Travel Insurance for Your Caribbean Cruise?

The sun on your skin, the breeze in your hair — setting sail on a Caribbean cruise is nothing short of a dream. Unfortunately, it takes just one ill-timed snag to turn your dream vacation into a living nightmare, whether an extreme weather event or a medical emergency that flips your travel plans (and your travel budget) upside down. Luckily, reliable Caribbean cruise travel insurance can help with that. 

If you plan to join the 32 million passengers that sail through the Caribbean Sea each year, you’ve come to the right place to learn not only how to map the ultimate cruise itinerary but also how to safeguard your travel plans from unexpected events. Here’s a look at the must-visit attractions on a Caribbean cruise, from beaches and sea parks to cultural experiences and historical sites, complete with expert travel tips. 

Why Cruise to the Caribbean? 

There’s a reason why the Caribbean Sea is regarded as the perfect cruise trip: it spans more than 1 million miles, borders more than 20 countries, and includes approximately 7,000 islands. In other words, there is always something to see when cruising the Caribbean Sea! A Caribbean cruise vacation allows you to explore multiple islands, each with its own colorful culture and customs, in one single trip. 

Speaking of island hopping, the Caribbean is world-renowned for its picturesque beaches of white powdery sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The temperatures are perfect for sunbathing year-round, so expect to drop anchor at one of the hundreds of beaches to take a dip in a tropical paradise. A Caribbean cruise is also synonymous with scenic sailing through the open sea and iconic coastal landscapes.

Understanding Caribbean Cruise Travel Insurance

So, do you need insurance for a Caribbean cruise? Better yet, do you need special travel insurance for a cruise? The short answer is yes, you should purchase travel insurance for a Caribbean cruise. More specifically, you should purchase cruise travel insurance — like the GoReady Cruise Plan by Aegis General Insurance — to ensure you have the proper benefits and preferred coverage for your time at sea.

Cruise travel insurance coverage is designed to begin before passengers board the ship, so if they encounter unavoidable travel delays en route to the port, they don’t have to forfeit any prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. This coverage continues when passengers are onboard, in the form of emergency medical assistance and cruise itinerary protections, and will extend until they safely return home. 

Other standard protections provided by Caribbean cruise travel insurance include, but are not limited to:

• Trip Cancellation (100% of insured trip cost)
• Trip Interruption (150% of insured trip cost)
• Missed Connection ($750 per person)
• Medical ($100,000)
• Evacuation & Repatriation ($250,000)
• Itinerary Change ($250)
• Baggage Delay ($750)

Exploring the Caribbean

With more than 1 million square miles of water to explore, cruises to Caribbean islands take passengers through various vibrant nations and cultures. It’s common to find the terms “Eastern Caribbean cruise” and “Western Caribbean cruise” when researching potential itineraries. Eastern cruises travel along the outlying Caribbean islands closer to the open Atlantic Ocean with more sightseeing tours and excursions. In contrast, western cruises sail closer to the US mainland and are ideal for adventure.

No matter if you’re looking for an adults-only cruise or planning a vacation fit for the entire family, here’s a look at the top destinations on a Caribbean cruise and the passenger-preferred activities on each island. 

Jamaica

As the third-largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is a popular stop on a Western Caribbean cruise. Often referred to as ‘the heart of the Caribbean,’ Jamaica is best known for its friendly locals and stunning beaches, home to dozens of waterfalls, lush rainforests, and jagged mountaintops. Also the birthplace of reggae music, a cruise to Jamaica will send you dancing through these excursions: 

• Seven Mile Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and water spots best known for its white sand and brilliant turquoise waters.
• The Bob Marley Museum celebrates the life and music of the legendary reggae artist and is located in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. 
• The Blue Mountains is home to coffee plantation tours, breathtaking waterfalls, and exhilarating hiking trails that end at a waterfall’s edge. 

Bahamas

As a top destination along a Western Caribbean cruise, the Bahamas comprises more than 700 islands and 2,400 cays. Travelers can expect diverse attractions, from mega-resorts and casinos on Nassau to remote secluded exploration on Andros Island. Meanwhile, history buffs can step back in time through the rainbow-painted towns or ruins and artifacts from the indigenous Lucayan Indians at places like: 

• Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island spans 40 acres and includes one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. 
• Pink Sands Beach on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera is most famous for its pink-hued sand, creating a unique and picturesque coastline.
• Pig Beach is located among the Exuma cays, creating a unique experience where travelers can swim with wild pigs in crystal-clear waters.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is the second largest nation in the Caribbean, situated on the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Due to its more central location in the Caribbean Sea, the Dominican Republic is a popular stop on Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises. As one of the most geographically diverse countries, expect to explore areas like:  

• Santo Domingo is the capital city with a rich history, including the historic Zona Colonial and landmarks like the Alcazar de Colon.
• Saona Island is referred to as a tropical paradise, complete with crystal-clear waters, palm-lined beaches, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
• Jarabacoa is a mountainous region of the island best known for its scenic waterfalls, hiking trails, and collection of outdoor adventure activities.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is by far one of the most common destinations along an Eastern Caribbean cruise, particularly those that depart from the East Coast of the U.S. because it is a U.S. commonwealth. Stepping foot onto Puerto Rico transports travelers into a land of delicious food and cocktails, pristine beaches and mountains, and lively culture and traditions that culminate in historic sites such as: 

• Old San Juan is home to charming cobblestone streets, brightly-colored buildings, and historic colonial architecture that feel like a part of the past.
• El Yunque National Forest is a lush rainforest where tourists can enjoy many hiking trails, splash in the waterfalls, and witness diverse wildlife species.
• Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is a popular night kayak excursion where travelers can watch the magical glow of bioluminescent organisms in the water.

Purchasing a GoReady Cruise Plan for Your Caribbean Cruise

Caribbean cruising sets sail through some of the world’s most beautiful islands — but, like any investment, your vacation deserves to be protected from unexpected hurdles like accidents and emergencies. Now, you might be wondering when you should buy cruise insurance. If you’ve already put down your cruise deposit, you might ask, can I purchase cruise insurance after booking? Fortunately, you can!  You can purchase Caribbean cruise travel insurance, like the GoReady Cruise Plan, until one (1) day before your trip departs. If you need help determining what protections you’ll need, visit our plan comparison page today.