Surge in cruise passengers claiming for missed port incidents

Cruise passengers are filing more travel insurance claims for missed ports incidents, a statement by Holidaysafe has revealed. 

Published yesterday (10 January 2024), the insurance provider highlighted that this type of disruption now makes up a quarter (25%) of all cruise insurance claims, compared with just 2% in 2019.

Holidaysafe said that ships can miss ports for a number of reasons, such as for weather-related reasons or civil unrest.

For example, it highlighted that Hurricane Lee impacted New England and the Atlantic in September 2023 and affected several cruise lines, with some having to reroute ships.

Amber Moon, brand manger of Holidaysafe, said that missed port cover in a specialist cruise policy or extension will provide a payment for each port on the cruise itinerary should someone be unable to disembark due to adverse weather or timetable restrictions.

“There are a number of key things that people need to consider and that includes making sure they’re covered specifically for a cruise and for any activities they plan to take part in while they’re on their trip,” she added.

Illness

The research was carried out as ‘wave season’ approaches – this period, from January to March, is when cruise lines offer promotions and discounts and a peak booking period for the sector.

The data also showed that illness, either before or during a trip, made up over half of all claims from customers during the summer period in 2023.

Almost a third (29%) of claims were from people specifically having to cancel their cruise due to illness, with another 21% claiming for falling ill on their trip.

“As the popularity of this kind of holiday grows, it’s worth knowing that cruises can be expensive so it’s wise to spend a little extra for peace of mind,” Moon said.

“You can potentially lose the whole cost of your holiday if you have to cancel because of illness and falling ill on board a cruise can really ruin a holiday.”