Holiday significantly not as described..

Paranoid

WickedWolfie wrote: »

Hum, at face value that arbitration charge is higher than the cost of a "small claims court" (ie county court) action .....I know which I would pursue!

I've had (and won) two holiday cases through the courts and would certainly NOT go to arbitration. If it's possible to contact other complainants on your trip a 'group' action might have more clout. Perhaps 'Watchdog' could provide some contact detail.

Pollycat

luci wrote: »

Ros retired in July.

There is a topic on HERE with similar complaints on the early cruises on the Thomson Dream. Read back a few pages.

I agree, there is no way a 3000 word letter would have been read. Complaints need to be succint and to the point. You can expand in full later if they ask for further details.

Holidaytruths (who had an agreement with Ros Fernihough to provide free impartial advice on travel law to HT members) have now got another legal company:
http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=147960

It might be worth registering with HT (easy & free to do) and see what Simpson Millar say.

I caught a bit of the Watchdog program and agree that it looked pretty dire.
Something about Thomson selling it as a 'new' ship when it had just been refurbished - or was that a different cruise altogether?
If that was the ship, I can't remember how it ended though.
What (if anything) did Thomson say?

magsmartinleeds

yes the watchdog programme was solely about the Thompson Dream, it had not been refurbished as they were claiming, they had bought the ship from Costa and had made a few changes, such as the brand name on the funnel etc. but 10 days later they were selling holidays for it. The arrogance of the company is off putting and it does take courage to proceed with a claim, however I am leaning towards the small claims action.

Pollycat

magsmartinleeds

If you are going down the small claims court route, be aware that it should be your last resort after trying (and failing) to resolve the issue with Thomson by other methods.

One of the moderators on HT successfully took First Choice to court and has posted some hints & tips, you'll find the thread on Holidaytruths just below the link I gave above re Simpson Miller solicitors.

Good luck