Cruise insurance. Simplified.

Yes — standard travel insurance typically does not cover the unique risks associated with cruising. You need to either add a cruise extension to your existing policy or purchase dedicated cruise insurance. Standard policies often exclude cabin confinement, miss-port departure, and have inadequate limits for maritime medical evacuations.

No. Once your ship departs port — even on domestic NZ cruises — you are in a maritime environment where standard NZ health insurance does not apply. Ship's doctors charge private rates, and onboard medical costs are entirely your responsibility without cruise insurance.

Cabin confinement cover provides a daily cash benefit (typically $100–$250/day) if illness or injury keeps you confined to your cabin. Since you've paid for excursions and activities you can't enjoy, this benefit helps compensate for the experience you're missing out on.

If your connecting flight or transport to the cruise embarkation port is delayed or cancelled due to a covered reason, missed port departure cover pays for you to catch up with your ship at the next port — including flights, accommodation, and meals while you wait.

Motion sickness itself is generally not covered as a medical condition, but if sea sickness leads to a more serious medical event requiring a doctor's consultation or hospitalisation, those medical costs are covered. Cabin confinement cover may also apply if you're bedridden due to severe motion sickness.