Oct. 4--Dear Greg: On July 29, we and another couple booked, by phone, a cruise to South America on Holland America, leaving San Diego on Oct. 31 and ending in Santiago, Chile, 19 days later. We booked through Legendary Journeys.

Both couples are retirees living on small pensions and Social Security, so we have to save and budget to take trips. My wife, Rose, spent three days negotiating with the booking agent, Jeff, for the best price. The price quoted was $4,038 per couple. Jeff assured us five times that the price included everything. The term "bottom line" was used. On Aug. 21, both couples received their credit card bills. Surprise!

Each had been billed $5,074 -- $1,036 more than we agreed to pay. We drove to Legendary headquarters in Sarasota to try to resolve the issue. We saw two people but were not allowed to see the CEO. We have all traveled with Legendary Journeys in the past and enjoyed our trips, but the CEO is endangering our using the company again by refusing to correct this overcharge.

Rodney Smith

Satellite Beach Dear Rodney: You drove from Satellite Beach to Sarasota to get your money back? That's old school! Being a member of Not the Greatest Generation, I sat at my desk and faxed a letter to Legendary Journeys asking for review of the transaction. Bottom line -- really this time -- the company is returning $1,036 to each couple. That does not include mileage for your legendary schlep to Sarasota. Oh well. Bon voyage!

Dear Greg: In April 2005 we had our roof replaced by Atlantic Siding and Roofing. The company has been in business for more than 25 years and came highly recommended. Prior to the roof replacement, with quite a few missing shingles, we never had any leaks.

When the first rainy season started, so did the leaks. Atlantic fixed the leaks in our master bedroom and master bath, but there is an area in the family room that still leaks. There are brown streaks across the ceiling and down the wall where the water leaked and stained the wallboard. Same thing in the bedroom. All we ask is that the owner, Mike, come out and take a look to see if the ceilings need to be repaired, replaced or painted. We talked to Mike about eight weeks ago, and he said "times were tough" but he would get back to us. We're still waiting.

Jack Gray

Orlando Dear Jack: Your wait is over. Owner Mike Gagne responded promptly to my inquiry, apologizing for the delay and promising to take care of this. Business has been terrible, and he's operating with a skeleton staff. Update: Jack reports that Mike showed up at his house the day after I called. "He stepped up to the plate, coming by to see for himself what had to be done with our ceilings. He then contacted Richard with RDO Painting who came and made repairs to the popcorn ceilings and painted." This should be good enough for Atlantic to keep its A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau.

--To Meredith Maher: Not a peep from Anthony Asenjo of Realty Venture Capital about returning your $950 security deposit for the condo you left in perfect condition. You came "clean" -- why doesn't Anthony?

--To all the jilted customers of Benfica Enterprises who have written to me recently: Stay tuned. I will address this in my column next week.

--To jilted customers of Bond Aviation: Buckle your seat belts for an update next week.

Getting the runaround? E-mail Greg at gdawson@orlando sentinel.com; or call 407-420-5618; or write to Greg Dawson, Orlando Sentinel, 633 N. Orange Ave., MP-218, Orlando FL 32801. Read his blog at OrlandoSentinel.com/ consumerfile.

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