Allianz Partners Australia has rolled out a new travel insurance product tailored for cruise passengers, in collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
The new coverage is now available for purchase at the time of booking a cruise directly via NCL’s website.
The policy includes coverage areas aligned with cruise-specific needs, such as:
These protections are incorporated into a single travel insurance package offered during the booking process. Standard policy limitations and exclusions apply.
The partnership reflects Allianz Partners’ focus on aligning insurance offerings with evolving travel trends. Cruise holidays have become increasingly popular among Australian travellers, with 1.25 million Australians reportedly cruising each year.
Industry data showed global cruise passengers rose by 20% in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, and annual passenger numbers are forecasted to reach 40 million by 2028. In the domestic market, cruise bookings now make up 10% of all leisure travel.
Damien Arthur, executive head of travel at Allianz Partners Australia, said the initiative is a response to customer habits.
“Our data shows that cruise travellers have a high propensity to purchase travel insurance. We’ve now made it even easier for them to get cover that is better suited for their needs. This launch builds upon our worldwide portfolio of cruise partnerships, where global expertise can be applied to local markets,” he said.
The data and new product launch coincide with findings from Allianz Partners’ Travel Index, which indicated that travel remains a priority despite rising living costs.
The index, based on a survey of 1,000 Australian adults, found that 71% plan to travel in the next 12 months, although affordability concerns remain.
Travel spending is trending upwards. The index found that most Australians intend to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 per trip. Younger travellers (aged 18 to 34) are almost twice as likely as those aged over 55 to budget over $10,000, suggesting a generational difference in spending patterns.
Insurance remains a key consideration, with 82% of respondents indicating plans to purchase coverage. Major concerns among travellers included:
Female respondents reported these concerns more often than their male counterparts.
Australians are obtaining travel insurance through a variety of channels:
Those with higher travel budgets were more likely to insure their trips, with travellers spending over $10,000 being nearly 20% more likely to buy insurance than those spending less than $5,000.
