Is Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Worth It? A Guide to Understanding the Fine Print

Going on a Royal Caribbean cruise soon?

If so, you might want to know; is Royal Caribbean travel protection worth it? 

Understandably so, as a lot can happen when you’re traveling and out on the open sea.

However, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might like.

The worth of Royal Caribbean’s travel protection depends heavily on your needs.

Some find it incredibly comprehensive and worth the investment.

Others prefer third-party providers. 

Here’s what you need to know before deciding.

What Does Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Cover?

Royal Caribbean offers a Travel Protection Program for all its passengers.

This program covers unplanned events like trip cancellations and travel delays.

It even offers medical coverage and baggage protection.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

• If you cancel for a covered reason, you get a full refund for your cruise.
• If you cancel for any other reason, you can receive up to 90% of your non-refundable cost as a future cruise credit.
• If your trip is interrupted for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed for up to 150% of your trip cost.

Medical and Emergency Coverage

• Up to $25,000 for medical expenses if you get sick or injured during your cruise.
• Up to $50,000 for emergency medical evacuation if you need to be transported for treatment.
• 24/7 global assistance to help with medical emergencies or travel issues.

Baggage Protection

• Up to $1,500 if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Up to $500 for personal items if your luggage is delayed.

Travel Delays and Missed Connections

• Up to $500 for travel delays.
• Up to $300 if you miss a connection due to a covered reason.

These benefits offer basic protection, but there are limits to what they cover.

For some, the coverage and costs are comprehensive enough to deem it a worthwhile investment. 

Other travelers, however, might prefer more lenient or more affordable providers. 

How Much Does Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Cost?

The cost of Royal Caribbean travel protection depends on what you paid for your cruise.

For a three-night cruise, some travelers report paying around $118 per cabin.

But generally speaking, the cost of Royal Caribbean’s insurance falls between 5% and 10% of your total trip price.

So, is Royal Caribbean travel protection worth it at this price?

Some find that the convenience of having it all under one company makes the insurance package worth what you pay.

However, there are third-party travel insurance policies that offer better coverage for a similar price.

What’s Not Covered in Royal Caribbean’s Travel Insurance?

Like all insurance structures, there are exclusions in Royal Caribbean’s travel package.

• Pre-existing medical conditions (unless a waiver is included).
• Extreme activities like skydiving or scuba diving.
• Self-inflicted injuries or substance-related incidents.
• Travel to high-risk areas with government advisories.
• Pandemics, epidemics, or mental health-related cancellations.

If your cancellation doesn’t fall under a covered reason, you won’t get a cash refund—just a future cruise credit.

For medical coverage, $25,000 may not be enough if you need treatment outside the U.S.

For this reason, many passengers choose third-party insurance for higher medical limits and broader cancellation options.

To know the full extent of what Royal Caribbean’s travel protection plan covers, you can reach out to their team.

Is It Easy to File a Claim?

Filing a claim with Royal Caribbean insurance depends on what type of coverage you need.

Cancellation and Trip Interruption Claims

• If you cancel for a covered reason, getting a refund is fairly simple.
• If you cancel for an uncovered reason, you’ll only get the refund as a future cruise credit—not cash.
• You must provide proof of cancellation, like medical records or other documents.

Medical Claims

• You must pay for medical treatment upfront and then submit receipts for reimbursement.
• If you need emergency evacuation, the $50,000 limit may not cover the full cost.

Baggage Claims

• You must file a report immediately if your luggage is lost or delayed.
• Claims may require proof of ownership for missing items.

Some travelers report quick reimbursements, while others say the process takes weeks or months to complete.

Alternatively, if you’re working with a travel advisor to book your cruise, they can help you go over the claims process for your trip. 

How Does Royal Caribbean Compare to Other Cruise Line Insurance?

Most cruise lines offer similar travel protection plans with low medical coverage and trip credits instead of refunds.

Is Royal Caribbean travel protection worth it compared to these other travel protection plans?

Here’s how it matches up:

Should You Consider Third-Party Travel Insurance?

Third-party insurance can offer higher medical limits, more flexible cancellation options, and coverage for your entire trip (not just the cruise itself).

Here are a few things to note regarding third-party plans. 

Benefits of Third-Party Travel Insurance

• Higher medical coverage (often $100,000+ instead of just $25,000).
• Covers flights, hotels, and pre-cruise stays (not just your cruise).
• More cancellation reasons are covered (like bad weather, job loss, or illness).
• Better reimbursement for travel delays.

It is often cheaper and covers more scenarios than cruise line insurance.

And if you’re flying to your departure port, third-party insurance coverage is more broad and – therefore – may be a better choice.

Who Should Buy Royal Caribbean Travel Protection?

Is Royal Caribbean travel protection worth it? 

That depends on your situation.

You may want to purchase Royal Caribbean’s travel plan if:

• You want a simple plan that covers the cruise.
• You’re okay with a future cruise credit instead of a cash refund.
• You want basic medical coverage for small emergencies.

You may prefer third-party insurance if:

• You want higher medical limits for international travel.
• You need trip coverage beyond the cruise.
• You want a cash refund instead of a cruise credit.

Before deciding on a plan, compare the Royal Caribbean travel protection package with third-party travel insurance.

Look at coverage limits, cancellation policies, and exclusions.

If you want basic coverage, Royal Caribbean’s plan might be fine.

If you want better protection, a third-party provider may offer more for your money.

Let Team Thompson Travel Help You Choose the Right Travel Insurance

So, is Royal Caribbean travel protection worth it?

If you still aren’t sure, why not give us a call?

Here at Team Thompson Travel, we help travelers compare insurance options and find the best coverage.

We work with trusted providers to ensure you’re fully protected — regardless of whether you choose Royal Caribbean’s plan or a third-party alternative.

Let’s plan your stress-free cruise with the right insurance!

Contact Team Thompson Travel today.