09/09/2026
You've heard me say it before, and you will definitely hear me say it again.
I HIGHLY RECCOMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE.
And this is why.
Did Royal Caribbean refund everyone and offer a future cruise credit? Yes, for the portion of the trip that they were liable for.
But the flights to get from Atlanta to Seattle? Nope. The hotel night you booked on your return? Nope. The excursion you opted to book with a local whale watching company to get the best experience because you didn't like what the cruise line what offering? Hang it up. All of those were nonrefundable, and now you're out of that money PLUS the cost of getting your flight back home or extending your stay in the port destination.
I've heard countless times, "I'm going on this trip no matter what."
And truly, I love that positive attitude. I love the optimism that surrounds a vacation that a person is really looking forward to.
But let's be realistic here. You are not going on a trip no matter what.
If a loved one gets sick and has to have surgery during your planned trip dates, then you're probably not going on the trip.
If you get pregnant and are due at the time of the trip, then you're probably not going on the trip.
If you wake up vomiting the day you're supposed to board a flight, you're probably not going on the trip.
If a natural disaster hits the area you're traveling to days before your trip, then you're probably not going on the trip.
If your cruise line cancels your cruise because of technical difficulties, you're probably not going on the trip.
And these are all things that ACTUALLY HAPPEN.
No amount of careful planning can prevent life being life. But you have the ability to make sure you're covered when life starts lifing real hard.
I can never make someone purchase travel insurance, and I can’t advise on policy terms or tell you which policy is right for you since I’m not a licensed insurance agent. What I can do is provide you with policy options to review, and if you decide you want coverage, I can add it to your trip.
And honestly? As a travel advisor, some of my best advice is: don’t spend thousands planning a trip and then leave the investment completely unprotected.
You can’t control what happens. You can control whether you’re prepared for it.
Royal Caribbean Reportedly Canceled Entire Alaska Cruise After Passengers Already Boarded Due to Technical Issue
📷: Credit : JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP via Getty