Cancel? or can DH join a couple days later?

[chloemonkey]

I am SO upset as we have had this trip booked for a long time....but my husband is involved in a legal proceeding and may have to miss our upcoming trip.

 

And I know that many will say "rebook" etc.....but this was an itinerary that is NOT offered routinely and we were given an EXCELLENT price through CAS...AND booked with SO many freebies....

 

We had been advised that this legal action would "settle" way before this cruise.....but alas it has not. So.......now it is up in the air and it is very likey that it WILL settle....but not until a couple of days after the cruise has sailed.

 

So my question is this.....is it possible for me to leave as scheduled on this 12 day cruise and for my husband to catch up in a day or two? I know that I will have to contact NCL to get all of this confirmed, etc. if this indeed is the course that we decide to take....but just wondered if any on you had experience in this sort of situation?

 

I guess my main question is ....can one member join up with the cruise at a later date (at their own expense of course!) and who handles this sort of situation?

 

Hope this makes sense! As I have to begin to cancel air, hotels and the actual cruise within the next couple of days......OR go on my own and hope that DH can just join me at a later date....

[SuiteTraveler]

You don't say where the cruise is originating from and going to or whether or not this is a closed loop cruise and these issues make all the difference in the answer to your question. If the cruise originates in the US, then the cruise will be subject to cabotage laws. If the cruise originates in Europe, Asia, Australia or even the South Pacific or South America then the rules are completely different. In your situation, I would call the cruise line and ask them what the rules are for this specific situation and if your husband can or cannot join the cruise in progress. If your husband cannot join the cruise after it has sailed from the home port, then you will have to decide what you want to do. If he must be in court, I believe that your cruise insurance will pay for your husband's trip cancellation at the very least and possibly yours as well. If it turns out he cannot join the cruise in progress, you might want to think about inviting one of your friends to join you instead and changing your reservation to include them in place of your husband.

 

Here is information about cabotage laws and the Jones Act:

http://cruiseco.com/Resources/cabotage.htm

 

Some cruises overseas, particularly river cruises, you can legally join BUT it is highly problematic to attempt to join the cruise as they don't know exactly where the ship will be docked at any specific time.

 

Really, the ONLY way to get the right information about what is possible is to call the cruise line and ask them.

[bonvoyagie]

To answer your question we really need to know more about the cruise. The main issue is the PVSA rules.

 

If it is the POA transpacific before or after its upcoming dry dock - then there is no problem with your DH joining you in Hawaii.

 

Any other cruise depends on when the visit to the foreign port is.

I think I would call your TA or NCL and discuss the exact cruise and situation.

[kerryincork]

But I have read many accounts of people missing the ship due to late flights and getting on board at the next stop?

I've also read about a $300 fine that the passenger pays because of the above laws.

[chengkp75]

If we assume this is a closed loop cruise from the US, there are a couple of scenarios.

 

One, if the port the husband joins in is a non-US port, then the PVSA does not come into effect, since his cruise now starts in a foreign port and ends in the US, so the PVSA has no bearing. Most of the cases of delayed boarding due to weather, airlines, etc, that are allowed late embarkation fall in this case.

 

Generally, if the delayed boarding is at a US port, and the cruise will terminate in another US port, the cruise line will not allow this, and no, you cannot just pay the $300 fine. The fine is levied against the cruise line by CBP, and repeated violations of the PVSA can result in loss of home porting rights in US ports. The ticket contract is the only reason the cruise line can pass the fine to you, you are allowing them the right to do so.

 

Even discounting the PVSA, downstream boarding has become much rarer over the last 2-3 years, due to changes in CBP rules. When a ship sails from a US port, the passenger manifest is given to CBP at departure, and is then used throughout the cruise to run background checks on all the passengers. This allows for the cursory CBP interview when disembarking back at the US port. When a passenger boards at a different port, or leaves early (regardless of whether it is voluntary or not on the part of the passenger), a new passenger manifest must be made and submitted to CBP, and the processing of this manifest is charged again, based on the number of passengers on it, regardless of whether those passengers had already been screened using the previous manifest. The customs and immigration officials at the foreign port of downstream boarding will also have to process both the arriving and departing manifests, which will be different. This additional paperwork and cost makes downstream boarding unattractive to the lines. Since just one passenger not being on a closed loop cruise makes the cruise no longer a closed loop itinerary, CBP can, and sometimes does, subject the disembarking passengers to a more thorough interview (more like an international flight), which delays passengers, and the cruise lines don't like the complaints about this, either. So, "voluntary" downstream boarding is becoming much rarer, and is only upon approval by the cruise line.

[cookmg40]

I did this in 2000 on a Carnival ship. My BF and family boarded the ship in Florida (7 day r/t Caribbean cruise). I joined the cruise a few days later in Puerto Rico. We did have an international stop before the cruise ended in Florida. The cruise line was aware of me arriving in PR and I was escorted on by 2 officers.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[dexddd]

To answer your question we really need to know more about the cruise. The main issue is the PVSA rules.

 

If it is the POA transpacific before or after its upcoming dry dock - then there is no problem with your DH joining you in Hawaii.

 

Any other cruise depends on when the visit to the foreign port is.

I think I would call your TA or NCL and discuss the exact cruise and situation.

 

I'm not thinking it is the trip from SFO to HNL post drydock as that is advertised as a 11 day and there is no trip with paying guests (as far as i"ve ever seen) from HNL to SFO pre-drydock.

[Demonyte]

I did this in 2000 on a Carnival ship. My BF and family boarded the ship in Florida (7 day r/t Caribbean cruise). I joined the cruise a few days later in Puerto Rico. We did have an international stop before the cruise ended in Florida. The cruise line was aware of me arriving in PR and I was escorted on by 2 officers.

 

 

That is (and was already back then) a direct violation of PVSA as described above - unless the "international stop" was one of the ABC islands, as all other Caribbean ports are considered staying in North America in the scope of that law.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passenger_Vessel_Services_Act_of_1886

[cookmg40]

That is (and was already back then) a direct violation of PVSA as described above - unless the "international stop" was one of the ABC islands, as all other Caribbean ports are considered staying in North America in the scope of that law.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passenger_Vessel_Services_Act_of_1886

 

 

I don't think the cruise went that far south. It was a 7day r/t Thanksgiving cruise from Florida. It was my first-ever cruise and I was a total newbie! I would not have had any idea about this rule. But have since learned about it here on CC!

 

But I have photos of me boarding the ship with the two officers....they were very handsome! [emoji1]

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[watchdiva]

Maybe the 12 day Getaway Caribbean that leaves on 10/31? It's a unique itinerary....

[chengkp75]

That is (and was already back then) a direct violation of PVSA as described above - unless the "international stop" was one of the ABC islands, as all other Caribbean ports are considered staying in North America in the scope of that law.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passenger_Vessel_Services_Act_of_1886

 

Actually, it wasn't, and isn't a violation of the PVSA, since transportation between Puerto Rico and the Mainland US by foreign flag vessels is exempt from the PVSA.

 

And, as I've said, the downstream boarding limitations are relatively new, within the past 2-3 years.

[sparks1093]

If we assume this is a closed loop cruise from the US, there are a couple of scenarios.

 

One, if the port the husband joins in is a non-US port, then the PVSA does not come into effect, since his cruise now starts in a foreign port and ends in the US, so the PVSA has no bearing. Most of the cases of delayed boarding due to weather, airlines, etc, that are allowed late embarkation fall in this case.

 

Generally, if the delayed boarding is at a US port, and the cruise will terminate in another US port, the cruise line will not allow this, and no, you cannot just pay the $300 fine. The fine is levied against the cruise line by CBP, and repeated violations of the PVSA can result in loss of home porting rights in US ports. The ticket contract is the only reason the cruise line can pass the fine to you, you are allowing them the right to do so.

 

Even discounting the PVSA, downstream boarding has become much rarer over the last 2-3 years, due to changes in CBP rules. When a ship sails from a US port, the passenger manifest is given to CBP at departure, and is then used throughout the cruise to run background checks on all the passengers. This allows for the cursory CBP interview when disembarking back at the US port. When a passenger boards at a different port, or leaves early (regardless of whether it is voluntary or not on the part of the passenger), a new passenger manifest must be made and submitted to CBP, and the processing of this manifest is charged again, based on the number of passengers on it, regardless of whether those passengers had already been screened using the previous manifest. The customs and immigration officials at the foreign port of downstream boarding will also have to process both the arriving and departing manifests, which will be different. This additional paperwork and cost makes downstream boarding unattractive to the lines. Since just one passenger not being on a closed loop cruise makes the cruise no longer a closed loop itinerary, CBP can, and sometimes does, subject the disembarking passengers to a more thorough interview (more like an international flight), which delays passengers, and the cruise lines don't like the complaints about this, either. So, "voluntary" downstream boarding is becoming much rarer, and is only upon approval by the cruise line.

 

I fail to see how one passenger boarding at a foreign port turns the whole cruise into a non-closed loop cruise for all of the other passengers. If this were so then all those with birth certificates would be sol since they would require passport/passport card/enhanced drivers license (of course if CBP is interpreting it this way I can understand why it wouldn't be allowed by the line, and I do realize that a government agency need not always be logical and right, so it really wouldn't surprise me if CBP does look at it that way). I do believe that CBP does charge for each version of a manifest and it's that charge that probably drives this more than anything.

 

I know that I certainly wouldn't set out to meet the ship without the strongest assurances from the cruise line that I would be able to board.

 

OP, I would ask DH's lawyer to ask for a continuance so this could be handled when you get back. It's at least worth a shot.

[chengkp75]

I fail to see how one passenger boarding at a foreign port turns the whole cruise into a non-closed loop cruise for all of the other passengers. If this were so then all those with birth certificates would be sol since they would require passport/passport card/enhanced drivers license (of course if CBP is interpreting it this way I can understand why it wouldn't be allowed by the line, and I do realize that a government agency need not always be logical and right, so it really wouldn't surprise me if CBP does look at it that way). I do believe that CBP does charge for each version of a manifest and it's that charge that probably drives this more than anything.

 

I know that I certainly wouldn't set out to meet the ship without the strongest assurances from the cruise line that I would be able to board.

 

OP, I would ask DH's lawyer to ask for a continuance so this could be handled when you get back. It's at least worth a shot.

 

It does not affect the "closed loop" status of the itinerary with regards to the WHTI, which allows the use of BC/DL documentation. It changes the status of the voyage with because the new manifest was submitted in a foreign port, and this now becomes a foreign voyage, for purposes of clearing at port of entry.

 

NCL had problems with this a couple years back. They sold cruises that were round trip Tampa, calling in Belize, if I recall. They also sold this to European customers as a round trip Belize cruise. So, while the passengers who were round trip Tampa were considered to be on a closed loop WHTI cruise, because there were people who had boarded in Belize, and who were "in transit" (and were cleared separately) going back to Belize (and since this cruise started and ended in a foreign port, PVSA had nothing to do with it), CBP subjected all passengers disembarking at Tampa to a full CBP interview.

[sparks1093]

It does not affect the "closed loop" status of the itinerary with regards to the WHTI, which allows the use of BC/DL documentation. It changes the status of the voyage with because the new manifest was submitted in a foreign port, and this now becomes a foreign voyage, for purposes of clearing at port of entry.

 

NCL had problems with this a couple years back. They sold cruises that were round trip Tampa, calling in Belize, if I recall. They also sold this to European customers as a round trip Belize cruise. So, while the passengers who were round trip Tampa were considered to be on a closed loop WHTI cruise, because there were people who had boarded in Belize, and who were "in transit" (and were cleared separately) going back to Belize (and since this cruise started and ended in a foreign port, PVSA had nothing to do with it), CBP subjected all passengers disembarking at Tampa to a full CBP interview.

 

Got it, thanks as always for the lucid explanations:).

[chloemonkey]

Maybe the 12 day Getaway Caribbean that leaves on 10/31? It's a unique itinerary....

 

BINGO! Sorry as I was trying to add more information last night but my computer/ipad was not cooperating! This is the trip in question.....

 

A "continuation" is not an option at this point as the judge is already angry at the opposing side due to their previous delays....so no one wants to face upsetting him further.....at least that is the way that I understand it.

 

At this point, it just seems like too much trouble....and I am sad.....but may still give NCL a call to see what they have to say.

 

Thank you all for the info that you have provided!

[dolita22]

BINGO! Sorry as I was trying to add more information last night but my computer/ipad was not cooperating! This is the trip in question.....

 

A "continuation" is not an option at this point as the judge is already angry at the opposing side due to their previous delays....so no one wants to face upsetting him further.....at least that is the way that I understand it.

 

At this point, it just seems like too much trouble....and I am sad.....but may still give NCL a call to see what they have to say.

 

Thank you all for the info that you have provided!

 

Just wanted to say good luck and I hope that you are both able to go! My parents are also on that cruise and have been looking forward to it for quite some time because of the itinerary. I hope something works out for you!

[nyc12345]

Your husband should be able to join the cruise since the stops are not in US. But who is the one that got the CAS offer? If it's your husband, they may give you problems since they want to get his gambling money and won't know for sure your husband will be joining you. Best bet is to call CAS and see what they say, good luck!

[NMLady]

BINGO! Sorry as I was trying to add more information last night but my computer/ipad was not cooperating! This is the trip in question.....

 

A "continuation" is not an option at this point as the judge is already angry at the opposing side due to their previous delays....so no one wants to face upsetting him further.....at least that is the way that I understand it.

 

At this point, it just seems like too much trouble....and I am sad.....but may still give NCL a call to see what they have to say.

 

Thank you all for the info that you have provided!

 

Since it was booked through CAS, they are your travel agent. You might need to call them. When I had a CAS booking and called NCL, I was told to call CAS.

 

Is the CAS perk yours or your husband's? That also affects the booking.

[chloemonkey]

Since it was booked through CAS, they are your travel agent. You might need to call them. When I had a CAS booking and called NCL, I was told to call CAS.

 

Is the CAS perk yours or your husband's? That also affects the booking.

 

Perks are mine....although he does come in a strong "second!".....but good point. I just do NOT want to make the call as that will mean I have to pull the plug so to speak......

 

Again, I am very appreciative of you people taking time out to bring me some more insight, etc.....

[rigs32]

Have you even asked for a continuance? Or for your husband's presence to be waived for the court date during your trip?

 

It seems unnecessarily cruel for a judge to deny such a thing if, in fact, your husband was not causing any of the delays and this trip was booked long ago. Except if you booked this cruise knowing there was a court date scheduled during the time frame. That would be on you. But if not, then why in the world did your husband's attorney not speak up and say he was unavailable that day?

[chloemonkey]

Have you even asked for a continuance? Or for your husband's presence to be waived for the court date during your trip?

 

It seems unnecessarily cruel for a judge to deny such a thing if, in fact, your husband was not causing any of the delays and this trip was booked long ago. Except if you booked this cruise knowing there was a court date scheduled during the time frame. That would be on you. But if not, then why in the world did your husband's attorney not speak up and say he was unavailable that day?

 

Why indeed! And it does not make life "easier" that the attorney is also our son in law.....so I am not casting stones....not yet anyway!

 

But thanks for your support.....we will give it one more day and then decide whether or not to cancel.

[chloemonkey]

I am SO upset as we have had this trip booked for a long time....but my husband is involved in a legal proceeding and may have to miss our upcoming trip.

 

And I know that many will say "rebook" etc.....but this was an itinerary that is NOT offered routinely and we were given an EXCELLENT price through CAS...AND booked with SO many freebies....

 

We had been advised that this legal action would "settle" way before this cruise.....but alas it has not. So.......now it is up in the air and it is very likey that it WILL settle....but not until a couple of days after the cruise has sailed.

 

So my question is this.....is it possible for me to leave as scheduled on this 12 day cruise and for my husband to catch up in a day or two? I know that I will have to contact NCL to get all of this confirmed, etc. if this indeed is the course that we decide to take....but just wondered if any on you had experience in this sort of situation?

 

I guess my main question is ....can one member join up with the cruise at a later date (at their own expense of course!) and who handles this sort of situation?

 

Hope this makes sense! As I have to begin to cancel air, hotels and the actual cruise within the next couple of days......OR go on my own and hope that DH can just join me at a later date....

 

There were many responses over my earlier post.....and a "few" of them were even helpful! Just wanted anyone that was interested to know that we DID make the cruise!

 

Of course I had to cancel our original flight reservations TWO times...as I kept bumping the date forward....our last flight was reserved for 2:00 pm on Friday.....the day before the cruise set sail. I had spent MANY hours researching wide body flights, etc......hotel was also cancelled two times and eventually CANCELED - as the case was FINALLY settled at around the same time that out last flight reservation was leaving LA for Miami...

 

When my husband told me that the case HAD settled, he said to look for red-eye flights to Miami....and told me to PACK! Bottom line was there were no more First Class flights available....nor were there even economy flights with two seats together....but I booked two of the last three remaining seats on the red-eye.....packed in a frenzy.....and we MADE IT!

 

The Getaway and its Haven were SO great! AS was the once in "blue moon" itinerary of 12 days in the Southern Caribbean! LOVE John D'Souza as concierge.....he has been one of our favs since he was an asst butler.....also met many staff that we have sailed with previously...

 

We arrived in Miami around 7:00 am, had a car pick us up, went to the Intercontinental (where we had planned on spending two "restful" nights" for a buffet breakfast (not worth the money OR time!) and then on to the port.

 

Weather was great - with the exception of the day in St. Lucia.....TORRENTIAL rains! We were stuck on a catamaran for 7 hours coming and going.....roads were washed out, etc....ALL tours were affected and this was of course NOT the fault of NCL...although I DO wonder why they let all shore excursions proceed when they had to have some idea of the weather predictions......but we DID receive a 50% discount on this ports shore excursion - which was delivered to our cabin within 45 minutes of being back onboard. You KNOW it had to be bad as one of the ships officers and another crew member met us at the dock with WARMED towels, hot chocolate and a VERY worried expression on their faces!

 

So that was the only "down" side....but we heard many worse tales from those on horseback excursions, zip lines, etc. We just laughed and told ourselves that it would always give us a reason to remember St. Lucia!

 

Ship is beautiful.....we ate many meals in the Haven Restaurant....and I found their filet mignon to be BETTER than Cagneys! But of course we still love Cagneys and ate there 3 times......Le Bistro was good - same as usual, La Cucina was "ok".....they really have to get better at serving the food HOT! But we also ate there twice.......Teppanyaki was really good....sorry that we did not dine in any of the regular dining rooms....nor did we see any shows. We are all about the beach during the day and the casino at night!

 

I have sailed in the Haven four times now....and this was our first experience with a Haven that has its own restaurant. I have to say that I am now SPOILED for this option! We are booked for January on the Jewel...and although I LOVED the Jewel the last two times we sailed on her....I am now already missing the Haven restaurant option!

 

Service was great all around.....the buffet was a "B"......sort of disappointed there as we did try that option for a couple of lunches......LOVED the sugary things with guava on the deck at the restaurant that serves rather Cuban food! I would eat lunch at the Haven or elsewhere and then walk to this spot to pick up one or two of these pastries!

 

The pool area did seem to be full....but I find that to be the case with most ships...and did NOT notice a difference on this one. Again, we were fortunate in that we had the Haven which always had plenty of lounges, pool beds, etc. at any time that we chose.

 

I was so impressed with the Getaway that I am "thinking" of changing my Aaegean Sea trip in June to a "back to back" carribean on the Getaway again! As I said...for me - it is all about the beaches and the casino. I do NOT feel rested when on a cruise that I feel that I have to do a ton of sightseeing on.

 

Thanks for reading! And we were SO happy to make this trip and itinerary.....even though it did not look good there for a bit! I was never so happy to board an airplane.....red-eye and economy without being able to sit with DH - did not even PHASE me! As I was just happy to be able to take this long anticipated and planned for trip!

 

Not sure that I can help with much more "critique" but am more than willing if anyone has questions.....just wanted those that responded to my "plight" to hear how it all turned out.....

[SuiteCruiser]

There were many responses over my earlier post.....and a "few" of them were even helpful! Just wanted anyone that was interested to know that we DID make the cruise!

 

Of course I had to cancel our original flight reservations TWO times...as I kept bumping the date forward....our last flight was reserved for 2:00 pm on Friday.....the day before the cruise set sail. I had spent MANY hours researching wide body flights, etc......hotel was also cancelled two times and eventually CANCELED - as the case was FINALLY settled at around the same time that out last flight reservation was leaving LA for Miami...

 

When my husband told me that the case HAD settled, he said to look for red-eye flights to Miami....and told me to PACK! Bottom line was there were no more First Class flights available....nor were there even economy flights with two seats together....but I booked two of the last three remaining seats on the red-eye.....packed in a frenzy.....and we MADE IT!

 

The Getaway and its Haven were SO great! AS was the once in "blue moon" itinerary of 12 days in the Southern Caribbean! LOVE John D'Souza as concierge.....he has been one of our favs since he was an asst butler.....also met many staff that we have sailed with previously...

 

We arrived in Miami around 7:00 am, had a car pick us up, went to the Intercontinental (where we had planned on spending two "restful" nights" for a buffet breakfast (not worth the money OR time!) and then on to the port.

 

Weather was great - with the exception of the day in St. Lucia.....TORRENTIAL rains! We were stuck on a catamaran for 7 hours coming and going.....roads were washed out, etc....ALL tours were affected and this was of course NOT the fault of NCL...although I DO wonder why they let all shore excursions proceed when they had to have some idea of the weather predictions......but we DID receive a 50% discount on this ports shore excursion - which was delivered to our cabin within 45 minutes of being back onboard. You KNOW it had to be bad as one of the ships officers and another crew member met us at the dock with WARMED towels, hot chocolate and a VERY worried expression on their faces!

 

So that was the only "down" side....but we heard many worse tales from those on horseback excursions, zip lines, etc. We just laughed and told ourselves that it would always give us a reason to remember St. Lucia!

 

Ship is beautiful.....we ate many meals in the Haven Restaurant....and I found their filet mignon to be BETTER than Cagneys! But of course we still love Cagneys and ate there 3 times......Le Bistro was good - same as usual, La Cucina was "ok".....they really have to get better at serving the food HOT! But we also ate there twice.......Teppanyaki was really good....sorry that we did not dine in any of the regular dining rooms....nor did we see any shows. We are all about the beach during the day and the casino at night!

 

I have sailed in the Haven four times now....and this was our first experience with a Haven that has its own restaurant. I have to say that I am now SPOILED for this option! We are booked for January on the Jewel...and although I LOVED the Jewel the last two times we sailed on her....I am now already missing the Haven restaurant option!

 

Service was great all around.....the buffet was a "B"......sort of disappointed there as we did try that option for a couple of lunches......LOVED the sugary things with guava on the deck at the restaurant that serves rather Cuban food! I would eat lunch at the Haven or elsewhere and then walk to this spot to pick up one or two of these pastries!

 

The pool area did seem to be full....but I find that to be the case with most ships...and did NOT notice a difference on this one. Again, we were fortunate in that we had the Haven which always had plenty of lounges, pool beds, etc. at any time that we chose.

 

I was so impressed with the Getaway that I am "thinking" of changing my Aaegean Sea trip in June to a "back to back" carribean on the Getaway again! As I said...for me - it is all about the beaches and the casino. I do NOT feel rested when on a cruise that I feel that I have to do a ton of sightseeing on.

 

Thanks for reading! And we were SO happy to make this trip and itinerary.....even though it did not look good there for a bit! I was never so happy to board an airplane.....red-eye and economy without being able to sit with DH - did not even PHASE me! As I was just happy to be able to take this long anticipated and planned for trip!

 

Not sure that I can help with much more "critique" but am more than willing if anyone has questions.....just wanted those that responded to my "plight" to hear how it all turned out.....

 

So glad it all worked out for you! I too love the Haven Restaurant, but found I needed to make time for it at dinner, as I had all of my favourite specialties to hit too :)

[StolidCruiser]

Glad to hear it all worked out in the end and you had a wonderful experience.

[sparks1093]

Thanks for the update and also glad you had a good time!