insurance on cruise ships

The 5 best cruise travel insurance plans

While smooth sailing will always be the aim, cruising today is often about expecting the unexpected. You can prepare yourself by taking out an insurance policy that can compensate you when your vacation at sea does not go as planned.

Need to cancel your trip last minute due to an accident or illness? Did your bags get delayed or lost? Do you need to exit the sailing early to take care of an emergency back home? Was there a mechanical issue with the ship that required a change of itinerary, causing you to miss your flight home?

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All of these contingencies and more can be covered; it's just a matter of finding the best insurance policy for you. Here's how to evaluate which plan is the right choice for you, as well as five of the best cruise travel insurance plans available.

The best cruise travel insurance plan will always be a 3rd-party option

No plan will meet the needs of all cruise travelers, so there is little benefit to booking the one insurance option recommended by your cruise line during the booking process other than convenience.

You'll often find more affordable rates, comprehensive coverage and favorable terms utilizing third-party insurance companies. You'll have a wide choice of plans, so you can pick the one that works the best for your situation.

If you're wondering where the best place is to purchase third-party insurance, "No one comparison site is getting preferential deals," says Stan Sandberg, co-founder of TravelInsurance.com . "Insurance carriers' rates are the same anywhere." However, these insurance comparison sites can help you directly compare the pricing and coverage of multiple policies by a range of preferred providers.

Look for the following coverage options and compare coverage amounts to determine which third-party plan is the best cruise insurance option for your upcoming trip.

Related: Cruise travel insurance: What it covers and why you need it

Trip cancellation

You'll want to be reimbursed if an unexpected event forces you to cancel your cruise. Be sure to read the fine print of your policy, detailing which specific reasons for canceling your trip are covered and not covered.

Trip interruption and travel delays

You'll also want to be covered if issues occur after travel begins. It's important to find "a plan that offers trip interruption if something does happen during your trip, along with a plan that offers emergency medical evacuation, coverage for travel delays and missed connection benefits," adds insurance expert Meghan Walch from InsureMyTrip .

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise

COVID-19 contingencies

Walch advises all travelers booking a cruise to consider a plan that includes cancellation coverage for COVID-19. Note that you'll need more than a home test to file a claim. According to Walch, "You'll need a doctor saying that you have been diagnosed with COVID and specify that you are unable to travel."

In addition, look for coverage if you get sick and need to isolate away from home. "Some plans offer additional trip delay coverage, put in place as a result of needing additional or higher limits for instances that might include if the policyholder gets quarantined in a location," Sandberg adds.

Cancel for any reason

A cancel-for-any-reason optional upgrade offers the most flexibility. You can get a refund of up to 75% if you cancel your voyage for reasons not usually covered by travel insurance. However, it adds about 40% to your premium and can only be purchased within a limited window of time after your cruise purchase.

Related: What happens if my cruise line changes my itinerary or ship?

Lost or delayed baggage

Baggage loss insurance covers your luggage if it is lost, damaged or stolen during your trip. In the case that you make it on the cruise and your bags do not, the insurance agency can assist with locating and redirecting the bags to your next port, reimbursing you for items you may need to purchase to get you through your travels while you are without your belongings and covering your losses in the case that the bag is actually gone for good.

Note that certain high-cost items such as electronics, luxury watches and fine jewelry are not always covered by baggage loss insurance. Consider purchasing additional coverage for such items or — better yet — keep those items with you at all times.

Health coverage

Medical coverage is another consideration. "Most domestic health coverage [including Medicare] does not cover travel abroad, so it is important to look at a travel insurance policy that offers medical coverage during your trip, just in case anything happens," says Walch. "If you fall ill or are injured during the trip, it can be pretty expensive – even when going to the ship's onboard medical facility."

Related: How to avoid getting sick on a cruise

Hurricane coverage

Extreme weather and hurricanes are typically not covered if the cruise commences as scheduled, though you might be eligible for trip interruption coverage if weather cancels the cruise or cuts the itinerary short. There are also insurance plans that offer trip reimbursement if a destination on your itinerary is under a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-issued hurricane alert or warning.

How much will cruise travel insurance cost?

Insurance pricing is dependent on the trip cost and the age of the insured travelers. Sandberg estimates that "travelers in their 30s or 40s can ballpark insurance coverage somewhere around 5% to 7% of the trip costs, with rates that can get lower depending on the extent of coverage."

Insurance is a tiered product that gets more expensive as you age. "As you get older, that range can expand to 10% of trip costs," notes Sandberg. "Adding bells and whistles, like 'cancel for any reason' [coverage], rates can rise to 11% to 12% of the cost of your trip."

Related: How cruising newbies waste money on their 1st cruise

5 best cruise travel insurance plans

Following extensive research scouring the fine print, we've selected five of the best cruise insurance plans that will appeal to a variety of seagoing travelers.

All five plans provide coverage for COVID-19-related trip cancellation and interruption.

For the leisure cruiser: TravelSafe Classic Plan

TravelSafe's Classic Plan is the best value all-around for the average cruiser, with superior coverage limits at a fair rate.

This plan's coverage includes an impressive $1 million per person for medical evacuation and a high $2,500 coverage limit for bag loss. You have extra time – 21 days – from your initial deposit to add a cancel-for-any-reason upgrade to your plan. The accident and sickness medical coverage is primary, with coverage up to $100,000.

The policy's $750-maximum trip delay coverage begins after a six-hour delay and includes kennel fees for up to $100 per day, along with coverage for additional meal and accommodation expenses.

For the budget conscious: AXA's Silver Plan

AXA's Silver Plan is the company's entry-level offering, with more value added than most budget insurance options — most notably the company's concierge service. Coverage under this plan includes robust trip cancellation and interruption coverage, both at 100% of the costs, along with $100,000 for emergency medical evacuation.

The plan also offers identity theft assistance in case your wallet or passport gets stolen while traveling, assisting with filing and obtaining police and credit reports, taking inventory of lost or stolen items, and even wiring emergency funds to you when you're really in a bind.

You won't have the option to purchase a cancel-for-any-reason add-on or opt in for a collision damage waiver on this lowest-tier plan.

For the luxury cruise traveler: John Hancock's Gold Plan

John Hancock's Gold Plan offers robust medical evacuation and repatriation coverage up to $1 million per person, ideal for those luxury cruises that rove to the farthest reaches of the globe. The plan has excellent baggage loss coverage at up to $2,500 per person, along with a low three-hour minimum travel delay ($1,000 per person, $200 daily limit) benefit.

Preexisting medical conditions are covered by this policy, though you must purchase your policy within 14 days of your trip deposit.

For increased medical coverage: Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice Plan

Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice Plan offers primary medical coverage for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses up to $500,000, while many other plans only offer secondary coverage. The plan's medical evacuation coverage is high at $1 million, and preexisting conditions are covered with a few conditions that apply, namely that you purchase the policy within 20 days of your initial trip payment.

The policy also offers detailed, robust COVID-19 coverage, including reimbursement for medical care if you contract COVID-19 while traveling. Its coverage also includes meals, local transportation and lodging if you're delayed six or more consecutive hours due to quarantining with COVID-19.

Coverage options on the plan may vary slightly depending on which U.S. state you claim as your residence.

For the adventurous cruiser: World Nomads' Explorer Plan

World Nomads is one of the few insurance companies that will cover more than 200 adventure activities on your travels, including scuba diving, skydiving and bungee jumping. The coverage for the long list of activities includes emergency medical expenses while outside the U.S., medical evacuation and repatriation, along with trip interruption.

World Nomads' Explorer Plan also offers $25,000 in coverage for nonmedical emergency evacuation for covered events, such as a natural disaster or political or security situations.

Travelers 70 and older are required to add a "Silver Nomads" policy, offered through TripAssure.

Bottom line

Cruising isn't always a blissful week spent relaxing on the pool deck or snorkeling among multicolored reefs. Mishaps occur, whether it's losing luggage, missing a flight or falling ill.

The best cruise insurance policies are the ones that won't let you sail without a safety net, charging a fraction of your trip expenses in exchange for the peace of mind that there's a plan in place should something go wrong. With a range of pricing and coverage options available, you can feel confident that you can find a policy to suit your travel needs.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Smooth Sailing Ahead: Your Guide to Cruise Travel Insurance [2023]

Jessica Merritt

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Table of Contents

The 5 best cruise travel insurance policies, what is cruise insurance, is cruise insurance worth it, cruise insurance costs, what cruise insurance covers, how to get cruise insurance, final thoughts.

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Taking a cruise is one of the easiest ways to travel, but cruising isn’t immune to unexpected hiccups. Sudden illness, travel delays, or other unforeseen events could cancel or interrupt your cruising plans — you might even need medical coverage. 

With cruise insurance, you’re covered for unexpected issues that can interfere with your travel plans . Read on to learn what cruise insurance is, how to get it, and how to find the best cruise insurance policies, whether you’re buying directly from the cruise line or a third-party insurance company.

The right cruise insurance policy offers the coverage you need at a good price, but policies aren’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve run quotes for various coverage scenarios — from seniors to adventure tours — to find the best cruise insurance policies . 

Consider these travel insurance policies for your next cruise:

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners

Seniors cruising the world can get comprehensive coverage from Seven Corners Travel Insurance . We were quoted $89 for a 70-year-old cruising Mexico . The Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic policy offers trip cancellation and interruption, medical coverage, and medical evacuation, along with COVID-19 cancellation and medical coverage.

Comprehensive travel insurance, regardless of your age, is widely available and relatively affordable. Check out our complete guide to travel insurance for seniors .

Best Cruise Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage: battleface

If you’re concerned about COVID-19 derailing your cruise travel plans, getting cruise travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is essential. The battleface Discovery Plan covers COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses, along with regular trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and medical emergency coverage. We were quoted $36.54 for a 35-year-old cruising Italy on this plan.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Young Travelers: Aegis

Young travelers often have the lowest-priced travel insurance policies. We got a quote for just $30.27 from Aegis for a 22-year-old cruising the Bahamas . The Aegis Go Ready Choice policy covers COVID-19 medical and cancellation, trip cancellation and interruption, medical evacuation, and medical expenses.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance for Adventure Tours: IMG

Are you planning adventurous excursions on your cruise? IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite , with options for winter, adventure, and extreme sports, can give you the coverage you need. We were quoted $58.87 for a 40-year-old traveler cruising to Costa Rica with plans to zipline . It covers trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, medical evacuation, and adventure sports with some exclusions, such as diving and adventure races.

Your travel insurance might not cover everything you want to do — particularly if you plan on adventure activities. Here’s our complete guide to adventure and extreme sports travel insurance .

Best Cruise Travel Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Coverage: John Hancock Insurance Agency

If you’re especially concerned you may need to cancel your cruise, Cancel for Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel your trip and receive partial reimbursement for nonrefundable trip expenses, even if you cancel for reasons not normally covered by trip cancellation coverage. We were quoted $100.50 for a 55-year-old cruising Alaska for John Hancock Insurance Agency’s Silver plan , which reimburses up to 75% of your trip cost under Cancel for Any Reason coverage. It also offers coverage for COVID-19 medical and cancellation, trip cancellation and interruption, and medical expenses and evacuation with primary coverage.

Cruise insurance is travel insurance that covers cruises . It can help you manage all the what-ifs on your cruise. What if you need to cancel your booking? What if your flight is late? What if you get sick or hurt? Travel insurance for cruises can cover you for all of these things. 

Many travel insurance policies cover cruises, but cruise insurance may be tailored to the risks of cruises, covering transportation, accommodations, and activities. Getting travel insurance for cruises can offer peace of mind if you’re concerned about losing nonrefundable trip payments, travel delays, or covering emergency medical care.

Cruise bookings can be unforgiving, and cruise insurance can help you minimize your risk of losing the money you’ve paid for your trip. Travel insurance coverage is often a good idea if you’re concerned about losing nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses or covering emergency medical expenses . 

Because cruises are often less flexible than other types of travel, it’s generally a good idea to get cruise travel insurance. For example, you might be able to rebook a flight or hotel room, but if you cancel your cruise, you could lose your deposit or more. Often, cruise lines won’t offer any refunds if you cancel within a certain period before your cruise, such as 14 or 30 days .

Additionally, you shouldn’t expect your U.S.-based health insurance plan to cover you on your cruise, especially if you’re on an international cruise. And it’s exceptionally expensive if you need to be evacuated for a medical condition.

While everyone hopes for smooth sailing, the reality is a lot of unexpected issues could pop up on your cruise. Your flight to the cruise port could be delayed, you might get sick or injured on your cruise, or you might have to cancel the whole thing if illness or obligations prevent you from going on your cruise. A hurricane could interfere with cruising in storm hotspots such as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. 

Cruise insurance can offer financial support for many unexpected problems you might experience with a cruise. And with a 24-hour travel assistance hotline , you can get knowledgeable help whether you need to find a local pharmacy or coordinate the replacement of lost travel documents such as your passport.

That said, you might have travel insurance coverage available with a credit card . Some credit cards offer travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical treatment and evacuation, and travel delay coverage. Still, you should check the details of your credit card’s coverage to ensure it’s enough for your needs. 

Looking for a credit card with travel protections? Read our guide to the best credit cards for travel insurance coverage and protection.

Generally, expect cruise insurance to cost between 5% to 10% of the total cost of your cruise . For a $3,000 cruise, you’ll typically pay between $150 to $300 for comprehensive travel insurance coverage. But keep in mind several factors influence the cost of cruise insurance, including:

• Add-ons, such as CFAR 
• Coverage options 
• Cruise cost 
• Deductibles and limits 
• Destination 
• Group policies 
• Traveler age 
• Trip duration

Learn more about travel insurance costs in our guide to the average cost of travel insurance .

Each travel insurance policy is unique, but travel insurance for cruise coverage typically includes:

• 24/7 Assistance: You can get 24/7 support for itinerary changes, rebooking, medical emergencies, and more.
• Baggage Protection: Your luggage is covered for loss, theft, or damage on your flight or during your cruise.
• Cabin Confinement: You may get reimbursement if you have to stay in your cabin during your cruise, such as a required quarantine due to COVID-19.
• Cancel for Any Reason: Usually available as an add-on, CFAR travel insurance allows you to cancel your cruise for any reason and receive a partial reimbursement of your nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Itinerary Changes: You can get covered for changes in your cruise’s itinerary, missed port calls, or extended delays beyond your control.
• Missed Connections: If you miss your cruise departure due to a flight delay or other covered reason, you can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel expenses.
• Medical Emergencies: Cruise insurance can cover medical treatment on the cruise and may offer coverage for medical evacuation.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: You can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel expenses if you cancel your cruise or end your trip early due to covered reasons such as illness or injury. You’re typically covered if the cruise line cancels due to mechanical issues, weather, or other unforeseen events.

Cruise-specific travel insurance may also offer reimbursement if your cruise ship is disabled. And if you want to cover shore excursions, be sure to include the cost of excursions in your total travel cost when you get quotes for cruise insurance.

While these coverage types are common among cruise insurance policies, checking the terms and conditions to confirm all coverage areas is a good idea.

Types of Cruise Insurance

There are many options for travel insurance, and you can generally choose as little or as much coverage as you’d like. You can opt for a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which may offer Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, or you might prefer to limit your costs and choose just the coverage you need. For example, you might choose standalone trip cancellation insurance or a travel medical insurance policy but decide you don’t need coverage for missed connections or baggage.

What To Look for in a Cruise Travel Insurance Policy

Consider these factors as you compare the best cruise travel insurance policies:

• Cancellation Window: Understand how many days before your cruise departure you must cancel to qualify for reimbursement.
• Coverage Availability: Travel insurance policies typically offer cruise coverage, but it’s best to confirm that a policy specifically covers cruises before you purchase it. Also, consider availability for coverages that may be important to you, such as CFAR or adventure sports. 
• Customer Reviews and Reputation: You can get insight into the insurance provider and how claims and customer service work by reading customer reviews and ratings.
• Eligibility Criteria: Cruise insurance policies may have eligibility criteria such as limits on age or trip duration and preexisting conditions. For example, some travel insurance policies max out at 90 days.
• Exclusions and Limitations: Read the policy to understand what’s excluded or limited specifically to cruise-related coverage, such as reimbursements for port closures, itinerary changes, or medical incidents on the cruise.
• Policy Cost: Get multiple quotes and compare each cost and coverage value to ensure you get a good value for your cruise insurance policy.
• Purchase Timeline: You’ll usually need to purchase your cruise insurance within a certain period of booking your trip, so be sure you’re buying your policy within that timeframe.
• Reimbursement Structure: Review the cruise insurance policy to confirm how much you can be reimbursed for under qualifying circumstances, such as if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip.

You can buy cruise insurance from the cruise line when you book, or a travel agent may offer cruise insurance plans. You also have the option to purchase cruise trip insurance independently. It’s a good idea to get multiple quotes to compare your costs and coverage and get the best deal on cruise insurance.

You should buy cruise insurance when you make your first deposit so you’re immediately covered for trip cancellation. Here are some of the options and coverages if you purchase cruise insurance directly from the cruise line:

Before you purchase cruise insurance from a cruise line, compare your third-party options. You can get quotes from multiple travel insurance companies at once using a travel insurance aggregator such as Squaremouth .

Even a meticulously planned cruise can run into unforeseen disruptions — and cruise insurance can come in handy for the unexpected.

Cruise insurance covers you for sudden illnesses, travel delays, and more, offering financial protection so you’re safeguarded against uncertainties. Whether you get cruise insurance from the cruise line or third–party insurance providers, understand your coverage and how it protects your investment in cruise travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my health insurance cover me on a cruise.

Some health insurance policies offer limited coverage on cruises, but coverage often depends on where you’re cruising and your planned activities. Check with your insurance provider about coverage before you depart on your cruise. Find out if supplemental cruise insurance is available if you want to use your existing health insurance coverage.

Are cruises covered under travel insurance?

Cruises are typically covered under travel insurance , so you don’t necessarily have to buy specialized cruise insurance, such as coverage from the cruise line. Travel insurance can cover trip cancellations and interruptions, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more on your cruise trip.

Can you buy cruise insurance after booking?

You can buy cruise insurance after booking. It’s generally best to purchase cruise insurance as soon as possible after making your initial trip deposit — when you have money on the line. The sooner you purchase cruise insurance, the sooner you’re covered for trip cancellations.

Can you buy medical insurance for a cruise?

You can buy medical travel insurance to cover your medical expenses on a cruise, offering coverage such as medical emergencies, illnesses, and injuries.

How do I add travel insurance to my cruise?

You can add travel insurance to your cruise when you book with the cruise line or a travel agent. Alternatively, you can purchase travel insurance directly from travel insurance agencies.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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Cruise Insurance: Why You Need It + 4 Best Options for 2024

Seven Corners »

Travelex Insurance Services »

AXA Assistance USA »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Cruise Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

• Seven Corners
• Travelex Insurance Services

Cruise vacations come with the same considerations as any other trip, including the potential for trip cancellations, trip interruptions, unforeseen medical expenses and even a need for emergency medical evacuation. Add in the potential for unruly weather during hurricane season , and it's easy to see why cruise insurance plans are so popular and recommended.

Read on to find out which cruise travel insurance plans U.S. News recommends and how they can protect the investment you made in a cruise when something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions:

All cruise insurance plans are unique, and some have different coverages than others. However, most travel insurance plans for cruises cover the following:

• Trip delays, interruptions and cancellations: This kind of coverage is essential any time of the year, but especially during hurricane season when storms can impact your travel plans. 
• Protection for medical emergencies: This type of coverage can help pay for unexpected medical bills if you're injured on board the ship or hurt during a shore excursion. You can also choose a cruise insurance plan that covers emergency medical evacuation from the ship or to the nearest hospital.
• Coverage for lost or delayed baggage: Coverage for baggage is important for cruises just like any other trip. This type of insurance can pay for essential items you need to buy if your bags are lost or stolen and don't make it on the ship. 

With each of these protections, a coverage limit is listed with your plan. This means you may get reimbursed for your losses or prepaid travel expenses up to this limit, but only when a covered reason applies to your claim.

One of the main reasons to buy cruise insurance is for medical emergencies. Note that, once you're on a cruise ship or visiting a destination outside the United States, your own U.S. health insurance plan will not apply. The same truth applies if you have government health coverage like Medicare.

You can purchase cruise insurance through your cruise line, but these plans are often very basic with low limits for medical expenses and other coverages. For example, cruise line travel insurance policies often come with just $25,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses and up to $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation, which may not be enough.

Fortunately, you can buy cruise insurance from any travel insurance provider when planning this type of trip. By buying coverage from an independent travel insurance provider instead of your cruise line, you get to select the exact coverages and limits you need for the best protection possible.

• Seven Corners: Best Overall
• Travelex Insurance Services: Best for Families
• AXA Assistance USA: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best Cost

Plan is cruise-specific

Get coverage for missed cruise connections and tours

Medical expense coverage is secondary if you opt for lower-tier Basic plan

• Up to 150% in reimbursement for trip interruption
• Up to $250 per person, per day in trip delay coverage ($2,000 maximum)
• Up to $250 per day in missed tour or cruise connection coverage ($1,500 maximum)
• Primary emergency medical expense coverage worth up to $500,000
• Medical evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage worth up to $1 million
• Political and security evacuation coverage worth up to $20,000
• Up to $2,500 in protection for baggage and personal effects (limit per item of $250)
• Up to $100 per day ($500 maximum) in coverage for baggage delays of six hours or more

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Travel Select plan offers coverage with pricing for kids included

Customize your plan with additional medical coverage, adventure sports coverage and more

Only $1,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects

$200 maximum coverage for baggage delays

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of total trip cost (maximum $50,000)
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to 150% of trip cost (maximum $75,000)
• $2,000 in trip delay coverage for a delay of at least five hours ($250 per day)
• $750 in coverage for missed connections (delay of at least three hours required)
• Emergency medical expense coverage worth up to $50,000 (dental emergency sublimit of $500 included)
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage worth up to $500,000
• $1,000 in protection for baggage and personal effects
• Up to $200 in coverage for baggage delays (at least 12-hour delay required)
• Travel assistance services

Provides comprehensive coverage for all aspects of cruising

High policy limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation

Does not offer cruise-specific travel insurance

• Trip cancellation coverage up to 100%
• Trip interruption protection up to 150%
• $1,250 in travel delay coverage ($300 per day)
• $1,500 in protection for missed connections
• Emergency accident and sickness coverage up to $250,000
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $1 million
• Nonmedical emergency evacuation coverage up to $100,000
• $50,000 in accidental death and dismemberment coverage
• Baggage and personal item coverage up to $3,000
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $600

Comes with enhanced medical and luggage benefits, protections for cruise ship disablement, and more

Cruise delay coverage kicks in after five hours

Baggage delay coverage is only for $200 and doesn't kick in for 24 hours

No option to purchase CFAR coverage

• Up to $75,000 in protection for emergency medical care
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage worth up to $750,000
• Cruise cancellation coverage for 100% of trip cost up to $25,000 per person
• Cruise interruption coverage for 150% of trip cost up to $37,500 per person
• Cruise delay coverage worth up to $1,000 ($200 per day for delays of five hours or more)
• Missed connection coverage worth up to $500 (for delay of three hours or more)
• Cruise ship disablement coverage worth up to $500
• Up to $1,500 in coverage for baggage and personal effects

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered international travel, travel insurance and cruises for more than a decade. Johnson has researched and compared all the top travel insurance options for her own family for trips to more than 50 countries, some of which have included cruises all over the world. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg – a travel agent who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

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Here are the 5 best cruise insurance plans

Cruise insurance can cover many situations, but you need to shop around to find the best coverage..

A cruise is an ideal vacation for anyone who likes the all-inclusive concept , where you pay one price and have just about everything taken care of, from accommodations to meals and activities. But they also aren't always cheap and a lot of things can go wrong. You could have a flight delay that causes you to miss your departure or be unable to sail because of a sickness. In these situations, cruise insurance can reimburse you for prepaid and non-refundable expenses.

CNBC Select analyzed 19 cruise insurance companies and selected the best plans for various situations. (See  our methodology  for more information on how we chose the best cruise insurance plans.)

Best cruise insurance

• Best for cruise-specific plan: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for affordable coverage : AXA Travel Insurance
• Best for adventure excursions: World Nomads
• Best for pre-existing conditions: Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• Best for cancel-for-any-reason coverage: Travel Guard Travel Insurance

Best for cruise-specific plan

Nationwide travel insurance.

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

Nationwide's wide coverage for travel insurance allows many different types of travelers to find coverage that fits their needs. Three levels of cruise insurance coverage gives extra options to cruise passengers.

24/7 assistance available

• 10-day review period on cruise insurance policies to make sure the plan meets your needs (not available in NY or WA)
• Most basic cruise plan doesn't offer CFAR coverage

Who’s this for? Nationwide is a top choice for many travelers due to its variety of cruise-specific coverage. The insurer offers three three tiers of cruise insurance, but its standard Universal Cruise Plan should meet many needs.

Standout benefit: Nationwide's cruise-specific plans can cover things like emergency accidents, sicknesses, itinerary changes, mechanical breakdowns and other trip interruptions or on-ship disruptions. The company also offers a 10-day review period on its cruise policies (not available in NY or WA), giving you extra time to look over the policy and ensure it’s a good fit. 

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for affordable coverage

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

AXA Assistance USA offers several travel insurance policies that include travel interruption, trip cancellation, and the option of cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

• Three tiers of plans available
• Highly rated for financial strength
• Cancel for any reason only available on highest-tier coverage

Who’s this for? Budget-conscious cruisers should consider AXA . In our research, AXA's Silver Plan stood out as the top budget plan for its mix of affordable premiums and essential coverage. CNBC Select also named AXA one of the best overall travel insurance providers .

Standout benefit: AXA's Silver Plan includes the standard coverage you need to protect yourself from delays and cancellations, as well as employment layoff coverage. This benefit reimburses you for prepaid and nonrefundable travel costs if you cancel because of involuntary layoff or you are terminated from your job. You only need to have been at your current employer for one continuous year to qualify, which is generous compared to other plans that require at least three continuous years of employment for this coverage — if it's even included at all.

Best for adventure excursions

World nomads travel insurance.

World Nomads offers travel insurance for all sorts of travelers, from families to solo adventure travelers. Policies are underwritten by Nationwide and offer strong coverage of emergency accident and illness situations, as well as emergency evacuation scenarios.

• Affordable coverage for many travelers
• Coverage for adventure activities like scuba diving, bungee jumping and more
• Lower trip cancellation limits than other travel insurance we reviewed

Who’s this for? World Nomads offers insurance underwritten by Nationwide , geared specifically toward thrill-seekers. The World Nomads Explorer Plan covers over 200 adventure activities and sports. With this plan, you can take part in just about any excursion without fear of negating your coverage .

Standout benefit: The World Nomads Explorer Plan covers baggage and personal items for loss, theft or damage for up to $3,000 and $1,500 per item. Sporting equipment is included in this coverage, so you can bring your golf clubs along on your cruise without worry.

Best for pre-existing conditions

Seven corners travel insurance.

Policies provide missed and delayed tour/cruise connection coverage. Cancel for any reason coverage and pre-existing conditions waiver are also available if you buy your plan within the specified time. ***CFAR and IFAR are subject to certain eligibility criteria and are not available in all states

• High coverage limits available
• Offers group insurance (10+ people)
• Covers Covid-19 illness
• Pre-existing conditions waiver not available for the Economy plan
• Cancel for any reason not available for the Economy plan

Who’s this for? Seven Corners offers a standard Trip Protection Economy plan and a more premium Trip Protection Elite plan. The Seven Corners Trip Protection Elite plan stands out for offering generous coverage limits and an add-on option for cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, which both pair well with its pre-existing conditions waiver.

Standout benefit: This plan's pre-existing conditions waiver for medical coverage applies to plans purchased within 20 days of booking and paying your initial trip deposit. That's a generous window compared to some plans which can require you to purchase insurance within seven to 14 days. If you don't purchase your coverage within the waiver window, this plan only considers conditions existing within the previous 60 days, whereas other plans may look back up to 120 days.

Best for cancel for any reason coverage 

Travel guard® travel insurance.

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

• A variety of plans are available to help cover different types of trips
• Not all products are available for purchase online

Who’s this for? AIG's Travel Guard Preferred plan comes with a wide range of coverages and a variety of useful add-ons for an extra fee such as pet coverage , wedding coverage and cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR).

Standout benefit: The optional CFAR insurance for this plan begins at 12:01 a.m. on the day after you pay for coverage and ends two days before departure (or when the travel is canceled). This benefit reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost (up to $25,000 maximum), which includes reimbursement for:

• 50% of change fees
• 50% of cancellation penalties for unused travel
• 50% of award travel redeposit fees

More on our top cruise insurance plans 

Nationwide universal cruise plan.

Nationwide's standard Universal Cruise Plan will be more than sufficient for many cruisers. It offers strong coverage for many different scenarios, but if you're seeking higher levels of coverage or are taking a long cruise, you can opt for the Choice Cruise Plan, or the Luxury Cruise Plan, which offers the highest level of benefits.

Trip cancellation and interruption

The full trip cost (100%) is covered for both cancellations and interruptions. This includes canceling because of a Covid-19 illness .

Covered delays of six hours or more (or at least three hours for missed connections) are eligible for reimbursement of:

• Up to $500 per day
• $500 maximum

Medical coverage and evacuation and repatriation

• $75,000 in emergency accident and sickness coverage
• $250,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage
• $750 in emergency dental treatment coverage

Pre-existing conditions

No coverage for pre-existing conditions that fall within 60 days of your policy's start date.

Notable perks

All of Nationwide's cruise plans, including the Universal Cruise Plan, include cancel for work reason coverage, meaning you may be covered if you need to cancel because of work-related issues, as well as coverage for extension of the school operating session. The Universal Cruise Plan also provides coverage for delayed and lost baggage, which begins to kick in after delays of eight hours or more, as well as coverage for trip delays of three hours or more for missed connections or other trip delays of six hours or more. You can also get reimbursed if your trip is canceled or interrupted because of terrorism (foreign or domestic) or financial default of the travel provider (14-day waiting period applies). Itinerary changes that cause you to miss a pre-paid excursion are covered by up to $250.

[ Return to summary ]

AXA Silver Plan

AXA offers three insurance plans, with the Silver Plan being the most affordable. The Gold Plan has most of the same types of coverage with higher reimbursement limits. Meanwhile, the Platinum Plan is for anyone who prefers premium benefits, such as cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

The full trip cost (100%) is covered for both cancellations and interruptions. This includes canceling because of a Covid-19 illness.

After a 12-hour delay or more, you're eligible for:

• Up to $100 per day
• Primary medical coverage of $25,000 per (covers Covid-19)
• Evacuation and repatriation coverage of $100,000 per person

No coverage for pre-existing conditions that fall within this policy's 60-day look-back period.

AXA's Silver Plan comes with coverage for delayed and lost baggage, including $200 per person for covered delays of 24 hours or more and $750 per person ($150 per item) for lost baggage and items. You can also get reimbursed if your trip is canceled or interrupted because of terrorism (foreign only) or financial default of the travel provider (10-day waiting period applies). If a hurricane or bad weather causes your travel provider to cease services for at least 48 hours, you can be reimbursed for up to the full trip cancellation/interruption coverage. Notably, you must purchase the coverage before a storm is named.

World Nomads Explorer Plan

The Explorer Plan is World Nomads' premium travel insurance plan and covers a longer list of activities than the Standard Plan. You can review the list of covered activities here and decide if the more affordable Standard Plan works for you.

Covered up to the trip cost with a $10,000 maximum.

Covered delays of six hours or more are eligible for reimbursement of:

• Up to $250 per day
• $3,000 maximum
• $100,000 in emergency accident and sickness coverage
• $500,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage

No coverage for pre-existing conditions that fall within 90 days of your policy's start date.

This plan includes $35,000 in rental car damage coverage (where it's valid) due to collision, theft or a natural disaster. And an accidental death and dismemberment benefit of $10,000. When your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours, you can be reimbursed up to $150 a day ($750 maximum) for any necessary personal items you purchase.

Seven Corners Trip Protection Elite

The Seven Corners Trip Protection Elite plan has generous coverage limits for evacuation and repatriation and accident and sickness. Seven Corners Travel Insurance plans also cover Covid-related illnesses.

Trip cancellations are covered for 100% of the trip cost and interruptions are covered for 150% of the trip cost.

Trip delays of six hours or more can qualify for reimbursement of:

• Up to $300 per day
• $1,500 maximum
• $250,000 in emergency accident and sickness coverage
• $1,000,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage
• $750 in emergency dental coverage

Pre-existing conditions are covered if you purchase coverage within 20 days of making your initial trip deposit. If you don't qualify for the pre-existing conditions waiver, there is no emergency medical coverage for conditions existing within 60 days of your policy's start date.

This plan covers baggage delays of more than 12 hours for up to $600 and covers lost, damaged or stolen bags or personal items for up to $300 per item ($2,500 maximum). It also has missed cruise connection coverage of $150 per day for accommodations and meals ($1,500 maximum).

AIG Travel Guard Preferred

The CFAR coverage is available as an upgrade on Travel Guard's Preferred and Deluxe plans. If you don't need this optional upgrade, you could save money on your premium with Travel Guard's Essential plan.

Trip cancellations are covered for 100% of the trip cost (up to a max of $150,000) and trip interruptions are covered for 150% of the trip cost (up to a max of $225,000).

Trip delays of five hours or more can qualify for reimbursement of:

• Up to $200 per day
• $800 maximum
• $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• $500 in emergency dental coverage

A pre-existing conditions waiver applies when you purchase coverage within 15 days of the initial trip deposit.

With this plan, you'll have coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage or travel documents for up to $1,000. You also receive baggage delay reimbursement for delays of more than 12 hours with a coverage limit of up to $250 per day ($300 maximum). If you miss a connection, you can be reimbursed up to $1,000 for unused prepaid or nonrefundable travel you missed and transportation expenses to rejoin your trip.

When should I buy insurance for a cruise?

It's usually best to purchase cruise insurance shortly after booking. This lets you take advantage of the protections sooner and qualify for certain benefits such as pre-existing condition waivers.

Is there a difference between travel insurance and cruise insurance?

Travel insurance typically covers cruises and other types of travel, whereas cruise insurance is designed to specifically protect you while cruising or getting to your cruise.

Does cruise insurance cover missed ports?

Cruise insurance may cover missed connections, but it's important to read your policy before you purchase it. Each policy has different limits on how much you'll be reimbursed and what exactly you'll be reimbursed for.

Bottom line

Cruise insurance plans protect you in all sorts of situations when something goes wrong while you're cruising. You can be covered for emergency medical expenses, trip delays, trip cancellations or interruptions and more. Shop around and compare providers to find the best cruise insurance policy for you.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every cruise insurance   review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of travel insurance   products .  While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best cruise insurance plans.

Our methodology 

To determine the best cruise insurance plans,  CNBC Select  analyzed the offerings of 19 insurance companies and compared them based on various factors. These included the maximum coverage limits, optional coverages, types of coverage, premiums and what the policies cover. We also considered financial strength ratings from AM Best and Better Business Bureau ratings for customer satisfaction.

We based premium costs on a sample cruise with the following details (when applicable):

• 40-year-old male
• Living in New York, New York
• Sailing for seven days in April
• Total trip cost: $2,800
• Destination: Mexico
• Flying to the port of departure

Sample quotes assumed that payments were made on the date of quoting.

Note that the premiums and policy structures advertised for cruise insurance companies are subject to fluctuate in accordance with the company's policies.

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• Best overall
• Best for affordability
• Best for seniors
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic locations
• How we reviewed cruise insurance plans

Best Cruise Travel Insurance of June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best cruise insurance plan that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best Cruise Insurance Plans

• Best overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for affordability: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

How we rate cruise insurance companies »

Compare the Best Cruise Travel Insurance Companies

While booking a cruise takes off much of the pressure when coming up with itineraries, your trip can still encounter several hitches, which is where cruise travel comes in. The best cruise travel insurance will have high coverage limits on emergency medical evacuations, as sea to land evacuations can be expensive. They'll offer coverage for baggage delay, trip interruption, and it might be a good idea to have some adventure sports coverage if you plan on participating in any outdoor activities like snorkeling or scuba diving. 

Here are our picks for the best cruise travel insurance companies in 2024.

Best overall: Nationwide

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance  is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.

It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage.

The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best for affordability: AXA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.

The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.

The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for seniors: Seven Corners

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.

Seven Corners also offers the option of a pre-existing conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.

You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here. 

Best for expensive trips: HTH Worldwide

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reasonable premiums
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR coverage available with some plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical emergency and evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc not available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited reviews with complaints about claims not being paid
• Trip cancellation of up to $5,000 with the Economy plan and up to $50,000 with the Preferred plan
• Cancel for any reason insurance and missed connection insurance available with the Preferred plan
• Baggage delay insurance starting after 24 or 12 hours depending on the plan

HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance  offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.

Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost, as long as you purchase within 21 days of your initial trip deposit.

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic locations: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance  has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.

Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.

What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise.

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical. The best travel insurance plans will provide flexibility to add coverage options to fit your travels needs.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts. Interruption coverage should also include coverage for missed stops on your cruise.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Travel medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances. 

When you purchase travel medical insurance, be sure to note whether your coverage is primary or secondary. Secondary insurance means you'll need to file a claim with your primary insurance provider before filing with your travel insurance provider. 

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses. You'll want high coverage limits for emergency evacuation, as sea-to-land evacuations can be costly. 

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience. It'll reimburse you for any money you spent replacing items while traveling. 

Adventure Sports Coverage

Cruises often offer activities that can be classified as adventure sports, such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Medical treatment for injuries sustained while participating in these activities isn't normally covered under normal travel medical coverage. You'll want to ensure that your policy explicitly includes these policies or offers an add-on for adventure sports coverage. 

Tips for Buying Cruise Insurance

Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs. 

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

It's always best to purchase cruise insurance soon after placing the initial deposit on your cruise. The sooner you buy your insurance, the quicker your trip is protected against a sudden cancellation. Additionally, most travel insurance plans have optional riders you can add to your policy as long as you purchase your policy within a certain window.

For example, cancel for any reason coverage often needs to be purchased within a purchasing window, which can last anywhere between a few days to three weeks from your initial trip deposit. You can also get your pre-existing conditions covered under the same conditions. 

That said, most companies will let you buy travel insurance up until the day before your departure. There are some limited policies that you can purchase after you've left for your trip, such as Allianz OneTrip Emergency Medical policy.

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like VisitorsCoverage and InsureMyTrip  are good places to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Cruise Insurance Plans

When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:

Customer Satisfaction

We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot and SquareMouth.

Policy Types

We look at policy types and offerings, from standard travel protections to adventure sports coverage. We look at the amount of insurance offered

Average Premiums

We compare average premiums per trip. Some companies also offer annual plans, and we compare policies accordingly.

Claims Paid

How frequently do companies pay claims easily and quickly? We check customer reviews and other resources to see which companies honor policies most effectively.

We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

Best Cruise Travel Insurance FAQs

As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between 5% and 10% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for cruise insurance coverage. The price will vary depending on factors like your age, your travel destination, and whether you require additional coverage.

Cruise insurance typically covers trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, emergency evacuations, and lost or damaged baggage, though coverage can vary based on the policy

Your options for travel insurance is severely limited after your trip starts, but you still have a few options.

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land. 

Most cruise insurance includes coverage for missing a departure port, so you should be able to claim for a missed port. Just make sure you check the details of your policy before you file a claim and before you travel, so you know what compensation you're entitled to.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Is Cruise Travel Insurance Worth the Cost?

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Table of Contents

What is cruise travel insurance?

What does cruise travel insurance cover typically, how much is travel insurance for a cruise, do i need it if i have other travel protections, is cruise travel insurance worth it.

Cruise travel insurance covers the cruise itself, not related travel.

It's usually purchased through the cruise operator, typically before booking.

Check to make sure your credit card doesn't offer similar insurance before buying cruise insurance.

Cruising is one of America's favorite travel experiences. According to a 2021 report from Cruise Lines International Association, an industry trade association, 82% of cruisers will cruise again. As well, 62% of non-cruisers are open to the idea.

And why not? Cruises often give travelers the chance to experience multiple destinations plus enjoy onboard entertainment, activities and dining for a set, all-inclusive price . Cruises simplify budgeting in a year when travel prices have been hard hit by inflation .

But what happens if something goes wrong with your ship, or you can’t make it onboard because of health concerns? Cruise travel insurance might be the answer. It protects your payment and covers you against illness or injury.

Before you pay for a cruise travel insurance policy, here's a look at what it is, how it works and if it's worth it.

Cruise travel insurance is add-on insurance coverage that — just like travel insurance — will reimburse you for delays, interruptions, medical situations or other problems during the cruise.

Depending on which cruise line you're traveling with, you might be able to buy a travel insurance policy when booking your trip (through the cruise line directly) or at a later date (either through the cruise line or separately from a third party).

Protecting travel costs can be a smart money move. A September 2022 survey of 737 past cruisers by InsureMyTrip found that the average trip cost for an insured cruise vacation so far this year is $6,367, an increase of nearly 15% from before the pandemic.

Can you buy travel insurance after booking a cruise? It depends. Some cruise lines require the purchase of a travel insurance policy before the final payment date when charges become nonrefundable. Others require the purchase of coverage a certain number of days before departure. Read the fine print to find out the deadline to purchase and the specifics of its coverage.

Circumstances covered by cruise travel insurance vary by policy and by issuer. Many cruise lines partner with an insurance company to underwrite its policy benefits.

Some common benefits available as part of travel insurance from a cruise line include:

Trip cancellation and interruption . If you cancel your trip or unexpectedly cut it short for an eligible reason, such as severe weather or illness, you'll get back some or all of the upfront costs, depending on the policy.

Cancel For Any Reason . This coverage tends to be more flexible, forgiving and expensive at time of purchase. Policyholders can cancel for any reason not listed in the policy and still receive a portion of their trip cost back, either as cash or as a future cruise credit (assuming they meet other eligibility requirements).

Trip delay . Cruise delay insurance protection protects expenses if your trip is delayed beyond a set number of hours.

Baggage protection . This insures your luggage if it is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed, and gives money to buy necessary items until bags are recovered.

Medical coverage . If you get sick or injured during the trip, the policy covers treatment and related expenses up to a limit.

Emergency evacuation . When emergency evacuation is necessary, the policy covers the transport cost up to a limit.

COVID coverage . If your trip is canceled or interrupted due to COVID, the policy covers the unused prepaid expenses, medical treatment and emergency evacuation, up to policy limits.

When comparing policies, choose a policy that includes all of the benefits, protections and coverage limits that are important to you. While you may be tempted to choose the lowest-priced option, that policy may not have the coverage you need.

We examined cruise insurance prices for a seven-day trip in February 2023 from the U.S. to Mexico. The example traveler was 35 years old, from Georgia, and planned to spend $2,500 on the trip, including airfare.

The average price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $124. These policies didn't include optional add-ons, such as Cancel for Any Reason coverage or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions .

Separately, we looked at five different cruise insurance add-ons for a similar trip. With this option, the average cost of basic coverage was cheaper than a standalone policy at $111.20. Keep in mind that cruise insurance policies offered by cruise lines typically cover the cruise portion of the trip only, but do include some Cancel For Any Reason coverage.

If you already have a standalone travel insurance policy or a credit card with travel protections, you may wonder if you need to purchase a cruise travel insurance policy.

Credit card travel insurance

Many travel credit cards include travel protections such as trip cancellation, interruption, delayed or lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency evacuation benefits. Before buying a cruise travel policy, compare the coverage benefits and limits to determine if you already have coverage with a credit card.

One benefit that cruise travel insurance policies offer that credit cards don't is the ability to cancel for any reason. Although you may not get back 100% of the cruise price, these policies allow you to cancel for any reason and get a portion of the price back as a credit toward a future trip. If the policy is priced low enough, it may be worth buying the insurance offered through your cruise line for that benefit alone.

Travel insurance policy

Standalone travel insurance policies can be purchased to cover one person or a family for a specific trip or multiple trips within a period of time. These policies are available at a variety of price points to meet a traveler's budget. When comparing policy options, you can balance price versus coverage options.

If you're traveling multiple times within a short period of time, it may be more economical to buy a more comprehensive travel insurance policy instead of separate policies for each trip.

Cruise travel insurance can be worth it to address your concerns about traveling and protect your investments. These policies offer numerous protections that will cover your expenses in case your trip is canceled, interrupted or delayed, or if you get sick during the trip.

Before buying this coverage, compare your options against your credit card benefits. You might also shop for general travel insurance policies to see if you can get a better deal than what’s offered through your cruise line.

If you’re not covered by your credit card, cruise travel insurance can be worth the added cost. It will give you peace of mind before setting sail, when signing up for that adventurous land excursion and when clicking "Book" for an expensive vacation in the COVID travel landscape.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

Should I Buy Cruise Insurance? Complete Guide to Coverage

A step-by-step guide to cruise insurance, what it covers, and if you need it..

Note:   Cruzely.com nor the author is an insurance professional. Be sure to review any policy and ask your insurance company any questions you might have.

We are an affiliate of InsureMyTrip, linked below. We receive a small commission if you buy travel insurance through the links included in this article, at no cost to you.

Most people don’t like to think about the bad things that can happen when you are on vacation. But the truth is that accidents, cancellations, theft and other mishaps can occur, even while you’re on your dream trip. For example:

• You get sick after eating the local food, leading to two days in the hospital.
• You get pickpocketed in a crowded market, and the thief takes your passport.
• You miss a connecting flight, meaning you have to unexpectedly pay full price for a hotel room until you can reach your destination.

The list is endless of what could happen. But they all share one major theme. They can ruin your vacation and potentially cost you hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars. These mishaps can be compounded when you are on a cruise. With a cruise ship’s tight schedule, any delays could cause you to miss the boat. Of course, that means having to purchase lodging, transportation, meals, and more while you try to make arrangements to get back home.

Worst yet, medical emergencies aboard a cruise can rack up serious bills. What happens if a major illness hits while the ship is in the middle of the ocean? While cruise ships do have doctors to administer first aid, the expenses of emergency transport for serious emergencies can be astronomical.

It’s for these reasons that cruise insurance has become a major interest among passengers. To be absolutely clear, the vast majority of cruises go off without a hitch. Still, there is something to be said for having a little peace of mind and not having to worry just in case something does go wrong.

Travel & cruise insurance is made exactly for that purpose. By purchasing this coverage you are covered for a wide range of events (many detailed below) that could otherwise cost you significant money without insurance.

Of course, in exchange for that coverage you have to pay a premium — money out of your pocket for a service that you might not ever use. That leads to a big question: Should you buy cruise insurance? Is it worth it?

To decide if it’s the right choice for you, we’ve researched all the ins and outs of cruise insurance to help you out…

( See how affordable travel insurance can be. Get a free quote from InsureMyTrip. )

What does cruise insurance cover?

Every policy is slightly different; there is no set requirement of what is covered. That’s why its important to review the terms of any plan you purchase. That said, you’ll find most cruise insurance covers the same basic things. Here are the major items that you’ll want to make sure your policy covers.

Trip Cancellation – The most basic coverage with cruise insurance, trip cancellation protection allows you to get your money back that you’ve paid for your trip if you cancel for specific, predetermined reasons . This coverage doesn’t allow you to get repaid if you just decide to cancel because you don’t want to go (though there are policies that can do that).

The specific reasons will be laid out in your policy. In general, they fall into several major groups:

• Major illness or injury to you, traveling companion, or family member
• Death of you, traveling companion, or family member
• Birth of child
• Traffic accident
• Divorce (from traveling companion)
• Being fired/laid off
• Travel delays

Trip Interruption – Similar to trip cancellation, this coverage pays you for an interruption for specific reasons like the ones mentioned above after your trip has already started or when travel is delayed. In addition to being reimbursed for the remainder of what you’ve paid for your cruise, you’ll often also be reimbursed for expenses like flight and hotel to get back home.

Emergency Medical – If you’re worried about getting sick or injured while on your cruise, then know that most plans offer emergency medical coverage. This is exactly as it sounds. It provides medical insurance for serious illness or injury. Many plans also offer some dental coverage.

Emergency Evacuation – Nearly every plan will have some sort of emergency evacuation coverage. This is coverage to get the person to the most appropriate medical treatment (often as defined by the insurance company). So if you break your leg while on an excursion in Mexico and have to be transported to a larger city for the correct care, then your expenses are covered. Emergency evacuation coverage also can pay for you to get you home if you are in a medical facility away from home.

Lost/Stolen Luggage – Most of the time lost or stolen luggage isn’t so much about the money as the pain of having to replace everything. Even so, cruise insurance should provide some reimbursement expense for your loss, taking some of the sting out of losing your bags. Understand that most times this coverage has special limits for things like laptops or electronics that may not fully replace the lost item.

Pre-Existing Condition Coverage – Most of us know that insurance is hesitant to cover pre-existing conditions. Travel insurance can offer pre-existing condition coverage in certain circumstances (but not always!), which is especially helpful if believe you’ll need some sort of coverage while in a foreign country for an on-going illness. If this is important to you, make sure you double check the specific policy, which will make it very clear if pre-existing conditions are covered or not.

What doesn’t cruise insurance cover?

Cruise insurance actually covers more things and offers more benefits than just what is listed above. But it doesn’t cover everything and policies are pretty specific about what they will and won’t pay.

The most notable exception is that you can’t just cancel your cruise for any reason and get reimbursed for any money you lose . Instead, the only way the policy will pay is if you cancel for one of the specific reasons cited in your policy for cancelling your cruise. Keep in mind these reasons you are allowed to cancel may be more than what’s listed above.

You also won’t be compensated for inconveniences on your trip. For instance, if your trip doesn’t go as planned, but you don’t suffer an actual loss, then you won’t be able to make a claim. If it pours rain an entire day that you are in port and you can’t even get off the ship, your travel insurance won’t cover the loss of a day of vacation. Weather is not covered unless it causes an actual interruption to the cruise.

Also, it’s important to understand that your benefits are less any refunds you might receive otherwise. So if your cruise is cancelled and the cruise line refunds your fare, you won’t be able to claim the cruise fare as a loss.

Addendums to coverage

Some policies allow you to add coverage to your insurance that allow more flexibility and benefits.

The most popular addendum is known as “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage . This addendum allows you to cancel your trip and receive reimbursement, no matter why.

So if you simply decide that you don’t want to get out of bed the morning of your cruise and call the whole trip off (not sure why you would do such a thing!), then you can cancel and get your money back.

One important thing to note is that these policies rarely give 100% of your entire trip fare back. It usually ranges from 50-75%. Still, considering that you get nothing back if you cancel for a non-covered reason, this additional coverage is often worth the cost.

Many cruise travel insurance policies will also offer an addendum for rental car coverage. Obviously most cruise passengers won’t opt for this coverage since it’s rare to rent a car given that you are in port only for a day at a time.

What about insurance sold by cruise lines?

When buying a cruise, you’ll be offered an option to purchase insurance from the cruise line. This coverage takes on many different names. You might have seen one of the following if you’ve already bought your cruise:

• Carnival Vacation Protection
• Royal Caribbean Travel Protection
• Princess Vacation Protection
• Norwegian Cruise Line Booksafe Travel Protection Plan
• Celebrity CruiseCare Travel Insurance Program

These plans are quite popular because of their ability to be sold right alongside the cruise, which means they are convenient to buy. However, that doesn’t automatically make them a good purchase.

While convenient, these plans can often offer much lower coverage rates than traditional travel insurance, for a similar price. So while traditional travel insurance might offer $50,000 in medical coverage, a cruise line might only offer $25,000.

The one advantage that cruise line plans have is that they typically offer cancel for any reason coverage included. Royal Caribbean’s plan, for example, will reimburse you 90% of what you’ve paid for your cruise if you cancel for any reason. Just know that the refund is applied as a future cruise credit — not a cash payment as you’d get with the coverage from a traditional travel insurer.

For these reasons, we suggest sticking with traditional travel insurance from a third-party instead of the policies offered by cruise lines. But any coverage is better than no coverage.

What time period does the insurance cover?

While you should check with your specific insurance policy, they usually go into effect at midnight of the day after you purchase them. They then stay in effect until you return home from your trip.

Example: You buy cruise insurance at 6 p.m. on December 1 for a cruise that departs December 20 and returns December 27. Your coverage would be from in effect from midnight on December 2 until you return home from your cruise.

How do I Buy Cruise Insurance?

As mentioned earlier, if you are buying through the cruise line, you can purchase coverage at the same time that purchase your trip. You can also purchase at a later date by visiting the links below.

For third-party travel insurance, you can get a free quote and purchase directly through the provider. We’ve listed the major companies and their websites here:

Generali: https://www.generalitravelinsurance.com/ Travelex Insurance: http://www.travelexinsurance.com/ AXA Travel Insurance: https://www.axatravelinsurance.com/

For most people, however, we suggest looking at a site like InsureMyTrip.com . This site searches many companies at once to find the right insurance for you and your trip and bring you all your choices. Whether you are looking for affordability or the best coverage, all your options are laid out for you.

You can get a free quote here , see how much coverage might cost, and see everything it covers.

When should I buy cruise insurance?

The best time to buy is as soon as you’ve purchased your cruise. This allows you all the cancellation benefits immediately should something come up between the time you purchase and the time you actually travel.

One thing to note is that you can’t purchase after you already have an event that will lead to a loss. For example, say you get hurt in an accident that means you won’t be able to go on your vacation. You can’t purchase insurance and then try to be reimbursed for your trip. This is insurance fraud and the company won’t provide reimbursement.

How much does it cost?

Ah, the most important question. After all, every type of insurance is basically a bet between you and the insurance company whether something will happen on your trip.

Prices will vary based on company, trip length, cost, who is being covered, and the sort of coverage you choose. Most companies also offer different levels of plan that have different limits and thus, higher or lower prices.

As a general rule of thumb, traditional cruise insurance offered by a third-party will run about 5%-7.5% of your trip cost . So for a $5,000 trip, expect to pay around $250-$375 for coverage. That can vary widely, however.

Should I buy cruise insurance?

If you want to have some peace of mind on your trip, then yes. However, the vast majority of cruise passengers will never use their insurance.

The problem is that for issues that do come up, the expenses can be large and unknown. For instance, there is no price list of having to be evacuated medically from a cruise ship. The cruise insurance offers valuable peace of mind.

If you do decide to purchase, we highly suggest that you shop around for prices and also read your plan carefully (comparing two or three of the most well-known providers). And while every cruise line strongly recommends purchasing some sort of insurance for your cruise, we don’t recommend purchasing insurance offered through them, as traditional plans can offer better coverage for a similar price.

Get a free quote at the link below

Again, for cruise travel insurance, we suggest looking at a site like InsureMyTrip.com . This site searches many companies at once to find the right insurance for you and your trip and bring you all your choices. Whether you are looking for affordability or the best coverage, all your options are laid out for you.

Disclaimer: Cruzely.com is an affiliate with the travel insurers mentioned in the article above. We receive a small commission if you get a quote or purchase through the links included in this article at no extra cost to you.

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If a cruise is not leaving Australian waters, a passport is not needed. Will your private health insurance / medicare still be applicable on a domestic cruise?

Not familiar with Australian insurance rules. I’d suggest contacting the cruise line.

I believe Medicare doesn’t cover you overseas. That is why we get it

do you have insurace for canadians travelling on a cruise fro new york to bermuda

Any travel insurer should be able to cover you. You can go to a site like InsureMyTrip.com or AIG Travel Guard to see your options.

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All Your Questions About Cruise Travel Insurance, Answered

By Elissa Garay

Rarely does real life make its way into our fantasies of a dream vacation : palm trees swaying in the breeze, expertly plated meals served at whim, toes pointed toward the horizon on a sun-soaked day at sea. That vision doesn't factor in missed flights, lost bags, or medical mishaps. But life has a way of getting in the way, even when you’re trying to get away from it all. Add in an unexpected curveball like the coronavirus pandemic (and the disease it causes: COVID-19)—which has effectively wiped out cruising, for the near future, at least—and things get even more complicated.

In most instances, you can buy peace of mind in the form of a well-tailored cruise travel insurance policy, which industry experts say is nearly always a smart bet. Not only does coverage insure your financial investment in the case of a hiccup, but it can also help with access to quality medical care on the road, as well as reimbursement for any unforeseen expenses that may pop up in the face of such scenarios. In this primer on travel insurance for cruises, we break down everything you need to know so you can pick up a policy with ease—and then get back to planning your eventual lounge on the lido deck.

What does cruise travel insurance cover?

“A cruise vacation has so many moving parts, including the sheer number of destinations you visit, flights, and hotels bookings. Things can go wrong after you’ve made that final deposit, and without travel insurance, you’d likely lose that payment,” says Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of cruise review and community site Cruise Critic .

While specific policies vary in their coverage—you’ll need to review the fine print carefully before you buy—most offer recourse for commonly encountered issues like the need to cancel a trip (for approved reasons like your traveling companion falling ill, or the involuntary loss of your job) or trip delays and interruptions. “If you miss your initial embarkation of a cruise due to a flight delay or a weather event, such as a hurricane or winter storm , travel insurance could help cover the costs of you getting to the next port of call, so you can join your cruise,” says James Page, senior vice president and chief administrative officer of AIG Travel, whose subsidiaries sell policies designed to cover cruisers.

Other potential problems might include the airline losing your checked bags , getting pickpocketed in port, the cruise line canceling your sailing due to weather or mechanical issues—or, as we’ve seen of late, due to not being able to run itineraries in areas affected by the coronavirus. While the cruise line would almost certainly pay out a refund in cases of cancellation or major itinerary changes, other prepaid expenses not purchased through the line directly, such as flights or hotel nights, would be on your dime without a qualifying policy in place. “The biggest tip is to make yourself aware of exactly what your plan will cover prior to purchasing,” McDaniel says.

Weather is not covered unless it results in the cancellation of or significant interruption to the cruise. McDaniel says that you won’t get a refund if the scheduled ports visited on a cruise itinerary are changed due to bad weather. “Skipped ports would not be covered by travel insurance,” she says, in cases of inclement weather.

How is the coronavirus affecting travel insurance?

When it comes to coronavirus , it’s important to know that circumstances like epidemics and pandemics are not typically listed as covered events under most standard cancellation policies. Also worth noting: Preemptively canceling a trip out of fear for your health and safety is never part of a standard policy. Accordingly, while some insurers honored claims associated with the onset of the epidemic, almost none are paying out trip cancellation claims for travel or policies booked after late January (with specific cutoff dates ranging between January 21 and January 27, according to travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth). This is owed to the rationale that once the outbreak became a known event, risk is assumed by the would-be travelers who book.

“However, there are now some providers who do not consider contracting the virus as foreseen, even during a global pandemic like the coronavirus outbreak,” says Kasara Barto, public relations manager for Squaremouth. “In this case, trip cancellation benefits can still apply if a traveler contracts the virus or is physically quarantined and unable to travel as planned."

Economic-woe scenarios, like having to cancel if you are laid off from your job, or if a travel supplier should declare bankruptcy, are typically covered under standard plans. Squaremouth notes, however, that coronavirus-prompted impacts like travel bans and border closures are not usually covered by standard policies, nor are cases of cruise lines canceling a scheduled sailing (in which case, the cruise companies themselves would be expected to pick up the tab for reimbursement, or to offer a voucher for future travel).

Because of these exclusions, industry experts advise that a “cancel for any reason” policy upgrade will offer some level of protection even if your reason for canceling is based on fear of travel alone. With this more expensive insurance, you must meet criteria like purchasing your policy within a set time frame (typically within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit) and you must also cancel your trip at least two days in advance of departure.

Keep in mind, too, that down the road, in the post-coronavirus world, industry insiders forecast that new virus-related policy inclusions will become part of standard policies. “Similar to how the September 11 attacks led to terrorism coverage to be offered standard on most travel insurance policies, we anticipate that the COVID-19 pandemic will lead the travel insurance industry to offer more policies that include coverage for pandemics, which may cover things like CDC alerts, travel advisories, and stay-at-home orders,” Barto says.

Insurance and medical incidents

Beyond trip cancellation, medical incidents while traveling present another major need for coverage, since it’s unlikely that your regular health insurance covers such expenses abroad. Most ships have onboard doctors, but visiting them isn’t cheap nor is emergency medical evacuation in the case of more serious illnesses or injuries. “Without [insurance], your out-of-pocket costs could be astronomical,” McDaniel says.

By Jessica Chapel

By Emily Pennington

By Charlie Hobbs

By Kaitlin Menza

Page of AIG Travel agrees. “Even a short weekend cruise could turn costly if a traveler has an accident or becomes ill, and requires emergency medical treatment or a medical evacuation from sea,” he says, pointing out that travelers are more prone to injury since they often take risks on vacations—like jet-skiing or hiking on unfamiliar terrain —that they might not take back home. “It’s important to ensure the policy you purchase covers the things you may need, such as pre-existing medical conditions or adventure activities,” Page says.

Specific to the coronavirus, should you contract the virus while cruising, “medical coverage availability will vary per travel insurance provider,” Barto says, noting that a half-dozen insurers were offering such medical coverage as of press time. “While some providers are still providing medical benefits for newly purchased policies, others are only covering medical expenses related to the coronavirus to insureds who bought a policy prior to the outbreak.” Coverage in regards to scenarios like being denied boarding (for registering a fever at port or having recently traveled to a high-risk destination for COVID-19, for instance) or being placed in mandatory quarantines likewise can vary by insurer.

Orlando —based travel agent Kelley Lord is an avid cruiser, with nearly 40 cruises under her belt, and she has taken out a policy for every one of them. It’s proven to be a smart strategy: In 2017 alone, her family had to cancel three separate cruises at the last minute, due to medical issues. “We had a 17-night, port-intensive cruise and Europe trip planned for early June that included expensive flights, prepaid excursions, hotels, and the cruise fare,” she says of one incident. “My husband tore up both of his knees in late May playing kickball at the company picnic and had to have double knee surgery. There was no way we could make the trip.” Thankfully, in that and the other two instances that followed that year, “we filed with our travel insurance and were able to recoup most of the cost of the trip,” she says.

Where to buy cruise travel insurance

While cruise lines usually offer their own insurance policies, experts advise looking instead to an independent, third-party insurer. “Travel insurance policies from independent insurers tend to be more comprehensive than those you might purchase through a cruise line,” McDaniel says. “Cruise line insurance is usually secondary coverage, meaning you’ll first need to file through any private insurance policies [like homeowner’s or renter's] that you have before your travel insurance will kick in. This could mean needing to pay out-of-pocket to start.”

Adds Page: “The advantage of purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy through an insurance provider like Travel Guard is that the comprehensive plans may offer additional benefits, such as emergency medical evacuation, which may not be available under protection plans offered through cruise lines.”

In addition, cruise line insurance can be more limited than you might expect. “Travelers who purchase the cruise line’s policy can only insure expenses purchased directly through that cruise line," says Jenna Hummer, former director of public relations for Squaremouth. "Any outside airfare or expenses would be forfeited in the event of a cancellation.”

You can pick up a policy from your travel agent directly through a reputed individual insurance provider (like AIG Travel Guard or Allianz), or via an insurance comparison site that lets you compare plans from various insurers (like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip).

How much does cruise travel insurance cost?

The cost of a standard policy is calculated as a percentage of your overall vacation expenses—generally anywhere from 5 to 10 percent of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost, according to data provided by Squaremouth. “The premium varies by policy and provider, depending on three primary factors: total trip cost, age of travelers, and length of travel,” Hummer says. “Older travelers taking long, expensive cruises will most likely be paying more for the same policy as a younger traveler taking a cheaper trip.”

According to Squaremouth, “cancel for any reason” benefits will typically increase a policy’s premium by roughly 40 percent over the cost of a standard policy, and will only cover a portion (up to 75 percent) of the total trip cost’s reimbursement.

When to buy cruise travel insurance

Experts say to buy your travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your cruise —that will give you the biggest window of protection should anything arise before you set sail. Hummer says that coverage for preexisting medical conditions is sometimes available at no additional cost from independent insurers—but only if you purchase that policy within 14 to 30 days of your first trip payment.

Remember that you can’t purchase a policy after an event transpires that leads to a claim (say, after you get into an accident and break your leg), but you can purchase standard insurance plans as late as 24 hours in advance of your scheduled departure. As noted before, "cancel for any reason" policies typically must be purchased within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit.

Though you may never use the insurance you purchase, should an issue pop up, the investment can prove to be of great benefit, both economically and psychologically. Lord says, from experience, “You never know when you will need it, but if you do, you will be so grateful that you have it.”

This story was last published in March 2020. It has been updated with new information.

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How to Insure a Cruise Ship

Candace Jenkins is a licensed insurance advisor with over a decade of experience. She is also a writer and loves to write on all things insurance. Candace writes for TrustedChoice.com on a continuous basis and is here with the facts about all your insurance inquiries.

All businesses need to be protected, especially when it's on a big boat in the middle of the ocean. There are risks of all kinds that need protecting, and here's what an independent insurance agent would keep in mind when trying to find the right coverage for a cruise ship.

How Do You Insure a Cruise Ship?

Vacationing on a cruise ship has been a tradition since 1960. While there were undoubtedly cruise liners that sailed on voyages to and from different continents, however, it did not become popular until 1960.

Some of the largest cruise ships today are over a thousand feet in overall length and can hold over 6,000 passengers at a time. Because you're floating on a massive body of water with that many people, you can imagine the liability exposure. Take the Titanic, for instance, a tragic example of what can go wrong aboard even a gigantic vessel.

So what the insurance is for one of these large, seaworthy ships? The following coverages would apply:

• Property coverage:  This would be coverage for the business personal property that is within the boat and not permanently attached to the vessel. 
• Physical damage coverage:  This would provide coverage for the vessel itself against accidental loss or damage to the boat and machinery.
• Ship coverage:  This would be coverage for the ship itself, and it would likely have a higher retention limit involved similar to a deductible. When you are talking about insuring items that are millions and millions of dollars, the insurance company will have the owner foot a decent portion first. Then, when a catastrophic claim occurs, the carrier will kick in the rest.
• General liability coverage:  This would be coverage for bodily injury and property damage to others, such as passengers who slip and fall while on the vessel or lose their personal belongings in a cabin fire.
• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act:  This is a federal law that provides workers' compensation coverage for ship employees, also known as a crew, if they are injured or become ill as a result of their job. This act applies to most workers whose job duties are related to taking care of a ship or working the docks. It may also refer to any contractor or crew member who is injured or ill in the navigatable waters of the United States and surrounding areas. 

Vital Property and Physical Damage Coverage for a Cruise Ship

A cruise ship has property needs, much like your pontoon, fishing boat, or yacht. A cruise ship will need millions of dollars in coverage to adequately insure the vessel. On average, a 500-passenger cruise ship will run around $260 million. That is why most insurance companies will require the owner to have a high retention limit so they don't have to pay for the entire bill themselves.

Another coverage is property coverage for the cruise ship's belongings and inventory. Anything that is not permanently attached to the vessel itself can usually be included in the coverage amount. 

While you may not be in the market for a cruise ship, your personal boat would fall under these same coverages, just not in the same amounts.

Speak with your independent insurance agent to get the exact coverage and premiums for your little cruiser.  

Essential Liability Coverage for a Cruise Ship

When you think of cruise ships, you may think of fun and relaxation. When insurance companies think of cruise ships, they see liability exposures. Today's largest cruise liners can carry over 6,000 passengers. That's 6,000 people that your cruise ship is responsible for if they get injured or ill while on your vessel.

Remember the Costa Concordia that partially sunk back in 2012 with a whole crew and passenger list aboard? Thirty-two people died, and sixty-four were injured. Talk about a liability payout from that ship's insurance company. If you have passengers big or small on any vessel, your insurance is on the line, and hopefully, it's a good policy from a knowledgeable independent insurance agent.  

Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act for Cruise Ships

There is a federal law called the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act that is available to employees and crew members who work in navigable waters when they get hurt or ill on the job. This coverage is only open when the employee is in US waters and adjoining areas.

When it comes to your ship, you may be sailing on a lake or river, and if you're running a small tour guide business, you may have an employee. That employee should have workers' compensation coverage available so they are covered while working for you. Any workers' compensation policy will supply protection not only for your employees but also for your business. Think about it this way, would you rather be personally sued for medical expenses and damages, or would you rather have your workers' compensation policy pick up the tab? The choice is yours, and every state except for one makes coverage mandatory in some form or another.  

Pools, Spas, and Restaurant Insurance on a Cruise Ship

Your cruise ship is a town, and as such, each piece needs to be accounted for when it comes to insuring it properly. Cruise ships today come fully loaded with malls, restaurants, bars, and your very own spa for pampering. 

Those are like little businesses within a large business, and while they are all connected to the same ship, they require the same coverages as if they were separate. Insurance companies will have guidelines and safety measures that must be adhered to just like on dry land.

Some safety measures insurance companies may require:

• All kitchen equipment msut be regularly inspected and signed off on.
• All pools, water slides, and the like need to have fencing around them and a lifeguard on duty at all times.
• Cruise ship malls and retail stores need surveillance cameras and security systems to avoid and deter theft and robbery. 
• All spa staff that deals with the physical touching of passengers as in massages or facials need to obtain a sexual misconduct policy.
• All employees need to have regularly scheduled safety meetings and a safety officer or manager to be named.

If you don't own a massive cruise ship, then you likely won't need coverages for these items. However, checking on all your boats or mini-cruise liners exposures with your independent insurance agent is essential.

Liquor Liability Insurance on a Cruise Ship

Often called a city on water, the cruise ship has restaurants and bars just like any other city, and with that comes alcohol. These adult beverages pose a liability issue if a passenger has one too many and decides to fall overboard. Even though that patron should have had the self-control not to consume so much alcohol, because your ship's bar served it to them, you're ultimately responsible. That is where liquor liability comes into play.

Liquor liability is liability insurance for alcohol-related bodily injury or property damage incidents. Any restaurant or bar, whether they are on a boat or not, will need liquor liability insurance to be adequately protected.  

What if Your Cruise Ship Has a "Flat Tire"?

If your cruise ship breaks down at sea or has an epidemic of some sort that puts your vessel out of commission for a time, you'll want some coverage. Business income coverage will typically supply for physical covered losses or perils such as weather-related events like a tornado, fire, hail, or lighting. An epidemic is a gray area in some policies. An investigation will have to be done to determine what type of infectious disease broke loose or if it was a bad case of food poisoning. 

All in all, you'll need to talk with your independent insurance agent to determine coverage from your insurance carrier. 

We insure just about anything. Even your house.

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

How Much Would It Cost to Insure a Cruise Ship?

A cruise ship will cost a pretty penny to insure. Between liability, property, physical damage, workers' compensation, and more, you'll have multiple insurance policies. When you own a cruise ship, you're going big, and that requires big insurance. Premiums will be different for every owner. 

No matter if you own a small fishing boat or a giant ocean liner, your coverage will be specific and unique to you and your business. Now, the more you have to insure, the more premium you will pay. Let's face it, the cost to insure a $260 million cruise ship is not the same as to insure a speed boat.

Here's How an Independent Insurance Agent Would Help

Independent insurance agents have access to multiple insurance companies, ultimately finding you the best coverage, accessibility, and competitive pricing while working for you. Find an independent insurance agent in your community here.

https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/02/14/the-eight-worst-cruise-ship-disasters

https://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/faq/lsfaqs.htm

https://www.resolveacademy.com/Resources/Blog/1165/a-history-of-the-cruise-ship-industry

Going on a Cruise

Ahhh…cruising. Is there any better way to relax and explore new destinations? Chances are, you spent a good bit of money when you booked your ship, flights and other arrangements. Travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and interruption and other coverage is a smart way to protect yourself financially against the unexpected.

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Popular choice:, deluxe package (ages 0-74) disclaimer 2 or travelcare ® packages (ages 75+) disclaimer 2.

You are covered for:

• Cruise cancellation or interruption due to weather or ship mechanical failure
• “Catch up” costs to join your cruise after missing a departure due to a covered delay such as a cancelled flight
• Unused shore excursion tickets that you purchased on board and couldn’t use due to illness or injury
• Last-minute cancellations due to family/work emergencies, unexpected health issues or other unforeseen events
• Lost or stolen luggage, passports and medications
• Unlimited eligible emergency medical expenses Disclaimer 1
• 24-hour worldwide emergency medical assistance
• Travel expenses to get you home after a medical emergency

Interested in travel medical coverage only?

Classic Medical Plan (ages 0-64) or TravelCare ® Medical Plan (ages 65+)

• Travel expenses to get you home if you have a medical emergency

Note : If you have sufficient emergency travel medical protection through a credit card or work plan, we also offer a Non-Medical Package that will cover you for trip cancellation and interruption, luggage delays and more.

Make sure you have the right travel insurance—get an online quote or talk to a licensed insurance advisor.

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Nearly 70 Celebrity Cruises guests sick in norovirus outbreak

• Nearly 70 passengers and five crew members got sick in a norovirus outbreak on a Celebrity Cruises ship.
• The ship is currently sailing week-long Alaska voyages between Vancouver and Seward.
• The illness is frequently associated with cruise ships, but those outbreaks account for just 1% of all outbreaks reported, according to the CDC.

Nearly 70 Celebrity Cruises passengers got sick in a norovirus outbreak during a recent cruise.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 68 of Celebrity Summit’s 2,264 guests reported being ill during a cruise that ended on Friday, along with five crew members. Their main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

The ship is currently sailing week-long Alaska voyages between Vancouver and Seward, according to CruiseMapper . In response to the outbreak, the cruise line isolated sick guests and crew and collected samples for testing, among other steps, the health agency said. 

There were an isolated number of cases on board and the impacted guests are no longer on the ship, according to Nathaniel Derrenbacher, a spokesperson for Celebrity’s parent company Royal Caribbean Group. Summit was also sanitized.

The news follows another norovirus outbreak on Celebrity Constellation in January that left nearly 100 guests sick. The CDC has logged seven outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruises that met its threshold for public notification so far this year. Norovirus was listed as the causative agent in all but one.

Cruise ship medical facilities: What happens if you get sick or injured (or bitten by a monkey)

The illness is frequently associated with cruise ships, but those outbreaks account for just 1% of all outbreaks reported, according to the CDC. Dr. Sarah E. Hochman, a hospital epidemiologist and the section chief of infectious diseases at NYU Langone Health’s Tisch Hospital, told USA TODAY in April that those happen in communities on land, too.

“There's not something special or unique about cruise ships,” she said at the time. “It's really any type of congregate setting, but it's also happening out in the community on a much smaller scale among households and household contacts. It just doesn't come to the attention of public health as much as it does for larger congregate settings.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Protect Your Trip »

Celebrity ascent: the best dining, amenities and more on celebrity cruises' newest ship.

Top-notch eateries, adults-only areas and entertainment options stand out.

Celebrity Ascent Review

Megan duBois

Key Takeaways

• There are 32 different dining and drinking venues on board, from Le Voyage by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud to the line's iconic Martini Bar.
• The onboard entertainment is incredible. The "Awaken" show combines popular music with acrobatics and lasers, while Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night invites cruisers to don metallic or sequin outfits for a deck party under the stars. 
• The Solarium adults-only pool area is a relaxing spot with comfortable lounge chairs, a pool and hot tubs; head to Eden for delightful cocktails and optimal sunset views.

You can think of Celebrity Cruises as the more adult cousin of Royal Caribbean International – which makes sense, considering both cruise lines are owned by Royal Caribbean Group. With all of the recent buzz around both brands, I was excited to sail on Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, in its debut month. I embarked out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2023.

The 17-deck, 141,420-ton ship has 1,646 staterooms and can carry 3,260 guests at double occupancy. At 1,073 feet long and 128 feet wide, the ship has plenty of space for upscale amenities, edgy entertainment and incredible dining venues. The Edge Series ship also has more than 1,400 crew members who hail from 60 different countries around the world.

As an avid cruiser who has taken more than 50 ocean and river voyages on almost a dozen cruise lines, I found Celebrity Ascent lived up to the hype. The ship itself is stunning, and each area has a distinct vibe. I loved the ample amount of food and drink opportunities – there are 32 different venues – and the standout onboard entertainment was like nothing I had seen before on a cruise ship.

Find your perfect cruise

Celebrity Ascent itineraries

Celebrity Ascent sails around the Mediterranean and the Caribbean over the next few years. Summer 2024 brings Ascent to Mediterranean ports of call in Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. The Mediterranean season ends in October 2024, with a 13-night transatlantic sailing departing from Barcelona, Spain.

Late fall and winter sailings depart from Fort Lauderdale. The Caribbean season runs between November 2024 and April 2025. It includes seven- to nine-night voyages calling on ports like Aruba , Bonaire and Curacao ; Bimini, Bahamas ; Labadee, Haiti; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands ; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic ; and St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In late April 2025, it's back to the Mediterranean for the 2025 season between May and October. Ascent then returns to the Caribbean for sailings in late 2025; destinations include southern Caribbean locales, plus the Panama Canal and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Similar Caribbean sailings are also on sale for early 2026.

Who should sail on Celebrity Ascent?

Celebrity Ascent, like its Edge Series sister ships, caters to adults traveling together. The overall vibe of the ship is upscale and modern, with plenty of places to grab a drink, enjoy a meal and watch a show. Couples can enjoy an elevated date night in Le Grand Bistro, while the aptly named Sunset Bar – which overlooks the rear of the ship – is the spot to be with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets into the horizon. This bar was easily my favorite spot on board; I spent most afternoons here enjoying a cocktail.

The deck parties, of which Ascent After Dark: Shine the Night is the premier event, are a fun time – but they aren't so loud that guests can hear the bass thumping in the staterooms below. Shows at The Theatre are fully immersive, with incredible technology and great music that had me dancing in my seat.

If you are traveling with children, know that there aren't many places on board for kids to just hang out and be kids. The Camp at Sea kids club is crammed into a small area on Deck 3, away from the main Grand Plaza and The Martini Bar.

Cruises on Ascent can be expensive, but Celebrity often runs deals on sailings. Without any promotions, sailings around the Mediterranean in 2024 and 2025 may run between about $1,000 and $5,600 per person. In comparison, 2024 and 2025 Caribbean voyages may cost between about $2,000 and $4,400 per person before discounts. (Note: Cruise rates can change frequently, based on demand and availability.)

The stateroom

There are over two dozen different stateroom styles on Celebrity Ascent. The smallest (and usually cheapest) rooms are the Inside Staterooms, which offer between 181 and 202 square feet of space. For solo travelers, the Single Inside Staterooms offer the same amenities as a double occupancy room, but with a smaller 103-square-foot layout and no single supplement fee at booking.

Ocean View Staterooms are slightly larger, at 200 to 242 square feet. There are three different room styles; the main difference among them is the size of the window. Options range from small windows in the middle of the wall to large, floor-to-ceiling picture windows.

Ascent's balcony cabins are quite varied, but the majority are Infinite Veranda Staterooms, where the balcony is actually a uniquely designed window that can be opened to let the ocean breeze in. There is a set of glass doors that can be drawn to make this space more private, as well.

Concierge Staterooms allow guests access to a dedicated concierge staff and exclusive onboard events. AquaClass cabins all feature the infinite balcony design, plus unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite, complimentary dining at Blu restaurant, fitness classes and a spa concierge.

Celebrity Ascent's suites are all part of The Retreat, the line's ship-within-a-ship concept where cruisers have access to an exclusive restaurant, a sun deck with a pool, a lounge and a dedicated crew. Suites range in size and style, from smaller 319-square-foot studios to massive two-bedroom suites offering more than 2,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

When I sailed on Celebrity Ascent, I stayed in an AquaClass stateroom. The main living space had a king-size bed, which was cozy after long days of exploring the ship and nights spent on the dance floor. I found the cabin's couch a bit uncomfortable, but there was plenty of storage space in the large closet and drawers. Conveniently, the bed was high enough to fit my suitcases under.

Because this was my first time in an Infinite Veranda room, I was interested to see how the balcony actually worked. After pressing a button for the window to roll down, my room instantly filled with humid air – not the sea breeze I was expecting. The air conditioner also turns off when the window is down, so it takes a long time for the room to cool off again. I only opened the window once because of this. For me, the extra veranda space served as more of a sitting area to take in the views than a spot to enjoy the ocean breeze.

My stateroom's bathroom was spacious, with a larger-than-usual standup rain shower. I also loved the eco-friendly bath amenities, which smelled divine. I used the in-room bathrobes and slippers every day of the cruise.

I loved that my AquaClass stateroom came with some amenities that are not included in other Infinite Veranda rooms. There were two yoga mats, two bottles of water that were refreshed daily, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, an umbrella, binoculars, complimentary shoeshine service and a pillow menu. AquaClass guests also have unlimited access to the spa's thermal suite, complimentary fitness classes and a dedicated spa concierge. I went to the thermal suite daily to enjoy the heated loungers and steam rooms.

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Best amenities on Celebrity Ascent

On Celebrity Ascent, you'll never be bored. Over just a few days, I was able to participate in game shows and dance parties, sit back and enjoy live music, and spend some time by the pool. While I don't gamble, the casino always seemed to be full when I walked by, and someone was always cheering about hitting the jackpot.

For live entertainment, be sure to catch Flash Flair Fusion, the nightly bartending performance at the Martini Bar. Meanwhile, the Theatre hosted three main shows during my sailing: "Residency," "Awaken" and "Bridges." (Based on my experience, "Awaken" is the production to prioritize.)

Additionally, The Club hosts most of the ship's game shows and some smaller live music events. I loved hanging out at this venue; it was never overly packed with people, and the games were pure fun. I even got called up on stage to participate in one of the games and ended up winning a Celebrity Cruises-branded hat.

For some outdoor fun, hit the onboard pickleball court. Or, head to the Rooftop Garden, where float pools face the ocean and plenty of comfy seating awaits. I loved how lush this space felt, thanks to all of the live plants surrounding the seating areas. This is also the spot to catch movies at night.

If you're looking for an even more unique place to hang out, head to The Magic Carpet. This bright orange, glass-encased bar hangs out over the side of the ship and is the perfect spot for an after-dinner drink. The Magic Carpet can move up and down the side of the ship, docking at select decks for a set amount of time. I loved hanging here at night as the ship was pulling out of port to see the islands light up and watch other ships pass by.

When planning out your evenings, keep in mind that it can be a trek to get from one onboard activity to the next – especially when there is very little time between many of the major scheduled events. One night, I started in The Club to watch a game show, then immediately had to get to the Theatre. After the theater performance, I had to walk the entire length of the ship and take the stairs to get to the night show in Eden. Then, after Eden, it was time for the Shine the Night deck party. By the time I got back to my stateroom, I was exhausted.

Best dining venues on Celebrity Ascent

There are 32 different spots for food and drinks on Celebrity Ascent, including four main dining rooms; four casual complimentary eateries; eight specialty restaurants; 14 cafes, lounges and bars; and two exclusive venues.

Included with the base fare are meals at the four main dining rooms, all of which serve the same menus every day, plus a small exclusive menu that's tailored to the theme of each restaurant. (For example, if you're dining in Cyprus, there is a small list of Cyprus-exclusive dishes that highlight Mediterranean cuisine, while the Normandie restaurant serves up French favorites.)

Other restaurants included in the cruise rate are Eden Cafe & Bar, which serves light bites and sweets; Mast Grill, offering burgers and salads; and Oceanview Cafe, a buffet open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For an additional cost, head to specialty dining venues like the stunning Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, which is great for date night; Le Grand Bistro, a fun take on a classic French Bistro; or Eden Restaurant, which features an entirely plant-based menu.

My favorite specialty dining option – and overall favorite restaurant on the ship – was Raw on 5. It features stunning chilled seafood towers, fresh sashimi and hot dishes like fresh lobster and shrimp wontons. Each dish was prepared beautifully, the service was top-notch and our table next to the window offered great views.

However, one restaurant I would skip is Fine Cut Steakhouse. It is a pretty standard steakhouse, and nothing on the menu really stood out to me. The upscale ambiance was also diminished by music floating in from the nearby Grand Plaza and Martini Bar (think: everything from One Direction to Cher). While both artists are great to hear while sipping a martini in a public space, I don't want to hear them while dining at an expensive restaurant.

Best excursions on Celebrity Ascent

Travelers cruising to the Caribbean should book a beach outing. There are abundant excursion options in St. Maarten and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands . If you're into local brews, try the Small Group: Brewery & Beach Tour Philipsburg, St. Maarten .

On a past Mediterranean cruise, I explored both Florence and Pisa, Italy, while docked in the Italian city of Livorno. Celebrity offers a similar excursion aboard the Ascent. The day trip includes a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside; exploring Florence and seeing the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo; and a trip to Pisa to see the iconic learning tower. In Rome , consider doing an all-day tour where you can see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Square.

Regardless of where your cruise is headed, you may choose to explore ports on your own instead. If that's the case, be sure to give yourself enough time to get back to the ship. I always try to return at least an hour before the scheduled sail away time.

Overall impressions of Celebrity Ascent

When it comes to ships that cater to a mostly adult audience, Celebrity Ascent really has it all. From stunning common areas to incredible dining and entertainment, I was never bored on this ship. What I loved most was the wide range of entertainment, from pop-up music around the ship to full-blown experiences that need to be seen to be believed. The food on the ship is a step above most other major cruise lines, and the number of dining options is great, especially for longer sailings.

While I loved my room's location and amenities as a whole, I found the Infinite Veranda design to be a bit of a waste. When I did use it, my room got hot quickly and took a while to cool back down. I would consider booking a traditional veranda cabin next time, or a stateroom with a large picture window to save some money without sacrificing the ocean views.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Megan duBois has been covering travel, cruising and theme parks for over five years. She has taken more than 50 cruises, has traveled to four continents and more than 25 countries, and has visited a dozen theme parks around the world. Her work appears online and in print in major publications like U.S. News & World Report, Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes and more.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• The Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
• The Best Solo Cruises
• Cruise Packing List: The Essentials Chosen by Experts

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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