What does Brexit mean for your holiday booking?
Whether you have already booked your cruise or are still browsing deals, it’s natural that you have questions concerning Britain leaving the EU and your holiday plans.
With the official leave date being delayed, as the discussions continue and the situation evolves, it’s hard to know where everything stands for certain during this period and beyond.
However, by booking with Iglu Cruise you will have certain assurances.
With us you are financially protected
All holidays booked through Iglu are ABTA and ATOL protected. This means your cruise holiday booked through us is financially protected whatever the outcome of Brexit and its impact on the cruise and the wider holiday industry.
I look forward to being able to cruise again when all this has settled down. When the time is right I will be contacting you to book my next cruise.
Mavis, 14th June 2020, via email
CLIA’s Brexit Statement
As a champion of cruise industry standards, the Cruise Lines International Association have made the following comments on Brexit.
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, cruise holidays will carry on as before.
Cruisers leaving from the UK will still be protected by current EU legislation as it becomes part of UK law instead.
However, passengers are urged to read their bookings’ terms and conditions thoroughly and make sure they are fully insured and with up-to-date passports. While we always recommend that customers have at least six months on their passport from their intended return date, it should be noted that this will be essential for travel to many European countries from the final leave date in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit. You can check if your passport is valid to travel to different countries on this government help page.
As the situation develops, you can see CLIA’s up-to-date Brexit information here
P&O's Brexit Promise
In addition, for those cruising with P&O Cruises, the cruise line has released their own Brexit Promise to put your mind at ease, in which they pledge:
- You will still be able to pay in pounds before and during your cruise to avoid currency fluctuations.
- You will still be able to sail from UK.
- Flights, taxes, meals and entertainment will remain included in the fare of your cruise.
Of course, other circumstances out of Iglu’s control may change. For the latest information regarding Brexit and how it will affect your holiday, such as flights, visas and booking your holiday after the date of Brexit, please see ABTA’s dedicated Brexit travel advice page.
Brexit Promise Fred. Olsen
Popular British cruise line Fred. Olsen have also released a Brexit promise in which they pledge:
- ABTA and ATOL financial protection.
- Onboard currency in pound sterling- no exchange rate surprises.
- No additional costs due to Brexit after booking and paying your deposit.
- If your cruise with Fred Olsen is cancelled as a result of Brexit, the cruise line will refund your holiday plus offer an additional free cruise.
Pre-book and pre-pay extras
Currency exchange rates seem to be the principal concern for many in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote, one way to mitigate against unfavourable exchange rates is to book inclusive packages and pre-book your extras.
Drinks packages and gratuities can be pre-booked and pre-paid on many cruises.
Cruise lines operate with an on-board currency so the effect of exchange rates may not impact you as much as you think
| Cruise Line |
Currency |
Notes |
| P&O Cruises |
GBP |
All ships operate a cash free environment, use your cruise card for onboard purchases |
| Royal Caribbean Cruises |
USD |
Cashless system onboard |
| Cunard |
USD |
|
| Princess Cruises |
USD |
Select OZ itineraries will be AUD |
| Celebrity Cruises |
USD |
|
| Norwegian Cruise Line |
USD |
|
| MSC Cruises |
EURO or USD |
Euro - cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Antilles, Dubai, the Emirates and Oman, as well as MSC Grand Voyages departing from Europe. USD - cruises in the Caribbean, South America and South Africa, as well as MSC Grand Voyages going to Europe and to Australia |
| Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines |
GBP |
|
| Cruise & Maritime Voyages |
GBP or AUD |
Prices on board Magellan, Marco Polo and Astoria are quoted in Sterling and in Australian Dollars aboard Astor |