Cruise Assurance In Tough Times

Losing a crucial source of income is the biggest fear facing many Americans in today’s stressed economy, as businesses continually downsize to keep afloat. It is a fear that has been keeping many from planning any type of vacation at all, much less a cruise vacation where a deposit is required.

To allay those fears, “job loss insurance” is a new feature being offered by CruiseOne and Cruises Inc.; sister companies that may combined be the largest cruise retailer in the US. The insurance policies, called CruiseAssurance policies, are backed by Travel Guard Insurance Company, who assures that there will be no increase in the policy rates as a result of the new coverage.

Promising full cash reimbursement in the event the cruise plans must be cancelled because of a job loss, the agencies join a growing trend of companies such as JetBlue and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Under the terms of the Cruise Assurance policy, if individuals are laid off from or permanently lose their jobs and have purchased this travel plan, they need only present their termination letter to receive their reimbursement. Cancellation of the trip can be done right up to the day of departure, or if the job loss is discovered during the vacation, it can be cancelled at that point as well.

Anyone who books a cruise with agents associated with CruiseOne or Cruises Inc. between March 1st and May 2nd, 2009, are eligible to take advantage of this risk-free offer, who believe that businesses need to tailor their services to the economic climate.

The worry of the tenuous market has many people who would normally be booking vacations such as cruises holding back; mainly out of fear of job loss and the resulting financial stress. Booking a cruise may seem fickle when a cloud of worry hovers over cautious consumers. Having the assurance that the money spent can be recovered and the cruise cancelled with no penalty just may prompt bookings by those who had hoped a vacation may be in their future plans.