Do You Need Travel Insurance for a Princess Cruise?

With its nickname ‘The Love Boat,’ its diverse destination itinerary, world-class dining, and relaxing, at-home experience, Princess Cruises are the perfect way to sit back and enjoy a vacation overseas.

While cruises are filled with adventure and lifelong memories, there is always a chance that something may go wrong. In this case, travel insurance can be crucial, keeping you and your loved ones safe.

What This Guide Will Cover:

• What Princess Cruise travel insurance covers
• Comparison between Princess travel insurance and separate travel insurance
• Where princess travel insurance falls short

What Is Princess Cruise Travel Insurance?

Princess Cruises offer two travel insurance plans: Cancellation Protection and Platinum Protection. Here is a rundown of what the plans cover:

Cancellation Protection:

Princess Cruise’s cancellation protection plan offers travelers the flexibility to cancel their cruise up to 72 hours prior to departure, without any fees. 

The Cancellation Protection plan can provide reimbursement for trip cancellation up to total cruise costs, or offer a Cancel For Any Reason benefit that works in a ‘cash back’ reimbursement style.

It is important to note that the Cancellation Protection plan is not available to citizens of Australia, New Zealand or the UK.

Platinum Protection:

Princess Cruise’s Platinum Protection plan can offer protection for the following benefits during your cruise:

• Cancel for Any Reason: You can cancel your cruise and receive 100% of your cruise fees in cash, not including the cost of the plan. If you need to cancel for reasons that are not covered under the plan, you may receive 100% reimbursement in the form of future cruise credit.
• Trip Interruptions: If your trip is interrupted and you must return home, you may be reimbursed up to 150% for prepaid cruise or land arrangements booked through Princess. You may also be covered for your cost (one-way) back home.
• Trip Delay: You can be reimbursed up to $500 pre-cruise, $1,500 post-cruise for eligible expenses if your trip is delayed for 3 hours or more.
• Medical Emergencies: Platinum Protection may provide reimbursement up to $20,000 for medical expenses during the trip, and can cover transportation.
• Trip Delays: If you are delayed due to a covered reason, you may be given reimbursement for expenses of transportation, meals and accommodations.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation: Princess Platinum Protection may cover up to $100,000 for required medical transportation services or repatriation.
• Baggage / Personal Effects: You may be reimbursed for up to $3,000 for lost or damaged bags / personal items during your cruise.
• 24/7 Support: Platinum Protection provides a 24/7 assistance line for any questions or concerns / emergency services.

Princess Platinum Protection vs. Travel Insurance: Which Is Stronger?

When comparing both the Princess Platinum Protection travel insurance plan and a separate travel insurance plan, there are some differences in coverage to keep in mind:

Where Does Princess Cruise Travel Insurance Fall Short?

While Princess’s Travel Protection insurance provides coverage for certain benefits while you are on a cruise, they are often not enough. Here are some places where Princess Cruise travel insurance may have some coverage gaps:

Medical Coverage: While Princess’s Platinum Protection plan does cover medical emergencies and evacuation, the limits are quite low. Platinum Protection can cover medical emergencies up to $200,000 and medical evacuation up to $100,000, but a separate travel insurance plan can offer up to $500,000 for medical expenses and up to $1,000,000 for medical evacuation.

Cruise-focused coverage: Princess’s travel insurance typically focuses on cruise-related costs and expenses, rather than overall trip costs. Even when Princess’s insurance plan states “up to 150% coverage” for certain expenses, these are typically cruise costs, meaning outside expenses may not be covered.

Cancel for Any Reason: Cancel for Any Reason under the Platinum Protection program may offer reimbursement, but for covered reasons, you will typically receive 100% of only cruise related costs, and for non-covered reasons, you may receive 100% in cruise credit only. With a separate travel insurance plan, you have the option to select Cancel For Any Reason and receive 50-75% of your pre-paid, full trip costs.

Which Is Better, Princess Travel Insurance or Separate Travel Insurance?

When finding a travel insurance plan for your next cruise, it is important to note what each plan covers, and if the details of each plan suit your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Choose Princess Travel Insurance If:

• You are ok with lower medical coverage
• You are ok with cruise-related coverage only
• You are ok with Cancel For Any Reason reimbursement in the form of cruise credit
• Your itinerary is simple, and lower-risk
• Many of your prepaid costs are connected to Princess

Choose Travel Insurance If:

• You are a senior citizen
• You want higher, more comprehensive medical coverage
• Your trip is longer or international
• You have pre-existing health conditions
• Your priority is outside costs (flights, hotels)
• You want coverage off the boat

How Can I Find the Right Travel Insurance Plan?

Finding the right travel insurance plan is essential when it comes to protection during your next Princess cruise. While some travelers are hoping for solid, basic coverage, others may want something stronger.

To help you find the best plan that fits your needs, our Customer Service team can provide assistance with questions, concerns, or further support. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Cruise Travel Insurance