Despite the criticism the line has received, Carnival has the opportunity to show great leadership in how it responds going forward. Here are five steps Carnival should take to improve its media problems.

Aside from offering an outlet for professional and amateur comedy writers to try new material, social media plays an increasing role in how we learn about crises and disasters -- and also how communications and PR pros must respond to the same mishaps.

Carnival could have paid a lot more than $500 to its passengers. However, because it has such a stable business model and little regulatory pressure, Carnival can afford to brush this off as another minor incident and keep on sailing.

A company or a politician that chooses the "limited modified hangout" is disrespecting the public. Such a strategy seems to reflect the attitude conveyed by Jack Nicholson in the famous climactic trial scene in the movie, A Few Good Men: -- "You can't handle the truth!" Oh, yes, we can.

Most bosses have been skillfully coached to conduct themselves in public in ways where they appear to care about building trust despite how they may vary in actual leadership choices. Can there be a more management mantra than "build trust" with key constituents?

By Tom Hals Feb 15 (Reuters) - After four days on a crippled cruise ship with overflowing toilets, stifling heat and h...

Feb 15 (Reuters) - A passenger from the stricken Triumph cruise ship sued Carnival Corp on Friday over "horrifying" conditions, including being forced...