What happens if I miss embarkation?

The cruise line may refund some of the charges, such as the port charges and service charges, but they won't refund the cabin fare. You have the option of travelling to the first port of call to join the cruise, but it may be costly to get there and so not worth the financial outlay.



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Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or you will not be permitted to sail. If you choose to fly ChoiceAir, Royal Caribbean automatically displays only the airline schedules that will enable you to meet your cruise.

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It is usually not possible to board a cruise ship at a port of call. In a few circumstances, the cruise lines may give passengers pre approved permission but this isn't common. If the cruise takes place in the US guests cannot embark and disembark at different US ports as per the Passenger Vessel Services Act.

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The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short waits. The trick is knowing when that will be. Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.

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Many first-time cruisers don't realize that they won't be able to go directly to their staterooms upon boarding. Pass the time while you wait for your room to be ready and for the ship to set sail by enjoying lunch on the Lido Deck of the ship.

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What will happen is the cruise line will fly you home, but will deduct from your wages what you owe, Jim Walker, a Miami-based maritime lawyer who represents cruise workers and passengers, told Insider. So it's a very punitive type of step if you try to quit and go home.

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Royal Caribbean International requires guests to be checked in no later than 60 minutes prior to the scheduled sailing time*. Guests arriving late will not be permitted to sail.

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While boarding times and procedures can vary significantly depending on cruise ship, your stateroom category, or your status with that cruise line, but boarding typically begins in the late morning and continues until about an hour or so before departure.

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On disembarkation day, the cruise disembarkation process usually starts at around 8 am. Usually, passengers with priority disembarkation and airport transfers sponsored by the cruise will be called first, followed by self-disembarkation and color-coded groups. Once your group is called, you will disembark the ship.

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Cruise lines typically follow strict departure times at all ports of call. While exceptions may be made for passengers participating in excursions organized by the cruise line, the cruise ship generally does not wait for late passengers.

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It all depends on which cruise line you are sailing with and how busy the terminal is. Boarding will continue up until one to two hours before the scheduled departure time. If you arrive at the terminal a few minutes before the ship's departure, you will not be allowed on.

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Speer said some newbies opt to get their feet wet by taking a three-day cruise, but she warned that is a terrible idea. The cruise lines usually put their oldest vessels on their shortest routes, so in order to go on the nicer ships, you need to primarily do a seven-day or longer cruise, Speer said.

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One sure-fire way to muck up your embarkation day is by smuggling illegal substances or going over your allotted amount of carry-on alcohol. Embarkation day will be much more peaceful if you don't get busted by ship's security. Whether it's drugs, alcohol or a clothing iron -- leave it at home.

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Many people sleep better on cruise ships than they have in years on land, something to do with the stress-free lifestyle and the gentle rock of the ship in the water. A minority however fall into the category of boat-based insomniacs, the following advice is aimed at you guys.

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If you miss the ship, you'll have to either meet it in a subsequent port of call or call it a wash and head home. Your cruise line, travel agent or travel insurance provider might be able to help you make the plans; otherwise, you'll have to make arrangements on your own.

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How many people fall overboard on cruise ships every year? Between 2009 and 2019, there have been 212 man overboard incidents on cruise ships, according to a Report on Operational Incidents issued by the Cruise Lines International Association. That works out to roughly 19 overboards each year.

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