Maybe it is because the media has been getting this information out to the general public, but is seems there have been more and more issues of people being denied boarding at the ports for one reason or another. I thought that this might be a good time to go over some issues regarding what you can be denied boarding for at the port.
There are many reasons you can be denied boarding a cruise ship – if you follow the rules and read all the information the cruise lines have it should go smoothly. Keep in mind – the cruise lines want you on board their ship- they make more money with on board concessions, therefore they are going to try to get you aboard.
Here are some issues that can get you denied boarding when you get to the port:
You do not have a passport or proper 'Proof of Citizenship
Your passport is going to expire within six months
You do not have the proper visas and proof or inoculations you need for the countries you are visiting
You are not old enough to travel without another adult of proper age
You are minor and do not have a notarized letter from your legal guardian
You are more than 24 weeks pregnant
You are not healthy
The most issues that come up is with passports and correct proof of citizenship. I would like to point out that all U.S citizens should have a valid passport to travel outside of the U.S. However – because of the problems that the Dept. of State has with issuing passports in a timely manner they have extended the need to have a passport for cruises to the Caribbean (currently) until June 2009 (this can and may change again). Therefore a U.S. Citizen can cruise from the U.S. to the Caribbean with a certified copy of a birth certificate issued by the state from which you were born along with a Government issued picture ID (i.e., drivers license)
FYI: Some folks have been using a certificate of birth issued by the hospital where they were born for many things during their life – this is NOT an official birth certificate. It must be issued by the state and have a raised State Seal. Also know that if you are traveling on a birth certificate and an issue arises in a foreign country and you need to fly home – there will be issues trying to return to the U.S. by air. Best to have a passport. Visit www.travel.state.gov for any information regarding passports.
We in the travel industry try to make sure you have what you need in order to travel, but as you can imagine there is always a special circumstance that needs clarification – this is when you need to contact the state department. If you are traveling by air to anywhere out of the country you need a passport. Make sure you do not win the fabulous trip to Bermuda that you have to take next week – no passport – no Bermuda. Its that simple.
Some countries require that your current passport has a couple of empty pages to be stamped by their immigration officials. Those same countries (and others) also may require that your passport be valid for six months after your return date. Still some countries require that you have specific vaccination to visit their country.
Many issues have arisen over minors traveling. I will try to explain here:
You are considered a minor if you are under 21. If you are a minor you cannot travel aboard a ship without someone 21 or over (on Carnival age 25 needs to be in the stateroom with anyone under 21).
If that someone is not a legal guardian – then you must have a notarized letter from your parent giving permission for you to leave the country with this person who will take full responsibility for your actions as well as make an necessary medical decisions should the occasion arise. Drinking age on board the ships is 21.
If you are pregnant and 24 weeks along (or more) you will be denied boarding. The cruise lines do not have the facilities to care of you or the baby should you deliver early. If you have other health issues – you should check with the cruise line before showing up – particularly if you have anything that could be considered contagious.
There may be some other remote security and health reasons you may be denied boarding – too many variables to be listed. If you have a question – call your travel agent – they will try to get the answer from the cruise line or airline.
Bottom line – do a little homework. Contact your travel agent to see what issues can arise. We pretty much are seeing it all these days. Have questions? ASK!
