Going on a cruise? Beware of these hidden costs that can leave you with a hefty bill

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.


compressed-alonso-reyes-haZNHEV2WXQ-unsplash.jpeg
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:



Key Takeaways
  • Australians are being warned about hidden costs associated with taking a cruise, particularly in the wake of health scares among passengers.
  • Natalie Ball, Director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, pointed out the rapid spread of infectious diseases on cruise ships due to the high density of people and suggested many people are unaware of the 'staggering costs' linked to onboard medical treatment.
  • A 76-year-old Sydney man was reportedly charged $235 for a COVID test due to a 'doctor's consultation fee' onboard a cruise ship.
  • Ball emphasised the need for travel insurance for cruises, highlighting the potential costs of up to $20,000 for an evacuation from a ship in Australian waters and $50,000 in international waters.

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.
 
Sponsored
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.


View attachment 35216
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:



Key Takeaways

  • Australians are being warned about hidden costs associated with taking a cruise, particularly in the wake of health scares among passengers.
  • Natalie Ball, Director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, pointed out the rapid spread of infectious diseases on cruise ships due to the high density of people and suggested many people are unaware of the 'staggering costs' linked to onboard medical treatment.
  • A 76-year-old Sydney man was reportedly charged $235 for a COVID test due to a 'doctor's consultation fee' onboard a cruise ship.
  • Ball emphasised the need for travel insurance for cruises, highlighting the potential costs of up to $20,000 for an evacuation from a ship in Australian waters and $50,000 in international waters.

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.

We recently flew to NZ for a short cruise back to Sydney. The Magestic Princess could not come into Auckland's Port due to bad cyclonic weather conditions. This meant our group of 10 people had to very quickly secure accommodation for an extra night in Auckland. Because we had taken out travel insurance meant we were able to make a claim and recoup the added cost. We always take out travel insurance because you just never know what can go wrong.
 
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.


View attachment 35216
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:



Key Takeaways

  • Australians are being warned about hidden costs associated with taking a cruise, particularly in the wake of health scares among passengers.
  • Natalie Ball, Director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, pointed out the rapid spread of infectious diseases on cruise ships due to the high density of people and suggested many people are unaware of the 'staggering costs' linked to onboard medical treatment.
  • A 76-year-old Sydney man was reportedly charged $235 for a COVID test due to a 'doctor's consultation fee' onboard a cruise ship.
  • Ball emphasised the need for travel insurance for cruises, highlighting the potential costs of up to $20,000 for an evacuation from a ship in Australian waters and $50,000 in international waters.

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.

Hi all. I have been on 8 cruises. The cruise line has always been very proactive with hygiene and infection control. It is unfortunate that among a small percentage of passengers they think that proper hygiene practices are not their responsibility. We have seen passengers who refuse masks, refuse to wash their hands or just wave their hands under a trickle of water. These selfish self centred people are the problem . They are the ones I would confine to cabin. They are more than likely the ones that bring the infections on board in the first place. We take a first aid kit with us everywhere we travel and these days RATs as well. Needless to say other than a few panadol we have never needed anything from our kit. We intend to continue cruising but be smart about it.
 
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Princess cruise lines are a disgrace. Went on one cruise with them around NZ and Noro virus swept through the ship starting from the 2nd or 3rd day. Back then it cost about $180 to have a nurse come and give my husband an injection which we couldn’t claim on our insurance. We found out that they only have a 4hr turnaround from docking to taking on new passenger. How on earth can a ship be completely cleaned and sterilised in that time? since then there was the Ruby Princess incident when Covid started and another one just recently. Will never cruise with them again!
 
We started going on cruises in 2018 and we loved them and planned to do more but our last was in January 2020 and given all the problems with covid that have never gone away we will never go on another one. It is just not worth it and anyone silly enough to pay for one and go and gets sick is literally asking for it as all cruise ships are having cases. Why would you want to pay money and be stuck in your cabin feeling miserable. Not a holiday in my book. And these days people are taking less precautions against covid. We have had all the vaccinations we can have but only a small percentage of the population has. I acknowledge you have to live life but I don't intend to be reckless with it.
 
We have been on many cruises , our last being just before covid hit.
Hubby now refuses to go on another cruise due to how many viruses we have heard of hitting cruises . The last cruise we went on we had found out after that the ship had to be clean completely b4 we boarded due to a gastro virus.

If you catch an illness on the ship that is an illness spreading through the ship then the owners of that ship should cover your medical expenses.

If Covid is spreading through the ship then the owners should also cover the cost
 
My wife and I were on a Princess cruise last year. There was COVID onboard. We avoided it until the very last day. The problem was not everyone following the mask rules despite the crews efforts. We are going on another cruise this year undeterred. Will be taking RAT tests with us, and taking all the precautions we can. Cruising is a great holiday. You can get COVID or anything else anywhere.
 
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My wife and I were on a Princess cruise last year. There was COVID onboard. We avoided it until the very last day. The problem was not everyone following the mask rules despite the crews efforts. We are going on another cruise this year undeterred. Will be taking RAT tests with us, and taking all the precautions we can. Cruising is a great holiday. You can get COVID or anything else anywhere.
Not as easily as you can on a ship. And when others don't do the right thing almost guaranteed to ruin your holiday.
 
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My husband and I have done a number of cruises and only once have I had to consult the doctor onboard. Yes the cost is high but we always take out travel insurance, we have heard people coughing while waiting to board the ships. Most times we have been boarding we are asked do we have any colds etc so obviously those we have heard say no. That is where the problems start. Plus as has been said so many people do not wash their hands or use the gel supplied but just walk into the cafeteria style eating places.
 
Huge ships
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.


View attachment 35216
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:



Key Takeaways

  • Australians are being warned about hidden costs associated with taking a cruise, particularly in the wake of health scares among passengers.
  • Natalie Ball, Director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, pointed out the rapid spread of infectious diseases on cruise ships due to the high density of people and suggested many people are unaware of the 'staggering costs' linked to onboard medical treatment.
  • A 76-year-old Sydney man was reportedly charged $235 for a COVID test due to a 'doctor's consultation fee' onboard a cruise ship.
  • Ball emphasised the need for travel insurance for cruises, highlighting the potential costs of up to $20,000 for an evacuation from a ship in Australian waters and $50,000 in international waters.

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.
 
Why would anybody take the risk of leaving the Country to go on a cruise or just travel overseas without adequate health insurance these days?...there are so many spreadable sicknesses wherever you go and all medical bills from hospitals seem outrageously priced, enough to send you broke some of them. So why take a chance when you can take Travel Insurance instead and really enjoy your travel experience.
 
IMO people should be required to produce proof of travel insurance before they are allowed to leave the country. If you can't afford insurance then you can't afford to travel.
So many peoplè setting up GoFundMe pages to get them back to their country. Why do they think other people should cover the cost of their stupidity.
 
IMO people should be required to produce proof of travel insurance before they are allowed to leave the country. If you can't afford insurance then you can't afford to travel.
So many peoplè setting up GoFundMe pages to get them back to their country. Why do they think other people should cover the cost of their stupidity.
You also have to act responsibly so the travel insurance is not voided. That is the problem a lot of the time. Have a couple of drinks, have an accident and you are not covered.
 
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