Soggy cruise, shipshape solution

LAURIE BERGER’S “Taking the Cruise Line to Court Should Be Your Last Resort” [Travel Q&A;, Jan. 29] brought back memories of an experience we had with Holland America and the Maasdam on a seven-day cruise to the western Caribbean several years ago. The first night, our stateroom flooded from a freshwater pipe, and we had a wet carpet the entire trip. We had a veranda room, so we could open it for air. Employees brought in fans and eventually an electronic machine to kill the mildew, but to no avail. About the time things were looking up, the cabin next door had a water problem that overflowed into our cabin.

They sent us wine for the first incident, and as it went on I met with the customer service person about an adjustment for our inconvenience.

Her final offer was $600, which I accepted. But I told her I intended to pursue it further with corporate, which I did. They agreed with me, and sent an additional $400.

I have since cruised with Holland America and intend to continue with the line. I found them to be fair and believe that the ship’s representative is limited in what may be offered.

GEORGE REAY

Thousand Oaks