P&O Cruises requires all passengers to bring it, and those who cannot confirm they have cover will be denied boarding at their own expense
Passengers risk being denied boarding if they don’t show proof(Image: Getty)
P&O Cruises states all passengers must bring a particular item with them or risk being ‘denied boarding’. The well-known cruise operator states that packing the item is compulsory for all guests to sail on the vessel, or they will jeopardise their holiday if they don’t.
P&O Cruises is among the largest and most popular cruise operators in the UK, and with the busy travel season approaching, numerous people will have voyages reserved. The vessels are designed specifically for the British market, departing year-round directly from Southampton.
P&O Cruises operates a fleet of seven ships, divided into family-friendly vessels, such as Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Azura and Ventura, and adult-only vessels, including Arcadia and Aurora, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Irrespective of which vessel people embark upon, all guests must bring an essential item with them. If customers cannot produce the item, P&O Cruises states: “Unfortunately, you will be denied boarding”.
On the P&O Cruises website, the cruise operator clarifies what passengers need to pack and the reasoning. A statement reads: “We’re delighted that you’ve chosen to set sail with us, and we cannot wait to welcome you on board. Before we get there, it is mandatory for all guests to have suitable cruise travel insurance cover in order to sail with us.”
It adds: “It is your responsibility to ensure you have appropriate cover in place for the duration of your holiday. Unfortunately, you will be denied boarding, at your own expense, if you’re unable to confirm you have arranged insurance.
“You may be asked for proof of your cruise travel insurance. So, please be sure to bring either a printed or digital copy of your insurance documentation that confirms cover for the named travellers over the dates of travel.”
Setting out the principal reason why securing travel insurance ahead of setting sail is so important, P&O Cruises stated: “For many significant purchases in your life, insurance is essential. And holidays are no different.
“Travel insurance ensures you can relax and enjoy your holiday with peace of mind that you’re covered in the event something should go wrong. This includes unforeseen incidents before your holiday, while travelling or while you’re away.”
P&O Cruises provides a checklist to help passengers select the appropriate level of cruise insurance cover. It includes:
- Ensure your insurance covers a cruise holiday
- Covers the full length of the trip
- Includes all destinations – choose worldwide cover if unsure
- Includes medical and repatriation cover of £2 million minimum
- You’ll need to declare any pre-existing medical conditions
- We would also recommend that you have adequate cancellation cover to cover the cost of your trip
I’ve got travel insurance already. Do I need cruise insurance?
P&O Cruises says: “You will need to look into the level of cover your travel insurance provides. Some bank accounts include travel insurance but the policies often offer limited amounts of cover.
“Standard travel insurance is generally meant for a land-based holiday and as such, won’t cover many of the elements of a cruise holiday. A cruise holiday requires more specialist cover, for example if there was a need to be medically evacuated at sea. The most important thing is to make sure you’ve told your insurer you are going on a cruise holiday.”
What happens if I don’t declare pre-existing medical conditions?
P&O Cruises states: “You run the risk of not being fully covered and having to pay for medical treatment which can be extremely costly. Emergency medical treatment can even be refused if you do not have the correct insurance, this includes failing to declare pre-existing conditions.”
If I cancel my holiday, will I get my money back?
P&O Cruises states: “If you cancel your holiday, the cancellation policy in our Booking Conditions applies. If you are cancelling due to a medical reason and you have declared the medical condition, your insurer should refund any monies paid less the relevant policy excess.”
