There’s something unmistakably Australian about boarding a ship, kicking back with a drink, and setting sail for the South Pacific. And according to the latest figures, a record number of Australians are doing just that, 1.32 million of them last year, to be precise.
That’s a six per cent jump from 2023, confirming what travel agents have long suspected: cruising isn’t just back; it’s booming. But with every surge in sun-seeking voyagers comes a quieter, less glamorous reminder from those who clean up after the calamities, the insurers.
This week, nib Travel urges travellers to think less about cocktail packages and more about cover insurance before casting off for the horizon.
Australians Set Sail in Record Numbers
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) data reveals that Australians remain among the most enthusiastic cruisers. Eight out of ten choose to stay within our region, gliding around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific rather than braving the longer hauls to Europe or the Caribbean.
“Cruising is enjoying a cultural moment,” said Dylan Wilkinson, Head of APAC and Marketing at nib Travel. “Today’s travellers are more informed and discerning than ever. But being savvy doesn’t stop at booking the perfect itinerary; it means making sure you’ve considered your needs and chosen the cover most suited to you.”
Wilkinson’s advice comes with a warning: medical mishaps at sea can be painfully expensive, physically and financially. “Apart from the distress and trauma of an injury while on a cruise, travellers can also face significant out-of-pocket costs if they’re not covered,” he said.
Since 1 January 2024, nib’s highest cruise-related insurance claim has hit a sobering $184,000. That’s enough to make anyone recheck their fine print before boarding.
When Medicare Doesn’t Follow You Overboard
While many Australians assume they’re protected under Medicare when cruising close to home, Wilkinson says that assumption often sinks when the ship leaves domestic waters.
“Cruise travellers heading to destinations like New Zealand and the South Pacific often don’t realise that onboard medical treatment in international waters may not be covered by Medicare,” he said. “It’s a detail that can catch people off guard, especially when they assume domestic coverage applies throughout their journey.”
It’s a cautionary tale as old as travel itself. What seems like a quick jaunt to Auckland can quickly become an expensive floating hospital visit if your policy doesn’t extend beyond Australia’s maritime boundary.
Top Traps to Avoid at Sea
nibTravel has compiled a list of the most common issues affecting cruise passengers, and, surprise, most of them happen when travellers assume “it won’t happen to me.”
The insurer recommends that passengers review their policies carefully, considering cover for:
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Cancellations due to severe weather, strikes, or natural disasters affecting prepaid bookings.
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Emergency medical expenses for unexpected illness or injury from rough seas or accidents on board.
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Delays and missed departures, especially if a late flight means missing the ship’s departure.
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Lost or damaged luggage is a recurring headache when bags vanish between ports.
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Medical evacuation or repatriation if serious illness strikes far from home.
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Loss of income, if an injury prevents returning to work after the cruise.
Wilkinson notes, “Being well-prepared means less stress at sea and fewer nasty surprises when you get back to shore.”
Planning Pays Off
Interestingly, data from nib’s travel brands shows that cruise passengers tend to be better planners than the average tourist. On average, Australians purchase cruise travel insurance 90–100 days before departure, compared to about 50 days for non-cruise holidays.
That foresight could be crucial, Wilkinson explains. “If you book your insurance with nib Travel at the same time as booking your trip, your cover for situations that could arise before you head away will commence from that time — from an unexpected retrenchment to a health emergency,” he said.
“Wait until closer to departure, and you could be left without cover for key cancellation events, potentially leaving you out of pocket.”
It’s an old-fashioned kind of wisdom: better safe than sorry, and in today’s cruising climate, it’s advice worth heeding.
A Season Set to Shine
With the 2025–26 peak season underway, cruise lines anticipate one of their busiest summers. From short jaunts along the Queensland coast to epic sailings through the Pacific, the appetite for the open ocean shows no sign of slowing.
Wilkinson believes the trend reflects Australians’ renewed appetite for “experiential travel”, a shift from ticking boxes to seeking meaning. “People are looking for experiences that connect them, whether that’s meeting new friends on deck, learning about island cultures, or simply watching the sun go down over the Coral Sea,” he said.
But, he added with a smile, “They’ll enjoy it all the more if they’ve thought ahead and insured accordingly.”
For those considering setting sail, nib Travel encourages booking both the trip and insurance together, ensuring smooth seas from the moment of booking to the day of disembarkation.
More information is available via travel agents or at www.nibtravelinsurance.com.au.
By Prae Lee – (c) 2025
About the Author
You can tell a lot about a person by how they handle a busy Bangkok morning. Prae Lee doesn’t rush; she glides through it. There’s a calm certainty about her, the sort that comes from knowing where you come from and where you’re going.
Educated at Chulalongkorn University, she took her business degree with the quiet pride of someone who believes in doing things correctly. Her travels for further study in Singapore and Australia didn’t change her; they polished what was already there: curiosity, discipline, and grace.
She returned to her family business in Bangkok, breathing a little modern life into it. She handled social media with the intuition of someone who listens and sells with the gentle persistence the Thais do so well.
Prae doesn’t make a fuss, but everything she touches shines brighter.
Now part of the Global Travel Media family, Prae brings authenticity and quiet confidence to her writing, drawing from a life steeped in culture, travel, and connection.
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