Family Cruises

Set Sail with Confidence: Family Cruises and Travel Insurance Essentials

Cruises are rapidly becoming a popular holiday choice for families, and it is easy to see why. Family cruises offer a range of attractions and activities for all age groups and interests, from grandparents to children. The convenience of having everything in one place, to the thrill of exploring multiple destinations on a single journey is next to none.

Along with the excitement of planning your cruise holiday comes the responsibility of preparing for unexpected events. Cruise Travel Insurance is not just another box to tick off your holiday checklist, but a crucial safety net that could protect you and your family.

The Importance of Travel Insurance for Family Cruises

Going on a family cruise is an exciting adventure you can enjoy with those closest to you, but your trip may not always be smooth sailing. That’s why you need to be prepared with the right family cruise insurance in place. Circumstances may arise whereby you need to cancel, experience a medical emergency, need treatment or have to leave the ship for medical reasons, or you may even lose your baggage – all very inconvenient, but precisely what Family Travel Insurance is for.

Therefore, it is crucial to have suitable Travel Insurance- specifically Cruise Family Travel Insurance which can provide cover for the unique risks associated with cruising for the whole party travelling.

Family Cruise Travel Insurance Benefits

At Just Travel Cover, all of the insurers that we work with provide Cruise Travel Insurance, and some policies have additional benefits too. To access them, you’ll need to make sure you confirm you are going on a cruise when applying for a quote, ensuring you list all of the specific destinations you’re headed if choosing a single-trip policy. You can do this online by clicking ‘Yes’ to the question ‘Are you going on a cruise?’ or mentioning it over the phone with our advisors.

Some Cruise Travel Insurance policies can offer additional, specific cruise benefits useful for families including:

  • Missed port departure up to £1,500
  • Cabin confinement up to £1,500
  • Unused excursions up to £500
  • Itinerary change up to £750
  • Cruise interruption up to £1,500

All policies will cover cancellation, medical cover and baggage, but limits vary by insurer. If you need more than £12,500 cancellation cover (if the cost of your cruise exceeds standard cover limits), we offer Top up cancellation cover. This provides additional cancellation cover of up to £50,000 per person, bringing you added protection. If you’d like to discuss this further, give us a call on 0800 294 2969. 

You should arrange Travel Insurance for your family cruise as soon as you book (ASAB), and unlike some providers, we can provide cover for holidays up to 18 months away.

Travel Tips for Family Cruises

Choose Child-Friendly Cruise Lines: Going on a cruise with the whole family means multiple requirements to consider. Make sure to choose a cruise that will appeal to everyone in your group. Popular cruises suitable for families include Disney Cruise Line for character shows and appearances, Royal Caribbean for larger, thrill-style attractions, and Carnival for value-driven fun and relaxation. Cruising on a budget? Read our 7 Money-Saving Tips for the Ideal Family Cruise blog.

Check Cruise-Line Requirements: To ensure smooth sailing for everyone in your travel party, make sure to check any cruise line requirements and that your insurance policy will meet these.

Book Early In Advance: Booking early will allow you to secure the most suitable cabins for all guests. You might want to consider adjoining cabins for extra space, or those on higher decks closer to the pool and kids’ club for quicker access. Not sure when to go on your cruise? These are the best months to go on a family cruise, as recommended by our experts.

Organise Your Papers: Make sure you have the necessary visas and passports for everyone in your travel party ready to show. Remember, most cruise lines now require proof of insurance for you to board the ship.

Timing is Key: Try to request earlier dining times to avoid hungry, over-tired children and ensure any senior travellers in your group are well-cared for.

Safety First: Make sure to bring a well-stocked first aid kit for your family in the event of any smaller injuries such as cuts or scrapes, or minor maladies like headaches and sea sickness.

Travel Insurance for Family Cruises FAQs

What is the importance of Travel Insurance for family cruises?

Travel Insurance for family cruises is crucial as it protects your holiday against unforeseen events. These could range from trip cancellations and medical emergencies to lost baggage and itinerary changes. Having Cruise Travel Insurance ensures that you can focus on making the most of your holiday without worrying about potential disruptions.

What aspects are covered under Cruise Travel Insurance?

Cruise Travel Insurance offers cover for a wide range of circumstances, including cancellation of up to £12,500 per person, missed port departure, cabin confinement, unused excursions, itinerary change, and cruise interruption. It also covers emergency medical expenses, including repatriation, and there’s no age limit at Just Travel Cover (terms apply). 

Can Cruise Travel Insurance cover high-value cruises?

Yes, for high-value cruises, increased cover of up to £50,000 per person can be arranged over the phone, subject to terms, conditions and exclusions.

What if I’m booking my family cruise well in advance?

We know cruises are typically booked quite far in advance. At Just Travel Cover we can provide cover for cruises up to 18 months away. As Martin Lewis says, we recommend that you secure your cruise insurance as soon as you book your trip (ASAB). This ensures that your family is protected should you need to cancel your family cruise for an insured reason.

Do I need a different cover for each traveller on my family cruise?

It’s crucial to ensure that all travellers in your family cruise are adequately covered, taking into account any specific needs such as pre-existing medical conditions. At Just Travel Cover we offer no upper age limit, making our Cruise Travel Insurance suitable for all ages. When getting a quote, it is important to declare your family’s specific needs such as destinations, medical conditions and any planned activities to make sure you get the right level of cover.

Which cruises are child-friendly?

A popular holiday for families, there are a range of family-friendly cruises to choose from. From magical-themed Disney Line Cruises, to adventure-filled Royal Caribbean or Carnival cruises with packed entertainment schedules, there’s something to appeal to everyone.

Get a Quote