Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
From exploring Mediterranean ports and enjoying Caribbean winter sun to experiencing the dramatic scenery of the Norwegian Fjords or the iconic landscapes of Alaska, cruises offer comfort, variety and a convenient way to see multiple destinations in one journey.
However, cruising also comes with unique risks that standard travel insurance may not fully address — particularly when it comes to missed ports, itinerary changes, and onboard confinement.
This guide explains:
- The different types of cruises available in 2026
- The best cruise destinations to consider
- Practical cruise travel tips
- How Leisure Guard Cruise Travel Insurance is designed to protect cruise holidays
Why It’s Important To Consider Cruise Specific Travel Insurance
A cruise is not just a flight and a hotel — it is a moving holiday across multiple countries, often far from land-based medical facilities.
Cruise-specific risks can include:
- Missing a scheduled port or departure
- Cabin confinement due to illness
- Cancelled ports or unused excursions
In addition to the risks you can face on any holiday
- Medical treatment overseas
- Disruption to pre- or post-cruise travel
- Lost Baggage
- Cancellation
With a Leisure Guard policy, you are covered to go on a cruise as standard. However, the cruise-specific risks listed above are only covered with Leisure Guard’s optional Cruise Cover, which can be added to your travel insurance policy and is specifically designed to address these cruise-related scenarios (subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions. It is important that you read all policy documentation to understand what is covered before purchasing any travel insurance policy)
Cruising in 2026? Add Cruise Cover to your Leisure Guard Travel Insurance today.
Cruise Types Explained
Best for: First-time cruisers, families, great value holidays
Ocean cruises typically operate on large ships with extensive facilities, including multiple restaurants, entertainment venues, pools and organised excursions.
Insurance considerations:
Large passenger numbers and tight schedules increase the likelihood of missed ports or disruption — Optional Cruise Cover can help protect you if these things occur.
Best for: Couples, milestone celebrations, premium experiences
Luxury cruises focus on smaller ships, personalised service and fewer passengers, often with inclusions such as drinks, dining and excursions.
Insurance considerations:
With higher overall booking costs, having appropriate cancellation, curtailment and medical expense cover is especially important, and these benefits are included as standard within Leisure Guard Travel Insurance policies, subject to policy terms, conditions and limits.
Best for: Cultural exploration, relaxed itineraries
River cruises sail directly into city centres, offering guided excursions and a slower pace of travel.
Insurance considerations:
River conditions can occasionally affect itineraries, making disruption and unused excursion cover important
Best for: Bucket-list destinations and remote regions
Expedition cruises explore areas such as the Arctic, Antarctica and the Galápagos, combining comfort with guided exploration.
Insurance considerations:
Medical treatment and repatriation can be extremely costly without appropriate travel insurance.
Best Cruise Destinations for 2026
One of the most popular regions for UK cruise travellers.
Why choose it:
- Shorter flight times
- Rich history and culture
- Excellent food and weather
Popular ports: Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Greek Islands, Croatia, Malta
Perfect for scenery-led cruising.
Why choose it:
- Dramatic landscapes viewed directly from the ship
- Cooler temperatures
- Fewer crowds
Popular routes: Bergen, Geiranger, Flam, Iceland, Baltic capitals
Ideal for winter sun and relaxed cruising.
Why choose it:
- Consistent warm weather
- Beach-focused ports
- Family-friendly itineraries
A standout destination for 2026.
Why choose it:
- Glaciers, wildlife and vast landscapes
- Comfortable exploration without rough travel
- Increasing cruise line availability
Leisure Guard Travel Insurance helps protect your holiday across multiple countries and ports.
Essential Cruise Travel Tips for 2026
Before You Travel
- Check passport validity carefully — many itineraries require extra validity beyond your return date
- Consider arriving at your departure port at least one day early
- Keep a record of travel documents and insurance details, ‘Digital copies of your travel insurance documents stored on devices you will be taking with you may suffice.
Packing for a Cruise
- Carry essential medication in hand luggage
- Pack a lightweight waterproof layer — sea conditions change quickly
- Bring a small day bag for excursions and ports
While Onboard
- Familiarise yourself with onboard medical facilities
- Note “all aboard” times carefully — ships do not wait
- Keep receipts for excursions and onboard bookings
What Does Leisure Guard’s Optional Cruise Cover Add-On Include?
Leisure Guard’s Cruise Cover is an optional add-on to your main Leisure Guard travel insurance policy and includes benefits designed specifically for cruise holidays, such as cover for:
Missed port departure
Reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs if you cannot reach your booked departure port due to vehicle breakdown, public transport delays, strikes, or adverse weather.
Missed Ports
Cover if a scheduled port visit is cancelled and no alternative is available.
Cabin Confinement
Daily benefit if you are confined to your cabin due to an accident or illness covered under the policy.
Unused Excursions
Reimbursement for pre-booked excursions you cannot take due to covered illness or injury.
Benefit limits and excesses vary depending on whether you choose Standard, Premier or Premier Plus cover. Full Terms, Conditions and Exclusions are set out in the policy wording.
Medical Cover at Sea and Overseas
Medical treatment onboard a cruise ship or in foreign ports can be costly.
Leisure Guard Travel Insurance includes medical emergency and repatriation cover up to £15 million*, subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions. It can help with essential treatment and getting you home if needed.
*Limits, excesses and eligibility depend on your chosen cover and circumstances.
Travel Insurance for Cruises and Holidays
Policies typically provide the most protection when purchased close to the time of booking your holiday, including cruise trips.
Travel insurance can cover events such as:
- Cancellation due to illness or unforeseen events
- Changes to your health before your trip
- Disruption to pre-booked travel arrangements
Cover is subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions, please read policy documentation for full details. Coverage limits, eligibility and excesses depend on your chosen policy and when it is purchased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cruise Cover?
Cruises involve unique risks such as missed ports and cabin confinement. Cruise cover helps protect against these scenarios.
Is cruise cover included automatically?
No, Cruise Cover is an optional add-on which can be added to your Leisure Guard Travel Insurance policy for an additional premium.
Your standard Leisure Guard Travel Insurance policy still provides cover under all sections of the policy wording, while Cruise Cover extends certain benefits specifically for cruise holidays, including (subject to policy terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions):
- Missed port departure: up to £1,000
- Missed port (per port): up to £100
- Missed port (total): up to £500
- Cabin confinement (per 24 hours): up to £100
- Cabin confinement (total): up to £500
Unused excursions: up to £300
Does Leisure Guard cover emergency medical treatment on cruise ships?
Yes, medical emergency and repatriation cover is included as standard under Leisure Guard Travel Insurance, subject to policy terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. This can help cover the cost of emergency treatment, hospital care, and repatriation while on a cruise. For full details, including any significant exclusions, please refer to the policy wording.
Can I insure a cruise as part of an annual policy?
Yes optional Cruise Cover can be added to any Leisure Guard Annual Multi-Trip policy for trips up to 31 days. Cover is subject to policy terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, please see policy wording for full details.
Cruise with confidence in 2026
Leisure Guard Travel Insurance offers a range of cover options suitable for many cruise holidays, helping cover unexpected costs and providing assistance if plans change from embarkation to your final port of call.
Get a quote today to see the cover available for your trip.
