happysnapper

One would have to ask are Princess pulling back on cruises out of Australia. Been looking as well. Very few South Pacific itineraries next year. Mainly Around Australia and Aust to NZ with a few to New Guinea. 

For a group of people most of whom met for the first time the conversation was endless with heaps of information sharing and the coffee was large and strong. Looking forward to the next meet up. Thanks chez for starting this off. Glennys

On ‎10‎/‎24‎/‎2018 at 6:37 PM, Stickman1990 said:

 

No that's not the case - what many of the policies clearly state is that you must have a return ticket to Australia - it's one of the conditions of activation - along with several others including a minimum spend amount on the relevant credit card

 

Those terms are clearly detailed in the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for the policy - they are not hidden at all. It is really incumbent on anyone relying on the policy for cover to read and comply with the activation requirements - and anything else that is setout in the policy

 

That is not an unreasonable request

 

Ironically if Happysnapper had done so and complied then the cost of cancelling the return airfare would have been covered by the policy along with other costs that were covered by the policy including the deposit on the cruise (I don't believe any policy is going to require you to make final payment before the due date)

It was a cruise out of Australia and return, no airfares involved. As we all know when you booked you usually pay a rather large deposit on a long cruise and its usually well in advance. I put a very strong case to Allianz including a specialists letter to no avail. 

I used a Mastercard platinum card to pay a $4000 deposit on a cruise. Had to cancel due to my husband requiring surgery. They would not refund as the insurance is not activated until I had the tickets. This was after the underwriter was transferred to Allianz. So read the product statement very very carefully. I will never depend on CC complimentary insurance again.

Our 1st poc is Lifou...no ATM no shops so will just have to sightsee. From memory I think the locals set up a "watering hole".

Thanks for the info. So need to getsome Fiji dollars, vatu and pacific francs before we sail.

Its been a while since I cruised the Pacific Islands and  doing some research of the ports we will be visiting it states some of the small islands will not accept AUD and prefer Fiji dollars.

We will be going to New Caledonia and Fijian islands next year. Any advice on what small amounts of cash to take. 

I assume you are leaving from Circular Quay. Depends on your fitness and budget and the reason why you want to be close to the cruise terminal. If you wish to be very close to the terminal will pay top $. Alternatively there is the Wynyard Travelodge (motel accommodation) in York Street, and next door The York Apartments if you are staying a few days pre cruise. Both are close the Wynyard Train Station and within walking distance to the ship. The walk is easy and not as many $$'s as some closer. There are plenty of comfortable hotels to stay in the CDB only a taxi ride from the terminal.

2 weeks ago at champagne bay we took 2 bacon and egg muffins ashore.

Hope you don't do that again.

High cholesterol does not mean you have "cardiovascular disease", but it certainly can lead to CVD or cause a stroke or numerous other serious health problems. CVD can be also caused by high blood pressure, smoking, being overweigh, and so forth. If the insurance company asks if you have high cholesterol you have to say yes. This is then taken into account when they do a risk assessment. You don't tick cardiovascular disease if you have never ever had any cardiac symptoms or been diagnosed with cardiac problems in the past. The question pertains only to pre-existing diseases, that is - identified health issues that have been diagnosed, or under investigation, and have been or are being treated.

Sometimes you need a lawyer to work out what it actually means as well.

Mic you are so correct.

As I mentioned our cover did not refund on deposits and I did read the documents, not that all the "fine Print" could be fully comprehended.

The problem with the complimentary travel insurance through my Citibank CC was that it is not "activated" until you have the "tickets". It does not cover cancellation for anything prepaid such as deposits, prepaid excursions and the like but it is not clearly stated. Also I have read BOTH the insurance company's policy documents for purchased insurance and complimentary insurance and they have very slight differences which are barely noticeable, but they are there. As I discovered too late.

Sadly I read this morning the little girl medevac'd from Bali has had her life support turned of. RIP little tacker.

I had read they paid for the holiday with their credit card and were relying on the complimentary insurance. Who knows the true story. I just know what happened to me and will never reply on it again.

Another victim has been short changed by relying on Credit Card Complimentary Travel Insurance. In the last few days distraught parents of a 3 year old little girl who nearly drowned in Bali discovered the credit card insurance they thought they could reply on did not cover her medivac back to Australia. Unfortunately they wont be the last as some CCs continue lure travellers to pay for overseas holidays using credit cards with an enticement of this type of insurance included in the benefits. As I and many others have found out the cover provided is very restrictive.

You should also be very interested in what they cover and not cover. Check and see who their underwriters are...most are large reputable Insurance Companies.

I know just how you feel "GUT" am just going through health issues with my husband and not sure when or if we will be able to cruise again. As many have commented above, your humour will be missed. Mrs "GUT" may be relieved as she may no longer have a target on her back! I know it is hard to keep opening up this site but you still have heaps of knowledge to share. God bless and stay positive.

Pay particular attention to exclusions before you hand over big money for travel insurance. Been bitten once so never again.

As well as all mentioned in above posts just make sure any policy you buy has cover for deposit paid if your trip has to be cancelled for unforeseen circumstances. Depending on the length of cruise some of the deposits can be substantial.

Coincidentally, we have this afternoon received a phone call and email from the cruise company offering us a refund of half our deposit as a future cruise credit. They also pointed out the importance of adequate insurance for cruising.

Doesn't Travel Insurance cover the cancellation ?

As on previous cruises and OS holidays I was relying on Credit Card Complimentary Insurance, which I found out after the event, does not come into effect until you have been issued with your tickets. My mistake. Also many travel insurances can only be purchased 12 months prior to travel. I have certainly learnt a painful (hip pocket) lesson. So no more advanced bookings and 20% deposits for us.

Advanced booking conditions are becoming a real turn off for cruising. As I have had had previous posts in regard to a lost deposit I am still very angry that a huge deposit paid almost 2 years prior to a cruise that now appears to be a "donation" to the cruise company. We had to cancel 5 months prior to departure date due to a serious medical problem, however the cruise company now requires in excess of 6 months notification of cancellation for a cruise over 30 days. I won't name the company as I have not given up. What makes it worse the parent company in USA only requires 4 months notice.

From a recent bad experience and loss of $1000s in deposit I will never book months/years in advance ever again.:mad:

Much depends on your personal circumstances. I would suggest you do your own research, and take into consider your age and any pre existing medical conditions and activities you plan on doing. There are many travel insurance companies around and I am sure some CCs will recommend some from previous experiences. Just make sure you read the policies offered very carefully especially exclusions. And do not rely on Complimentary Travel Insurance through your credit card to cover all your requirements and circumstances.

Keep all prescription drugs and over the counter drugs in original containers. Have a medical summary from your doctor. If you are on any medication or in doubt ALWAYS tick "yes" on the customs & immigration card. This applies wherever you travel.