Cruise: Never make this big mistake on a cruise ship – many people don’t realise

“This means you may be taken to a country that is not on your itinerary, particularly if you are travelling in the Mediterranean; Africa may be closer than mainland Europe.

“This could leave you in a vulnerable situation and could be burdened with expensive medical bills if you do not have the right travel insurance cover.

“Ensuring you have the right geographical location and cover for existing medical conditions are a priority when taking out travel insurance for a cruise.”

Another mistake some traveller make is to bring valuables with them on a cruise – but this could be an error.

“Sitting at the Captain’s Table is one of the highlights of any cruise so people want to look their best,” said Kingsley.

“However, carrying all your favourite jewellery onto the cruise may not be the best option as theft is a common occurrence. All travel insurance policies will offer cover for personal possessions, however, be wary of single article limits. For example, your personal possession cover may be up to £2,000 but the total you can claim for valuables may be £500.