I’ve been on more Royal Caribbean cruises than I can count—everything from short Caribbean hops to transatlantic journeys. And if there’s one question I get all the time, it’s this: “Do I really need travel insurance for my cruise?”
Short answer? Probably, yes.
Long answer? Let’s break it down.
What Travel Insurance Covers (and Why It Matters)
Most people think travel insurance is just for getting your money back if you cancel. But it goes a lot deeper than that, especially when you’re out at sea. A decent policy usually covers:
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Medical emergencies
- Emergency evacuation (think airlift off the ship)
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Travel delays or missed connections
Now imagine you’re cruising the Southern Caribbean and suddenly need an emergency appendectomy. The ship’s doctor might be able to stabilize you, but you’ll need a medevac to a hospital on land—and that can cost tens of thousands out-of-pocket if you’re uninsured.
Royal Caribbean has onboard medical facilities, but they’re not free and not cheap. Your regular health insurance likely doesn’t cover you once you’re off U.S. soil—or off land entirely.
Real Talk: Stuff Happens
I’ve seen it all. Flights canceled, bags lost, passengers airlifted from the ship, and even a friend who fractured her ankle walking on wet deck stairs. She had to cut her trip short and fly home early. Her travel insurance covered nearly everything—hospital fees, rebooked flights, and even a few nights in a hotel.
Another time, bad weather forced the ship to skip a couple of ports, delaying return to Miami. Some passengers missed their flights home. Those with insurance? Rebooked and reimbursed. Those without? Ate the cost.
Cruising is amazing, but it’s not immune to the unexpected.
What Royal Caribbean Offers
Royal Caribbean sells its own travel protection through a program called CruiseCare. It includes:
- Trip cancellation coverage (up to 100% cash reimbursement or 75% future cruise credit, depending on the reason)
- Trip interruption
- Medical and emergency evacuation
- Luggage protection
It’s convenient because you can buy it directly through Royal when booking. But convenience doesn’t always mean best value.
Should You Use Royal’s Insurance or Shop Around?
CruiseCare is decent for most people, especially if you’re booking last-minute and want something simple. But third-party insurance providers like Allianz, Travel Guard, and World Nomads often offer more comprehensive coverage—sometimes for a better price.
With third-party insurers, you can:
- Customize your coverage
- Often cover pre-existing conditions (if you buy early)
- Insure all legs of your trip (flights, hotels, excursions)
- Sometimes include “Cancel For Any Reason” upgrades
It’s worth getting a quote or two before committing.
When You Really Need Insurance
You especially need travel insurance if:
- You’re cruising internationally
- You have non-refundable flights or pre-cruise hotels
- You’re traveling during hurricane season (June–November)
- You or a family member has health concerns
- You’re planning adventure excursions (snorkeling, ziplining, etc.)
Also, if you’re booking far in advance or investing a lot into a bucket-list cruise, it’s a no-brainer. Think of it as a small price to protect a big investment.
When You Might Skip It
I get it—sometimes you’re booking a short, cheap cruise, driving to the port, and you’re healthy and flexible. In that case, skipping insurance might be a calculated risk.
But if you’re someone who can’t afford to lose the cost of the trip, then the answer flips—travel insurance becomes a smart play, even for shorter cruises.
Pro Tips from a Frequent Cruiser
- Buy early. Many policies offer better coverage (especially for pre-existing conditions) if purchased within 10-14 days of booking.
- Read the fine print. Know what’s not covered—like risky excursions, pre-existing medical issues, or COVID-19 (some policies exclude it).
- Save your receipts. For claims, you’ll need documentation: emails, doctor notes, expense records.
- Use a travel credit card. Some offer basic coverage for trip delay, lost baggage, and rental cars.
- Check your health insurance. Know where your plan ends and where travel insurance needs to step in.
Final Verdict
If you’re asking, “Do I really need travel insurance for my Royal Caribbean cruise?”—ask yourself this instead:
Can I afford to lose what I’ve spent? And what happens if I get sick, stuck, or stranded?
Most of the time, travel insurance is a smart investment for cruise travelers. It’s not glamorous, and you hope you’ll never use it—but when something goes sideways, it can be a total lifesaver.
I never cruise without it. And after a few close calls, I don’t recommend you do either.
Bon voyage—and stay protected.