Insurance Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for Cruises: Why It's a Must-Have Not a Maybe

Find out why you might consider purchasing travel insurance ahead of your next cruise

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Oct. 1, 2024

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Are you tired of run-of-the-mill vacations? Step up your travel game and book a cruise.

A cruise can be a wonderful combination of relaxation and adventure. But too many people overlook a potential drawback of a cruise that can be costly.

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A costly cruise drawback

Once you have made a final payment on a cruise, you typically cannot change or cancel the booking.

Carnival Cruise Line's brand ambassador John Heald recently sounded the alarm about this truth on his Facebook page.

He highlighted real-life scenarios where passengers faced heartbreaking challenges — from illnesses to family emergencies — that prevented them from embarking on the cruise they booked.

When that happens, there often is no way for these passengers to claim a refund. Instead, those who have to cancel cruises are simply out of luck and have to take the financial loss.

However, Heald suggested one potential way to avoid the financial setback that can come with a canceled cruise: purchase travel insurance.

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What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a safeguard against unexpected events. Coverage varies from policy to policy, but typically it can help reimburse losses associated with:

Trip cancellation or interruption
Baggage and personal effects damages or loss
Damage to rental property or a rental car coverage
Medical costs
Accidental death

That means many policies include comprehensive protection for unforeseen circumstances. If you suddenly have to cancel a cruise because of something unexpected, travel insurance might make you whole.

In that light, purchasing travel insurance for cruises should not be viewed merely as an added expense. Instead, it's a proactive measure that ensures financial security and peace of mind.

How to purchase travel insurance

Fortunately, buying travel insurance for a cruise should not be difficult.

Cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer insurance as an add-on during the booking process. The insurance might cover things such as a death in the family, bad weather that prevents you from getting to the ship in time, and more.

It's crucial to carefully review policy details and make sure they align with your specific needs and concerns.

You can also purchase travel insurance for your cruise through insurers such as Allianz, Berkshire Hathaway, World Nomads and more. These companies typically provide coverage for things such as missed cruises due to delayed flights, trip cancellations, and medical emergencies onboard.

Travel agents can also guide you through insurance options. They will offer insights and suggest coverage that meets your specific needs.

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You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.

If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.

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Bottom line

As you plan your next cruise, don’t overlook the importance of travel insurance. Life is filled with uncertainties, and unforeseen events can disrupt even the most carefully laid plans.

Being unprepared for the unexpected can lead to significant financial losses. On the other hand, looking for the right travel insurance policy can help prevent a canceled cruise from ruining your financial fitness.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Benefits

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Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card

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Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

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