Wave season launches with record demand: InsureMyTrip leads the way

Thursday, January 11, 2024

The Wave season has recently kicked off, and InsureMyTrip is already reporting a surge in policy sales for cruises scheduled for 2024. In the last three weeks of December, travel insurance policy sales for cruises reached levels not seen since before the pandemic.

Amidst this revival, the cruise industry is going all out in 2024, introducing new and enhanced vessels, enticing offers, and diverse destinations to cater to travelers of all ages. To assist travelers in securing the best deals and making well-informed decisions when booking a cruise in the new year, the experts at InsureMyTrip offer some valuable advice.

Here are five tips for planning a cruise in 2024:

1. Capitalize on “Wave Season” Discounts
   During Wave Season, typically spanning from January to March, anticipate attractive deals across various cruise lines. These deals encompass savings on packages, cabin upgrades, onboard credits, gratuities, and more.
4. Select the Ideal Cruise Ship
   Explore different cruise lines and ships to find the one that aligns with your preferences, budget, and travel style. Each ship boasts unique amenities, activities, and atmospheres. Traveling with children? Seek a ship with water slides or kid-friendly activities. Looking for relaxation? Consider a ship with a top-notch spa. Planning to work while cruising? Opt for a ship with reliable Wi-Fi. With cruise lines continually unveiling new ships with enhanced amenities, the possibilities are limitless.
6. Evaluate the Itinerary and Shore Excursions
   Examine the destinations and ports of call offered by cruise lines and choose a cruise that includes stops at places you’d like to explore. The same applies to shore excursions – look for options that match your travel style and activity level. Booking your excursions in advance not only secures your spot but often saves you money.
8. Verify Passport Requirements
   Many cruises feature ports of call outside of the United States, so it’s crucial to ensure that your passport is valid. Keep in mind that as travel numbers rise, passport processing times may lengthen. However, if you lack a passport, you can still embark on a cruise. For instance, a closed-loop cruise, which departs and concludes at the same U.S. port, typically does not necessitate a passport.
10. Consider Travel Insurance – With a Thorough Review
    Travel insurance can be particularly valuable when booking a cruise due to its multi-leg nature. If your cruise ventures beyond the country’s borders, it is advisable to secure emergency medical coverage, as most domestic health insurance plans do not cover medical expenses incurred overseas. Emergency medical coverage is usually included in a Comprehensive Plan, which also encompasses protection for trip cancellation, flight delays, baggage loss/damage, and more.

To identify the right plan, conduct thorough research and refrain from merely checking the travel insurance box on a cruise line website. These plans may not provide the coverage you expect. InsureMyTrip researchers have scrutinized popular cruise lines and discovered that while many offer basic travel insurance benefits, few provide comprehensive trip cancellation insurance or extensive emergency medical care coverage. You can compare cruise line and third-party travel insurance on our revamped “Insuring Your Cruise” page on InsureMyTrip.com.

Our travel insurance experts are available for interviews to offer deeper insights into cruise coverage and assist you in finding the appropriate policy.

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