time it would take to disembark and clear customs might consume most of the stay.
Protect your investment. Buying travel insurance is the best way to recoup losses if problems arise. Cruise lines prefer to compensate in future credit, not cash; by paying with plastic, you may get help from your credit card company in winning a cash refund.
Register you gripes. Contact your local Better Business Bureau (www.bbbonline.org/consumer) or state attorney general's office (www.naag.org, then click on the link for "the attorneys general"). The BBB often arbitrates on behalf of travel consumers. The Federal Maritime commission, (www.fmc.gov) maintains a little-publicized consumer hotline, (202) 523-5725 where you can register a complaint. The Federal Maritime Commission is the agency whose responsibilities include advising passengers how to file claims against cruise operators.
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