Why a New Generation of Cruise Travellers Is Being Warned Not to Skip Insurance

Record numbers of passengers are embarking on cruises, and as the clientele gets younger, travel industry experts are warning that this shift could lead to costly mistakes if travellers aren’t prepared. 

The latest industry data released by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) showed a record 2.4 million passengers went on cruises in 2024¹, and a YouGov study in July 2025 revealed 10% of Brits were planning on one in the next year². And the average age of UK cruisers is decreasing each year, while 20–39-year-olds now make up a fifth of global passengers (20%).³ 

 Younger travellers are also more likely to book late. Over a third (35%) of Gen Z confirm travel plans just a month before a trip⁴, leaving little time to sort essentials like cruise insurance, something most cruise companies, including P&O Cruises and Cunard, now required as a condition of boarding. Without it, there’s a real risk of being refused entry⁵.  

To help cruisers be prepared, travel insurance provider Post Office Travel Insurance are urging travellers to ensure they’re properly covered before setting sail: 

Here are 5 risks people need to be aware of when going on a cruise 

1. Missed ports 

• A cruise is often chosen for those standout destinations on the itinerary, the places you’ve been dreaming of visiting. Without insurance, you could lose hundreds of pounds on prepaid excursions or activities you booked independently. Cruise cover can give you a set payout for that lost stop, and if you’d prebooked your own excursions, separate cover can help reimburse those costs too. 

2. Cabin confinement 

• If you fall ill on board, especially with contagious conditions like norovirus, you may be confined to your cabin by the ship’s medical team. This can mean missing out on dining, entertainment, and onboard experiences. Without insurance, those losses come straight out of your pocket. Having the right cruise insurance can help compensate for this. 

3. Unused excursions 

• Excursions are a highlight of any cruise, but if you’re unable to take part, those prepaid adventures go unused. Standard travel insurance often won’t cover this, leaving you out of pocket. Cruise-specific policies can help to refund these costs, ensuring your investment in experiences isn’t wasted. 

4. Itinerary changes 

•  Cruises are subject to last-minute route changes due to weather, port restrictions, or mechanical issues. If you’ve booked hotels or transport at certain ports, these changes can cause unexpected expenses. Without insurance, you bear the full cost of cancellations and rebookings. Cruise insurance helps cover these disruptions, so your trip stays stress-free. 

5. Medical emergencies at sea and Cruise interruption 

•  Healthcare on a cruise ship is expensive, and serious cases may require evacuation to a hospital on land, costing thousands. Without insurance, you’re responsible for these bills, which can quickly exceed the price of your entire holiday. Cruise-specific cover includes emergency medical treatment, rejoining the ship and repatriation, giving you peace of mind wherever you sail. 

Adam Edinburgh, Head of Post Office Travel & New Products, says: 

“Cruising has become one of the most exciting ways to travel, especially for younger generations seeking flexibility and adventure. But with spontaneity comes responsibility. Our cruise travel insurance is designed to meet the needs of modern travellers. It’s about making sure your trip is memorable for the right reasons.” 

To learn more, visit: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel-insurance/guides/cruise-and-travel-insurance  

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