November holiday advice

[MrsDOnofrio]

We have a holiday booked in the middle of November, leaving from a British port. Booked before no deal became the likely outcome of Brexit.

We are due to pay the balance of the (expensive) holiday shortly but we are concerned about possible ramifications of a no deal Brexit. Main concerns are being able to travel to the port (e.g. lorries stacked on motorways at ports, civil unrest maybe). Holiday operator has a “guarantee” that they will refund if they are forced to cancel because of Brexit. Travel insurance makes no mention of it but I’m sure will find some way to wriggle out of paying. At the moment we’re considering cancelling the holiday and just losing our deposit rather than risk losing the full balance. What would you do in this situation?

[RevealingIfYouMightBeStalked]

Tell us exactly what the holiday entails?

Where we are, now, you have to elementalise all facets, otherwise the whole thing fails.

[MrsDOnofrio]

It’s a cruise leaving from a south coast port. Cruising around, would you believe it, several European countries. Leaning towards cancelling it at the moment for several reasons atm .

[Mistigri]

Presumably not a Kent port?

It's the ports that have high volumes of RO-RO traffic that are most at risk.

[MrsDOnofrio]

It’s Southampton - don’t know much about the port. At least it’s not Dover! Really undecided but have to pay this weekend.

In addition to worries about being able to get to the port, if we leave under no deal (or even with a deal) I’m guessing we’re not going to be welcomed with open arms by the countries we’re travelling to.

[MrsDOnofrio]

Any other thoughts? Googling doesn’t really help. DH just said to cancel - need to make decision today

[squee123]

If they're saying they'll refund you if Brexit leads to it being cancelled I'd take the small risk of them not following through and crack on personally

[Dontlickthetrolley]

I'd go, you're guaranteed to be fed and you won't need to deal with anything happening here. Even if you can't get off in any port (I'm sure you'll be fine if you're going to Gibraltar and the alcohol is cheap there!) there's plenty to do on the boat and you could get a bit if a refund

[Mistigri]

if we leave under no deal (or even with a deal) I’m guessing we’re not going to be welcomed with open arms by the countries we’re travelling to.

I wouldn't worry about that. I live in France and literally no one cares about Brexit (except the Brits).

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of disruption, like arranging to travel to the port a bit earlier than you would have done otherwise or travelling by public transport.

I understand it's a dilemma but I would probably go unless a party member is a non-EU citizen.

Talk to your insurer about their Brexit guarantees and make sure your medical cover is good bearing in mind that if Brexit happens there will be no EHIC.

Check passports, remember you need 6 month's validity (ie passport issued no more than 9.5 years (4.5 for kids) before the date of return).

[JustMe9]

I wouldnt cancel it. Brexit is not the end of the world. People do cruise around Europe even when they are not from EU...think Americans! Go and enjoy your holiday x

[Leapyearlover]

From Southampton I wouldn't cancel. Kent maybe.

[TatianaLarina]

Can you upgrade your insurance retrospectively or take out new?

You’re covered by the operator for worst case scenario.

I’d leave more time to get there, but Southampton is nowhere near Kent. You can either go down the M3 from London or cut from the M4 around Swindon, down the main roads.

[Parker231]

With a valid UK passport there is no reason European countries will stop you visiting on your cruise. They want people to visit as you bring in income to their economy.

[sackrifice]

We thought that the first time round. We were due to go on holiday the day after the first Brexit date.

You know what happened. Nothing. NADA.

Don't cancel for fucks sake. What is the worst that could happen?

[MoreSlidingDoors]

We thought that the first time round. We were due to go on holiday the day after the first Brexit date.

You know what happened. Nothing. NADA.

Because brexit didn’t happen then, dumbass. Not because nothing will happen if it does.