Trip Insurance - Spirit of Freedom?

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stephen1254

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Messages
24
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7
Location
SW Florida
# of dives
50 - 99
We are looking at 4 days on the Spirit of Freedom in mid December, 2022. We've been informed that if they have to cancel due to weather they will not refund the price of the trip, but merely issue a credit for a future trip, which in our case probably means losing the price of the trip, as we won't be back to Australia anytime soon. They strongly recommend travel insurance, which looks like it will run about 12% of the cost of the trip. My question is how often does Spirit cancel an entire trip? That time of year technically puts us into cyclone season, but I'm thinking February - March is the height of the cyclone season.
 
Hey mate,

The problem you'll have is insurance companies only pay if you've had a loss, having your money held in credit isn't. That's how it works here anyway, good luck!

Cheers

BTW I've done that trip, you'll love it!
I was doing the 7 day one last new years but covid kicked our arse and only got to do 3 :(
 
Mid-December not really known for cyclones, more likely in February to March. However, I am pretty sure Australian and Queensland law would require them to refund the money if they cancel for any reason.
 
I am pretty sure Australian and Queensland law would require them to refund the money if they cancel for any reason.
That's wrong, this is from their T&Cs.
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I'm based in Cairns and not only worked but book trips on SOF so know the region and the trip extremely well.
Cyclone cancellation is very rare indeed, but is possible. I can count the number of times they cancelled due to cyclones over the past 10 years on the fingers of 1 hand.
However, climate is unpredictable and safety is paramount. You pay the balance within 30 days if travel and cancellation outside of that attracts minimal, if any, fees.
If the trip does get cancelled due to cyclone under consumer law they can offer credit instead of refund but it's not set in stone and if you can show reason why it's not possible to accept e.g travel from Europe etc then they have to settle to suit you.
Travel insurance is best booked through Duvers Alert Network (DAN) who are worldwide, non profit and specialised in diving trips. Just ensure force mature is in the policy. It's not that expensive at all and can be just for the duration of yr trip.
 
I appreciate all the responses. As our planned trip involves multiple countries - Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and French Polynesia, we are currently working through the Covid requirements for each country, knowing full well that it's all likely to change by this December. It's pretty intimidating at this point.
 
Also see what % the insurance covers. Some that I have priced out are up to 20% of trip cost, then cover maybe 70%. So half lost. Assuming they pay.
 

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