Most river cruises take place a long way from Australia. So it’s important to ensure you’re insured for unexpected issues that could impact your trip.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller, or jet-setting for the first time, it’s crucial to consider being prepared. Travel insurance should go hand in hand with big-ticket holidays, but what additional aspects should travellers need to consider when taking a river cruise?
We asked nib Travel insurance for their top tips.
10 Tips for River Cruising
1. Think about the time of year for your trip – Planning your river cruise around special events like local festivals, Christmas markets, or harvest celebrations can make your trip even more memorable. It is also a good idea to think about high tourism seasons and pick your trip dates accordingly.
2. Learn a few local phrases – Brush up on your language skills and learn a few key phrases to use on your journey. Whether it’s Guten Morgen or Jó estét, a little local language knowledge can go a long way with locals.
3. Check the visa and passport requirements – Before you embark on your journey, confirm that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your return date and check the visa requirements for every destination on your itinerary.
4. Practice good hygiene – Don’t let illness ruin your trip. Maintain good hygiene, especially during shore excursions, to protect your health and keep shared areas on the ship safe for everyone.
5. Know what your river cruise covers – Not all river cruise packages are created equal. Food, drinks, excursions and activities might not be all-inclusive so do your research before you go.
6. Pack well – Climates may change as you travel so pack versatile clothing that will work for all destinations and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes for on-shore excursions.
7. Stay informed – Water levels and weather changes can impact your river cruise, so keep yourself updated with onboard announcements and be open to changes in your itinerary.
8. Watch your step – When docking at your destinations, be careful when leaving the ship. River cruise ships may have narrow staircases or uneven surfaces and nothing puts a damper on your holiday more than a fall.
9. Take advantage of the onboard activities – Whether it’s a bespoke wine tasting, a themed dress-up night or yoga on the top deck, onboard activities are a great way to make the most out of your trip and socialise with your fellow travellers.
10. Consider packing travel insurance – travel insurance can be there for you when things don’t go to plan, so before you set sail consider purchasing travel insurance.
What to look for in a travel insurance policy
Generally, travel Insurance products may cover some of the following, but will be subject to the specific plan and provider you choose.
Overseas medical expenses: Coverage for overseas medical expenses and 24/7 Emergency Assistance.
Medical evacuation and repatriation: Coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation costs.
Trip cancellations or holiday deferment costs: Compensation if your trip is cancelled due to unforeseen events as defined in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Domestic and international coverage: Whether you are river cruising close to home in Australia or further afield in Europe, nib Travel Insurance has a variety of cover options available across international and domestic insurance plans.
Personal liability: Coverage for legal expenses if you’re held responsible for injury or damage to others.
Flexible purchase options: Some Policies can be purchased while you are travelling, but keep in mind waiting periods may apply before cover begins.
And finally, be sure to read the policy PDS & Target Market Determination (TMD) and make sure you understand the full terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the plan you choose.
For more information, visit nib Travel Insurance, or speak to your travel agent about holiday insurance options.
