Passengers stranded by cruise ship fire rescued by holiday insurance

A fire that broke out in the engine room of the Royal Princess has forced Princess Cruises to cancel two of its sailings, but customers who bought travel insurance will at least be able to recover some of their costs.

The blaze started as the ship with 733 passengers onboard was off Port Said in Egypt, on the fifth day of a 12-day Mediterranean itinerary.

The remainder of the cruise had to be cancelled and the cruise line Princess was also forced to cancel the following planned sailing to allow for repairs to the engine room.

Passengers are being offered full refunds plus a future cruise credit equal to 25% of the fare paid. In addition, Princess is picking up their bills for flights home, transfers and associated hotel accommodation.

Those with comprehensive travel insurance should also be able to claim refunds for other expenses, such as unused excursions they have already paid for.

Customers on the second cancelled sailing, who haven't made a claim, should be able to transfer their travel insurance to a later holiday, so they won't be left out of pocket.

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