Megabear2

Reading the OPs list of what was expected they look likely to be disappointed on a lot of the things they were looking forward to such as cocktail parties and sequence quizzes. I feel very sorry for them.

Or you could be an unfortunate close contact to someone. It's been happening elsewhere and the positive person is asked about table companions etc. On my Celebrity and Princess cruises we were effectively tracked on excursion buses and in restaurants.

Thaats pretty standard wording to be honest and is great if you have the required positive test. You're right, hearing of some people's experiences on here and elsewhere including one of my best friends I'd want to know what sort of proof my insurer would require. I'm glad you are happy and it is suitable for your needs.

That's a very interesting question! I recall someone on a Cunard cruise I was on pre pandemic asking to leave early and being allowed to, but post pandemic I'm not sure if they have to notify local officials.

See my amended comment above re your cover - here's presumably your policy's updated terms. If I test positive for COVID-19, am I covered to cancel my trip? Yes, if you're forced to cancel your trip as a direct result of a positive COVID-19 test, you’re covered for cancellation. You'll need to provide confirmation and evidence of a positive test result.

Well that's great. I assume you have checked with them and have their confirmation in writing just to be safe. Your approach to the questionnaire is exactly what's under discussion about how it spreads so quickly. You are on my cruise so at least will have tested by requirement.

It's not optional on the most expensive cruises. If I test positive 48 hours before I fly, I'm into possible £8,200 loss. Admittedly I will have a positive test but it's not a PCR. I'm thinking of paying extra to get that as my fit to fly rather than the one requested by P&O, at least if the worst happened I'd have a PCR result.

Dave, I believe the AXA policy is particular to TUI and therefore Marella. It is a specially negotiated policy for that company and not a "normal" AXA policy. Therefore I should expect that Marella will have spoken to AXA before changing their terms which of course is the correct thing to do. I've asked Holiday Extras if P&O have done the same with them: stoney silence! Read into that what you may.

That's fine if your insurer guarantees your cover. It would appear however the cancellation is based on proof you have covid whereas P&O policy is not apparently medically confirmed and is just computer driven. The case I mentioned previously which made me look at it was a lady who declared she had a cough. She did not have nor ever had covid but was on antibiotics from her doctor for a chest infection. She was refused boarding. Her sister and family had to travel without her as they hadn't answered the questionnaire with yes anywhere. The lady appealed and was told by P&O no appeal or discussion allowed as it was for the ship safety. She is now fighting her insurer who says no cover because she hasn't got a positive covid test. It continues but is understandably very distressing and difficult. We have three policies here, Allianz through our bank, Post Office for me as all singing and dancing nothing not covered and Avanti for my husband because of winter sports cover with health conditions. All three say you require proof of a positive covid test to claim under their covid section, including denied boarding. It also has to be confirmed by a PCR, the observed LFT requested by P&O for my Caribbean fly cruise does not suffice.

As this is descending into but you had no guarantees argument, let's stop arguing amongst ourselves and answer a couple of questions to see what we thought we were buying: 1. Did you book believing your money was safe and you weren't at risk of losing it in its entirety, ie FCC would be paid to cover you? 2. If FCC was always going to disappear did you book expecting your money would be totally covered in some other means, ie your insurer would indemnify you in full for your loss? 3. Did you book thinking if you were quarantined on your cruise you would receive FCC for your lost days? 4. If FCC for quarantine disappeared did you believe your insurance policy would pay out for your lost days due to confinement? If so did you think it was under the specific covid section or the "normal" confinement to cabin section? 5. In light of all the possible connotations and problems associated with the now in place policy are you confident your money and holiday is safe? 6. Who has actually read their covid insurance policy in detail to ensure you have the cover P&O are suggesting you will be covered under? 7. Who is happy to risk the entire cost of their holiday on a ridiculous health questionnaire that a computer algorithm decides on - are you really happy to answer truthfully and possibly lose every penny you have spent or spends months arguing with an insurance claims company and P&O? 8. In light of this new policy and vague referral to your insurers would you now book a cruise under these terms? Terms and conditions aside, I'd say these are pretty reasonable questions a lawyer would ask his opposing P&O lawyer. Anyone want to answer these on here to get a straw poll opinion of what they though?

Indeed but they are using it and people trying to answer truthfully will stumble and fall.

No. It's the computer algorithm. You do not get an appeal and no medical people are involved.

I'm a great believer in tackling issues before we get anywhere legal stuff. I think the best way for people to challenge this is to see what their insurance company will pay out for, on what proof and under which section. It shouldn't be forgotten the covid section of policies is totally separate from the normal policy and as such has totally different requirements. If you find it's uninsurable in any way write to Paul Ludlow and the legal department and ask why they are offering false hope to their customers. Anyone choosing to do this needs to be very thorough in questions and most importantly needs to ask about the people not testing positive but refused boarding. Very important to ask if a positive PCR test is required for any claim for anything and also to check how much confinement cover would pay and if quarantine/isolation for covid is covered - it wasn't for someone else.

Let's hope you and your good lady don't end up in quarantine or worse with covid before you go. The "complaints" that you refer to can lead to very major financial loss which most people would rightly question. P&O have apparently not liaise with their insurance partners regarding quarantine being covered by insurance so you stand to lose a lot of money - as Funboy is finding out. Are you truthfully telling us that is okay with you - say you test positive on the 3rd day of your transatlantic and quarantine immediately for minimum 6 days, you'd be happy? Or would you be angry because when you booked you were told you'd get FCC and now you won't. Fingers crossed for you to sail safely.