You read in Chapter 2 about various cruise-ship travel insurance programs. Most of the cruise companies offer them with varying degrees of protection and for various prices. Should you buy a travel insurance plan? The truth is, it usually doesn't hurt to get one. Especially aboard the value-oriented cruise ships that cater to kids, prices for the travel insurance plans are kept low enough to be affordable for most families. Medical cancellations are almost always covered, and with children, it's a safe bet that somebody just may get sick as your sailing date approaches.

Also consider buying travel insurance through your travel agent if you live in a northern latitude and are planning to cruise during the snowy winter season—but be sure that weather delays are included as a covered cancellation reason. If your cruise company's policy does not cover blizzards that might close your local airport until well after your ship sets sail down south, consider booking a separate insurance policy through your travel agent that will give you peace of mind should flurries start to fall.