Disney has updated its Vacation Protection Plan, which now shuts out all guests from beyond North America.
For decades, the Disney Cruise Line has famously blended Disney magic with adventure on the high seas, making it a premier choice for families and Disney enthusiasts alike.
With a fleet that currently includes six ships, with the newest being the Disney Treasure, the cruise line offers themed experiences, Broadway-style shows, character meet-and-greets, and, on some routes, stops at Disney’s private island and peninsula, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
One of the key benefits offered to guests has long been the Vacation Protection Plan, designed to provide financial security in case of unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or other disruptions. However, recent changes to this policy have left international travelers with fewer options for coverage.
Disney Cruise Line Limits Vacation Protection to North American Travelers
Disney Cruise Line has restructured its Vacation Protection Plan, restricting availability exclusively to travelers from the United States and Canada.
Previously accessible to a broader range of international guests, the plan offered crucial coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and travel delays. The recent change means that guests from outside North America must now seek third-party insurance to safeguard their cruise investment.
The updated policy – which quietly went into effect this week – doesn’t impact those who currently have the Vacation Protection Plan included in existing cruise reservations. However, international guests whose booking origin or travel agency isn’t in the U.S. or Canada and can’t pay in U.S. dollars or provide a valid U.S. address are no longer eligible.
Impact on International Guests and Alternative Options
Offered in partnership with Arch Insurance Co., the Vacation Protection Plan serves as a safety net for guests, covering a range of emergencies both before and during their trip. It features a cancel-for-any-reason option, allowing for greater flexibility in case of unexpected situations.
Additionally, the plan provides global emergency assistance services, ensuring travelers have access to essential support wherever they go.
International guests will now need to secure their own insurance. Worth noting, however, is the fact that cruises aren’t always covered in standard travel insurance and require an extra premium if offered by the provider at all.
Other Disney Cruise Line Changes
This follows a string of other policy changes for the Disney Cruise Line in recent years.
In January 2025, the recommended gratuity for non-concierge guests increased by $1.50 per person per day. This adjustment brings the total suggested gratuity to $16 per person per day, covering key service staff, including Dining Room Servers and stateroom hosts.
For those in concierge-level accommodations, the recommended gratuity underwent an even more substantial rise, increasing by $3.75 per person per day. This leads to an overall recommended daily total of $27.25 per person.
Back in 2024, the Disney Cruise Line introduced stricter rules around what passengers need to provide before boarding the ship. This meant guests who previously used photocopied birth certificates to verify the identity of children under the age of 15 were now required to provide original birth certificates only.
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