With millions of trips taking place from the UK to destinations across Europe each year, many holidaymakers will have questions regarding travel plans and what Brexit means for them. Latest highlights detail that the UK has agreed a Withdrawal Agreement and is now in the transition period. During this time, people can continue to travel as they do now and travel requirements will only change from 1st January 2021.

SixStarCruises.co.uk is protected by both ABTA and ATOL, meaning that when you book with us you will be fully protected no matter what.

Read our FAQs on the subject and see what the cruise lines have to say for themselves regarding Brexit below for some helpful answers. Click the questions to expand and read the answers.

Will I need to worry about currency during my cruise?

A cruise is one of the best ways to travel when considering currency as it’s the least affected by fluctuations. Most of the time you can pre-pay for your drinks, gratuities and excursions to protect against any negative impacts of the exchange rate.

Can I still book a cruise within the EU?

Yes! A cruise is a great way to travel as it often least affected by currency fluctuations, you can sail from the UK and enjoy visting multiple places in one holiday but only unpacking once.  A cruise offers a perfect option for those needing a little extra reassurance with their future holidays. A cruise often has everything included, fixed prices and little to no unexpected bills. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) have advised that there is no reason to be concerned when booking a holiday.

Do I need to renew my passport?

Valid passports can still be used. New guidance states that your passport needs to have at least six months left and be less than 10 years old – even if it has six months or more left.

Will I need to acquire any additional documents?

Travellers won’t need any new documents than usual during the transition period. From 1st January 2021, ABTA advises that travellers won’t need a visa to travel to the EU and that you won’t need an additional licence for driving in the EU, as long as you have a full UK driving licence.

Will the European Health Insurance cards still be valid?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows any EU citizen to access state medical care when they are travelling in another EU country. EHIC is valid in 2020, though from 1st January 2021 they will no longer be valid.

ABTA has always advised holidaymakers and business travellers to make sure they have appropriate travel insurance, whether they have an EHIC card or not, as there are limitations to EHIC.

When travelling in the EU and beyond, it is important you take out travel insurance and check that it covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions. If you have an annual policy, make sure you check the Terms and Conditions and contact your insurance provider if you’re not sure.

The best way to protect your holiday is to book a package – it is then the travel provider’s responsibility to make sure your holiday is provided and to offer an alternative or refund if it cannot be delivered. It is important that whenever and wherever you travel that you have adequate travel insurance which covers your specific needs, including any known medical conditions or activities you plan to do.

Advice on travel insurance can be found here.

Will I still be able to use my mobile phone abroad?

From 1st January 2021, the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will end. Check with your phone operator to find out any roaming charges you may incur from 1st January 2021. A new law means you’re protected from getting mobile data charges above £45 without you knowing, and once you reach this limit you will need to opt in to spend more. Your phone operator will advise on how you can do this

Can I still drive abroad?

You may need extra documents to drive abroad from 1st January 2021. This might include an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. If you’re taking your own vehicle, you might also need a ‘green card’ or valid proof of insurance and a GB sticker.

Can I still fly within the EU?

Yes. In 2020, everything remains the same until the end of December, with flights continuing as normal. This is the same with ferries, cruise ships and coach journeys.

Ferry services and cruises will still sail as in any case the majority of the rules under which they operate are not based on EU rules, but are international. Coaches will still be able to travel to and from the EU, and around EU countries as usual.

Couple overlooking the landscape

What do the cruise lines have to say about Brexit?

Due to the changes Brexit could potentially incur, some cruise lines have spoken out about the possibilities of Brexit to the cruising community.

Scenic Ocean Cruises

Scenic has launched the following to customers, to offer peace of mind in light of Brexit. The Scenic Brexit Assurance guarantees the following:

  • No price increases, no surcharges or supplements, regardless of the Brexit outcome
  • Scenic’s truly All-Inclusive philosophy, where even the things you’d expect to pay extra for are included in the price
  • Scenic Club – our much-loved loyalty programme that rewards repeat travellers
  • Complete financial protection, provided by ABTA, ATOL and IATA

Viking Ocean Cruises

Within the FAQs section of Viking’s website, the following is quoted as to how will Brexit affect your holiday:

“Until the UK officially leaves the EU, not sooner than two years’ time, there will be no changes to holiday arrangements. Travellers are as free to move between the UK and the EU as they were before the vote, European Health Insurance cards remain valid and regulations such as Air Passenger Rights remain in place.”

Book with SixStarCruises.co.uk

Couple overlooking the landscape from a balcony

A cruise offers a perfect option for those needing a little extra reassurance with their future holidays. A cruise often has everything included, fixed prices and little to no unexpected bills. Cruising from the UK is ideal as there are no flights required and it removes any additional stresses that come with being at the airport.

If you need to discuss your future cruise bookings or have any questions about the above, call our Cruise Concierge team on 0808 202 6105 for advice on cruising both within and outside the EU.

Post last updated: 30/07/2020

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Emma Smith
Emma has more than seven years' experience as a writer and has been in the travel industry for nearly five years. She loves learning about new places and cruise ships coming to market, as well as discovering fun and exciting activities to do while you sail. She has cruised with Princess Cruises, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Avalon Waterways and Royal Caribbean and is looking to get something in her diary for 2024! Her favourite things to see on a ship include excellent entertainment, a delicious cocktail menu and extraordinary dining venues.

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