Your cruise holiday should be smooth sailing — cruise travel insurance helps ensure it stays that way when things don’t go as planned.

Cruise vacations are making waves again, with more Singaporeans jumping onboard regional getaways and long-haul voyages alike. But with unique risks like onboard medical emergencies, missed ports, and unexpected cancellations, a regular travel insurance plan might not offer enough protection. 

That’s where cruise travel insurance comes in — designed specifically for the quirks of cruise travel, it helps safeguard your trip and wallet from potential mishaps. In this guide, we’ll explore why cruise-specific coverage matters, what it includes, and which plans in Singapore offer the best value in 2025.

Unlike a standard vacation, cruise holidays come with distinctive risks. You’re spending days at sea, with limited access to emergency services, medical care, and alternate transport. If you need urgent medical attention onboard or evacuation to the nearest port, costs can quickly climb into five figures. Travel insurance data shows that cruise medical evacuations can range from US$25,000 to over US$100,000, depending on the location and complexity.

Then there’s the risk of delays or itinerary changes. Rough seas or mechanical issues can cause cruises to skip ports, cut short excursions, or even cancel voyages altogether. Standard travel insurance may not fully cover these scenarios. Cruise insurance bridges this gap with targeted protection for cruise-specific disruptions like missed connections, unused excursions, or trip interruption caused by ship breakdowns.

>> MORE: Is cruise insurance worth it? Why you should buy it

Singapore continues to be a leading cruise hub in Asia, thanks to its world-class Marina Bay Cruise Centre and strategic location. In 2025, cruise lines are ramping up sailing with improved onboard experiences, themed voyages, and new itineraries tailored for families, couples, and adventure seekers. 

For short trips in SEA

Singsaver’s pick: Royal Caribbean – Spectrum of the Seas

Price: From S$499 per person for a 3-night sailing
Popular routes/destinations: Penang, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Port Klang

Why we like it:
With 3- to 5-night sailings to nearby destinations like Penang and Phuket, Spectrum of the Seas has firmly established itself as Singapore’s go-to ship for short regional getaways.

What sets this ship apart is the level of innovation onboard. Designed as a Quantum Ultra Class ship, Spectrum of the Seas features futuristic amenities such as the North Star observation capsule — a glass pod that lifts guests 100 metres above sea level for panoramic ocean views. Add in the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator and FlowRider surf simulator, and your sea days will never be boring.

Short cruises like these are wallet-friendly, require minimal leave from work, and offer a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Paired with affordable cruise travel insurance, they make a low-risk yet high-reward holiday option.

Recommended activities:

• North Star panoramic capsule ride

• Bumper cars and indoor sports at SeaPlex

For long travel from 10 to 21 days

Singsaver’s pick: Princess Cruises – Diamond Princess

Price: From S$2,800 per person for a 14-night sailing
Popular routes/destinations: Singapore to Japan, Australia, or the Middle East

Why we like it:
When it comes to extended voyages with a touch of elegance, Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess offers longer 10- to 21-day itineraries with stops across Asia, Australia, or the Arabian Peninsula. It’s perfect for retired travellers, couples celebrating a milestone, or anyone wanting to slow down and soak in each destination.

The Diamond Princess is well-suited for long-haul comfort. Guests enjoy spacious cabins, many with private balconies, and a refined onboard experience that includes traditional afternoon tea, enrichment lectures, wine tastings, and world-class spa treatments. There’s also Movies Under the Stars, live jazz at the Explorers Lounge, and dance classes to keep days and nights full.

These longer cruises are best paired with comprehensive cruise travel insurance that covers trip curtailment, onboard medical treatment, and potential cruise diversions — especially important when crossing multiple borders.

Recommended activities:

• Cultural workshops onboard

• Stargazing from the top deck on sea days

Award-winning cruises

Singsaver’s pick: Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Solstice

Price: From S$2,300 per person for a 12-night sailing
Popular routes/destinations: Singapore to Sydney, Bali, Vietnam

Why we like it:
Celebrity Cruises is known globally for its upscale, award-winning experience — and the Celebrity Solstice delivers on all fronts. If you're seeking modern luxury and premium service, this is our top pick. 

The Solstice is famed for its elegant design, including the one-of-a-kind Lawn Club — a half-acre of real grass on the top deck where you can picnic or play bocce while at sea. Its suites come with exclusive access to The Retreat, a luxurious suite-class experience complete with a personal butler, private dining, and a sun deck.

Travellers choosing this cruise should look for high-tier travel insurance with optional luxury cruise riders — to cover higher trip costs, suite cancellations, and premium excursion protection.

Recommended activities:

• Lawn Club bocce ball

• Bali island-hopping tour

• Wine and food pairing at Murano

Fun for the family with Disney-themed voyages

Singsaver’s pick: Disney Cruise Line – Disney Adventure

Price: From S$1,100 per person for a 4-night sailing
Popular routes/destinations: Singapore to Langkawi, Phuket, or short SEA loops

Why we like it:
In 2025, the arrival of Disney Adventure — Disney Cruise Line’s first homeported ship in Asia — has made waves in the family travel scene. This is hands-down the best cruise for parents looking to share a magical, memory-filled vacation with their children.

True to its brand, every inch of this cruise ship is designed for immersive, Disney-themed fun. Families can dine with characters, join Marvel or Star Wars virtual missions, and enjoy Broadway-calibre stage shows. There are themed pools, fireworks at sea, and even adult-only lounges and spa areas for some grown-up time.

This cruise is ideal for first-timers and multigenerational families. It’s also a good reason to get cruise insurance that covers kids' illnesses, last-minute cancellations, and activity disruptions — especially when young children are involved.

Recommended activities:

• Character dining with Elsa, Mickey, and friends

• Star Wars-themed VR adventures

Product details 

• Complete purchase in just 3 clicks

• 24/7 hotline & easy claims via Allianz

• No sub-limits on affordable COVID-19 coverage

• Child coverage equal to adults

SingSaver’s take

Designed for discerning travellers, this top-tier plan delivers robust protection for long-haul or luxury cruises, with unlimited overseas medical coverage and high cancellation payouts. It’s especially suited for those who want peace of mind when cruising across multiple countries or with more costly itineraries.

Learn more

Read full review 

Cruise travel insurance is a specialised policy that goes beyond standard travel coverage. It includes protection for common cruise disruptions — such as missed ports, delayed embarkation, shipboard accidents, and even lost luggage between ports. While basic travel insurance often covers trip cancellation and medical emergencies, it may not include cruise-specific issues like missed shore excursions or emergency evacuation from sea.

Cruise policies typically include:

• Coverage for emergency medical treatment onboard and at ports

• Emergency evacuation and repatriation

• Trip cancellation and curtailment

• Coverage for missed ports or connections
  
  

• Protection for missed shore excursions

• Baggage loss or delay

• Cabin confinement compensation due to illness

By contrast, regular travel insurance may leave out these cruise-relevant benefits — especially missed port compensation or coverage during extended sea days. While some general plans offer cruise riders or optional cruise coverage, a standalone cruise travel insurance policy ensures you’re comprehensively protected.

>> MORE: Should I buy cruise insurance? A guide for Singaporeans

Cruise-specific add ons

Many providers allow travellers to customise their plans with cruise-focused add-ons. These include:

• Shore excursion protection: Reimbursement if a pre-booked tour is missed due to itinerary change or illness

• Missed port benefit: Compensation if your ship skips a destination

• Cabin confinement: Daily allowance if you are quarantined or confined due to illness

• Luxury cruise upgrades: Increased coverage for high-value cruises, including suite-level cabin cancellations

These extras can be useful especially for travellers booking premium or extended itineraries, where more is at stake in the event of disruptions.

Buying cruise travel insurance in Singapore is straightforward, but there are key steps to get the most out of your coverage. Start by identifying your cruise details — destination, duration, and total trip cost including flights, hotels, and cruise fares. Then, compare plans online through trusted aggregators or directly with insurers.

Be sure to check for cruise-specific inclusions, such as missed port coverage or medical evacuation from sea. Some insurers require that you select a cruise rider during checkout. You’ll typically need your personal details, travel dates, and cruise operator information to complete the application. Once purchased, your Certificate of Insurance will be sent via email — keep it accessible for emergencies.

>> MORE: 10 tips for buying the right travel insurance in Singapore

Here are some recommended cruise travel insurance plans available to Singaporeans in 2025

Product details 

• Exclusive perks for Income policyholders

• Post-departure purchase allowed (only insurer)

• Family can visit you if hospitalised overseas

SingSaver’s take 

This plan is ideal for travellers who prefer customisation. While its base coverage is solid, you can enhance it with cruise-specific riders, making it suitable for both casual cruisers and those seeking more tailored protection.

Learn more

Read full review

Each of these plans provides essential coverage — but always review the fine print, especially around cruise-related clauses and exclusions.

Whether you're sailing regionally or venturing further abroad, having the right insurance plan can save you from financial and logistical headaches.

Below, we’ve shortlisted several travel insurance providers that offer strong cruise-related protection, each with varying strengths in medical coverage, baggage loss, trip cancellation, and customisability. These options are suitable for a wide range of travellers, from solo cruisers and families to luxury seekers. 

We calculated premium costs based on a single traveller, single trip, 4-days in Thailand, without promotions or offers. Hence, it is advisable to consult the respective insurance providers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

TIQ Travel Insurance

TIQ's Luxury Plan offers robust coverage, including high medical expense limits and comprehensive trip cancellation benefits, making it ideal for cruise travellers seeking extensive protection.

• Medical coverage: S$1,000,000

• Trip cancellation: S$10,000

• Loss/damage of baggage and belongings: S$3,000

• Estimated total premium cost: S$39.60

Product details 

• Only insurer to pay instantly upon 3 hours flight delay due to insured events

• Hassle free claims and fast payouts via PayNow

• Additional loyalty discounts for Tiq by Etiqa customers

• Add-on: Covers pre-existing conditions

SingSaver’s take

TIQ by Etiqa is a digital-first travel insurance plan offering instant policy issuance, flexible add-ons, and comprehensive cruise coverage — ideal for last-minute planners or tech-savvy travellers.

Read full review

Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance 

Starr's Silver Plan provides a balanced mix of coverage and affordability, with substantial medical and trip cancellation benefits suitable for cruise itineraries.

• Medical coverage: S$500,000

• Trip cancellation: S$10,000

• Loss/damage of baggage and belongings: S$5,000

• Estimated total premium cost: S$49.20

Product details 

• Complete purchase in just 3 clicks

• Unlimited emergency medical evacuation and repatriation

• Free coverage for child under family plan

SingSaver’s take

Starr’s TraveLead plan is well-rounded and budget-friendly, offering essential coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and COVID-19, making it suitable for most short-to-medium cruises.

Sompo Travel (COVID-19) Insurance 

Sompo's Superior Plan includes comprehensive COVID-19 coverage, essential for cruise travellers concerned about pandemic-related disruptions.

• Medical coverage: S$400,000

• Trip cancellation: S$10,000

• Loss/damage of baggage and belongings: S$1,000

• Estimated total premium cost: S$21.60 (after 55% discount)

Product details 

• Exclusive cashless outpatient services in Japan

• Extensive rental vehicle coverage

SingSaver’s take

Sompo’s COVID-19-focused plan provides peace of mind for health-conscious travellers, with generous coverage for medical treatment, quarantine costs, and pandemic-related trip cancellations.

Read full review

DBS TravellerShield Plus, underwritten by Chubb, offers high medical coverage and extensive benefits, making it a strong choice for cruise travellers seeking comprehensive protection.

• Medical coverage: S$1,000,000

• Trip cancellation: S$10,000

• Loss/damage of baggage and belongings: S$5,000

• Estimated total premium cost: S$50.00

• Overseas Medical Expenses: Up to S$300,000

• Trip Cancellation: Up to S$5,000

• Baggage Loss: Up to S$3,000

Product details 

• COVID-19 Coverage: Included in all plans.

• Adventure Activities: Coverage for activities like bungee jumping, scuba diving and more.

• Trip Protection: Benefits for travel delays over 6 hours, however with a maximum of S$100 for delay in Singapore.

SingSaver’s take

Underwritten by Chubb, this plan offers robust protection with extensive cruise and travel benefits, especially attractive for DBS cardholders seeking convenience and added perks.

Read full review

Itinerary changes

Cruise insurance should cover unplanned alterations to your route — whether due to weather, geopolitical issues, or mechanical failures. Look for plans that offer compensation for missed destinations and extra transport or accommodation costs.

Cruise ship diversions

If your ship is rerouted to a different port or forced to return early, certain policies reimburse the unused portion of your trip or provide alternative arrangements.

Missed tours or excursions

Many policies now offer coverage for pre-booked shore activities that are missed due to itinerary shifts or illness. This is especially valuable for high-cost excursions.

Cruise disablement or delay

If your cruise is delayed or cancelled due to ship malfunction, eligible plans may provide daily compensation or trip interruption benefits.

Pre-existing condition exclusions and waivers

Travellers with existing medical issues should choose policies with waivers for stable pre-existing conditions or disclose their conditions when buying coverage.

Coverage for island stops

Stops at remote islands often have limited facilities. Check if your plan covers medical emergencies or transport from these stops.

Amount of coverage

Assess your needs based on trip cost and age. Higher medical and evacuation limits are advisable for longer or international cruises.

Cost

Compare premiums across providers. More expensive plans may offer better protection, but ensure they match your travel style and risk appetite.

Customisability

Look for flexible plans that allow add-ons such as adventure sports or luxury cruise protection — helpful if you’re customising your itinerary.

Cruise insurance policies often come with exclusions — and it’s crucial to know what isn’t covered. Pre-existing medical conditions are one of the most common exclusions unless declared and waived. Some plans also exclude certain activities like scuba diving or trekking unless added on.

Weather-related disruptions, particularly those related to known events like monsoon seasons or hurricanes, may not be covered if they were forecasted. COVID-19 remains a grey area — while many policies include some form of pandemic cover, quarantine-related losses, travel bans, or government advisories may still be excluded. Always read the policy wording carefully.

If you’re planning multiple cruise holidays in a year, annual multi-trip policies may offer better value than buying coverage each time. These plans typically include the same benefits as single-trip ones — but can be more cost-effective and convenient.

For one-off cruises or special itineraries, a single-trip policy might suffice. It also allows you to tailor coverage more specifically for that journey.