Cruise travellers expect more from their experience

According to a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) industry report, 27.2 million people are expected to take a cruise in 2018, up from 25.8 million in the previous year. Some of the factors helping to buoy these numbers include more types of and increasing numbers of vessels, greater affordability, interest among new traveller groups, more exotic and exclusive destinations and itineraries that cater to travellers expecting more from their experience.

The evolution of cruise ship travel has resulted in itineraries that are more complex than ones where you board a plane in one airport, land in another and take a taxi to your hotel or resort where you stay until it’s time to return home. Now cruises typically comprise one or more flights, transfers to and from the ship, the voyage itself, and embarkations and debarkations at various ports of call, for example. Each of these points along a traveller’s journey increases their exposure to flight delays and cancellations, lost or stolen baggage and more.

While cruise lines and credit card providers offer travel insurance that travellers might be tempted to rely on for protection during their next trip, they may want to proceed with caution. Plans such as these tend to offer limited medical and even fewer trip-related benefits, which could leave them high and dry in a travel emergency.

For protection that covers many types of unexpected situations, travellers should consider a comprehensive plan that combines Emergency Hospital & Medical insurance with Trip Cancellation & Interruption coverage to deliver all around protection.

Travel insurance does not cover everything. For complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the policy. Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of the Co-operators group of companies and administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc and AZGA Insurance Agency Canada Ltd.

This story was originally published by Canadian Insurance Top Broker.