InsureMyTrip Cruise Trends Survey Reveals Top Cruise Concerns, Destinations …

WARWICK, R.I., Jan. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — InsureMyTrip, the nation’s largest travel insurance comparison site, today announced the results of its travel survey of 800 U.S. respondents. The poll reveals that a vast majority of cruisers have experienced some kind of travel disruption during a trip. The most common frustrations included cruise itinerary changes and medical issues. Health reasons also led the majority of travel insurance claims with travelers listing “medical care during a trip” as a top issue.

“These results show that the majority of cruisers will experience some kind of travel inconvenience that is completely out of their control,” said CEO Jim Grace of InsureMyTrip. “Cruisers also clearly share unique healthcare concerns during a voyage; with medical issues resulting in many insurance claims. Despite these issues, most travelers appear to be pleased with their overall cruise experience and look forward to cruise vacations.”

CRUISE WOES

The poll reveals that most cruise passengers have experienced a travel disruption during a trip. Respondents could choose more than one answer:

56% Cruise itinerary change during a voyage 
26% Seasickness
7%   Quarantine
6%   Stomach illness

TOP TRAVEL INSURANCE NEEDS FOR CRUISERS

Travelers, who voluntarily participated in this survey, had all researched or purchased travel insurance within the past 24 months. Out of those polled, 19% had filed a travel insurance claim for a cruise-related issue. Here are the top reasons for filing a claim:

1.      Medical care required during cruise
2.      Medical issue forced trip cancellation
3.      Bad weather forced delay or cancellation of cruise
4.      Missed flight led to delay or cancellation of cruise
5.      Items stolen or lost during trip

MOST POPULAR CRUISE DESTINATIONS

Caribbean and Europe are nearly tied as the most popular cruise destination while 10% chose Alaska as a top place to visit.

37% Caribbean
36% Europe
10% Alaska 
17% Other

RIVER CRUISING GAINS SPEED

Seventy-seven percent of those polled have either been on a river cruise or would like to go on a river cruise. Twelve percent have no desire to go while 10% prefer larger cruise ships.