Can you just get off a cruise ship at a port of call and decide to not come back? Is this a bad idea or an even worse idea? We’ll tackle that topic after a passenger thought about trying it.
It’s not entirely uncommon for cruise passengers to miss their ship when visiting a port of call. Usually, it’s an accident though, and there’s a mad dash down the pier to try to catch the ship before it sails off to the next stop.
Some have made it a veteran cruiser’s rite of passage to watch the “pier runners” that inevitably arrive 5 minutes before “all aboard” time. The lido deck is usually full of cheerleaders egging them on.
But what if you’re just done with the cruise experience or just want to get off the ship and stay off mid-cruise?
It might be tempting for U.S. travelers if the ship happens to be stopping at another U.S. port.
Well, that’s exactly what a recent Reddit user was asking the cruise community. They were staring down a Princess Cruise itinerary—NYC, Canada, back to NYC, with Boston as the last pit stop—and the question hit them: what if they just… didn’t get back on?
“If we decide we’re ready for the trip to be over, what exactly is the consequence of just getting off the boat in Boston? I think I’d tell someone (guest services, I suppose) but is this a bad idea for some reason?” the social media post asked.
Understanding the PVSA
My first response to this is to say, “please don’t try it”. And there are a number of reasons why, mainly because of the U.S. ports used in this example.
But it is somewhat of a complicated issue. The core issue being the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) of 1886. This law restricts foreign-flagged ships, the norm for cruise lines, from transporting passengers directly between U.S. ports without a stop at a ‘distant foreign port’ outside North America.
So, a trip from New York to Boston with a Canadian stop still violates this rule.
Consequences of Playing Hooky
Attempting to disembark in Boston without permission comes with consequences. First, you should expect to pay a hefty fine which could be as high as $900 to $1,000. And second, you could even be banned from the cruise line in some cases.
Even medical emergencies where the passenger cannot resume the trip but has to be transported to a hospital are not exempt from this rule. People in these situations often have to pay a fine as well.
So, add that to the ever-growing list of reasons to have cruise travel insurance no matter what.
Beyond the cost, you’ll encounter customs and immigration issues as it skips standard entry procedures, causing potential delays.
Also, take into account that you’re delaying the entire ship from leaving port as they wait for you and try to pinpoint your location. So, it’s not very courteous to everyone else on vacation.
It’s Different for Foreign Ports
Disembarking at a foreign port though, unlike a U.S. one, avoids PVSA restrictions altogether.
User u/seoulbro’s experience in Victoria, Canada, demonstrates this: after informing the cruise line, they disembarked with no legal issues, just a routine passport check.
“We let the cruise know a few days in advance, they took our passports, then returned them the next day. No charge, and we just left!” they said.
While the PVSA is irrelevant at foreign ports, passengers still need to notify the cruise line, comply with local immigration rules, and understand any specific policies the cruise line might have regarding disembarkation.
They are also responsible for their own travel arrangements from that foreign port.
A Few Things to Remember
It’s important to know that while the PVSA doesn’t apply at foreign ports, cruise lines still have their own policies regarding disembarkation. Passengers should always:
- Notify the Cruise Line: Even when leaving at a foreign port, it’s essential to inform the cruise line in advance. This allows them to update passenger manifests and coordinate with local authorities if necessary. Some cruise lines have special forms to fill out if you want to get off early.
- Comply with Local Immigration: Passengers must still follow the immigration rules of the foreign country. This may involve having a valid passport, visa, or other necessary documentation.
- Understand Cruise Line Policies: Cruise lines may have their own rules regarding disembarkation, even at foreign ports. These policies may address baggage handling, check-out procedures, and potential fees. Don’t just read random advice on a forum online. Find out straight from the source.
- Consider Transportation: Passengers leaving at a foreign port are responsible for arranging their own onward travel. It might seem like an obvious point, but you have to get home somehow.
Bottom Line
So, before you decide to skip the ship in a U.S. port, remember the fines, the potential bans, and the disruption you’ll cause. If you’re set on leaving early, a one-way cruise or a foreign port disembarkation might be a better route. And always—always—talk to the cruise line first. They’re the ones who set the rules, after all.
