There is only one thing I can think of that would make conditions on the Thomson Destiny, which has been without working toilets for the last three days, any worse: an outbreak of the Norwalk virus.
But I won’t go there. (No, that already happened stateside last week, to 500 riverboat passengers).
The Destiny, which is on a seven-day Canary Islands itinerary, is in a state of chaos, according to reports. A problem with the vacuum system caused all the toilets to stop working on Saturday and later left the 1,450 passengers and 540 crew without hot water.
If you’re a passenger, there’s no way to prepare for a breakdown of a ship’s plumbing. On smaller vessels, the solution is easy: you do your business off the side of the boat and let nature take care of the rest.
But please don’t try that off a cruise ship. We don’t need any more people going overboard.
Thomson should first try to fix the problem (it is) and failing that, should allow the passengers to leave the ship at the nearest port. Although its cruise contract doesn’t call for it, Thomson should also offer a credit toward a future cruise, or a full refund.
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
I'm on Facebook: Please "like" 
WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM? If you're having trouble with a travel business - any business - and you've reached a dead end, maybe I can help. Send me an