August 26, 2009. Posted by Dave Beers.

Holland America has upped the ante when it comes to buying trip cancellation insurance. It used to be true that buying private insurance was the best way to go - both in price and in coverage - but perhaps not anymore. Read more from the HAL press release as follows:

Holland America has introduced a new Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) where guests can cancel their cruise for any reason and receive a refund of up to 90 percent of the cruise fare. Two variations of the plan allow cancellation of a cruise up to 24 hours prior to the cruise or cruisetour departure for Standard CPP and right up to departure for CPP Platinum.

“With Holland America Line’s CPP plans, guests can rest assured they don’t have to have specific reasons to be protected,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “It provides added peace of mind in today’s environment to know that whatever might be affecting a guest’s travel plans, they can receive a refund if needed.”

For most sailings, Holland America Line’s standard cancellation policy allows guests to cancel in writing without penalty up to 76 days prior to the departure date.

Two Levels of CPP

Standard CPP reimburses 80% of eligible amounts paid for cancellations for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the cruise or cruisetour departure. This plan also provides an additional $500 liability (for a total of $600) for lost, damaged or delayed baggage.

The CPP Platinum plan features a 90% refund upon cancellation for any reason prior to departure. Other benefits include increased baggage protection for lost or damaged luggage up to $1,600 total, delayed baggage coverage up to $1,100, trip interruption protection if a guest must return home unexpectedly and trip delay coverage.

Medical coverage under the plan provides for emergency medical expenses for illness or injury first occurring during the voyage, emergency medical evacuation and 24-hour emergency hotline assistance for legal, passport, cash transfer, medical and documentation assistance.

Standard CPP and CPP Platinum are available to U.S. and Canadian residents and must be purchased at the time of deposit. The cost varies by cruise fare and is non-refundable. As an example CPP pricing for a guest paying up to $1,000 per person for a seven-day Caribbean cruise would be $79 for Standard CPP, and $99 for CPP Platinum. For more information and specific plan details, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

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