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Jo is an award-winning travel journalist and hiking holiday enthusiast. Her specialisms include sustainable travel and money-saving advice.
A recent hantavirus outbreak is a stark reminder of what can go wrong on a cruise holiday.
In fact, there are four scenarios you should be prepared for, whether you’re embarking on an ocean or river voyage.
From itinerary changes to arriving late back to port after an excursion, we explain the most common pitfalls – and what to do if they happen to you.
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Before you check in, your cruise line will ask you to complete a health questionnaire. You could be denied boarding if you are experiencing sickness or fever.
Stomach bugs such as norovirus can spread quickly on board, so if you develop symptoms during the voyage, stay in your cabin until they pass.
If there is an outbreak on board, you should expect more frequent cleaning, reduced self-service food options and more hand-sanitiser stations.
Cruise ships have doctors and medical facilities, but they don’t accept health insurance or a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). Medical charges are billed to your on-board account and you should keep receipts to try to recoup the costs later on.
The right insurance can also help compensate you for cabin confinement and missed excursions, if your trip is impacted as a result. Check the policy details carefully to see what you’re entitled to.
It’s a nightmare scenario: a flight delay or cancellation means you risk missing your cruise altogether.
The ship won’t wait for you, but if your air travel was included in your cruise package, your provider will likely arrange alternative flights to get you to the next port – with no extra cost to you.
On the other hand, if you booked your flight and cruise separately, it is your responsibility. This is why cruise companies often advise passengers to arrive at port the night before departure.
If you do get caught out, contact your cruise company immediately. With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to board at another port of call on the itinerary – although this is less likely in remote regions such as Alaska or Antarctica.
It’s essential to take out specialist cruise insurance before you travel, so you're prepared for every eventuality.
Last year, extreme heatwaves and flash flooding caused fluctuating water levels on the Rhine and Danube. If water levels are too low, boats risk running aground; and if they're too high, the vessels are unable to pass under historic bridges.
Meanwhile severe weather, medical emergencies, mechanical issues or geopolitical unrest can also result in port cancellations.
Cruise companies have a clause in their T&Cs that allow them to make itinerary changes. But you still have rights under the Package Travel Regulations if a significant proportion of your holiday can’t go ahead as planned. If this happens before departure, you should be given the option to cancel for a full refund or switch to an alternative trip.
If you’ve already set sail, the cruise line must make suitable alternative arrangements and offer a partial refund if these are of a lower quality than originally promised.
You can rest assured that all of our Which? Recommended cruise lines have decent policies on itinerary changes.
See the best ocean cruises and best river cruises for 2026.
Cruise lines often charge a premium for their excursions, which is why it’s tempting to save a bit of money by organising your own. However, part of the cost is peace of mind that you won’t be left behind at port.
If you decide to book an independent excursion, check the company policy carefully. For example, provider Venture Ashore offers a Back-to-Ship guarantee: if your return is delayed by circumstances beyond its control, it will transport you to your next port free of charge. It says that none of its customers have ever missed their ship.
If the worst happens, make sure to contact your cruise line immediately – the captain will wait as long as possible for latecomers. If the ship’s schedule or port regulations mean it has to depart, it will leave your passport with the agent on shore.
Insurance may cover your extra expenses, depending on the level of cover you have taken out and the reason you were left behind in the first place.