Found an interesting article about cruising – should reveal some things that you didn’t know before, even if you are an avid cruiser.

 Here are some of the most interesting reveals, that we can’t imagine the marketing brochures telling you….

1. Your carefully chosen intinerary may be changed due to engine probems or weather restrictions

In December 2009, engine problems caused the Regent’s Seven Seas Voyager to skip a scheduled port stop in Antigua, and instead head straight to San Juan for the engine to be repaired.  “Engine and weather-related problems are very common,” according to Ross Klein, editor of CruiseJunkie.com and author of “Paradise Lost at Sea: Rethinking Cruise Vacations.” Those problems have become less frequent, however weather-related cancellations have become more common. This could be because of the more extremes of weather that we now often seem to experience, even in the Mediterranean, but that is a whole other blog!

Some home truths about cruising...

Unfortunately, as a cruise passenger, you don’t have much recompense with the cruise company directly if you miss a destination. This is because almost all tickets allow cruise lines to change itineraries at their discretion. If the ship skips a port for a weather-related reason, the cruise don’t  have to offer passengers a refund – and they rarely do, according to Neil Gorfain, chief executive of the Cruise Outlet, a cruise-only travel agency. Plus, you may just end up on the ship longer, which could result in you spending more money on the extras like the spa – so you lose out twice really!

The only ways you will likely get a refund is if the entire cruise is canceled because of the weather (would think so too!). Also, generally if a ship misses a scheduled stop because of a mechanical problem, the cruise line will issue some kind of onboard credit or refund.

So it is definitely worth remembering that there may be changes to your trip itinerary, and it may not be a good idea to choose a whole cruise with only one destination that you really want to see – as you know that would be the one that you miss. You should also think about specialist cruise insurance which takes into account some of these unique problems – for example, with AllClear Cruise you could claim up to £500 if scheduled port visits are cancelled due to timetable restrictions or adverse weather. Admittedly, this is not the same as actually going on that dream trip to the pyramids, but it is a sweetener none the less!

2. This ship is a health hazard – it’s just crawling with viruses.

Cruise ships are an ideal breeding ground for germs: thousands of people in close proximity, eating food made in the same kitchen, inhabiting enclosed spaces that just a few days before housed someone else. In December 2002, the Norovirus made waves in the media after a series of outbreaks on Holland America, Disney and Carnival lines, in which hundreds of passengers were infected. The problem has not disappeared. Fifteen cruise ship outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness (an outbreak is defined as at least 3% of passengers being diagnosed) were recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2009. The best way to stay healthy is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.

But what do you do if the worse should happen?  You may be confined to your cabin which, given the size of the standard cabins, would be pretty awful. Obviously, try not to let it ruin the rest of your holiday once you are better. And again, if you get specialist cruise insurance, then you have the option of cover for this ‘stateroom confinement’  of £100 per day.

3. We can take care of your plane reservations, but it would be cheaper if you booked yourself

 However, the statement above is not as simple as it seems – When cruise lines book the customers’ airfare, they include a guarantee that if there is a flight delay, they’ll hold the ship or fly you to the next port. But you pay a premium for this security.

 So it is up to you really whether you would rather save some money, or whether you would prefer the security…

4. Think everything’s included? Think again

In 2009, Carnival brought in 76% of its cruise-related revenue through fares. That means the other 24% is from on-board spending. You get most food, entertainment and coffee, but you have to pay up for alcohol, merchandise, spa services and pictures. “All of these things are optional, but it’s hard not to spend money on a cruise because you are a captive audience,” says Oivind Mathisen, editor of Cruise Industry News.

A cruise still normally works out good value, as a lot of the main spending is included, but just bear in mind when costing your holiday that you will need some spending money too

5. Cruise-own insurance? Maybe try looking elsewhere?

An insurance policy from a ship is often more  expensive and less inclusive than other options – for example, check whether you are covered when you step off the ship for excursions. It might be worth considering a specialist cruise insurance provider like AllClear Cruise, which includes special options related to your cruise, and can also cover you for any existing medical conditions.

So there are some pitfalls that you might want to consider book your first cruise, or even book your next cruise if you are a veteran cruiser, but hopefully they haven’t put you off – just some things to think about (as if you don’t have enough already!) and ensure you  have the amazing cruise that you deserve!