InsureMyTrip Reveals Top Risks for Cruises During Hurricane Season – and How to Prepare

Cruise vacations often promise idyllic experiences—serene waters, tropical destinations, and onboard relaxation. However, travellers planning to set sail between June 1 and November 30 are officially navigating through hurricane season, and that dream can quickly hit rough seas – significantly disrupting itineraries and safety.

That’s why the experts at InsureMyTrip are sharing what travellers need to know when planning a cruise during storm season.

What Can Go Wrong (and What’s Covered):

1. Cruise Itinerary Changes – Hurricanes can force ships to skip ports or change routes entirely.

• Travel insurance can reimburse you for missed excursions or pre-paid, nonrefundable arrangements tied to specific ports.

2. Delayed or Cancelled Departures – Flights grounded by storms may cause you to miss your cruise departure.

• Coverage for travel delay or missed connection can help with additional lodging or transport costs.

3. Uninhabitable Cruise Ports or Pre/Post Cruise Accommodations – If your embarkation port or hotel is damaged, you might have to cancel or re-route your plans.

• Trip cancellation or interruption coverage may apply – especially if conditions make your destination uninhabitable.

4. Medical Emergencies at Sea – Even during calm seas, medical issues can happen – amplified by hurricane-related stress.

• Emergency medical and evacuation coverage is crucial, as your standard health insurance often doesn’t apply offshore.

Insider Tip: Consider “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR)

Consider adding the optional Cancel for Any Reason benefit for maximum flexibility. It reimburses a portion of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs (usually 50–75%) if you back out for any reason – including fear of storms – if you meet time-sensitive requirements (usually within 14–21 days of your initial trip payment).

Quick Tips for Cruise Season During Hurricane Season:

• Buy insurance before a storm is named.
• Consider comprehensive coverage including trip interruption, travel delay, and emergency medical.
• Consider Cancel for Any Reason, an optional upgrade, if you’re on the fence about traveling.
• Use InsureMyTrip’s Cruise Travel Insurance Guide to compare plans.

SOURCE InsureMyTrip