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Thinking of going on a cruise vacation or already have one planned? We’re so excited for you — cruises are an easy way to see multiple destinations on one trip and experience fun both on and off the ship thanks to the varied entertainment on board.
No matter whether you’re choosing to embark on a breathtaking sail through Alaska, a relaxing float amongst the Caribbean islands, or an exhilarating tour of Europe by sea, your cruise checklist should include some safety planning to help ensure a smoother trip.
Our cruise safety guide is packed with useful information to know before you step on board and is packed with travel tips for staying healthy and safe at sea.
The better you plan before your getaway, the more you can sink into your escape and soak up the adventure with the relief of knowing you’re well prepared for almost anything.
When it comes to cruise companies, there are dozens to choose from. If you’re a long-time cruiser you likely have a go-to cruise line, but for those new to hitting the high seas, some of the popular ones for Americans are:
But how can you tell which ones place a lot of importance on cruise safety, such as running a passenger safety drill when you first board, training and certifying their crew in various emergency situations, and ensuring there's security on the cruise ship?
A reputable cruise company should have lots of safety information on their website. When you find a cruise you like, don’t book until you’ve found useful safety information so you can feel confident that the cruise line knows how to look after passengers and maintain a healthy and safe environment.
While choosing where to cruise often comes down to time, budget, and the activities you want to indulge in, there’s another essential question you should ask during your cruise planning: how safe are my intended destination(s)?
Yes, just like at home when you’re deciding where to go and what to do on the weekend, it’s essential to understand how safe your vacation destination is before you book — and take precautions while traveling.
“There are inherent risks when it comes to any international vacation, but the reality is that some destinations pose more safety threats than others when it comes to political climate and weather events like hurricanes or wildfires. Before you book your cruise, research possible threats and take official warnings seriously.”
Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas at Travelex Insurance’s 24/7 assistance provider, World Travel Protection.
When researching safety risks at your destination before you book, keep an eye out for the following risks in locations where you’ll be docking and exploring on day trips:
Two useful places to research your destination and understand if it’s safe for cruising:
1. The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories website.
2. Our Travel On app, which is available to all our Travelex policyholders.
Both resources can help provide you with important safety information and advice to help you make smart travel decisions before you’ve even left home.
Along with country-specific tips about safety, health, local laws, and local contact information, the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories website uses four levels of safety recommendations to help you understand the latest risks or threats in each destination.
Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
Level 2: Exercise increased caution.
Level 3: Reconsider travel.
Level 4: Do not travel.
The government website also contains important information about cruise safety, security on cruise ships, and more on the U.S. Department of State’s cruise tips page.
“The U.S. government advisory levels reflect the potential risks at a destination — from political and civil unrest to natural disasters and disease breakouts — which are essential to understanding how safe your chosen destination is.
“Once you’re happy with your chosen destination and book your cruise, don’t forget to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). When you do, the U.S. government can keep you updated on relevant travel advisories while you travel.”
Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas at Travelex Insurance’s 24/7 assistance provider, World Travel Protection.
One of the most important parts of any cruise checklist is to double check that you have all the right documents before you leave the U.S. In most cases, you’ll just need your valid and current U.S. passport; but in other cases, you may need a visa to enter certain destinations.
Even if you don’t plan on disembarking the ship throughout your cruise, you may still be asked to show your passport to crew or border control in the event of a medical evacuation or if the ship has an unplanned stop at an alternate port.
Always bring your passport with you when you leave the ship (even if it’s only for a few hours), because you may need to show it before getting back on board.
If you’re setting sail from a U.S. port and your cruise is scheduled to stop at U.S.-designated ports like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you might think you won’t need your passport. But it’s essential to keep your passport with you no matter what your cruise itinerary is. Why? If you have an unexpected situation, like a serious medical condition that requires evacuation from the cruise, you may have to be taken to an international port — meaning you’ll need to show your passport.
If your cruise starts in a country outside of the U.S., you may need to consider additional entry requirements beyond your passport and visa.
These can include:
Extra cruise tip: Be careful with what you bring into each country you’re visiting. Check what customs allows before you arrive, because each country or region may have different rules when it comes to items like food, animal products, plants, alcohol, and tobacco products.
Understanding if it’s safe to cruise in your chosen destination(s) is important, but what else should you know about where you’re headed?
Nobody expects their vacation plans to change or for something to go wrong, but to help prepare for the unexpected, it’s smart to get travel insurance. Yes, just like with any other international trip, you should protect your cruise vacation, too.
From delayed luggage that missed the boat to an injury on board the ship, it can be difficult to predict what could happen while you’re on a cruise — let alone the money you may lose if you have to cancel your cruise before you even leave home. Cruise travel insurance coverage can help protect you from the expenses of urgent health care, emergency medical evacuations, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
“Travel insurance is essential for cruises, not only to help provide you with coverage for unforeseen issues like trip interruption or cancellation, but also for unexpected medical emergencies.
“Getting sick or hurt on a cruise is often more expensive than everyday health care, because if there aren’t sufficient medical facilities on your ship or in your port destination, you’ll need to be evacuated from the cruise or port.”
Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas at Travelex Insurance’s 24/7 assistance provider, World Travel Protection.
Good to know: Travel insurance policies don't always cover cruises. Make sure you choose a plan that protects you on board the ship and on land at port stops. Some cruise ships won't even allow you to board without cruise travel insurance coverage because of the high costs for things like medical evacuation from the ship.
Our Travelex plans can be here for you when you need it most — and during every step of your vacation. Plus, you can choose from a range of options to suit your travel itinerary, activities, and budget. You can learn more about our cruise travel insurance now.
Don’t think you need travel insurance for your cruise vacation? The CDC disagrees:
“Get travel insurance. Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations.
“Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it. Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on cruise ship travel
Yes — the U.S. government recommends travel insurance no matter how far you’re venturing from home, even if cruises are safe in your domestic destinations. Why? The unexpected can happen at any time or location. Even in the U.S., if you visit a doctor on board — or have a more serious emergency like medical evacuation — your health insurance may not cover your costs.
Having the right travel insurance coverage can also reimburse you for expenses from cruise cancellation, lost luggage, and more. So, travel insurance is worth it for any cruise you take in the U.S.
What do you do if something goes wrong while you’re on your cruise vacation? One of our most important cruise tips is knowing who to reach out to when you need help — and how to do so.
Is your emergency life-threatening? Call the local emergency services in your area ASAP.
We recommend you look up the numbers for your destinations and save them in your phone before you arrive — or check our Travel On app if you’re a Travelex policyholder.
If your situation isn’t life-threatening, you can also call:
Most cruise lines have protocols and standards to follow to try to ensure cruises are safe for passengers and so they can stay healthy while on the cruise. If you do get sick on your cruise, you should first get help from the ship crew, especially medical staff and security. You can also get help from your travel companions and travel insurance provider.
If you’re ill during a cruise, you’ll usually be treated in the medical facilities on board. If it's too serious to treat on board, they may transfer you to a hospital at the next port or medically evacuate you while in transit. Remember that standards on board or in port destination hospitals may not be what you’re used to in the U.S.
“Depending on the size of the boat or ship, there may be a medical center on board with facilities similar to a small emergency department. It’s best to get medical help early rather than trying to tough it out in your cabin. Plus, if it’s a gastrointestinal or respiratory illness, you might need to isolate in your cabin.”
Dr. Joel Lockwood MD, FRCPC, Regional Chief Medical Officer at World Travel Protection, our 24/7 assistance provider.
If you have an emergency while on shore, it’s best to contact:
If you get sick while on shore and it’s not an emergency, it’s best to return to your cruise ship and get help from the medical team on board.
Losing your passport while you’re on vacation isn’t ideal and may put your cruise on pause for a moment. So, if you lose your passport, it’s important to act fast. Without a passport, you may not be able to leave the cruise ship for day tours and may have some trouble re-entering the U.S. when your cruise disembarks.
Claims tip: If you have a Travelex travel insurance policy and have lost or stolen belongings that you report to the police or ship security, hold onto any documentation so you can submit it with your claim.
Even if cruises are generally safe and you’ve done your due diligence while planning for your vacation, there could be security risks when you’re enjoying land stops.
When you’re going on a cruise, it’s important to learn about the health risks related to both cruising in general and the destination(s) you’re visiting and do your best to prepare for them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most typical health issues people get while on cruises are:
Before you travel, you’ll want to look up what illnesses could be a concern in your destination(s) so you know the best way to prepare. Look up your destinations on the CDC’s website for location-specific health risks.
Good to know: Thinking about trying adventurous activities while you’re on land like snorkeling, horseback riding, or skiing? Take every safety precaution you can to prevent injuries, and make sure your travel insurance covers adventure sports. Travel insurance is an essential part of any vacation, and our Travel Select plan not only covers certain adventure sports, but also has an optional adventure sports upgrade with coverage for additional thrilling activities like zip lining, bungee jumping, and scuba diving deeper than 60 feet.
“Make an appointment with your healthcare provider at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines and necessary medications and give you personalized information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.”
Cruise tip: Your whole travel group should have a medical check-up before your cruise — including children. A pediatrician and your cruise line can advise you on recommendations and requirements for protecting kids’ health on your cruise.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition or require regular prescription medications, make sure you bring enough on your cruise to last for the whole trip — plus extra in case you have delays. Remember that you may not be able to get the medications you need on board or during a port stop.
Oh, and don’t forget to get a medication list or note from your doctor to show authorities if needed.
Cruise tip: Did you know some medications are banned in certain countries? So, it’s best to consult with your cruise line and physician before departure in case you need alternative medications while traveling.
“It’s always best to travel with medications in their original containers, have enough for your trip plus a few extra days in case of delays, and take a letter from your doctor and the medication prescriptions. With commonly abused and trafficked medications like opiates, it’s smart to carry no more than a 30-day supply. Always keep your medication in a safe place to prevent it from getting lost or stolen.”
Dr. Joel Lockwood MD, FRCPC, Regional Chief Medical Officer at World Travel Protection, our 24/7 assistance provider
Whether you’re heading on your first cruise or your fiftieth, it’s best to be prepared — just in case you have an upset stomach during your cruise.
If you become extremely seasick, it’s best to contact the medical staff on board for help.
Norovirus can be common on cruise ships and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It’s usually the result of food contamination, but it’s contagious and can spread quickly on cruise ships because of the close quarters and shared spaces with your fellow passengers.
If you get a stomach bug on board your cruise, get help from the medical team on board. They can treat you with medication to relieve your symptoms and may request that you isolate in your cabin until you recover.
Infectious diseases like COVID-19 can spread quickly on cruise ships. You may be more at risk of exposure on a cruise because of the large number of passengers living and socializing in close quarters over at least a few days.
“COVID-19 had a devastating effect on the cruise industry because of mass outbreaks on ships. During the height of the pandemic, cruise companies introduced COVID-19 policies, which included COVID-19 testing before and during a cruise, hand sanitizer stations on board, mask-wearing recommendations, and depending on the cruise company and countries where the ship docks, vaccination requirements.
Although COVID-19 is no longer as prominent, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are still around and may affect your cruise. To understand what your chosen cruise company’s requirements are, check out their website before you book.”
Dr. Joel Lockwood MD, FRCPC, Regional Chief Medical Officer at World Travel Protection, our 24/7 assistance provider.
If you’re still worried about catching COVID-19 on your cruise, try to avoid cruise lines that have had multiple large-scale COVID-19 outbreaks on board. If you’re taking an international cruise, research COVID-19 infection rates at your departure point and port of call destinations. You can use our Travelex COVID-19 TravelCheck Tool to access the latest information for your travel destination.
For more ways to avoid COVID-19, read our COVID-19 travel guide.
Remember: Evidence of a COVID-19 vaccination may be required for entry into your travel destination and onto the cruise ship. Make sure you pack your vaccination records with you.
Looking for coronavirus coverage? Check out our COVID-19 travel insurance benefits.
Will you be immune to UV rays while cruising? No — and they may even be stronger thanks to reflection from the water. No matter how much time you spend in the sun at home, nothing compares to sun rays in the open ocean.
Use extra caution on the first few days of your cruise and remember you can get sunburnt on cloudy days and during the winter, too.
“The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Limit exposure to the sun during these hours, even in winter and especially at higher altitudes.”
“Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand. These three materials reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.”
It’s easy to forget to keep up your water intake when you’re having fun. But nothing derails a cruise vacation faster than a trip to the on-board medical center. So, if you’re wondering how to stay healthy on a cruise, remember to drink lots of water.
“The best way to stay healthy on a cruise and avoid illness is to play it safe and be prepared. Even then, accidents or emergencies can happen. The reality is that emergency medical care while on a cruise can be incredibly expensive, especially if you need to disembark for medical care or an emergency medical evacuation. Just like the CDC recommends, travel insurance is worth it.”
Dr. Joel Lockwood MD, FRCPC, Regional Chief Medical Officer at World Travel Protection, our 24/7 assistance provider.
We’ve already covered how to choose a reputable cruise company and understand how safe your cruise destination is, but here’s some extra safety information to help you prepare for your vacation on the water.
Cruise ships usually stop at places that are known for being safe and welcoming to those on board, ensuring everyone feels at ease during their visit.
Many ports now have built up areas right around the pier that feature shopping, restaurants, and more for passengers to enjoy close by. Some cruise lines in the Caribbean even dock at their own private islands — which are like on-sand extensions of the ship.
You’ll likely have no issues with crime on shore, but it can happen, so keep your guard up.
Cruises are usually considered to be safe, with low incidence of crime on ships. The biggest cruise safety risks may come at your ports of call, when the cruise stops at a destination on land.
Tourists can often be the targets of petty crime — from opportunistic thieves to professional gangs that seek out unaware travelers.
Sometimes unfortunate things do happen — but there are ways to reduce the likelihood of being targeted for petty crime.
Most cruise travelers jump on board in search of sunshine and the paradise of tropical islands. Others embark to discover far-reaching adventures in chilly Antarctica or enjoy cool summer nights along the Danube River in Europe. Research what the weather may be like at your destination and pack appropriately — and if it doesn’t look favorable at that time of year, it might be worth rethinking when you want to cruise.
But are cruises safe from the effects of the environment? No matter where you’re cruising, the weather can play an adverse role in your trip and send plans sideways, especially if you’re taking an adventurous expedition-style cruise. From rougher sea conditions and storms along your route to a major natural disaster like a hurricane hitting during your cruise, the weather can be unpredictable.
So, what can you do to help safeguard your trip from inclement weather? Depending on your coverage, cruise travel insurance may help reimburse the costs of your cruise cancellation or delay — and even nonrefundable tours at your ports of call — that arise from inclement weather conditions.
Often, it’s the thrill of the new sights and experiences that draws travelers to explore overseas destinations. And while you might be ready to taste your way through new cuisines and immerse yourself in another culture, it’s important to consider the local laws — which can be very different from U.S. laws.
In many countries, police may target and make an example of tourists. You can try to avoid this by learning the local laws in your destination — and following them.
It’s smart to research each port destination and its local laws thoroughly before you set out on your cruise.
If you're arrested while traveling overseas, ask the authorities to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or do it yourself if you’re able. But remember to obey local laws, because while the U.S. government can help with certain things, it won’t be able to get you out of jail.
The safest and easiest way to enjoy your cruise’s ports of call is to sign up for organized cruise excursions — which often include transportation around the area. You’ll get the best taste of your destination in a short period of time, and guides know how to make the most of your experience while ensuring you’re back at the ship before it departs at the end of the day.
But if you’re looking for more freedom to explore the area, in some destinations it’s possible to rent a car during a port of call.
Be mindful that traffic conditions and laws may be different than in the U.S. Along with your destination’s road rules being different than what you’re used to — like driving on the opposite side of the road — the rental vehicles might work a bit differently. So, there’s an increased risk of being involved in an accident or running into trouble when you rent a car abroad.
Before you get behind the wheel, be sure to check that you’re allowed to — and what rules you need to follow.
Cruising is a convenient way to experience many cultures in one vacation; you might even wake up in a new country each morning of your getaway.
That said, if you’re a bit nervous about being in a new country when you’re not accustomed to each destination’s culture, why not research your destination’s customs while you’re on board? Whether you’re in the South Pacific Islands, Mediterranean, or Egypt, you can avoid offending the locals by learning a few things about their culture before you depart. This way, you can try to stay out of trouble and ensure you’re respecting the destination you’re visiting.
“Immersing yourself in a new culture is one of the most rewarding and exciting parts of international travel. It’s important to do so with respect to local laws, customs, and culture. Do it right and you’ll come away with lifelong memories. Do it wrong and you could end up in trouble.”
Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas at Travelex Insurance’s 24/7 assistance provider, World Travel Protection.
Whether you’re taking a long-awaited family vacation, embarking on a solo adventure, or soaking up a romantic escape, here are some essential cruise safety tips to keep in mind.
For many families, a cruise is the ideal way to travel because of the wide variety of kid-friendly activities and amenities on board and at ports of call. But there are some details to consider before booking your cruise.
If you want to take an exhilarating vacation alone, you might be considering a cruise because you have access to a bunch of easy-to-access and organized amenities and adventures, the ability to see different countries in a short period of time, and the added protection of security on the cruise ships. But you may also be wondering about cruise safety when you’re traveling by yourself.
Want a relaxing break from studying hard for your exams and writing papers? Here’s our safety advice for young adults planning a cruise.
It’s important that you feel safe and comfortable on your trip — so you can focus on enjoying it! Some countries or cultures continue to discriminate against same-sex couples or those who identify as LGBTQ+, so it’s smart to do some research while planning your vacation.
Want more advice? Check out our LGBTQ+ travel safety guide for more cruise tips.
Cruises can be wonderful trips for seniors, especially with so many amenities within little walking distance. Plus, it’s an easier and more relaxing way to see different countries. But there are some important things to keep in mind if you’re wondering how to stay healthy on a cruise and have fun when traveling in the golden years.
Yes, we’ve got a couple extra tips up our sleeve to help you cruise smoothly. Consider these before you pack your bags:
1. Always be aware of your surroundings, how to get back to the ship, and planned departure times at ports of call.
2. Know the onboard emergency plans.
3. Pay attention to safety drills on board.
4. If at ports of call, know the ship’s horn alerts that indicate an emergency or evacuation notification.
5. Buy cruise travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, so you can have protection every step of the way.
6. Make digital copies of your passport, ID, and applicable visa permits in case of emergency. Consider making physical copies too.
7. Save your cruise’s emergency contact details and local emergency phone numbers in your phone in case you run into an issue at port.
8. Notify your bank that you’re traveling overseas and what countries you’ll stop in. In many cases you can set this up for your debit and credit cards through the bank app on your phone.
9. Arrange multiple sources of money so you’re not cut off from funds if you have a lost or stolen card.
10. Do your due diligence and research cruise lines thoroughly before booking.
11. Don’t get a tattoo or henna at your cruise ports; the risk of infection from unsterilized tools is higher in some countries.
12. Learn some simple phrases in the local languages for your destination to help keep you safe or download a translation app that you can use overseas.
At Travelex, we’ve been protecting U.S. travelers for over 25 years — and with millions of travelers cared for on adventures all across the globe, we know how to help if the unexpected happens.
From overseas medical emergencies to helping travelers deal with natural disasters, cancellations, and crime, we’ve seen it all — and our best cruise safety advice starts with cruise travel insurance.
Before you travel and while you’re on your cruise, our global team of travel experts puts your safety and wellbeing first. With 24/7 emergency assistance, we’re by your side when you need us most.
Plus, our Travelex travel insurance can help reimburse you for the costs of medical emergencies, travel delays, cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. You can even customize our Travel Select plan to include coverage for adventure sports if you’re planning to try them on your cruise vacation. And with our Travel On app, you not only have the convenience of your coverage details on hand, but also updates on your cruise safety with real-time security alerts, destination risk ratings, and more.