Keep it short. Customer service representatives receive hundreds, if not thousands, of messages each day and are probably not going to read a 10-page missive about why your cruise was awful. Keep your letter to one page and focused only on the key points.
Calm down. You may be upset, but companies do not usually respond to profanity-laced messages or complaints filed with angry tones. Try to be respectful and calm in your letter, as this will elicit the best response.
Indicate that you want a response. You do not need to demand a free cruise and you should not be rude, but it is OK to mention that you would like to hear back from a representative regarding your issue.
Include your important information. This includes your name, the cruise name, your reservation number, a narrative of what happened, a suggestion for resolution and your current contact information.
Sleep on it. Read your letter the next morning to ensure it made the points you wanted to make in a cordial and nonthreatening tone.
Send it. Mail your letter to Carnival Cruise Lines, 3655 N.W. 87th Ave., Miami, FL 33178. It could be several weeks before you receive a response. You can also follow up using Carnival's online contact page (see Resources).
