Embarking on a cruise is a dream vacation for many, but it can quickly become a nightmare if you’re denied boarding. Not only can this ruin your travel plans, but it can also result in significant financial losses since cruise lines typically do not refund guests who are unable to board.
After all, cruise passengers are responsible for being aware of and complying with all rules and requirements. Whether these rules are set by the cruise line or the countries being visited, knowing why cruise lines can deny you entry is a good way to avoid this nightmare scenario from happening.
Why Could Travelers Get Denied Boarding on a Cruise?
1. Having Prohibited Items
It’s important to be aware that bringing certain prohibited items such as weapons and drugs can lead to denial of boarding. While most cruise lines typically confiscate less innocuous items, carrying weapons or illegal drugs can result in you being banned from the cruise line.
If you need clarification on what items are not permitted on your upcoming cruise, verify the prohibited items list on the cruise line’s website. This will help to avoid any potential issues on embarkation day.
2. Expired Travel Documents
You must bring the proper travel documents on embarkation day to avoid being denied boarding. Before your cruise vacation, the cruise line will provide you with the necessary information regarding the documents you need for the cruise.
While some cruises permit U.S. citizens to use a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID, a passport is recommended. If you choose to use a birth certificate, please note that an official state-certified birth certificate and a matching government-issued photo ID are required.
Remember, in many cases, passports must be valid for six months after the last day of travel. This is an important detail to keep in mind for a smooth and hassle-free cruise vacation.
3. Illness
Policies regarding illness can vary by cruise line. However, if you’re visibly ill, certain cruise lines may not allow you to board the cruise ship.
Before boarding the cruise ship, you will be required to fill out a health questionnaire. If you declare you are sick, you may have to meet with the cruise ship doctor, quarantine in your stateroom, or even be denied access to the cruise ship.
4. Being Overbooked
Although it’s very rare, overbooking can and has happened on cruise ships.
In 2023, cruise passengers in Australia booked a guarantee cabin, but the cruise line never assigned a cabin. When the couple arrived on boarding day, they found out the ship was fully booked and they’d be unable to sail. They received a refund, and eventually managed to secure additional compensation from the cruise line.
Nevertheless, this was a huge issue for the passengers who took time off work and spent money to fly to the cruise port. This situation is highly unlikely, but one possibility as to why guests can be denied boarding their cruise.
5. Security Concerns
Cruise passengers flagged for security purposes or failing to pass the security screening may be denied boarding. Prior incidents of disruptive behavior on previous cruise voyages or at a port of call can also result in being denied boarding to the cruise ship.
It’s important to always conduct yourself properly on cruise ships and in port to avoid any potential issues. Being flagged for disorderly conduct, even with other cruise brands, has the potential of impacting future cruises.
6. Not Having Parental Consent
It’s important to remember that most cruise lines require notarized consent, signed by the parents, for single parents traveling with their children or accompanying children who aren’t their own.
Failing to provide a signed consent form can result in the cruise line denying boarding. To avoid this situation, verify the requirements with the cruise line before embarkation day.
7. Unruly Behaviour
Just like at the airport, cruise passengers should maintain a respectful and responsible demeanor during check-in. Cruisers who are disruptive, heavily intoxicated, or threatening at check-in can be denied boarding.
Cruise lines can deny access to a cruise passenger who is heavily under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
8. Pregnancy
A surprise to some, cruise lines have strict policies and guidelines when it comes to pregnancy and denial of boarding is possible in some circumstances.
Most cruise lines allow pregnant individuals to sail up until their 23rd week. However, if you’re pregnant, it’s important to check with your cruise line for guidance for your specific booking. The cruise line may require a doctor’s letter attesting to the health of both mother and baby.
This rule is in place because cruise ships have limited medical staff and resources to handle pregnancy-related emergencies.
9. Packing Your Government ID or Passports in Checked Luggage
One mistake that has unfortunately ruined many people’s cruise vacations, is packing their passports government ID in their checked luggage. If this happens to you, you may not be able to board the cruise ship.
When embarking on a cruise, it’s crucial to keep your important documents and government identification on your person. This way, you can avoid the risk of inadvertently stowing them in your checked luggage.
Unfortunately for cruisers who leave their government ID in their checked luggage, the chances of recovering it before it is loaded onto the cruise ship are slim. Thousands of people are all arriving in a short window of time, making it a challenging task to locate specific luggage.
10. Arriving Late
A major reason why cruise passengers are denied boarding is because they arrive late to the cruise port on embarkation day. Due to local customs and immigration, cruise lines have strict final check-in policies and boarding times.
Sadly, we’ve seen cases in the cruise news where passengers have been delayed and have arrived at the cruise terminal too late. To avoid this situation, it’s a good idea to fly in the day before your cruise and arrive at the port early on embarkation day.
Remember, the sooner you get on the cruise ship, the sooner your vacation begins!
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Final Thoughts on Reasons People Can Be Denied Boarding on a Cruise
Embarking on a cruise is an exciting adventure, but it requires careful preparation to avoid the disappointment and financial loss of being denied boarding. By understanding and following the cruise line’s requirements, you can guarantee a smooth and stress-free start to your cruise vacation.
Have you ever been denied boarding on a cruise ship? Please let me know in the comments below!
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising with his family since he was four years old and has been on more than 30 cruises. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.