Most cruise lines have port agents stationed in the port area to assist if your ship has left without you. In cases when cruisers are late returning to the vessel, the ship's crew will often remove the passengers' essential items -- passports, cell phones and medication -- from the ship to leave with the port agents.

If you miss your cruise ship at a port of call, you are generally responsible for the logistical and financial burden of rejoining the vessel at its next destination. In 2026, most major cruise lines have port agents stationed at the dock specifically to assist "pier runners" who have been left behind. These agents often hold onto your essential items—such as passports, cell phones, and medications—which the ship's crew removes from your cabin before departure if they realize you are missing. You will need to contact the ship’s emergency number or the cruise line’s guest services immediately to coordinate travel. While the cruise line may help facilitate your travel arrangements, you must pay for the flights, hotels, and transportation required to "catch up" unless the delay was caused by a cruise-sponsored excursion. If you cannot rejoin the ship, you may have to fly home, in which case the cruise line will eventually ship your remaining luggage to you, though usually at a significant personal expense.