Normal travel insurance does not cover cruising.
I disagree. Travel insurance unless it specifically excludes cruises has always covered cruises. You can however now have the add ons for missed ports etc. we have been cruising for several years and travel insurance has always covered cruising. The liability cover has always been the same.
I believe you can pay the difference in drinks plus gratuity and we intend doing that with the wines. The spirits and liqueurs will fall into the Plus price.
Yes seems there are problems. See this thread on other cruise line. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2932325-contacting-cruise-connectintercruise-to-book/#comment-65246174
Well the only thing I can see is that it says “ We reserve the right to withdraw the offer in whole or on individual cruises at any time”
Presume it is a Select booking.
This seems to be happening a lot on the newer ships Iona and Arvia. They are aimed at the new younger cruisers, some of whom have no wish to dress up on holiday. It is a very different vibe on these ships, much more to some people’s taste.