Cruise Travellers Are Protecting Their Trips Earlier: Unlock Key Benefits with Early Insurance, All You Need To Know

The Wave Season cruise booking surge has led InsureMyTrip to show new patterns of how travellers protect their journeys. According to new data, cruise passengers are purchasing their travel insurance almost three months earlier than in previous years. The proactive approach helps travellers protect their vacations from unexpected events which cause disruptions to their travel plans, especially because cruise travel has special risks.

The Importance of Early Insurance Purchases for Cruise Travellers

The trend of buying cruise insurance well in advance underscores a growing awareness among travelers about the value of time-sensitive benefits that come with early policy purchases. For many, purchasing a policy shortly after booking a cruise unlocks critical coverage options that might not be available later.

For example, many travel insurance policies offer important benefits that are only available if the coverage is purchased within a set window after the initial trip payment is made, typically within 10 to 21 days. These benefits include:

1. Cancel for Any Reason: This upgrade allows travelers to cancel their trip for reasons outside the scope of typical coverage, ensuring a partial reimbursement.
2. Pre-Existing Condition Waiver: A vital benefit for passengers with existing medical conditions, this waives exclusions that would normally prevent coverage for related illnesses or complications.
3. Financial Default Protection: This coverage reimburses travelers if their cruise operator goes bankrupt or ceases operations, protecting them from losing their prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.

By securing insurance early, passengers can ensure they qualify for these key benefits, which are crucial in protecting the investment in their vacations.

Cruise-Specific Risks Make Early Insurance Even More Critical

Cruise travel comes with its own set of unique risks, from strict embarkation schedules to the limited availability of medical care at sea. Disruptions during a cruise can be especially costly and difficult to navigate without the right coverage. Some of the cruise-specific issues that travel insurance can protect against include:

• Port Cancellations and Itinerary Changes: Cruises often make stops at various ports, and itinerary changes due to weather or operational issues can be disruptive. Travel insurance can help cover the costs of these unforeseen changes.
• Missed Departures: Strict boarding times can lead to missed cruises, and without insurance, travelers could face expensive rebooking fees.
• Medical Emergencies and Evacuations: Medical emergencies at sea can be complicated due to limited onboard medical facilities. Travel insurance can provide coverage for emergency medical care and evacuations.
• Mechanical Issues and Interruptions: Mechanical problems with the ship or other operational disruptions can derail a cruise, leading to missed destinations or even the need for a return flight home.

As Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip, notes, the timing of when a traveler buys insurance is just as important as the coverage itself, particularly for cruises. The early purchase of coverage helps ensure that passengers are protected from the full range of disruptions that can arise during their voyage.

Why Early Insurance is a Smart Move for Cruise Travellers

The trend of purchasing cruise travel insurance earlier is a reflection of growing awareness among travelers about the importance of protecting their vacations. By buying insurance well in advance, passengers unlock crucial benefits that can provide peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Whether it’s protecting against medical emergencies, weather disruptions, or missed departures, early coverage helps ensure a smooth and stress-free cruise experience.

Cruise travellers who want to maximise their travel experience should purchase insurance before their trip because it offers them special advantages. The additional time needed to find appropriate travel protection allows travellers to experience a stress-free vacation because unexpected events can happen during their journey.

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How Infrasys POS Technology Is Redefining Luxury Service at Shangri-La Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, a premier waterfront luxury hotel in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, has introduced the Infrasys POS (point-of-sale) system, a cutting-edge cloud-based technology which enables better operational efficiency and personalised services for guests. The hotel has implemented Shiji’s Infrasys POS system to improve its service operations while maintaining the high standards which guests anticipate from this legendary hotel.

Technology Elevates Luxury Service in Cairns

Nestled between the tranquil waters of Trinity Inlet, the Coral Sea, and the bustling Cairns Esplanade, Shangri-La The Marina offers breathtaking views of the Marlin Marina and the surrounding lush, rainforest-clad mountains. Positioned as the gateway to one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, the hotel caters to both leisure and adventure tourists. In a location where breathtaking landscapes meet world-class hospitality, the adoption of Shiji’s Infrasys POS ensures the hotel remains at the forefront of luxury hospitality, offering guests a more personalised and efficient experience.

The Power of Shiji’s Cloud-Based Technology

The Infrasys POS system has been integrated into the hotel’s operations to enhance several facets of the guest experience. The cloud-based system streamlines ordering and service delivery, allowing staff to communicate and process orders faster, reducing wait times. This level of operational efficiency, paired with the ability to deliver real-time menu and pricing updates across all dining and beverage outlets, is particularly important for maintaining the consistency that guests expect when staying at a five-star establishment.

The system also supports mobility for the hotel’s service teams, empowering them to deliver faster service with more mobility, enhancing their ability to serve guests across a variety of locations, from The Backyard Restaurant to the poolside venues and in-room dining services.

Operational Efficiency Meets Guest Personalization

In addition to improving efficiency, the Infrasys POS enhances the personalized experience for each guest. With centralized reporting, staff can seamlessly track guest preferences and tailor experiences according to their needs. Whether guests are enjoying a waterfront meal at The Backyard Restaurant, a drink at the pool, or private in-room dining, the system ensures that each aspect of their stay is connected and streamlined.

Golden Whitehead, the General Manager at Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, shares that the Infrasys POS system has allowed the team to focus on providing genuine hospitality. The system’s integration enables a more cohesive operation across all departments, so staff can devote more time to the important task of making guests feel at home, offering the exceptional service that the hotel is known for.

Enhancing the Guest Experience with Local Flavour

With Infrasys POS, the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Backyard Restaurant, is able to provide world-class dining while seamlessly capturing the essence of Tropical North Queensland’s vibrant cuisine. The restaurant’s location, with its stunning views of the marina and mountains, enhances the overall guest experience, providing guests with a relaxing space to unwind after an adventure-filled day in the region. Whether overlooking the marina, the mountains, or Cairns’ city skyline, guests can enjoy local flavours paired with the unmatched natural beauty of the area.

Shangri-La The Marina also offers access to unique dining experiences, ideal for casual gatherings, sunset drinks, or more formal events. The integration of Shiji’s Infrasys POS system contributes to these experiences, creating a connected and efficient environment where service can be both quick and personalized.

Looking to the Future: A Seamless Guest Experience

The Shiji POS system is a part of the hotel’s broader strategy to reimagine luxury hospitality through the use of advanced technology. As the travel and tourism industry continues to evolve, staying at the cutting edge of service delivery is paramount. With cloud-based POS technology, Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns ensures that guests receive the same level of exceptional service, regardless of where they are in the hotel.

As more guests seek seamless, personalised experiences, the hotel remains committed to enhancing every aspect of the guest journey, ensuring that service delivery is fast, accurate, and in line with the hotel’s luxury standards. This partnership with Shiji helps the hotel cater to the evolving needs of its guests while maintaining its status as a premier destination in Cairns.

A New Standard in Hospitality Service

The Shangri-La The Marina hotel in Cairns, Australia, has established a new standard for luxury hospitality through its implementation of Shiji’s Infrasys POS system. The advanced technology system enables hotels to achieve operational excellence while providing visitors with their best possible experience of the natural environment and adventurous activities available in the Cairns region. The commitment of Shangri-La Cairns to innovative solutions will secure its status as one of Australia’s top waterfront hotels.

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Latin America Tourism Resilience: Mexico, Colombia Lead in January 2026 Passenger Growth

The international airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste S.A.B. de C.V. which operates ASUR has released its January 2026 passenger traffic data to show the significant tourist patterns which exist throughout Colombia Mexico and Puerto Rico. The network shows a 3.6 percent annual growth rate which provides essential information about the changing travel patterns in these areas.

Growth in Colombia: A Strong Start to 2026

In Colombia, passenger traffic surged by an impressive 15.0% in January 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This growth was fueled by a 18.3% increase in domestic traffic, while international traffic saw a more modest 5.2% rise. Colombia’s bustling airports, including the Medellín-based José María Córdova International Airport (Rionegro), played a significant role in this upturn, as the country continues to establish itself as a prime destination for both domestic and international travellers. This year-on-year growth reinforces the importance of Colombia as a growing tourism hub in Latin America.

Steady Growth in Mexico Despite Domestic Traffic Challenges

Mexico’s airports also showed positive growth, with total passenger traffic increasing by 0.9% in January 2026 compared to January 2025. However, domestic traffic experienced a slight dip, down 1.2%, while international traffic gained 2.5%, demonstrating the ongoing global demand for travel to Mexican destinations. Key airports, such as Cancun International Airport, continue to be central players in the country’s tourism landscape. With an increase in international arrivals, Mexico remains a crucial destination for leisure and business travellers alike.

Puerto Rico Faces a Decline, Yet Maintains International Traffic

Puerto Rico, however, saw a 2.1% decrease in overall passenger traffic for January 2026, compared to the previous year. The drop was primarily driven by a 2.6% fall in domestic traffic, although international arrivals increased by 1.8%. San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), a key international gateway for the island, continues to experience a mixed trend, with a slight decline in overall numbers but a growing international presence. This presents an opportunity for Puerto Rico’s tourism industry to adapt and innovate, with future efforts likely to focus on improving domestic travel while capitalising on international growth.

The Big Picture: Overall Passenger Traffic Trends

ASUR’s total traffic in January 2026 reached 6.7 million passengers, marking an overall increase of 3.6% compared to the same month in 2025. The steady rise across Mexico and Colombia offsets the slight dip in Puerto Rico, providing a more nuanced view of the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the aviation sector. International traffic across ASUR’s airports grew by 2.9%, indicating that cross-border travel continues to rebound, with stronger international demand being a critical factor in the recovery of the tourism industry.

What This Means for the Travel Industry

For travellers and the tourism industry, these figures provide valuable insights into shifting travel dynamics. Colombia’s remarkable growth in both domestic and international traffic signals a rising interest in the country’s diverse offerings, from its cultural festivals to its coastal destinations. Mexico’s international traffic boom reflects its robust position as a leading travel destination, although the slight dip in domestic travel suggests that there is room for further growth in the national market. Puerto Rico’s overall decline suggests that more targeted efforts could be required to boost domestic tourism, though the increase in international traffic is a positive sign for future growth.

For those planning to travel to these destinations, these trends underscore a need for flexibility and awareness of regional variations in tourism growth. Whether planning a visit to Colombia’s vibrant cities, Mexico’s bustling resorts, or Puerto Rico’s picturesque beaches, these figures provide a snapshot of the evolving tourism landscape in the Americas.

The Path Forward for Latin American Tourism

As passenger traffic trends show, Latin America is experiencing a positive recovery because international travel volumes have increased. The domestic traffic growth in Colombia, together with Mexico’s international expansion, serves as the key elements which drive the region’s tourism recovery. The mixed results from Puerto Rico show which areas require better attention, while the focus should be on developing its local tourist economy. The Americas continue to present essential opportunities which support the worldwide tourism industry expansion according to ongoing trends.

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Thrilling Breakthrough: Ospitalità Italiana Transforms Sun Star Princess Dining

Travellers who begin their cruises on Sun Princess and Star Princess now enjoy improved dining experiences because Alfredo’s Pizzeria received Ospitalità Italiana certification. The Italian authorities granted this prestigious award to ensure that authentic Neapolitan pizza experiences will be available at sea. Cruise enthusiasts discover Italy’s heritage in every bite, transforming voyages across global waters into gourmet adventures. Princess Cruises establishes a new standard for onboard dining which attracts food enthusiasts to its entire fleet.

Certification Significance

Italian Chambers of Commerce established the Ospitalità Italiana programme in 1997 to safeguard culinary authenticity worldwide. ISNART, a key verifier, assesses restaurants on fresh ingredients, traditional methods, and hospitality standards. Alfredo’s Pizzeria on Sun Princess and Star Princess earns this elite status, a rarity for maritime venues.

Chefs stretch dough by hand and fire it in authentic Moretti Forni stone ovens. They source premium toppings daily, preserving Neapolitan purity. Travellers taste true Italy amid Caribbean sunsets or Alaskan glaciers, without setting foot on land. This certification elevates everyday meals into cultural milestones.

Dining Excellence Onboard

Alfredo’s Pizzeria thrives as a centrepiece on these Sphere-class ships. Collaboration with Tony Gemignani, a 13-time World Pizza Champion, infuses expertise across the fleet. His five signature pizzas feature bold combinations like Soppressata sausage with hot honey or Gorgonzola paired with fig preserves.

USA Today previously hailed Princess Cruises for the finest pizza at sea. This accolade cements that reputation. Guests order custom pies during dinners in the Mediterranean or excursions to the Panama Canal. The pizzeria’s open-kitchen design lets diners watch artisans at work, heightening the theatre of travel.

Travel Impact for Cruise Enthusiasts

Authentic dining anchors memorable holidays. Travellers prioritise immersive cuisine on luxury escapes, and this certification delivers. Princess Cruises attracts Italian food aficionados planning Europe, Alaska, or South Pacific routes. Operators witness heightened bookings as word spreads among travel agents.

Sun Princess debuted in 2025, earning Condé Nast Traveller’s Mega Ship of the Year. Star Princess joined in October 2025, expanding capacity for epic itineraries. MedallionClass technology personalises service, from spa treatments to pizza orders. Certification amplifies appeal for families, couples, and solo explorers chasing flavour-rich voyages.

Ship	Launch Year	Prime Destinations	Pizza Specialty
Sun Princess	2025	Caribbean, Europe, Alaska	Neapolitan hand-stretched pies
Star Princess	2025	Panama Canal, Asia, Antarctica	Champion-inspired flavour blends

Fleet-Wide Innovations

Princess Cruises rolls out Gemignani’s pizzas across all 17 vessels. Onboard teams train rigorously to match certification standards. National Pizza Day timing spotlights this feat, inspiring spontaneous bookings for Hawaiian or Australian/New Zealand sailings.

The brand blends Love Boat legacy with modern flair. Grand theatres host performances post-pizza feasts. Casinos, spas, and infinity pools frame culinary highs. Travellers forge bonds over shared slices, turning strangers into friends on high seas.

Global Itineraries Enhanced

Voyages span dream destinations: Mexican Riviera beaches, South America fjords, Canada/New England coasts. Certification ensures consistent excellence, no matter the port. Agents market this as a game-changer for group travel and incentives. Families celebrate milestones with verified Italian delights.

Princess Cruises prioritises simplicity and elite service. Staterooms offer ocean views complementing deckside dining. This holistic approach redefines cruising for discerning guests.

Booking and Planning Tips

Travel professionals streamline reservations via 1-800-PRINCESS or princess.com. They emphasise certified pizzerias when crafting bespoke itineraries. Early bookings secure cabins near Alfredo’s for peak seasons.

Culinary Milestone Achieved

The Ospitalità Italiana certification designates Alfredo’s Pizzeria on Star Princess and Sun Princess as the highest dining achievement for cruise ships. Princess Cruises shows its expertise in making authentic Italian pizza, which benefits its worldwide routes that extend from Alaska to Antarctica. Travellers experience the essence of Italy through maritime travel, which combines opulent luxury with traditional practices and modern advancements for everlasting sea journey experiences. This milestone establishes stronger bonds through dining experiences which will transform every maritime journey into an exceptional memory.

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