Cruise ships don’t wait for all guests to be on board before leaving port, and missing embarkation is the fastest way to ruin any vacation. That’s why these days, buying travel insurance is right up there with choosing shore excursions and deciding between drink packages.
But before locking into a policy, it’s important to read the fine print since trip insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, there are some things policies won’t cover from alcohol-related mishaps to high-risk activities like scuba diving or parasailing, and more.
“We commonly see travelers buying coverage without fully understanding what is included and excluded,” Chrissy Valez, the senior director of operations for insurance marketplace Squaremouth Travel Insurance, said in a statement. “We always recommend that cruisers opt for comprehensive coverage versus medical-only plans and also consider cruise-specific policies like the ones featured on our website. These policies are designed specifically for cruise vacations and offer more ample coverage for things like missing the ship, missed tours, sports-related activities, and more.”
These are four common cruise-specific scenarios insurance may not cover, according to Squaremouth.
Alcohol-related Accidents and Illnesses
All-inclusive drinks packages are one of the most popular upsells on any cruise, but there can be consequences if someone gets too sloppy and it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Many policies will not cover a medical incident, accident, injury, or illness if intoxication is deemed to be a factor, the company noted.
Sports-related Shore Activities
In adventure-heavy destinations like Alaska and Hawaii, travelers can explore by helicopter, go snorkeling, get their hearts pumping with zip lining, and more. But unfortunately, these activities are often categorized as higher-risk and Squaremouth said standard travel insurance policies don’t typically cover them. The exception to the rule is for travelers who opt to tack on adventure sport coverage.
Missing the Ship
Earning the nickname “pier runners,” some passengers are so late returning to the ship they have to sprint to make it. But while there may be some exceptions for ship-sponsored excursions, cruise ships will leave passengers behind if they are late. And travel insurance may not automatically cover getting travelers to the next port. The good news is Squaremouth said there are cruise-specific travel insurance policies specifically designed to cover missed cruise connections and tours and can help reimburse expenses incurred for extra hotel nights or additional transportation in the event of a missed ship.
High-value Luggage and Personal Items
If your luggage doesn’t make it, it’s easy enough to replace things like clothing and toiletries at the cruise ship’s boutique or in port. But if high-value items like expensive electronics, jewelry, or pricey cameras are lost, it may not be as easy. Squaremouth said many standard insurance policies exclude these expensive items from their coverage lists. So if you plan to travel with them in tow, it may be a good idea to purchase a policy with extended baggage protection.
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