Cruise expert issues major warning for unruly passengers
A cruise expert has issued a warning to Britons as more than 2.4 million passengers are to set sail this year.
Many cruise guests opt to pay for an unlimited alcohol package with their holiday. But there's a key mistake that could cause holidaymakers to have their travel insurance voided.
Mark Barton, cruise expert at travel insurance provider Avanti, says: 'Cruise holidays are meant to be relaxing, but some guests can treat the unlimited drinks package like a personal challenge - and that's when trouble starts.
'What many don't realise is that any medical emergency that's alcohol-related such as injuries, falls, or even alcohol poisoning, could void your travel insurance, leaving you to foot a medical bill.
'That could leave you facing thousands of pounds in medical costs abroad and even being removed from the ship at the next port.'
Travel insurance often won't cover injuries which could have been caused by alcohol.
Passengers could also see themselves removed from the ship or even put in the ship's brig, an onboard jail, if they break the rules due to drunken behaviour.
Mark adds: 'All ships have dedicated security personnel onboard who operate 24/7. These security officers are trained in crowd control, conflict resolution, and emergency response, so they'll be on hand to step in should any passengers become rowdy due to excessive drinking.
'If a passenger does become disorderly, or poses a risk to others, security officers might escort them back to their cabin, or even temporarily confine them in a holding area, if necessary, until they sober up.'
So, while it might be tempting to indulge in an all-inclusive package, it's important not to drink too much.
And if it's another passenger's drinking is causing concern, Mark has urged guests to 'report' the behaviour.
He says: 'If you're faced with a drunken passenger and can't see any staff around, look for an emergency phone, which is located around the ship, to report the location and behaviour.
'Never try to physically intervene or argue, as your travel insurance may not cover any injury sustained during a physical altercation. It's always best to let the ship's trained staff handle it.'
Drinking can also cause passengers to become dehydrated which could be dangerous onboard the ship.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times
39 minutes ago
- Times
Best designer beach bags for summer 2025
Since the 1930s, beach bags — totes made of straw, raffia or canvas — have been one of the most stylish summer accessories. What was once simply a practical piece used for carrying towels, picnics and souvenirs, is now a status symbol of the seaside thanks to luxury houses such as Loewe, Gucci and Brunello Cucinelli putting their designer stamps on the summery staple. Keep scrolling to see the best designer beach bags to shop this season. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Made in Italy, this Ferragamo tote is defined by its leather trim, supple handle and circular cut-out details. The bucket shape allows you to throw in all your summer essentials — but the mini silhouette prevents you over-packing. £925, Ferragamo at Net-a-Porter Founded in 1985 by the Belgium designer Craig Wright, Dragon Diffusion uses a special hand braiding technique inspired by traditional basket weaving cultures such as Japanese bamboo basketry and fibre baskets crafted from natural plants by South Pacific communities. The process involves braiding crust leather straps before using natural vegetable dyes to create distinctive, wearable shades like this cream and mint iteration. £410, Dragon Diffusion at Net-a-Porter Since the former creative director JW Anderson first adorned a raffia basket bag with Loewe's iconic anagram in 2019, the luxury house has become a go-to for beachy totes. For more playful versions, Loewe's collaboration with Paula's Ibiza features bolder styles and colours while still showcasing the brand's moniker. £1,000, Loewe + Paula's Ibiza at Net-a-Porter Crafted from striped raffia, Brunello Cucinelli's medium beach bag features a sculptural, pleated shape, optional leather shoulder strap and a secure slot for your cards inside. £1,850, Brunello Cucinelli at Net-a-Porter While mini bags are ideal for city breaks in summer, Zimmermann's capacious raffia-jacquard tote is the better option for long days spent by the sea. The leather handles and gold-tone hardware keep the bohemian brand's beach bag feeling elevated. £775, Zimmermann at Net-a-Porter A wearable work of art that arguably should be reserved for swanky seaside restaurants rather than sandy beaches, Bottega Veneta's Sardine tote, named for its sculptural, fish-like handle, is crafted from woven traffic and features a removable leather wallet to keep your items safe. £6,720, Bottega Veneta at Net-a-Porter While most beach bags feature woven raffia or straw, Missoni's vibrant tote is crafted from quick-drying terry-jacquard and reinforced with a canvas trim and showcases a re-imagining of the brand's signature chevron stripes. £495, Missoni at Net-a-Porter Unsurprisingly the quiet luxury brand The Row, forgoes bright beachy stripes for a pared-back silhouette. Free from any embellishment, the Emilie bag simply lets the natural fibres of woven raffia shine. £860, The Row at Mytheresa Founded by Simon Porte Jacquemus and inspired by his personal experience of the south of France's rich art, tourism and fashion history, you can always rely on Jacquemus for summery essentials with a sartorial twist. This beach bag is defined by its playful asymmetric silhouette and curved gold-tone clasp. £1,090, Jacquemus at Mytheresa A sweet take on the traditional picnic basket, Aquazzura's Marea beach bag features a striped canvas drawstring interior and is decorated with playful rattan embellishments inspired by the sea — from coral to clownfish and crabs. £1,185, Aquazzura at Mytheresa Crafted from natural seagrass woven to create a dinky basket-shaped silhouette, Anya Hindmarch's new beach bag features the brand's signature eyes that are also intricately woven from paper. £425, Anya Hindmarch Available in a collection of summery stripes and shades, Gucci's unisex beach bag is crafted from herringbone cotton canvas, playful fringe detailing and the brand's script embroidery across the front.£1,650, Gucci Prada's logo-embroidered crochet beach bags have become somewhat of a seaside status symbol in summer. Crafted from woven yarn, this tote is pretty sturdy, with plenty of room for towels, swimwear and more. £1,660, Prada at Selfridges While Anya Hindmarch's basket bag is very cute, for those who struggle to streamline their beach bag contents, this leather-strapped tote is a touch more roomy. £595, Anya Hindmarch
BBC News
4 hours ago
- BBC News
Extreme heat is starting to change the way we holiday
It was the summer of 2023, and Katie Piercefield-Holmes from Suffolk travelled to the Greek island of Rhodes with her husband and two children for a 10-day booked a room with air conditioning at a resort, intending to spend the time relaxing in the swimming pool and sightseeing – but this wasn't possible because of the searing heat. "Even after breakfast, a five-minute walk would be unbearable," she came the wildfires, which swept across the island. "With the heat from the wildfires, it felt over 40C," she all, some 19,000 people were evacuated from their homes or holiday accommodation in Rhodes that July. Pictures of tourists fleeing the island were splashed across newspaper front pages and one newlywed couple from Glasgow described it as like "being thrown into a disaster film". Katie's family was advised to evacuate their villa, but chose to stay, believing it would be experience has, she says, changed the way she and her family have holidayed for good. The summer heatwave of 2023 gripped much of Europe, particularly countries around the Mediterranean including Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Cyprus. Temperatures reached 40-45C by day in some regions. In all, there were more than 47,000 heat-related deaths throughout Europe in 2023, according to the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) – most were in southern previous year had also seen multiple heatwaves across Europe, including the first recording of 40C in the UK. More than 68,000 people died on the continent, according to the 2024 season in Europe wasn't as extreme, scientists are clear that human-induced climate change is leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves around the along with this change in summer weather comes other changes too. In all, 81% of Europeans say they have tweaked their holiday plans because of factors related to climate change, according to a report published in April by the European Travel Commission (ETC).Almost a third are choosing destinations where the weather is Piercefield-Holmes is among them. She has returned to Greece with her family since 2023, but only during the cooler months of October and May - during the summer, the family still travel but take a different approach. "We go [somewhere] where it isn't as hot and can plan different activities like hiking and sightseeing," she family are not along. Simon Calder, a journalist and broadcaster on BBC's The Travel Show, says that a number of travel agents have observed some families choosing to take their main holiday over Easter, rather than during the summer. And this could well be a growing trend: Bas Amelung, a professor in environmental systems analysis at Wageningen University, says that certain parts of Europe might become too hot for many in the future. "Countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey that currently attract the traditional 'sun and sand' summer tourists are likely to become too hot for comfort in the summer," he he also believes that even if temperatures don't go up much in the short term, the perception may still stick."People take decisions based on their perceptions," he explains. "So if a large majority of holidaymakers thinks some European destinations will soon be 'too hot', they may well start adapting, either by going somewhere else in summer or by going to the same place in another season."Which all begs the question, what does that mean for holiday resorts across the Mediterranean, in particular those that have come to rely on summer tourism trade? And if the idea of "high season" changes, what does that mean for the tradition of a seaside summer holiday? Extreme weather in the Med It's not just heatwaves - climate change is affecting tourism in other ways level rises are projected to increase by around 0.8-0.9m by 2100. This could lead to a long-term threat to some beachside resorts, including a number in the Caribbean, which are typically less than 1m above current sea islands, meanwhile, are vulnerable to storm surges – these could also be threatened by rising sea levels, as well as changing weather patterns. Cyclones in the region could become more intense too, according to Australia's Bureau of is Europe, though, that will most affect British holidaymakers. Currently it is their top destination - and according to the World Meteorological Organisation, Europe is also the fastest-warming continent on Earth. Beaches, in particular, could be at risk. One study suggests that a fifth of the sandy coastline of the Mediterranean could face severe loss by 2050, under the middle of the IPCC's five climate projections Italy and the Iberian peninsula are also identified as being at high risk due to climate Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told a cabinet meeting in 2023: "We are already experiencing the effects of the climate crisis, and we know that things will probably get worse, not better, with higher temperatures, more drought and strong winds." The resorts that are adapting Already, there are some small signs that indicate more people are holidaying outside the traditional peak season. In all, 8% fewer people plan to travel to the Mediterranean this summer compared to last year, according to Teodora Marinska, chief operating officer of the more people appear to be travelling to the region outside the traditional months: Greece saw a 20% increase in spring tourism in 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, according to analysts from the National Bank of foreign arrivals to Spain exceeded 10 million in January and February of 2025 – almost a 20% increase versus 2019 levels."These are increases on small numbers, because these nations are usually quite empty in the winter, but we can already see that the growth is concentrated there," explains Ms has been welcomed by authorities in some places. "We've seen destinations increasing investment in connectivity in the winter months – for instance, adding flights to the winter schedule."Rather than destinations emptying out in the summer months, Ms Marinska sees it as more a levelling of the peak to a gentle curve – which could boost economies of tourist hotspots, instead of damaging them."Tourist boards have been investing heavily in fighting the seasonality trend, not only because of overtourism, but because it's much more sustainable for a hotel to stay open all year round [and] jobs are more stable," she example the German highland region of Spessart, in Bavaria and Hesse, is shifting its focus to year-round tourism by developing new trails and promoting activities such as hiking, biking and wellness. Certain places on the Med popular with tourists are also starting to adapt what they offer."Countries, such as Spain, are starting to wake up to the consequences of climate change and the reality of the need to adapt," says Prof Amelung. "Things are starting to change slowly, but surely."A number of towns are, for example, offer evening markets and indoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Mr Calder recalls going on a walking tour of the Italian Adriatic city of Grado that began at in some areas there are cost implications. In 2024, Greece replaced its accommodation tax with a new "climate crisis resilience tax" that aims to support rebuilding efforts after climate related disasters. It means that for a week's holiday in Greece between April and October, travellers could be charged up to £88 extra per room. From staycations to summers in Scandinavia All of this could lead to some new patterns in the way people spend their vacations - and where they go. Staycations, for example, could become even more popular. More than half of UK holidaymakers say they are likely to choose to holiday at home rather than abroad for climate-related reasons, according to 2024 research by Mintel. Some 28% say warmer UK temperatures are encouraging them to take domestic remains to be seen is how this could affect the price tag. "A significant shift in holiday habits could push up the cost of a domestic holiday," says Mr Calder. "If more people decide to stay in the UK, and others come to Britain because it is more climatically appealing, the rise in demand would trigger price increases. But there are always locations where you can get reasonable deals." Industry experts have also noticed a growing trend of holidaymakers choosing different, less traditional destinations in Europe too for their summer breaks."There is an increased emphasis on travel to northern destinations, with more routes to Iceland, Norway and Finland than ever… spreading tourism more evenly," according to Mr Calder."Destinations such as Scandinavia that weren't hugely popular in the past are also becoming a bit more fashionable due to Instagram trends," agrees Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents.A number of alternative European beach destinations are becoming more popular: places like Albania, Montenegro or Bulgaria are growing at a much faster pace than traditional destinations, observes Ms Marinska."The beach holiday is still by far the more popular type," she stresses. "But there's a shift in behaviour, and people are choosing different destinations for their beach holidays." The school holidays factor Although many experts are predicting that holiday patterns will shift, it doesn't appear to be happening on a large scale. And, there are limits to these shifts. While certain groups can be more flexible about when they holiday, such as retirees or those without young children, this may not be possible for those with children of school age who want to break up the long summer period, points out Prof some people I spoke to who have been caught up in extreme situations on holiday aren't deterred from seeking out sunnier climes during the summer. Daniel Rolfe, who was on honeymoon in Rhodes during the 2023 wildfires, is one of them. "We wouldn't necessarily change holiday plans or habits because of climate change and hot weather [but] we'd look at how likely wildfires might be before going anywhere".But, warns Prof Amelung, if there are many more very hot summers, holiday patterns may yet change."If we have major heatwaves and wildfires all across the Med in three or four out of the next five summers, this may well be a tipping point in public perception, going from 'the Mediterranean climate is ideal for summer holidays' to 'the Mediterranean is just unbearably hot in summer; let's go somewhere else'." Top picture credit: Mizina/ Getty Images BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Outrage as travellers 'destroy' tranquil New Forest village with 'illegal' land grab - as ex-minister rages 'civil rights' of those shamelessly flouting planning laws should be 'forfeited'
Fury has exploded over an 'illegal' traveller camp which threatens to 'destroy' the tranquillity of a tiny village in the heart of one of the UK's prized national parks. Residents living in the quintessentially British community of Burley, in the New Forest, have lashed out over the unauthorised development on the outskirts of the village. Those behind the project have been accused of shamelessly flouting planning rules by paving over part of a field and installing a number of caravans and mobile homes. It's led to a months-long row, with a judgement on whether a retrospective planning application to allow it to stay or not, set to be made in a matter of weeks. However, it has sparked a fierce backlash, with one ex-minister raging those behind the scheme should have their 'civil rights... forfeited' over the flagrant rule break. One villager fumed: 'The travellers have shown complete disregard for the community... It's a level of disrespect. They have come in and destroyed protected lands without permission.' The woodland idyll, nestled between Southampton and Bournemouth, is home to about 1,350 people and is heavily reliant on tourism in the summer. It has no railway station, one primary school, a village shop and a sporadic bus service. Those living there are fiercely protective of their historic home's unspoilt, natural surroundings and have been left outraged by the gypsy development. The site, on a former pony field off Ringwood Road, was converted without permission several weeks ago. It's a stone's throw away from the luxury Burley Manor hotel, which is a medieval Grade II-listed building. Those on the camp have since submitted a retrospective planning bid for two static caravans, two touring caravans, parking, bin and cycle stores, e-bike charging points, boundary fencing, and an extension of existing hardstanding. MailOnline understands the site is home to two families. The proposals - which are yet to be decided by the New Forest National Park Authority - triggered a furious response, with dozens of objections lodged. Local Tory MP Sir Desmond Swayne is also among those attacking the development, which he says had 'alarmed' his constituents. 'It's not been helped by the rather aggressive sign put up, that strikes fear into the community,' he added. 'What sort of people are these, who are putting up this intimidatory sign telling people to "keep out" or the dogs will get you'?' A deadline for a decision on the application is July 2 - however, officials at the NFNPA hope to have made a judgement before this date. However, former minister Sir Desmond feared the controversial scheme could be approved on the basis of 'human rights', allowing travellers to remain on the land instead of dismantling all the work that has already been undertaken there. Hitting out, the New Forest West MP told MailOnline: 'When you break the law you should forfeit your civil rights. Breaches in the law – even in planning regulations - should not be whipped through on the basis of human rights.' One 43-year-old villager accused the group of 'steamrolling' their way into the tranquil rural community by 'running roughshod' over planning laws. She added: 'Burley is like a little, sleepy, lost village in winter months. It's a beautiful, quaint and it's historic. 'There has been no attempt [by the travellers] to join the community or to be part of it. They have steamrolled their way in. 'The damage has now been done. You can't put back all the species in the hedges that were residing in there that were torn up for the fencing. 'This is a very passionate village. We're passionate about protecting it and preserving it... It's hugely disappointing that you have people who have not adhered to planning policy.' The development comes amid a 'land grab' blitz blighting Britain, which has seen travellers across the UK building camps in rural beauty spots without permission. A probe by the MailOnline has already revealed how the blight has rocked villages and towns in Buckinghamshire, West Sussex, Nottinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Gloucester, Worcestershire and Cheshire. This week, the rural north Devon hamlet of Charles became the latest community to be hit. Diggers bulldozed through a large grass bank to gain access to the secluded field in the picturesque north Devon hamlet - which is home to just a few dozen homes. The work, which is believed to be part of an unauthorised project to build a new traveller site, started at about 5pm on Monday evening, locals said. Within 24 hours, the tranquil patch of grassland had been transformed into a grey eyesore, standing out against the rolling green hills of the surrounding countryside. Elsewhere, travellers have been accused of carrying out brazen bank holiday 'land seizures' to rapidly build camps under the noses of council chiefs while their offices are closed. Allegedly weaponising the national breaks, industrial diggers, excavators and lorries carrying gravel, are mobilised to rip up and pave over fields in protected green belts during 'deliberate and meticulously planned' operations. Cynically, the 'illegal' conversions are done without any planning permission, flouting development rules - with 'retrospective' applications later submitted to councils to allow the newly-constructed sites to remain. Sir Desmond added he was worried about the number of unauthorised traveller sites, which he warned is now happening 'more and more often'. 'This is an established pattern. This isn't ignorance. This is gaming the system,' the veteran Conservative MP said. The exact date of when work started at the New Forest pony field in Ringwood Road is not known. However, officials believe it could have begun as early as March. A retrospective application was submitted shortly after, which prompted more than 80 letters of opposition. Andrew and Rachel Holloway, whose home overlooks the site, are among those calling for the scheme to be refused. In their written objection, they said: 'Until the site was developed six weeks ago, we looked out onto fields and hedgerows teeming with wildlife. The landscape had completely changed since the site has been developed.' Criteria for approving gypsy and traveller sites is set out in the New Forest Local Plan. It states: 'The New Forest has a long history of travelling communities and their needs are recognised in national planning policy. 'Planning policy [has] the overarching aim to ensure the fair and equal treatment of gypsies and travellers in a way that facilitated their traditional way of life, while respecting the interests of the settled community.' 'It requires proposals to demonstrate a proven need for accommodation, minimise harm to the landscape, and ensure developments do not negatively impact nearby residents or overload local infrastructure. 'The policy also states that occupancy should be limited to people with a local connection to the New Forest and emphasises the importance of conserving the area's natural beauty and tranquillity' The application has been submitted by Michael Chalk and Tom Butler. Planning consultant Tony White, who is representing the pairs' development bid, told MailOnline: 'Nationally councils have persistently failed to meet the statutory obligations to provide sites and pitches to meet the identified needs of gypsies and travellers. 'Faced with tougher policing powers to prevent roadside stopping, many gypsies and travellers feel they have no choice but to move on to their own privately-owned land before obtaining planning permission and are often forced to do so because of prejudice they encounter when roadside. 'The site prior to the two young families moving on, consisted of a brick built stable bock, large area of hardstanding and paddocks, they have carried out very little work to facilitate the occupation of the site, all of which can and will be removed should they be unsuccessful in the planning process. 'It is recognised that some residents will have concerns about the change or by travellers moving in nearby, but Mr Chalk and Mr Butler have in large part been made to feel very welcome in the village and are looking forward to their children attending the local schools and the families integrating with the settled community. 'Mr Buttler would like to add that they wish to reassure those residents who have expressed to the Mail they have fears or concerns, that it is only Mr Chalk's family and my family, that intend to live here and we want to make a home where we can raise our children, giving them access to education and medical facilities that we never had growing up, we just want to improve our children's futures and our families living standards.' Mr White added the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (Amended) contains provisions to 'regularise unauthorised works, through retrospective applications and lawful development certificates'. 'These are utilised for many reasons and by all sectors of communities, but I can assure you, that any decision on the planning application, will not be swayed or influenced by the applicants having moved on to their property ahead of the decision,' he said. The deadline for a decision on the site is July 2.
