Last year I made the exciting (to me) decision to head off on my first cruise. Given the cost included all meals and accommodation, I found it excellent value, though I was in for a few surprises.
I took a fabulous trip around the South Sea islands, stopping in at a couple of excellent snorkelling spots – but there was, indeed, a little drama. Most of it wasn’t mine, but it was still a stark reminder of how quickly plans can change with no-one ‘at fault’ – as my insurance company said – and the costs of doing so.
The middle of the ocean
If you’ve cruised before, you might already know that cruises involve intricate itineraries, carefully orchestrated logistics, and a variety of potential risks.
Shore trips involve launch departure times that must be strictly adhered to if the ship is to keep to schedule.
I travelled with my daughter, on a reputable cruise line. There was a ship’s doctor and a staffed and serviced medical bay on board. Even so, the largest and most obvious concern when sailing is, of course, that you’re in the middle of the sea. In the event of a medical emergency, comprehensive medical care can be a long, long way away.
Sea legs and medical matters
My daughter had never sailed on a ship before (not counting local ferries). It took a while for her to get her sea legs. She experienced some seasickness, which is pretty common. There was easily available medication on board (at an additional cost), and panadol. You can, of course, bring such medications with you and many passengers did exactly that. For me, this was a key learning.
A more serious incident happened on our second night at sea. Eating at the ‘all-night burger bar’ wasn’t my child’s best idea. Combined with her already delicate stomach, she spent half a day in our bathroom and another in bed recovering.
Our steward was concerned enough to alert the ship’s doctor, but fears of gastric flu were luckily unfounded.
After resting and rehydrating, she improved fairly quickly though it was two more days before she could keep down anything more than toast. This put a dampener on our sea days but we brightened up once we were able to spend some time ashore.
Full medical emergency
There was also a full medical evacuation while we were on board, necessitating an unscheduled side-trip towards the nearest port.
Early on our third day at sea, we noticed our ship wasn’t moving. Soon afterwards, there was an announcement regarding an emergency medical evacuation. The ship anchored in a bay, while a boat launch scudded across from shore and evacuated an elderly passenger. This kind of experience can cost a lot without adequate travel insurance.
The captain kept all of the passengers informed at each stage of the emergency process, including the news that our arrival time at our first port of call would be delayed. This had a knock-on effect for many passengers, including me.
Covered for ‘unforeseen events’
The medical emergency meant a delay to any on-shore excursions. For me, my walking tour was pre-booked and prepaid, but we missed the departure time by over two hours. I alerted the touring company via email as soon as I knew, but we were only in port for a day. By the time they replied, we’d already departed for our next destination.
This is what travel insurers consider an ‘unforeseen event’, and I was insured for this. I’ve lodged my claim with my travel insurance company and am keenly awaiting their response – and, of course, any refund to which I’m entitled.
Had I taken out the more basic level of cruise cover offered by my insurer, I’d not be entitled to this claim. The comprehensive cover I took out cost around $150, and my claim comes to around $120. There’s no excess to pay for this claim so my policy practically paid for itself.
The bottom line
Cruises can offer good value when it comes to holiday costs, as food and accommodation are usually included in your fare.
Unexpected events can domino, throwing out schedules and your pre-bookings. It’s possible to have this covered by your travel insurer’s cruise cover component.
A medical evacuation aboard ship reminded me that good travel insurance is not a luxury when you’re spending several days in the middle of the sea.
Take travel sickness medication with you before embarking on your cruise! You’ll thank yourself later.
Have you been on a cruise? What advice would you give a first-time cruiser? Why not share your experience in the comments section below?
Also read: Little-known rule about cruising
Also factor in the drinks package, which may include more than drinks v cost on the ship if paid individually as you go, travel insurance re age and pre existing conditions, better class dining, current passport and tipping costs which may be automatically added to your account which must be paid before you can finally leave the ship. Plus any Visa consideration that may be relevant? And, no, you can’t take on board your alcohol. Enjoy the trip.