Insurance Travel Insurance

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

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

cruise passengers
Updated April 7, 2025
Fact checked

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

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

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings
Compare car insurance rates in Ohio
See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes
Check Rates

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

A costly cruise drawback

New Africa/Adobe woman booking tickets online indoors
Once you have made a final payment on a cruise, you typically cannot change or cancel the booking.

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

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

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

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

What is travel insurance?

Adobe

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

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

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

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

How to purchase travel insurance

valeriyakozoriz/Adobe woman using laptop while having coffee

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

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

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

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

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

Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.

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

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Bottom line

michaeljung/Adobe Couple at sunset on a ship

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

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

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Benefits

Card Details

  • $0 annual fee
  • Simple, flat-rate rewards
  • Flexible redemption options
  • Up to 75% Bank of America Preferred Rewards® bonus potential
  • Apply Now
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card
4.4
info
Apply Now

on Bank of America’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

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

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it


Financebuzz logo

Thanks for subscribing!

Please check your email to confirm your subscription.