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.”
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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+.