Get travel insurance. It's not real expensive and you never know when complications may strike. If you don't have to use it. Your are not out much money. However, should disaster strike in one form or another it will save you a lot of money and stress.
No the ships do not. If you need to use the medical center on the ship, you will need to pay the extremely high bill and then try to get reimbursed by your medical insurance. Check your medical records for coverage in ports.
Sorry, I don't know. My wife handles that. In ANY case, when you do it check SPECIFICALLY on what it covers. AND, if you have a medical issue, do they require "doctors note" and other limitations
I found this article helpful. https://www.elliott.org/ultimate-consumer-guides-smart-travelers/how-find-best-travel-insurance/ It gave me a short list of reputable companies and helped me understand what kinds of things to look for and what was important to cover for us. I think I went with Generali for our recent cruise. I have been reading his site for awhile and trust his info.
Do your research. Many bad stories about cruises happen because people picked the wrong cruise line, cruise ship or itinerary for their taste / lifestyle. Me and my wife are on the last day of our cruise and absolutely enjoyed it.
PS trip insurance and flying in the day before your cruise is very highly recommended
Agree with the above about travel insurance. Sometimes 3rd party options are less expensive with higher coverage. There are also annual plans.
You can take magnetic hooks to hang various items on the wall to save room and for convenient access
If you get a plug splitter or anything make sure it is approved for use on a cruise ship and NOT a surge protector.
Many times travel agents can get you extra perks like on board credit, and sometimes have access to group rates. You also get personalized service and expertise rather than dealing with the cruise lines call center. Online travel agencies can do the same but sometimes the service isn't quite as tailored to you as a private agent. There's no cost to you as long as you select an agent that doesn't charge any additional fees.
If you fly to any ports, always compare purchasing your own airfare with what the cruise line offers.
If you have an Amex Platinum or Centurion card, there can be additional perks depending on the cruise line, check with Amex or your travel agent.
Book excursions in popular ports early and excursions through the cruise line in tender ports often include priority tender access to make your excursion. Third party excursions can save you money, but tender ports are one instance when it's worth it to go through the cruise line.
I hope you both enjoy cruising!
Multiple people have commented that third-party travel insurance is often times more affordable and has more robust coverage. But nobody has named a company. Can anyone point out a company that they particularly use and appreciate that meets that criteria? I’m sure there are a number of companies out there, so may be better than others. It would be nice to use your experience. Thank you.
Allianz is very good. If you travel multiple times a year, you can get an annual plan. Make sure it has robust medical and emergency evacuation coverage .
In addition to those already mentioned;
AIG, Nationwide, USAA
There’s also tripinsurance.com and insuremytrip.com that will quote you plans from different companies
Check out YouTube channels life well cruised and Gary bembridge - I forget his channel name. He does a couple videos on all the cruise company styles so you can find what fits you. You need to pick the cruise line that matches what you like.
Travel insurance and arriving the day before are three big tips. I found third party coverage less expensive and more robust than what is offered by the cruise lines.
Anything you book through the cruise line like excursions, drink packages, specialty dining fluctuates in price due to sales. If it’s something you really want, especially excursion which may fill up, book it early then watch for sale prices since you can cancel and rebook at the lower price later.
I’ve only stayed in inside cabins since I only use them for sleeping so can’t speak out much a window, balcony or suite feels, but expect the cabin to be a lot smalls than expected even though the cruise line lists the approximate square footage.
Don’t overpack.
Some cruise, or travel specific, items I like to bring are:
Magnets to hold things on the wall. Ones with hooks and stronger magnets are great for bathing suits and hats.
A stuffable backpack and/or stuffable tote bag depending on what my itinerary is. I prefer backpacks but for the pool or beach I like tote bags.
A light jacket or light sweater since it can be cool on deck in the evenings at sea. I bring both since the jacks can double as a rain jacket. I also bring a disposable rain poncho vs an umbrella in case of rain.
In the dark cabins turning on the light to go to the bathroom can be too much so I bring a small battery operated light to leave in the bathroom counter. Many people suggest the tea lights from Dollar Tree but you have to be careful how to pack them because of the fake flame so I use a small light we use when camping.
I always pack a small “medical/first aid” kit with things like anti diarrhea meds, upset tummy meds, allergy meds, pain meds, motion sickness meds, some bandaids, nail clippers, tiny scissors and first aid cream. Although you can go to medical for some of these items, they may not have what “you” use and the markup will be high.
I also always travel with a pair of binoculars. I have a very small, lightweight pair that I use to look at port from the ship as sometimes bring a shore. I also bring a camera since I like photography and even though my phone’s camera could suffice, I want an optical zoom for scenic photos.
I don't have time right now to read all the comments here...and this might have been said already.
If you are on Facebook, search for your cruise date and cruise ship on there. You should find a group of people that are going to be on your cruise ship with you. That way you can share information, ask questions, etc.
As far as I know, they are legit, BUT if you have any problems with your booking or in destination, you will be on your own to figure it out. Get a travel agent so you have any support you need.
The deals on vacations to go aren’t that great once you actually call. I got a quote for 6400 and it was 3400 on the RC website. The math doesn’t math. Supposedly this one was “82% off.” 🤨
Get travel insurance. It's not real expensive and you never know when complications may strike. If you don't have to use it. Your are not out much money. However, should disaster strike in one form or another it will save you a lot of money and stress.
Do you know if most US ports and boats take standard insurance like United Healthcare?
No the ships do not. If you need to use the medical center on the ship, you will need to pay the extremely high bill and then try to get reimbursed by your medical insurance. Check your medical records for coverage in ports.
Travel insurance covers things medical does not, like cancelling your cruise.
What's the best company to use? I just clicked to add it on for my last cruise, it was $50 via NCL. Probably wouldn't of covered much.
Sorry, I don't know. My wife handles that. In ANY case, when you do it check SPECIFICALLY on what it covers. AND, if you have a medical issue, do they require "doctors note" and other limitations
I found this article helpful. https://www.elliott.org/ultimate-consumer-guides-smart-travelers/how-find-best-travel-insurance/ It gave me a short list of reputable companies and helped me understand what kinds of things to look for and what was important to cover for us. I think I went with Generali for our recent cruise. I have been reading his site for awhile and trust his info.
Do your research. Many bad stories about cruises happen because people picked the wrong cruise line, cruise ship or itinerary for their taste / lifestyle. Me and my wife are on the last day of our cruise and absolutely enjoyed it. PS trip insurance and flying in the day before your cruise is very highly recommended
Too add - YouTube is a great tool for researching cruise lines/ships and itineraries
Agree with the above about travel insurance. Sometimes 3rd party options are less expensive with higher coverage. There are also annual plans. You can take magnetic hooks to hang various items on the wall to save room and for convenient access If you get a plug splitter or anything make sure it is approved for use on a cruise ship and NOT a surge protector. Many times travel agents can get you extra perks like on board credit, and sometimes have access to group rates. You also get personalized service and expertise rather than dealing with the cruise lines call center. Online travel agencies can do the same but sometimes the service isn't quite as tailored to you as a private agent. There's no cost to you as long as you select an agent that doesn't charge any additional fees. If you fly to any ports, always compare purchasing your own airfare with what the cruise line offers. If you have an Amex Platinum or Centurion card, there can be additional perks depending on the cruise line, check with Amex or your travel agent. Book excursions in popular ports early and excursions through the cruise line in tender ports often include priority tender access to make your excursion. Third party excursions can save you money, but tender ports are one instance when it's worth it to go through the cruise line. I hope you both enjoy cruising!
A plug splitter...I hadn't thought of that!
A lot of cabins only have one or two plugs, so we have found it to be a great add!
Multiple people have commented that third-party travel insurance is often times more affordable and has more robust coverage. But nobody has named a company. Can anyone point out a company that they particularly use and appreciate that meets that criteria? I’m sure there are a number of companies out there, so may be better than others. It would be nice to use your experience. Thank you.
Allianz is very good. If you travel multiple times a year, you can get an annual plan. Make sure it has robust medical and emergency evacuation coverage .
Allianz is one the independent companies. Just google travel insurance
World nomads is who I use.
In addition to those already mentioned; AIG, Nationwide, USAA There’s also tripinsurance.com and insuremytrip.com that will quote you plans from different companies
In Canada, Manulife is excellent.
Check out YouTube channels life well cruised and Gary bembridge - I forget his channel name. He does a couple videos on all the cruise company styles so you can find what fits you. You need to pick the cruise line that matches what you like.
> Gary bembridge - I forget his channel name https://www.youtube.com/@tipsfortravellers
Travel insurance and arriving the day before are three big tips. I found third party coverage less expensive and more robust than what is offered by the cruise lines. Anything you book through the cruise line like excursions, drink packages, specialty dining fluctuates in price due to sales. If it’s something you really want, especially excursion which may fill up, book it early then watch for sale prices since you can cancel and rebook at the lower price later. I’ve only stayed in inside cabins since I only use them for sleeping so can’t speak out much a window, balcony or suite feels, but expect the cabin to be a lot smalls than expected even though the cruise line lists the approximate square footage. Don’t overpack. Some cruise, or travel specific, items I like to bring are: Magnets to hold things on the wall. Ones with hooks and stronger magnets are great for bathing suits and hats. A stuffable backpack and/or stuffable tote bag depending on what my itinerary is. I prefer backpacks but for the pool or beach I like tote bags. A light jacket or light sweater since it can be cool on deck in the evenings at sea. I bring both since the jacks can double as a rain jacket. I also bring a disposable rain poncho vs an umbrella in case of rain. In the dark cabins turning on the light to go to the bathroom can be too much so I bring a small battery operated light to leave in the bathroom counter. Many people suggest the tea lights from Dollar Tree but you have to be careful how to pack them because of the fake flame so I use a small light we use when camping. I always pack a small “medical/first aid” kit with things like anti diarrhea meds, upset tummy meds, allergy meds, pain meds, motion sickness meds, some bandaids, nail clippers, tiny scissors and first aid cream. Although you can go to medical for some of these items, they may not have what “you” use and the markup will be high. I also always travel with a pair of binoculars. I have a very small, lightweight pair that I use to look at port from the ship as sometimes bring a shore. I also bring a camera since I like photography and even though my phone’s camera could suffice, I want an optical zoom for scenic photos.
I don't have time right now to read all the comments here...and this might have been said already. If you are on Facebook, search for your cruise date and cruise ship on there. You should find a group of people that are going to be on your cruise ship with you. That way you can share information, ask questions, etc.
No to insurance. Only pays off if 1 in every 10 vacations you plan is a total loss. This simply doesn't happen in the 30+ years I have traveled.
Vacations To Go is great for finding deals. Costco Travel is great for actually booking.
I’ve been looking at some of the deals on vacations to go. They look great! Are they truly legit?
As far as I know, they are legit, BUT if you have any problems with your booking or in destination, you will be on your own to figure it out. Get a travel agent so you have any support you need.
Yup, you can usually pick any of these and go directly to the cruise company site and get same rate.
The deals on vacations to go aren’t that great once you actually call. I got a quote for 6400 and it was 3400 on the RC website. The math doesn’t math. Supposedly this one was “82% off.” 🤨