In the wake of Hurricane Irene, a story from Cruise Critic, Lost in Irene's Wake, is a perfect example of why travelers should purchase Travel Insurance.
As a travel professional, sometimes it is hard to convince clients that travel insurance is necessary, especially for a Caribbean cruise. Most cruise contracts state in tiny print, the cruise line is not responsible for itinerary changes do to weather related instances. I have been on several Caribbean cruises when we had to visit a different port because of inclement weather or skip a port day all together. In some cases, the cruise line may offer on board credit or free drinks as compensation for the schedule change. However they are under no obligation to do so. If a port is skipped the cruise line is obligated to refund each passenger the port charge for the missed port. Is a cancelled port or itinerary change covered by travel insurance? Most likely no.
Hurricane Irene will wreck havoc on the northeast coast this weekend. Planning to fly to Miami to catch a cruise this weekend? If you miss the boat due to flight delays because of weather, your travel insurance should cover the costs of flight changes, hotel stays, and additional flights or transportation to catch up to the cruise.
It is worth noting, travel insurance is not only for good for cancelled flights and missed connections due to inclement weather. If you are hurt while on vacation, you health insurance coverage may not cover all the expenses, your travel insurance should make up the difference.
It is very important to read the fine print on the cruise contract and the travel insurance policy.
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