Royal Caribbean, known for its collection of large, modern ships, is filled with family friendly entertainment and a mix of both high-energy and relaxing activities. With broad-way style shows, numerous pools, rock-climbing on board, and more, there is truly something for everyone.
Cruising with Royal Caribbean can be a lovely experience, and is one that should be protected under travel insurance. Last minute emergencies or situations can occur, making travel insurance essential for your next adventure overseas.
What This Guide Will Cover:
- What Royal Caribbean’s cruise line insurance covers
- What travel insurance can cover on your cruise
- Differences between Royal Caribbean insurance and separate travel insurance
What Is Royal Caribbean’s Travel Insurance?
Royal Caribbean offers a travel insurance plan called Royal Caribbean Travel Protection, offering coverage for situations like cancellation, medical coverage and more. Coverage includes:
- Cancellation: If you cancel for a specified reason under the plan, you can receive 100% of your unused prepaid costs. If you cancel for any other reasons, you can receive 90% cruise credits for a future cruise.
- Trip Interruption: You can be covered for up to 150% of your trip costs if your trip is interrupted due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons
- Travel Delay: Offers $2,000 ($250 per/day). If you miss your connection for a covered reason, Royal Caribbean provides you with an additional $300.
- Medical Coverage: Coverage is up to $25,000 for medical expenses, up to $50,000 for emergency medical evacuation and up to $25,000 for repatriation.
- Luggage Protection: Royal Caribbean’s travel insurance can cover up to $1,500 for luggage if it is stolen, lost or damaged. If your bags are delayed for over 6 hours, the plan provides $500 for necessary items.
- 24/7 Assistant Service: Includes a 24/7 service offering assistance with medical issues, travel help, luggage issues, and more.
Royal Caribbean vs. Travel Insurance: Which Is Stronger?
While Royal Caribbean’s travel protection plan can provide solid protection for cruises, a separate travel insurance plan can typically offer more comprehensive coverage with higher limits. Here is what each plan covers:
| Feature | Royal Caribbean Travel Protection | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Up to 100% of prepaid cruise costs only, or 90% cruise credits | Up to 100% of full trip costs |
| Trip Interruption | Up to 150% of cruise costs only | Up to 150% of full trip costs |
| Medical Coverage | Up to $25,000 | Up to $500,000 |
| Medical Evacuation | Up to $50,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Luggage Protection | Up to $1,500 if stolen, lost, or damaged, $500 for bags delayed over 6 hours | Up to $2,500, $250 per item |
| Pre-existing conditions | Not covered | Covered if you qualify for waiver |
| Cancel For Any Reason | Reimbursement up to 90% in cruise credit only | Optional add-on benefit, can offer 50% to 75% reimbursement of trip costs |
The benefits above may differ depending on which cruise insurance plan you select. Be sure to review your plan benefits, coverage amounts and details prior to purchasing.
Where Does Royal Caribbean Insurance Fall Short?
Medical Limits: Royal Caribbean offers up to $25,000 for medical coverage and up to $50,000 for evacuation, which are low amounts compared to the amounts that a separate travel insurance policy can offer ($500,000 for medical coverage, $1,000,000 for evacuation).
Cancellation: Royal Caribbean’s standard cancellation protection is linked to only specified reasons, while many separate travel insurance plans offer a wider menu of covered reasons and options. Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s Cancel For Any Reason benefit will typically only offer future cruise credit, rather than reimbursement for full trip costs.
Pre-existing Condition Limits: Under Royal Caribbean, pre-existing condition waivers are not included, while standalone travel insurance plans offer this option after your initial trip payment.
Which Is Better, Royal Caribbean Insurance or Travel Insurance?
When looking at Royal Caribbean’s cruise line insurance and a separate travel insurance policy, there are a few considerations to keep in mind prior to selecting one:
Choose Royal Caribbean Travel Protection If:
- You are ok with mainly cruise-focused protection
- You are ok with lower medical / evacuation benefits
- Your itinerary is straightforward, short, and low‑risk
- Most of your prepaid costs are tied directly to the cruise
- You are alright with reimbursement in the form of cash or cruise credit only
Choose a Separate Travel Insurance Plan If:
- You are going on a longer, international, or more expensive cruise
- You want broader, trip‑wide, and higher coverage
- You want coverage for emergencies off the boat
- You need higher medical coverage and strong evacuation coverage
- You are a senior citizen / have pre-existing conditions
- You are looking for protection for flights, activities, and accommodations booked separately
How Can I Find the Right Travel Insurance for My Cruise?
While cruise line protection may be just enough for your next Royal Caribbean adventure, some travelers may want a travel insurance plan with broader coverage. It is important to consider your personal needs, medical situation, and trip expenses prior to making a decision.
If you need help picking the right plan, do not hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service team, who is happy to assist.
- Royal Caribbean’s travel protection plan can offer coverage for medical situations or trip related issues, but they are often cruise-focused.
- Travel insurance can offer more comprehensive protection for Royal Caribbean cruises, with customizable medical limits, coverage for missed ports or weather, and more.
- Royal Caribbean’s travel insurance plan may be better for travelers with simple itineraries and pre-paid costs connected to the cruise.
- Travel insurance can be better for travelers seeking coverage for a longer, more expensive cruise, with broader coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Is travel insurance required for a Royal Caribbean cruise?
While travel insurance is not typically required for Royal Caribbean cruises, it is still highly recommended as medical emergencies or trip delays can occur. It is also important to keep in mind when traveling internationally on a cruise, some regions may require proof of travel insurance.
Does Royal Caribbean cover medical emergencies on board?
Every Royal Caribbean ship does have licensed doctors and nurses on board, though they are typically limited. Royal Caribbean will not bill your regular health‑insurance plans directly, but instead, you will pay upfront and then submit a claim to your travel‑insurance provider. It is recommended to purchase a third-party travel insurance for a cruise as it typically has higher medical limits and broader coverage terms.
How much does travel insurance for a cruise cost?
Travel insurance for a Royal Caribbean cruise will likely cost around 4-10% of your total trip expenses, but may vary depending on your age, destination, trip length, etc. (ex: on a $5,000 cruise, you will pay about $250-$500 per individual). For Royal Caribbean, the cost of travel insurance will depend on your total cruise cost (ex: on a $5,001 – $5,500 cruise, you will pay about $489). For a similar or even lower cost, travel insurance can offer higher, more comprehensive coverage for your next trip overseas.
Does Royal Caribbean’s travel insurance cover trip interruption?
While Royal Caribbean does cover trip interruption up to 150%, this coverage typically only applies to cruise costs, not your entire trip. Travel insurance can cover trip interruptions up to 150% for your full trip costs, making it a better option for those seeking more comprehensive coverage.
When should I purchase cruise insurance?
You should purchase cruise insurance immediately after making your first trip deposit. By doing so, you can get access to time-sensitive benefits like pre-existing condition coverage (if you qualify) or Cancel for Any Reason coverage.
What travel insurance should I get for a Royal Caribbean cruise?
The travel insurance plan you select for your Royal Caribbean cruise will depend on your travel needs. For travelers on a simpler itinerary who are seeking more cruise-centered coverage, Royal Caribbean Travel Protection may be a better option. However, travelers on an international cruise with more expenses and a need for higher medical coverage may want to consider a separate travel insurance policy.
Does Royal Caribbean’s travel insurance include Cancel for Any Reason?
Royal Caribbean’s travel protection plan does offer Cancel for Any Reason. However, reimbursement is typically only offered in future cruise credit. For this reason, a separate travel insurance policy is recommended, as reimbursement can be offered for up to 100% of your pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs.
