I missed the cruise ship. What do I do?
Sources checked . Final review by Sean Williams pending.
Call the cruise line's emergency number and, in a foreign port, the ship's port agent, whose details are usually in your daily program. Ask where you can rejoin the ship. Getting there is normally at your own cost. Without a passport, flying home from a foreign port is much harder, so bring one even on closed-loop cruises.
| Who to call | Cruise line emergency line; in port, the ship's local port agent |
|---|---|
| Cost of catching up | Usually yours, unless you were on the line's own excursion |
| Documents | A passport book makes flying from a foreign port far easier |
| Closed-loop cruises | CBP lets U.S. citizens re-enter by sea with ID and birth certificate, but you would be flying, not sailing |
What should I do if the ship leaves without me?
- Call the cruise line's emergency number immediately.
- In a port of call, contact the ship's local port agent listed in your daily program.
- Ask where and when you can rejoin the ship, and what documents you will need.
- Book transport to that port, keeping every receipt.
- Call your travel insurer and your advisor.
How do I rejoin the ship?
The port agent or cruise line will tell you the next port where you can board. You usually fly or take a ferry there at your own cost. If the next ports are far apart, flying home may be simpler.
Book the cruise line's own excursions if a tight port schedule worries you. Book independently if you are confident about timing, and plan to be back well before all-aboard.
Why does a passport matter if I miss the ship?
If you are left in a foreign port, you will likely have to fly, and international flights generally require a passport book. A birth certificate and ID, which CBP accepts for closed-loop cruise re-entry by sea, will not get you on a plane home. See our passport guide.
How can I avoid being a pier runner?
Be back at least an hour before all-aboard time, keep your watch on ship's time, and do not plan independent tours that end close to departure. Nobody wants to be the pier runner.
Frequently asked questions
- Will the ship wait for me?
- Generally not for passengers on independent tours. Lines usually wait only in limited cases, such as their own excursions running late.
- Who pays if I miss the ship in port?
- Normally you pay your own travel to the next port or home. If you were on a cruise line excursion that ran late, the line typically takes responsibility for getting you back.
- Can I fly home from a foreign port without a passport?
- Flying internationally generally requires a passport book. Without one, you may need help from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, which costs time.
- What if I miss embarkation day?
- Call the cruise line at once. You may be able to join at the first port of call at your own expense; travel insurance with missed connection coverage may help.
Sources
Founder, Egretline Travel ยท Tampa, Florida
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