Do I really need Travel Insurance?

We commonly get asked if Insurance is important when cruising.
The simple answer is YES YES YES!

Even if you are only cruising along the Australian shore you will need comprehensive international travel insurance.

Ensure you are covered for general medical expenses, cancellation and amendment charges, existing medical conditions, hospitalisation and medical evacuations. A Medivac from Noumea to Australia for example can cost $35,000!

Most cruiselines medical charges are very expensive as all treatments and medicines are charged at Private Rates. A recent passenger needed antibiotics for a chest infection and was charged AU$187.00!!

By taking out Insurance at the time of depositing your cruise, you will also be covered for any loss of deposit if you need to cancel before cruising, if cancelling due to illness or unforeseen circumstances.

The cost of Travel Insurance is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Cruises Online recommend the following insurance:
Australians: http://www.covermore.com.au
New Zealanders: http://www.travelsure.co.nz

Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs website at smartraveller.gov.au or safetravel.govt.nz for more information on travel safety as well.

Getting to your Auckland Cruise

Are you cruising from Auckland? But live elsewhere in NZ?

A few suggestions for getting to/from the Auckland Cruise Terminal with P&O and Cruises Online.

FLIGHTS:
P&O can arrange your domestic flights on most sailings (however seats are limited so book quick!). The prices include your one-way airfares and a coach transfer from Auckland Airport to the Cruise Terminal (double prices to get the return leg). The flights must be taken on the days of embarkation and disembarkation.

Christchurch $230 pp
Dunedin $270 pp
Invercagill $300 pp
Napier-Hastings $190 pp
Nelson $200 pp
New Plymouth $190 pp
Palmerston North $175 pp
Wellington $210 pp

CRUISE LINK:
Take a coach from your hometown direct to the Cruise Terminal. Buses depart the day of embarkation from a central meeting point and drop you back on the day of disembarkation.

Return Seat-in-Couch:
Hamilton $50 pp
Rotorua $85 pp
Tauranga $85 pp
Whangarei $75 pp
Children pay 50% and one-way transfers are available.

If your flight or coach with P&O is delayed, the cruiseship will either wait for you or P&O will endeavour to get you to the next port of call to meet the ship.

***Prices are all subject to availability and are from prices that may change due to taxes and fare increases. Prices are correct at time of blogging.