Brexit and my Cruise

Everyone has not stopped talking about it since the vote was counted and verified. Yes, Brexit. We’re due to leave on the 29^th March and at present we’re still unaware if this will be a leave with a deal or no deal.

Of course, in travel and selling cruises I’m asked everyday “will my cruise be affected?”

The good news is, according to the UK Government, from 29 March 2019, if there is no EU Exit deal, cruise operations will continue on the same basis as today. Passengers who embark on a cruise at a UK port will continue to be protected by the EU regulation on maritime passengers’ rights, which will be brought into UK law.

This news is welcomed and probably reassures all  UK & EU citizens planning a Cruise holiday.

Deal or no deal, there is a possibility that the cost of cruising could rise, as well as fuel costs due to a fall in sterling, and potentially the cost of excursions too. “In a no-deal scenario, we may see increased immigration checks and I’m sure they are planning  accordingly to make sure any impact on guests is minimal. They’d have to be planning for all eventualities.” I’d like to think that with so many mixed messages flying around, cruise lines are starting to recognise the value of addressing customer’s concerns.

I do like the statement on P&O’s website

“No matter what the future brings, you can rest assured that your holiday with us will always be plain sailing.”  Well that feels me with confidence so it’ll not stop me booking my next cruise. I’d also recommend that all passengers take out appropriate travel insurance, check and understand the terms and conditions of their booking and check with their cruise line and insurance provider if they have any questions.

Fred Olsen also offer the “Book with confidence promise” a guarantee that includes a new “No Supplement, no Surcharge” guarantee — once a booking is confirmed, no surcharges or supplements will be added to the cruise price and all on board prices will be in pounds sterling. I think it’s good that some of the cruise lines have made little statements to reassure the public that in any event of leaving wit or without a deal they can still book with confidence and peace of mind.

There’s also been a lot of rumours regarding Visa’s will be required. I think border prejudice is far fetched and we will show our passports as we do now, as the U.K is outside the Schengen Area.

We’d still recommend that you have 6 months validity on your passport from the return date of travel.

So, with the 29^th March almost here we shall wait and see and in time we will learn more but until them I’m going to remain calm and carry on cruising.