COVID-19 consequences and travel insurance policy in leading cruise shipping corporations

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to evaluate the insurance packages offered to cruise travellers by cruise ship companies. The following research questions have been raised: 1) What kind of insurance is offered to passengers by cruise ship companies within the tourist package? 2) What is the insurance coverage offered to passengers within the tourist package? Design/Methodology/Approach: A few research methods were applied: literature review, data exploration method, desk research and comparative analysis. Findings: Research revealed lack of publications on cruise travellers’ insurance cover. The conducted analysis has indicated that cruise travellers cannot expect compensation from cruise lines in case of cancelled cruise travels in case of pandemic and can only choose cruise travel in a different time, which is frequently unsatisfactory. Practical Implications: The results of the foregoing may constitute an interesting source of information for both the potential cruise travellers, but also tour-operators, cruise shipowners and insurance policy makers. Originality/Value: The review of literature revealed lack of publications regarding the issue of insurance policy applied by cruise lines towards cruise travellers, and the scope of their liability in this respect.