American tourism: Europe remains first choice for cruise trips

InsureMyTrip, the travel insurance authority, announced the results of its travel survey of 2,289 U.S. respondents. The poll reveals that a vast majority of cruisers have experienced some kind of travel itinerary disruption during a trip. Twenty-four percent polled had filed a travel insurance claim for a cruise-related issue. Health reasons also led the majority of those claims with travelers.

Cruisers are more worried about an illness or injury affecting a trip than bad weather or terrorism. Fifty-two percent worry most about themselves or a family member getting sick or injured (3 percent increase from last year). Twenty-nine percent worry most about bad weather affecting a cruise. Twenty-four percent have experienced seasickness or a stomach illness during a voyage.

During a voyage, 38% experienced an unexpected itinerary change. Despite this type of disruption, most cruisers are pleased with their overall experience. Sixty-one percent stated a cruise always met their expectations.

The cruise itinerary (60%) is the main reason why travelers choose to book a particular cruise. Other top factors included reputation and reviews (17%). Price (14%) is also a consideration.

Travelers, who voluntarily took part in this survey, had all researched or purchased travel insurance within the past 24 months. Out of those polled, 24 percent had filed a travel insurance claim for a cruise-related issue. Here are common reasons for filing a claim:

This year, cruisers report a better understanding of whether their health insurance works outside the United States. Thirty-six percent said their domestic health insurance would provide coverage, while 37 percent believed their insurance plan would offer no coverage.  Twenty-seven percent polled were not sure whether their domestic health insurance plan would cover any doctor or hospital visits while traveling out of the country, a decrease when comparing results from last year.

The Caribbean and Europe are favorite cruise destinations while 12 percent chose Alaska as a top place to visit.

• 35.4% Europe 
• 33.9% Caribbean 
• 12.4% Alaska 
• 18.2% Other

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