Cruise Insurance: Everything You Need To Know

Before setting sail, getting the lowdown on cruise insurance is a must. Standard travel insurance might not cut it, so making sure you have the right protection is key.

If scenic ocean views and exotic ports are calling, the last thing on your mind is probably the potential pitfalls that might arise. Delays, lost luggage, unexpected illnesses – yuck. But these are just a few of the uncertainties that can turn your dream holiday into a nightmare. Finding the right insurance can be your anchor, providing you with a safety net for the challenges that can arise on the high seas. Let us help you navigate through the depths of cruise insurance, making sure you’re well prepared for a cruisey voyage.

Cruise-specific insurance matters

It’s important to recognise that not all travel insurance policies automatically cover cruising and all related activities. Reading the fine print probably won’t be the highlight of your trip planning, but it does pay off, as inclusions can vary among providers. Failure to secure the right cruise insurance may leave you exposed to risks after having wasted your money on pointless protection.

Cruise Hardanger Fjord in Norway — Cruise-specific insurance is essential to buy before you travel.

Do you really need it?

We get it – you’ve already forked out your hard-earned dollars for the cruise, so the thought of shelling out more might not be music to your ears. But – like any insurance, cruise cover is, at a minimum, an investment in peace of mind.

Amidst the myriad of potential cruise disruptions, from unexpected medical emergencies to last-minute plan changes, insurance provides financial protection, sparing you from potentially hefty out-of-pocket expenses – a far less appealing scenario than not spending the money in the first place.

Even if your cruise doesn’t venture into international waters, the moment your ship bids farewell to the port, Medicare or your trusty private health insurance won’t be coming to the rescue. Cruise insurance isn’t just a fancy add-on; it’s your shield against unexpected waves of medical bills, last-minute cancellations, and other unforeseen sea shenanigans.

Common inclusions in cruise travel insurance

Cruise insurance goes beyond typical coverage to address the unique challenges of seafaring journeys. Some common inclusions are:

Overseas and onboard hospital and medical fees.
Medical evacuations at sea.
Cancellation fees for pre-booked trips: Reimbursement for cancelled arrangements in unforeseen circumstances.
Delays, missed connections, or rescheduling fees.
Missed departures or pre-paid onshore trips.
Coverage for lost or stolen belongings: Financial protection for your essential personal belongings.
24-hour emergency assistance.
Marine rescue diversion: Assistance in redirecting the cruise for unforeseen situations.
Legal liability: Coverage for legal responsibilities or mishaps during the cruise.

cruising in Bahamas — Make sure you get the cruise coverage that’s right for you. (Image: Georgy Trofimov)

What’s not covered

While most cruise insurance offers extensive coverage, it’s important to be aware of exclusions that may leave you unprotected. Some common exclusions include:

Incidents related to terrorism or labour strikes.
Reckless behaviour or irresponsible actions (like losing your bag after a few too many drinks).
Dangerous activities that are not typical for cruises.
Government actions leading to damage or loss (such as customs confiscations).

a luxury cruise in Cape Canaveral, United States — Make sure you don’t let things get too rowdy on board. (Image: Colin Lloyd)

Things to double-check

Of course, most insurance companies offer customisable insurance options. Here are some things you may like to double-check or add to your policy:

Activity coverage + offshore adventures.
Disruptions and quarantine due to COVID: Australia’s rules around COVID and cruising have recently changed, so be sure to check the current regulations.
Pre-existing medical conditions. Check out our article on travel insurance when you have a medical condition for more information.
Coverage for valuables.
Travel companions/family.
Civil unrest, war, or terrorism.

a swimming pool on a cruise, Glacier Bay Alaska — Make sure your destination is covered under your policy. (Image: David Lindahl)

Special considerations for adventure seekers

Adjusting your insurance to match your cruise plans is a must. If you’re into adventure sports, scuba diving, snorkelling, or even just having a blast on waterslides, take a moment to review and possibly amp up your policy to ensure you’re covered for all onboard and offshore activities.

snorkelling in the clear blue waters — Be sure to amp up your policy if you’re an adventure seeker.

Depending on your cruise itinerary and planned activities, you might need to up your coverage for specific adventure sports or activities. Think scuba diving, snorkelling, and even things like water sports and other similar activities. Ensure that both onboard and onshore activities are considered in your policy to avoid any gaps in coverage.

a woman snorkelling under the sea — Water sports like snorkelling will need comprehensive coverage.

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Selecting the right region

When you’re swept up in the excitement, make sure you choose the right region, so you’re adequately covered. If you’re exploring the Pacific, including New Zealand, Bali, South West Pacific, or cruising around Australia – opt for the Pacific region. The Asia region has you covered for locations across Asia, bar Russia and Japan.

Coco Cay The Bahamas — Make sure you choose the right region when you book your cruise insurance. (Image: Coco Cay in the Bahamas; Adam Gonzales)

For European adventures, encompassing Europe, Russia, and the UK, go for the Europe region. If your cruise spans across the globe, reaching destinations like Japan, the US, Canada, Africa, and the Middle East, then opt for Worldwide.

cruising along Lake Thun, Switzerland — Select Europe as your region when choosing your insurance if you’re cruising to places like the breathtaking Lake Thun in Switzerland.

When to secure cruise travel insurance

Once you’ve hit the booking button on your cruise, get ready to secure your travel insurance. Doing so not only covers you during the cruise but can safeguard against deposits, alterations, or cancellations made before departure.

For more tips and advice, read our travel insurance hub to help you navigate the ins and outs of what to do before you head overseas.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Everything you need to know about cruise insurance