Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
28 July 2014 08:53
Cruises account for the largest number of consumer complaints
Cruise holidays are the biggest cause of grievance among travellers around the world, research suggests.
Over a quarter (27%) of the cases that law firm Irwin Mitchell dealt with in 2013 were to do with cruises, meaning trips on the seas have topped the consumer complaints list for the past four years in a row.
A number of popular vessels were the target of the criticisms. So, no matter who you're travelling with, it's important to ensure you're protected by adequate cruise travel insurance just in case something goes wrong.
Irwin Mitchell is currently representing passengers involved in group actions against cruise operators, following cruises upon the Island Escape, Boudicca, Oriana and Thomson Dream, plus several others around the world.
It is therefore calling on travel companies and cruise firms to take more responsibility for the welfare of their guests.
Cruise passengers falling ill on board cruise liners is still of particular concern, as is the fact that many of the destinations, individual hotels and cruise liners featured have appeared in the research on previous occasions.
Poor food preparation and storage and unclean swimming pools are responsible for the majority of illnesses.
Gastric illness and food poisoning are unfortunately common. Many of Irwin Mitchell's clients have even contracted potentially fatal illnesses including Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and E-Coli while on holiday.
Turkey accounted for 17% of the complaints - according to the figures for 2013 - followed by Egypt with 15% and the Dominican Republic with 12%.
Spain, meanwhile, accounted for 10%. Its appearance in the top four could be explained by the fact that the country remains the most popular holiday destination in Europe among British holidaymakers.
Explanations for Turkey, Egypt and the Dominican Republic are less clear and require further investigation.
21 January 2020
There's no better time to visit Rijeka, as the Croatian city celebrates European Capital of Culture status.
[more...]
Plan your Irish itinerary around Galway's Capital of Culture highlights.
06 January 2020
Looking for some inspiration for your next holiday destination? Here's a list of our favourite destinations for 2020.
Get the most out of your 2020 getaway with our top holiday planning tips.
Discover a new passion this winter with one of these alternative winter sports.
Stay safe out on the slopes with our 5 top safety tips for winter sports...
Is learning a language your new year's resolution? Try one of these interactive apps to help you on your way.
20 December 2019
Take to the slopes in 2020 at one of our favourite winter sport destinations...
Join us on a quick culinary tour to see what the world will be feasting on over the festive period...
19 December 2019
Think nice rather than naughty, with our tips to making the most of a Christmas getaway with the kids...
Tackle the trials and tribulations of Christmas travel with our easy to follow tips.
02 December 2019
Turn Christmas traditions on their head and treat yourself to the present of a festive season away from home.