Sometimes when there are surprises, staff attitude can make a world of difference. When we arrived at a hotel in Lucerne, Switzerland, and expressed dismay that the small but familiar room we had reserved was being remodeled, management placed us in a suite. That gesture earned our repeat business. Maintenance and new construction are essential. And fewer guests are inconvenienced during off-peak periods.
Practicality can dictate cutbacks in service when demand diminishes.
And certainly hurricanes are beyond the control of cruise lines. I visited a local travel agent not long ago to inquire about an Alaskan cruise this month. That's the kind of honesty I appreciate.