Aussie warns of domestic cruise mistake that's so easy to avoid
With Aussies taking to the seas in record numbers, cruisegoers are being reminded to prioritise their health and safety - even while cruising close to home.
In late March of this year, 52-year-old Barbara Clifford departed on a 10-day cruise to the Whitsundays, along with her 20-year-old son Brandon.
But during what was meant to be a happy holiday, the Alice Springs local broke her wrist after suffering a painful fall. Now she's warning fellow Aussies not to forget travel insurance.
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Barbara Clifford, pictured on her cruise from Sydney to the Whitsundays in March 2024. Supplied
"I'd only just left the marina in Port Douglas. While walking up the slight incline onto the footpath, I tripped over my own feet," Barbara said. "Normally I might graze my knee, elbow or shoulder but the entire weight of my body hit my wrist."
Knowing she'd done some damage, Barbara decided to go to the public hospital in Port Douglas, aware that treatment onboard the cruise ship would likely be exorbitant without travel insurance.
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"I got a 45-minute taxi to the nearest hospital in Port Douglas to get an x-ray, but I was terrified I wouldn't make it back on the ship on time before it departed again. I decided, 'if I'm not in the ED and talking to a doctor by 2.30pm, I will wear the cost of the ship doctor.'"
However, Barbara was able to consult with a doctor at Mossman hospital in Port Douglas where she received x-rays and a wrist splint, before dashing back to port.
"Sitting in that waiting room was a really anxious time. You don't know how bad the damage is, how long it is going to take, whether you are going to get stuck there. It was a lot," she tells 9Travel.
Barbara's wrist injury made the remainder of her cruise painful and uncomfortable. Supplied
While Barbara managed to re-join her cruise before it set sail, she opted not to seek treatment at the onboard medical clinic due to her lack of insurance. As a result she was unable to receive necessary medical support, making the rest of her journey both challenging and uncomfortable.
"The injury most definitely hindered my experience. I could no longer dress myself, do my hair, carry my bags. I rapidly went through my supply of Panadol."
Lesson learned
Once home, Barbara discovered that her wrist had healed improperly, and she would require extensive surgical intervention as a result.
By the time she got home and into the fracture clinic, Barbara says the splint on her wrist had seriously deteriorated, and her wrist had healed crooked.
It to be re-broken, operated on immediately and a titanium plate inserted.
After her ordeal, Barbara, who specialises in time management training, says she regrets not taking out cover and would no longer cruise without travel insurance.
An x-ray of Barbara's wrist post-surgery, with a titanium plate insert. Supplied
"I think I've done thirteen cruises in nine years. In my own experience, I've had two medical emergencies and lost my luggage.
"The smallest of incidents can have a massive, life-changing impact."
Nine/Tara Blancato
Domestic cruise cover: why you need it
Natalie Smith, head travel specialist for 1Cover Travel Insurance, says that travel insurance is vital, even when taking a domestic cruise.
"There are many misconceptions when it comes to cruise cover, but one of the biggest mistakes Aussies make is not buying travel insurance when cruising Australian waters.
"Too many people assume they will be covered by Medicare, when in fact, you are not covered by Medicare or your private health fund if you need medical treatment once your ship has left port.
Natalie added travel insurance would have provided Barbara with the necessary benefits and support she required, given her circumstances.
"Had Barbara had cruise cover, she could have potentially received treatment onboard. And if she was unable to proceed with her cruise due to her accident, she would have been covered to return home to receive the appropriate medical care. No one should have to tough out a painful injury while on holidays, whether on a cruise or overseas. We would always encourage cruisers to take out domestic cover."
Since being published this story has been updated. Disclaimer: Access to the talent in this story was provided by 1Cover.
