Cruises remain an incredibly sought-after getaway option for travellers of all ages. The most recent figures from Cruise Lines International Association reveal that a record-breaking 2.4 million passengers embarked on cruises in 2024.

If you're planning to become part of that statistic this year, it's crucial to understand the typical pitfalls many holidaymakers encounter. While cruises offer fantastic experiences, they're not without their hazards.

Post Office Travel Insurance has highlighted several frequent errors travellers commit that can leave them significantly out of pocket. Among these is cabin confinement.

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Should you become unwell during your voyage, there's a possibility you'll be isolated from other passengers, resulting in the loss of hundreds of pounds' worth of entertainment and dining experiences.

If you contract something infectious like norovirus - a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, confinement becomes highly probable, reports the Express.

Without thoroughly examining your travel insurance policy, these costs could fall entirely on your shoulders.

More concerning than mere isolation, if you suffer a serious illness or injury requiring evacuation, the expenses can escalate dramatically. Should you need transportation to a mainland medical facility, costs can rapidly climb into the thousands.

Cruise-specific cover includes emergency medical treatment, rejoining the ship and repatriation, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than worrying about finances.

Occasionally, cruises will bypass scheduled ports owing to adverse weather conditions or safety concerns.

If you have pre-booked excursions at these ports, you'll be left out of pocket, with cruise operators often not obliged to issue refunds.

Similarly, cruises can be subject to last-minute itinerary changes due to weather or port conditions.

Should you have hotel reservations or transport arrangements planned and subsequently miss them, the cruise company is unlikely to reimburse you, which is why securing appropriate insurance is absolutely crucial.

Adam Edinburgh, head of Post Office travel & new products, commented: "Cruising has become one of the most exciting ways to travel, especially for younger generations seeking flexibility and adventure.

"But with spontaneity comes responsibility. It's about making sure your trip is memorable for the right reasons."