What are cruise passengers’ rights when voyages go wrong?

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Cunard, the owner of the world’s only ocean-going liner still in passenger service, promises a “new eclectic programme of entertainment” as well as unlimited meals before docking in New York on Sunday 30 April. It was going to be their first foreign holiday together after 49 years of marriage as they’re self-employed and can never get away.” Others were told bluntly by an email sent out at 9.30am: “Queen Mary 2 arrived into Southampton late last night for assessment of a technical issue. Our customer-care team and travel agent partners have been liaising with impacted guests and we are doing everything possible to provide support and make alternative travel arrangements.” The cruise line assures me it will meet reasonable out-of-pocket expenses – including the £2,000 that a 91-year-old passenger was obliged to pay out for travel insurance. The Norwegian company told passengers: “We liaised closely with Peruvian authorities and received signals from local partners that these stringent infection-control measures would be lifted in time for your expedition.