Back to Blog

How do I claim travel insurance for Royal Caribbean cruise cancellation?

Unexpected events can happen anytime — illness, weather disruptions, or personal emergencies — and if you’ve booked a Royal Caribbean cruise, such situations can lead to disappointment and financial loss. That’s where Royal Caribbean travel insurance becomes invaluable. If you’ve purchased Royal Caribbean’s Travel Protection Plan or third-party coverage, you may be eligible for a cruise cancellation claim or cruise insurance refund.

1. Understanding Royal Caribbean Travel Insurance

Royal Caribbean offers its own Travel Protection Program, underwritten by Aon Affinity and administered by Arch Insurance Company. This coverage helps safeguard travelers against unexpected disruptions before or during their cruise.

The plan typically includes:

  • Trip cancellation protection for covered reasons (such as illness, injury, or death in the family).

  • Trip interruption coverage if your cruise is cut short due to emergencies.

  • Medical coverage for injuries or illnesses during the cruise.

  • Lost baggage protection and travel delay assistance.

The main advantage is that this policy is specifically tailored to Royal Caribbean’s cruise structure — including their refund and rescheduling policies.

2. What Does Royal Caribbean’s Travel Protection Cover?

Before filing a cruise cancellation claim, it’s essential to know what situations qualify for reimbursement. Common covered reasons include:

  • Serious illness or injury to you, a travel companion, or a family member.

  • Death in the immediate family.

  • Weather-related issues preventing travel to the port.

  • Job loss or employer cancellation of approved vacation time.

  • Natural disasters impacting your home or cruise departure city.

  • Unexpected jury duty or legal obligations.

If your cancellation falls outside these scenarios (for instance, simply changing your mind), the claim may not be approved for a full refund. However, some policies include a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) benefit that allows a partial refund even for non-covered reasons.

3. How to Claim Travel Insurance for Royal Caribbean Cruise Cancellation

If you’ve cancelled your cruise and want to file a travel insurance claim, follow these steps carefully to ensure faster processing.

Step 1: Cancel Your Cruise Booking

The first step is to officially cancel your cruise through Royal Caribbean. You can do this by:

  • Logging into your account at portjourney.com

  • Calling Royal Caribbean Customer Service.

  • Contacting your travel agent (if you booked through one).

Once your cancellation is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email — this document is vital for your claim.

Step 2: Review Your Travel Protection Plan

Next, read through your Royal Caribbean travel protection policy to verify your coverage. Check for:

  • Eligible cancellation reasons.

  • Required documentation for proof.

  • Time limits for submitting a claim (usually within 20–30 days after cancellation).

If you purchased third-party insurance, contact your insurance provider directly for their claim requirements.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

To file a successful cruise cancellation claim, you’ll need to submit detailed proof. Typically, the following documents are required:

  • Cruise booking and cancellation confirmation from Royal Caribbean.

  • Proof of payment (credit card statement or invoice).

  • Doctor’s note, hospital discharge papers, or other medical evidence (if applicable).

  • Death certificate (if cancellation is due to bereavement).

  • Employer letter (for job-related cancellations).

  • Airline cancellation notices or weather alerts (if travel disruptions occurred).

The more complete your documentation, the quicker your claim will be processed.

Step 4: Submit Your Claim

You can file your Royal Caribbean travel insurance claim online through the official Aon Affinity website

Steps:

  1. Click “File a Claim.”

  2. Select “Royal Caribbean International” from the list of travel providers.

  3. Provide your booking number, travel dates, and reason for cancellation.

  4. Upload all supporting documents.

  5. Review and submit your claim form.

Alternatively, you can mail the completed claim form and supporting documentation to the address listed in your policy documents.

Step 5: Wait for Claim Review

Once your claim is submitted, it undergoes review by the insurance company. This process may take 30–45 business days, depending on claim volume and document completeness.

You can check your claim status anytime on the Aon Affinity website by logging in with your claim reference number.

4. Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Plan Explained

The Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program has three primary parts:

  1. Travel Insurance Benefits – Covers trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and travel delays.

  2. Non-Insurance Assistance Services – Offers 24/7 travel help, emergency evacuation assistance, and concierge services.

  3. Cancel For Any Reason Credit – If your cancellation doesn’t meet a covered reason, you may still receive future cruise credit (up to 75% of the non-refundable amount).

This flexible coverage makes it one of the most convenient insurance options for cruise travelers who want peace of mind.

5. Common Reasons Cruise Insurance Claims Are Denied

Sometimes, travelers face denied claims due to simple oversights. To prevent that, avoid these common mistakes:

  • Cancelling a cruise without a covered reason (unless you have CFAR coverage).

  • Submitting incomplete or missing documentation.

  • Filing after the claim deadline.

  • Failing to cancel your cruise before departure (no-shows are not covered).

Always read your policy carefully and ensure your reason for cancellation qualifies before submitting your claim.

6. How Long Does It Take to Receive a Refund?

After approval, your cruise insurance refund is typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks. The reimbursement amount will depend on your total paid fare and any prepaid packages. Refunds are usually credited to your original payment method.

If your claim is partially approved (for example, under CFAR), you’ll receive a future cruise credit instead of cash reimbursement.

7. Tips for a Successful Royal Caribbean Insurance Claim

To maximize your chances of a smooth and quick claim process:

  • File your claim early. Don’t wait beyond the stated window.

  • Provide detailed proof. Include all documents and explanations.

  • Keep records. Save copies of every submission and confirmation.

  • Follow up regularly. Use your claim number to track progress online.

  • Stay polite and clear in your communications — insurers appreciate concise and complete information.

8. What If You Didn’t Buy Royal Caribbean’s Travel Protection?

If you didn’t purchase the cruise line’s official insurance, you can still file a claim through your third-party insurer. Many travelers use providers like Allianz, Travel Guard, or Nationwide.

The process will be similar — you’ll need to cancel your cruise first, then provide documentation of the reason for cancellation and proof of payment. Always check your external insurer’s rules for covered reasons and deadlines.

9. How to Get a Refund for a Cancelled Royal Caribbean Cruise

If you cancelled your cruise without insurance, you can still request a refund directly from Royal Caribbean, but the amount depends on your cancellation timing.

Time Before DepartureRefund Amount

90+ daysFull refund (minus deposit)

60–89 days75% refund

30–59 days50% refund

Less than 30 daysNo refund

To avoid losing your fare, insurance coverage is highly recommended.

Final Thoughts

Filing a Royal Caribbean travel insurance claim may seem complex, but with proper documentation and timely action, you can recover much of your cruise investment. Whether your cruise was cancelled due to medical reasons, weather, or other emergencies, the Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Plan ensures you’re not left empty-handed.

The key is to file your claim quickly, submit all supporting evidence, and stay informed throughout the process. This simple preparation can turn an unfortunate situation into a manageable one, giving you confidence to plan your next voyage without worry.

FAQs

1. What does Royal Caribbean travel insurance cover?

It covers trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and travel delays for covered reasons.

2. How do I claim travel insurance for Royal Caribbean cruise cancellation?

Visit, select Royal Caribbean, and submit your claim with supporting documents.

3. How long does it take to receive a refund?

Most claims are processed within 30–45 business days, depending on the insurer and documentation.

4. Can I get a refund if I cancel my cruise for personal reasons?

Only if your policy includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, which provides partial reimbursement.

5. What documents are required for a cruise cancellation claim?

You’ll need your booking number, cancellation confirmation, proof of payment, and evidence of your cancellation reason (medical note, employer letter, etc.).

this is logo

Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.

© 2026 Portjourney.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service