Everything about insurance for transatlantic cruises from the Caribbean to Europe. High seas evacuation, essential coverages, and why the ship's insurance isn't enough.
**🌊 Quick Summary:** A transatlantic cruise means **5-7 days at sea** with no access to land-based hospitals. A helicopter evacuation in the middle of the Atlantic can cost **$100,000 - $300,000 USD**. Cruise insurance provides minimal coverage. Independent insurance is **essential**, not optional.
## What Is a Transatlantic Cruise?
Unlike Caribbean cruises that sail between nearby islands, a transatlantic cruise **crosses the Atlantic Ocean**, connecting the Caribbean or the eastern coast of America with Europe (or vice-versa). These are voyages of **12 to 21 days** with long stretches on the high seas where the ship is your only world.
### Popular Transatlantic Routes for Dominicans
| Route | Duration | Cruise Lines | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale → Southampton (UK) | 14-16 days | Cunard, Celebrity | $1,200 USD |
| Miami → Barcelona | 14-18 days | MSC, Royal Caribbean | $1,000 USD |
| San Juan → Lisbon | 12-14 days | Norwegian, Holland America | $900 USD |
| New York → Rome | 14-16 days | Princess, MSC | $1,100 USD |
| Fort Lauderdale → Hamburg | 16-21 days | Cunard, Costa | $1,300 USD |
> 💡 **For Dominicans:** The most convenient route is often **San Juan (PR) or Fort Lauderdale → Europe**, as you can fly from SDQ or PUJ and embark easily.
## Why Cruise Insurance Is Insufficient for Transatlantic Cruises?
If cruise insurance is already limited for 4-7 day Caribbean routes, for a transatlantic cruise it’s **dangerously inadequate**. The main reason: **distance to solid ground**.
### The Distance Problem
In the middle of the Atlantic, the ship can be **1,000+ nautical miles** from the nearest hospital. This means:
- 🚁 **Helicopter:** Can only fly up to ~300 miles from the continent
- 🚢 **Ship diversion:** The captain may decide to divert, but this can take 24-48 hours
- ✈️ **Military aircraft:** In extreme cases, rescues are coordinated with military forces (astronomical cost)
### Costs of High Seas Evacuation
| Type of Evacuation | Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter from coast (< 300 miles) | Short | $50,000 - $100,000 USD |
| Helicopter from aircraft carrier | Medium | $100,000 - $200,000 USD |
| Full ship diversion | Variable | $150,000 - $500,000 USD* |
| Ship-to-ship transfer | Variable | $25,000 - $75,000 USD |
*The cost of diversion is initially borne by the cruise line, but they may claim it from the uninsured passenger.
## Specific Medical Risks on Transatlantic Cruises
### 1. Severe Seasickness (Motion Sickness)
The Atlantic is **significantly rougher** than the Caribbean. Waves can reach 3-6 meters in normal conditions. For a Dominican accustomed to calm Caribbean seas, the shock can be severe.
### 2. Gastrointestinal Illnesses
With 3,000-5,000 passengers on board for 2+ weeks, outbreaks of **norovirus** and gastroenteritis are more likely than on shorter cruises.
### 3. Cardiac Emergencies
The combination of older age of many transatlantic passengers + travel stress + excessive eating increases the risk of cardiac events. On-board medical centers have **limited capacity** for complex cardiac emergencies.
### 4. Dental Problems
In 14-21 days, a dental infection can become a serious emergency without access to a full dentist.
### 5. Accidents On Board
Slips on wet decks, falls down stairs with the ship's motion, and injuries during recreational activities are more common on long voyages.
## Essential Coverages for Transatlantic Cruises
### Maritime Medical Evacuation — THE MOST IMPORTANT
This is the coverage that can save your life and prevent a debt of **$100,000+**. It must include: - Helicopter evacuation when possible - Coordination with international coast guards - Transfer to land hospital - All Baraglo plans include this coverage
### Cruise Interruption
If you must disembark at an intermediate port due to a medical emergency:
- Hospitalization in the country where you disembark
- Return flight to the Dominican Republic
- Hotel for a companion
### Cancellation
Transatlantic cruises are booked **6-12 months in advance**. If an unforeseen medical event arises before the trip:
- Reimbursement of the cruise cost (non-refundable by the cruise line)
- Reimbursement of flights and connection expenses
### Return Delay
If you miss your return date to the DR due to hospitalization in Europe, you need coverage for:
- Extra hotel stay
- New return flight
- Living expenses
## Baraglo Plans for Transatlantic Cruises
| Feature | Baraglo Basic | Baraglo Standard | Baraglo Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical coverage | $20,000 USD | $35,000 USD | $100,000 USD |
| Price (14 days) | **$44.66** | **$69.86** | **$125.86** |
| Price (21 days) | **$66.99** | **$104.79** | **$188.79** |
| Maritime evacuation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cancellation | ❌ | ✅ Up to $1,000 | ✅ Up to $2,000 |
| Repatriation from Europe | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Coverage in European ports | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
> 🚢 **Recommendation for transatlantic cruises:** The **Baraglo Premium ($100,000)** plan is the most sensible choice. Given the risk of high seas evacuation and medical costs in Europe, the price difference between Standard and Premium ($28 extra for 14 days) is insignificant compared to the additional protection.
## What Happens If the Cruise Ends in Europe?
Many transatlantic cruises are **one-way** — you embark in America and disembark in Europe (or vice-versa). This means that upon arrival in Europe, your travel insurance must continue to cover:
- 🇬🇧 **United Kingdom:** Not Schengen, but medical costs are high
- 🇪🇸 **Spain / Barcelona:** Within the Schengen area
- 🇮🇹 **Italy / Rome:** Within the Schengen area
- 🇵🇹 **Portugal / Lisbon:** Within the Schengen area
**All Baraglo plans have worldwide coverage**, so you don't need separate insurance for the European portion of your trip.
## Tips for Dominican Transatlantic Cruisers
### Before the Trip
- Book at least **6 months in advance** (better prices)
- Purchase insurance when booking to cover cancellation
- Visit your doctor for a pre-trip check-up
- Bring enough medication for the **entire voyage + 5 extra days**
- Download movies and books — on-board satellite internet is **slow and expensive** ($15-$30/day)
### Preparing for the Sea
- Buy scopolamine patches or seasickness pills **before boarding**
- Request a cabin in the **middle of the ship** (less movement)
- Balcony cabins help: fresh air reduces seasickness
- Eat lightly for the first 2 days while you adjust
### During the Voyage
- "Sea days" (without port) are the norm — take advantage of on-board activities
- Maintain constant hydration
- Use sunscreen on deck — the sea's reflection intensifies UV rays
- Save your insurance assistance number on your phone and on paper
## Frequently Asked Questions
### How many sea days does a transatlantic cruise have?
A typical 14-day transatlantic cruise has **5-7 consecutive days of sailing** without docking. It is essential to be mentally and medically prepared for this experience.
### Is there a doctor on board the ship?
Yes, all transatlantic cruise ships have a medical center with at least one doctor and nurses. However, it is a **basic clinic**, not a hospital. They can stabilize emergencies but cannot perform complex surgeries.
### Does insurance cover it if I get so seasick that I need medical attention?
**Yes.** Severe seasickness (motion sickness) requiring medical attention, intravenous fluids, or medication is covered like any medical condition during the trip.
### Can I cancel the cruise if I get sick before traveling?
With Standard or Premium plans, cancellation coverage reimburses you for non-recoverable expenses if you cancel for a documented medical reason.
### Do I need a visa for the European ports where the cruise calls?
It depends on the itinerary. If the cruise calls at **Schengen ports** (Spain, Italy, Portugal), Dominicans need a Schengen visa. If it only calls at **UK ports**, you need a British visa. Check with the cruise line before booking.
---
*Ready to cross the Atlantic? [Get a quote for your travel insurance now](/seguro-schengen?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=blog-relinked-v2) and sail protected from {{basic_price}}/day.*
Baraglo
