Cruise clients need comprehensive cover

CRUISE holidays offer exceptional value, multiple destinations and a seamless travel experience. However, cruising also introduces unique risks that travellers tend to underestimate. “Don’t overlook the opportunity to ensure clients understand why comprehensive travel insurance is essential when booking a cruise,” Anrieth Symon, Head of Travel at Bryte, tells Travel News. Unlike land-based holidays, cruising operates in a self- contained, often remote environment. Medical “A medical incident at sea is not just inconvenient; it can be financially devastating. Medical treatment onboard and emergency evacuation to the nearest port or suitable medical facility can run into hundreds of thousands of rand. Standard medical aid schemes may not cover treatment outside South Africa or assist with evacuation from international waters. A comprehensive travel insurance policy with emergency medical and evacuation cover is therefore critical,” advises Symon. Risks Cruising also comes with risks that are beyond the traveller’s control. Adverse weather conditions or natural disasters can cause missed ports, cancelled prepaid shore excursions or changes to the sailing schedule. “Bryte provides cover for missed ports or prepaid shore excursions that cannot be taken, provided the cruise line does not compensate the traveller. Clients often assume that they will automatically be refunded, which is not always the case,” cautions Symon. Cancellation risk is another key factor. Cruise holidays are typically booked well in advance and involve substantial upfront payments. “If a traveller falls ill, suffers an injury or experiences a family emergency before departure, cancellation penalties can be severe. Travel insurance helps to recover the non-refundable portions of cruise fares, flights, accommodation and prepaid excursions, protecting clients from a significant financial loss,” explains Symon. From a South African perspective, travel logistics add an extra layer of complexity. Most cruises require flights to international ports of embarkation and a delayed or cancelled flight can result in a missed departure. Delays “Cruise ships wait for no one. Travel delay and missed connection cover is therefore vital to assist with additional accommodation, alternative travel arrangements or rejoining the cruise at the next port when possible,” says Symon. Baggage risk is also increased on cruise holidays. Luggage may be delayed en route to embarkation ports or damaged during multiple transitions. “Insurance provides cover for lost, stolen or delayed baggage, allowing clients to replace essentials and continue their holiday with minimal disruption.” For agents, Symon recommends that the right travel insurance is not just good service but good risk management. “Clients who cruise without adequate insurance often turn to their travel agent when things go wrong, even if the issue is outside the agent’s control. “Cruising may feel indulgent and carefree, but the realities of international travel remain. Ensure your clients are protected from the unexpected. Travel insurance is not an optional add-on for a cruise holiday, but an essential part of the booking,” says Symon.