Going on a cruise? Beware of these hidden costs that can leave you with a hefty bill
- Replies 12
The allure of cruises can be very appealing to many. After all, it is one of the most exciting and luxurious ways of spending a holiday.
However, there are significant hidden costs that potential sailors need to be aware of. Recently, these additional costs have again come to attention due to a distressing health scare affecting many passengers aboard a popular cruise ship.
Earlier this month, the Grand Princess cruise ship, which sailed along Australia's southeastern coast, reported health issues onboard.
A dual outbreak of gastroenteritis and COVID-19 occurred inside the ship, throwing the already controversial cruise industry into the spotlight once again.
However, Natalie Ball, the Director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, believed these health scares are a chilling reminder of how swiftly sickness can spread on cruise ships.
'Infectious diseases can spread rapidly on cruise ships due to the high number of people mingling in close proximity,' she said.
Apart from health concerns, another significant downside that Australians need to be wary of is the excessive costs related to seeking medical assistance while on a cruise.
The high costs of medical assistance on cruises also became apparent with a 76-year-old Sydney man being quoted at a staggering $235 for a COVID-19 test due to a 'doctor's consultation fee', according to a news source.
This led Ball to assert that: 'As the passengers of the Grand Princess cruise can attest to, holidays don’t always go to plan and the last thing you need on a relaxing holiday is an exorbitant medical bill.'
She advocated that travel insurance is absolutely necessary for any potential cruise holiday-goer. The financial implications of an emergency evacuation from a ship can be rather steep, costing Australians up to $20,000 in local waters and a hefty $50,000 in international waters.
Many insurance policies can also cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, and even weather delays.
Apart from the dual outbreak, several passengers have claimed the unsanitary conditions on the ship. Geoff Lines, one of the passengers, reported that their cabin smelt of 'sewerage' and was having 'plumbing problems'.
Another passenger named Maureen Monk shared that passengers started feeling symptoms on the second day of the cruise. Soon after, more and more were confined to their rooms.
However, Princess Cruises, the Grand Princess's operator, denied the existence of any large-scale health outbreaks on board. A spokesperson stated that the number of affected guests was in the ‘single digits’.
‘While most guests were unaffected by illness on that voyage, we proactively launched a comprehensive disinfection program, developed in coordination with international health authorities to prevent further spread,’ the spokesperson added.
The Grand Princess cruise, with a capacity of 2,600 passengers and 1,150 crew members, completed a four-day round trip from Adelaide to Melbourne.
Australia is currently facing a new wave of COVID-19 cases. On November 10, 2,493 cases were confirmed in South Australia, following 1,700 confirmed cases the previous week.
According to data from the federal health department, cases have also risen nationwide after a dip following the winter period.
Additionally, there has been a gastro outbreak in the country, with cases in the last year more than double the typical amount.
So, if you are planning a much-awaited cruise holiday, remember to assess all potential costs, review the fine print, and ensure you are adequately insured beforehand. Don't let hidden costs catch you off guard and ruin your perfect holiday at sea.
Here’s ABC News’ coverage of the story:
Have you ever been on a cruise, members? If so, did you experience any additional health costs while on board? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
However, there are significant hidden costs that potential sailors need to be aware of. Recently, these additional costs have again come to attention due to a distressing health scare affecting many passengers aboard a popular cruise ship.
Earlier this month, the Grand Princess cruise ship, which sailed along Australia's southeastern coast, reported health issues onboard.
A dual outbreak of gastroenteritis and COVID-19 occurred inside the ship, throwing the already controversial cruise industry into the spotlight once again.
A recent incident with the Grand Princess cruise ship highlighted the extra costs of a cruise holiday. Credit: Alonso Reyes/Unsplash
However, Natalie Ball, the Director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, believed these health scares are a chilling reminder of how swiftly sickness can spread on cruise ships.
'Infectious diseases can spread rapidly on cruise ships due to the high number of people mingling in close proximity,' she said.
Apart from health concerns, another significant downside that Australians need to be wary of is the excessive costs related to seeking medical assistance while on a cruise.
The high costs of medical assistance on cruises also became apparent with a 76-year-old Sydney man being quoted at a staggering $235 for a COVID-19 test due to a 'doctor's consultation fee', according to a news source.
This led Ball to assert that: 'As the passengers of the Grand Princess cruise can attest to, holidays don’t always go to plan and the last thing you need on a relaxing holiday is an exorbitant medical bill.'
She advocated that travel insurance is absolutely necessary for any potential cruise holiday-goer. The financial implications of an emergency evacuation from a ship can be rather steep, costing Australians up to $20,000 in local waters and a hefty $50,000 in international waters.
Many insurance policies can also cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, and even weather delays.
Apart from the dual outbreak, several passengers have claimed the unsanitary conditions on the ship. Geoff Lines, one of the passengers, reported that their cabin smelt of 'sewerage' and was having 'plumbing problems'.
Another passenger named Maureen Monk shared that passengers started feeling symptoms on the second day of the cruise. Soon after, more and more were confined to their rooms.
However, Princess Cruises, the Grand Princess's operator, denied the existence of any large-scale health outbreaks on board. A spokesperson stated that the number of affected guests was in the ‘single digits’.
‘While most guests were unaffected by illness on that voyage, we proactively launched a comprehensive disinfection program, developed in coordination with international health authorities to prevent further spread,’ the spokesperson added.
The Grand Princess cruise, with a capacity of 2,600 passengers and 1,150 crew members, completed a four-day round trip from Adelaide to Melbourne.
Australia is currently facing a new wave of COVID-19 cases. On November 10, 2,493 cases were confirmed in South Australia, following 1,700 confirmed cases the previous week.
According to data from the federal health department, cases have also risen nationwide after a dip following the winter period.
Additionally, there has been a gastro outbreak in the country, with cases in the last year more than double the typical amount.
So, if you are planning a much-awaited cruise holiday, remember to assess all potential costs, review the fine print, and ensure you are adequately insured beforehand. Don't let hidden costs catch you off guard and ruin your perfect holiday at sea.
Here’s ABC News’ coverage of the story:
Have you ever been on a cruise, members? If so, did you experience any additional health costs while on board? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
.png){kind=icon}
