Cruise Passenger readers always have plenty to say about what’s going on in the Australian cruise industry, and in the broader cruise community. In Your Say, Cruise Passenger looks at the issues our readers are writing to us about on our blogs, posts and newsletters.
This week, Cruise Passenger readers talked about an expensive subject, and one of contention for older cruisers. – travel insurance.
The high cost of travel insurance for older people has forced some to stop travelling in their twilight years, and some have found that their insurance fees often cost more than their cruise fare.
Cruise Passenger covered the issue in great length, after COVID-19 led to insurance prices increasing to exorbitant amounts. But those prices never dropped to pre-COVID levels, especially for senior travellers.
David Hayworth wrote to Cruise Passenger: “The big issue for us is the extremely high cost of travel insurance when older than the late seventies.
“Although we have no medical issues, we are finding the high cost of travel insurance exceeds the cost of the cruise in many cases, especially if the cruise includes a USA port, as many do.
“This is something the cruise industry needs to look at more closely, as there is a huge number of elderly people who would cruise if travel insurance were more reasonable.”
In the past, many Cruise Passenger readers have come forward about this very same issue.
Cruiser Wayne Collins wrote: “The situation is that my wife and I will be 80 this year. We have a cruise booked for October, and it looks like it will be our last cruise. This is because of the cost and availability of insurance, and the cost of making use of available medical services on the ship.
“If the situation were different, then we would be taking at least one cruise per year. It now looks like we will be taking all future holidays within Australia.”
Elsewhere, Giuseppe Leopardi believes more cruise lines need to come to Australia and shake up the market, particularly by offering cruises out of cities that aren’t just Sydney and Brisbane
Australia and New Zealand are now ready for a new cruise line. Not the Carnival Corporation nor the Royal Caribbean Corporation. Either an existing European or British smaller cruise line, or a new version of our old P&O Australia.
“Older ships with service, cleanliness, hygiene, safety, entertainment, food quality equal to or better than its competitors but managed by Australians, delivering excellence with an Australian attitude servicing Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, some N.Z cruises, top end visits to Darwin, Cairns and visits to Papua New Guinea.
“The pent-up demand is there; it’s been ignored by the big players, opting to maximise their cruise fare and cut back on the cruise inclusions.
“Locals in these underserved capital cities have the income they are willing to pay with, especially if they have already saved by not having to purchase airline tickets and pre- and post-accommodation to Sydney or Brisbane.”
Another important voice from the cruise industry came in the form of cruise bloggers Rob and Ali, who are petitioning to keep themed cruises alive in Australia.
The couple wrote: “Through social media cruise groups and our YouTube channel, Rob and Ali Cruise & Travel, we’ve seen the disappointment about the end of these beloved voyages.
“The themed cruises, such as the vibrant 80s and the laughter-filled Comedy cruises, bring a unique touch to the Australian cruising experience. They offer an escape for countless Australians, providing a refreshing break filled with entertainment and nostalgia. However, with the last of these short, themed sailings scheduled for January 2026, it seems an end is near for this cherished tradition.
“The decision to no longer offer these cruises has left many in the cruising community disheartened. For many of us, these voyages are more than just a holiday; they are memorable experiences that connect us with fellow enthusiasts and create lasting friendships.”
Please keep those comments coming!
WE VALUE YOUR COMMENTS AND ENJOY READING WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT OUR STORIES. PLEASE KEEP THOSE COMMENTS COMING ON THE STORIES – AND WE’LL PICK OUT THE BEST EACH WEEK FOR THIS NEW COLUMN
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Hi would love to see better deal for solo travellers such as myself. Cruise cost is double what my couple friends pay. I only eat for one: use one lot of linen etc: one lot of water etc. And always leave my cabin spotless.
I agree with Rob and Ali regarding travel insurance fee’s but not
only that here in WA our 2 & 3 night cruises have disappeared
which made for a nice weekend getaway ….. bring them back!
Also it would also be nice to see fairer solo traveller rates, work like Hotels and charge per cabin regardless of whether occupied 1 or 2 people, when it’s advertised p/p let be per person regardless.
I agree, my Husband & I have two Cruises booked at the end if this year and like the above Wayne Collins & Gwen Gallagher, these more than likely will be our last. My Husband is 82 & I am 79. Our Travel Insurance
particularly one, is dearer than the Cruise. We love our Cruising & sadly Selling our lovely Caravan to hope pay for a couple of Cruises in the future, but that now depends on the Travel Insurances .
We have taken many cruises from Australia especially Melbourne.Few still exist and have to be booked well ahead.I agree another smaller cruise group, including off cruise of season cruises would be great. An Australian based line may be more considerate to Australian preferences. Our last Princess cruise was a disaster I agree Insurance is too high for older travellers.
The Australian government’s are a lot to blame due to high cost of port charges and they were warned by cruise lines and the existing insurances.are almost useless if you have a medical problem at sea,the policies are full of loopholes all in favour of insurance companies.
We have been enjoying taking cruises two or three times a year however our cruise next March will be our last due to high travel insurance costs. We will now holiday in Australia.
Agree with all that has been said – especially do not like the fact that our Dr. prescribes low does blood pressure and cholesterol medications as a precaution rather than for a serious condition. We are both 77 and told our family today that this year will probably be our last of cruising – because of the insurance costs.
In reference to Wayne Collins about just cruising in Australia the insurance for 80+ is just as expensive with Australia only cruises and it is also hard to find an insurer for 80+.