Long time NCL cruiser. AWEFUL EXPERIENCE!

[Anoynmous Phoenix]

To everyone without a passport, GET ONE!!   Then there is no chance of anyone changing the regulations at the last minute.

 

A P

[davencl]

24 minutes ago, dbrown84 said:

To OP, I'm looking forward to your update on Monday, and it needs to start "we just boarded...". 🤞

Yes it will be interesting as I got this exact email today.  My cruise isn't until April 5,2024.

[dbrown84]

Just now, davencl said:

Yes it will be interesting as I got this exact email today.  My cruise isn't until April 5,2024.

nice.  and to me, this was the OP's biggest gripe.  Had he had 6 months notice, this would be a non-issue.

[hallux]

3 minutes ago, dbrown84 said:

Had he had 6 months notice, this would be a non-issue.

To be fair - he had as much prior notice as the amount of time he's ahd the cruise booked.  The agreement (that apparently nobody reads, I didn't but I have the required documentation for my upcoming cruise as I DO have a passport) clearly indicates what documentation is needed for which types of cruises.

 

This is also where having an attentive TA is helpful - they should have notified of what documentation is needed.

[dbrown84]

Just now, hallux said:

To be fair - he had as much prior notice as the amount of time he's ahd the cruise booked.  The agreement (that apparently nobody reads, I didn't but I have the required documentation for my upcoming cruise as I DO have a passport) clearly indicates what documentation is needed for which types of cruises.

 

This is also where having an attentive TA is helpful - they should have notified of what documentation is needed.

OMG!!!  we're talking about the email.  He received the email 3 days before the cruise.  I guess I should have wrote "had he gotten the email 6 months in advance...".  Sorry for saying "notice"

[BirdTravels]

3 hours ago, cruiser2015 said:

I got that.

Seems like another NCL foul up. But that doesn't help your situation. They would refuse boarding when you are asked to present your docs at the pier.

It seems you're in a really bad situation here. If you can find fault with NCL somewhere along the way (I don't think the bad check in is enough as it's too recent), maybe you have some recourse towards a FCC as opposed to a forfeiture.

 

NCL is clean. The documentation requirements are VERY CLEAR to comply with the United States Immigration requirements. If the OP chooses to ignore or not check the travel document requirements, not NCL’s fault. 
 

These requirements have never changed. 
 

I would hope that a frequent cruise would know that “closed loop” cruises, only, allow for a BC. All other cruises require a passport. 

 

For open-jaw sailings (cruises that depart from one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port), you are required to carry:

• A valid passport
• U.S. passport card
• U.S. or Canadian Enhanced Drivers License
• Permanent residents of the U.S. are required to carry their valid ARC cards for boarding AND passport from their country of citizenship, if available.

[davencl]

I think the OP should be grateful.  He at least has a slim chance of resolving whereas had he shown up at the pier no chance.

[compfixer]

1 minute ago, davencl said:

I think the OP should be grateful.  He at least has a slim chance of resolving whereas had he shown up at the pier no chance.

 

My karma usually 100% good! So probably a monsoon coming. Gotta look at the positive! (For me anyways) 

 

😳

 

[cruiser2015]

43 minutes ago, compfixer said:

It's a fun process, but I like a challenge. But I'm done with the corporate side of NCL. 

 

I've always ll loved the crew ships and itineraries. 

 

But it's like an unfaithful woman... Only takes one time to get the boot!

However you ended up in this mess, it's a horrible situation.

I hope that your companion gets her passport and that you can get on board.

 

I served back in the 1970's, but nothing compared to your record.

Thanks so much for your what you have done for America!

 

Assuming you do make it on board, try to enjoy the cruise and hold your hatred for NCL until you disembark.

Best of luck!!

Please let us folks back here on CC know how things turn out.

[cruiser2015]

17 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

 

NCL is clean. The documentation requirements are VERY CLEAR to comply with the United States Immigration requirements. If the OP chooses to ignore or not check the travel document requirements, not NCL’s fault. 
 

These requirements have never changed. 
 

I would hope that a frequent cruise would know that “closed loop” cruises, only, allow for a BC. All other cruises require a passport. 

 

For open-jaw sailings (cruises that depart from one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port), you are required to carry:

• A valid passport
• U.S. passport card
• U.S. or Canadian Enhanced Drivers License
• Permanent residents of the U.S. are required to carry their valid ARC cards for boarding AND passport from their country of citizenship, if available.

Okay with what you said overall.

My main complaint here was that I don't think it would take a genius to program the NCL check in process to cross check the requirements for the passenger's cruise against their offered docs. As with many things, there's room for improvement.

[omahabob]

44 minutes ago, dbrown84 said:

nice.  and to me, this was the OP's biggest gripe.  Had he had 6 months notice, this would be a non-issue.

He had notice. It was on the web site six months ago.

[RD64]

1 hour ago, omahabob said:

The NCL web site has listed this requirement as far back as I can remember.

"A valid passport is required on all sailings that begin in one US port and end in another US port."

https://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/cruise-travel-documents

The check-in process doesn't account for this particular requirement because it's a customs and immigration requirement, not an NCL check-in requirement. The software also does not have the ability to sift through different passport requirements for every country on every cruise (they do differ). For instance, some accept passport cards, and some do not, even though US Customs will gladly accept it. As another example, those travelling under the Visa Waiver Program often don't require a passport at all. The variations are complex and numerous, and the iterations NCL would have to build in to the software to accommodate them would similarly be very complex, and prone to errors. It also could never be guaranteed as legal or binding. That's why the NCL web site simply lists the blanket requirement, and why all customers are individually responsible for reading it, and confirming what applies to them individually. Although what happened to the OP is regrettable, it is in no way the fault of NCL.

This requirement would mean that people have to be responsible for their own travel decisions - or perhaps work with a travel agent who could advise in advance.

[julig22]

29 minutes ago, cruiser2015 said:

Okay with what you said overall.

My main complaint here was that I don't think it would take a genius to program the NCL check in process to cross check the requirements for the passenger's cruise against their offered docs. As with many things, there's room for improvement.

As others have already said, that would be a huge liability and not a simple task.  Rules change, no way is NCL going to accept responsibility for approving documents for hundreds of destinations from passengers with hundreds  of different nationalities. And then add restrictions that complicate the situation, due to criminal records, resident alien status, etc.

I don't recall ever getting a reminder from the airlines about my needing a passport... They simply tell me to check in at the airport, won't let me get my boarding pass until they've seen my documents.

[compfixer]

39 minutes ago, omahabob said:

He had notice. It was on the web site six months ago.

 

I book less than a month out usually, and it's not an issue, worlds in turmoil, this is a bump in the road!

 

I was a rotary wing aviator and hate flying, not because of aircraft, but the bureaucracy. 

 

Covid era policy's have stuck, and they still play that too. Bleh!

 

For those crusing! Enjoy!

 

[hallux]

4 minutes ago, compfixer said:

I was a rotary wing aviator

You've said this several times - if you were certified on an Apache would you go try to fly a Chinook?  The cruises you've been on before are different from this one, meaning the requirements are different.

[compfixer]

1 minute ago, hallux said:

You've said this several times - if you were certified on an Apache would you go try to fly a Chinook?  The cruises you've been on before are different from this one, meaning the requirements are different.

Actually a ch 53 certified. 😂 153 A. And I do see a reference tho! 

 

But they have failsafes and checklists, that is my issue, birth certificate shouldn't even be an option for check in if it's not allowed.  

 

It's simple IF THEN ELSE programming. 

 

Principle goes much furrher than "I'm just following orders". 

 

Or in customer service, a script. 

[melodyesch]

I’m so sorry this happened!  I do feel there should be an automatic pop up or something to tell you about the passport requirement, especially if they let you book and check in with a BC.

 

I’m a very experienced cruiser, but honestly, I thought closed loop meant leaving from the US and returning to the US. We have passports and have always left from and returned to the same city so I guess I never gave it any thought. So sorry!

[dbrown84]

25 minutes ago, compfixer said:

Actually a ch 53 certified. 😂 153 A. And I do see a reference tho! 

 

But they have failsafes and checklists, that is my issue, birth certificate shouldn't even be an option for check in if it's not allowed.  

 

It's simple IF THEN ELSE programming. 

 

Principle goes much furrher than "I'm just following orders". 

 

Or in customer service, a script. 

very simple if then else programming.  Nowhere near as complicated as folks think.  

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, RD64 said:

This requirement would mean that people have to be responsible for their own travel decisions - or perhaps work with a travel agent who could advise in advance.

 

1 hour ago, cruiser2015 said:

Okay with what you said overall.

My main complaint here was that I don't think it would take a genius to program the NCL check in process to cross check the requirements for the passenger's cruise against their offered docs. As with many things, there's room for improvement.

100% true. Everyone is responsible.

 

You make a somewhat myopic assumption that 100% of the people on the cruise is a US citizen. We are on the cruise before the OP and there are over 45 different country passports onboard. Each may have different travel and Visa requirements depending on their passport. NCL, like any airline, can’t make determinations for every passenger. 
 

The prior NY departure was to Canada, while you can travel with a passport, you could be denied entry into Canada or denied boarding if you have a criminal record in the US, for something common like a DUI. 

[hallux]

42 minutes ago, compfixer said:

It's simple IF THEN ELSE programming. 

 

14 minutes ago, dbrown84 said:

very simple if then else programming.  Nowhere near as complicated as folks think. 

Sure, the programming is simple.  I'm sure the LAWYERS had a hand in things though.  As pointed out - if NCL just says 'we'll verify your documents are in order during check in' if something is amiss when you get to the pier with something out of sorts for some reason then NCL hold responsibility.  NCL just says 'it's on you to be sure you have proper documentation' and gives the requirements in the cruise contract.

 

If you want someone to hold your hand and tell you all is right - get a good TA and tell them you want that level of service.

[PATRLR]

15 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

 

100% true. Everyone is responsible.

 

You make a somewhat myopic assumption that 100% of the people on the cruise is a US citizen. We are on the cruise before the OP and there are over 45 different country passports onboard. Each may have different travel and Visa requirements depending on their passport. NCL, like any airline, can’t make determinations for every passenger. 

Oh really?  Are you sure about that?  Because NCL seems to have no problem making the decision right now for OP that they can NOT board.  

How is it that they can determine OP can't go, but they are unable to determine what is needed TO go?

Sorry, NCL has all the information they need to know what is required of the passenger.  NCL should have its systems protect from this situation.  

Lastly, the airlines do this ALL the time.  I don't know what airlines you are flying that you think can't make a determination as to the travel documents the passenger needs. Airlines figure it out because they are responsible for returning the passenger to the point of departure if they can't enter their destination country.

[ChiefMateJRK]

2 hours ago, cruiser2015 said:

My main complaint here was that I don't think it would take a genius to program the NCL check in process to cross check the requirements for the passenger's cruise against their offered docs.

Have you used NCL's website?  🤣

[IAcruising]

12 minutes ago, PATRLR said:

Oh really?  Are you sure about that?  Because NCL seems to have no problem making the decision right now for OP that they can NOT board.

 

You seem to be missing something somewhere. NCL hasn't made any decision regarding the OP. They just sent him an email.

 

It's when he gets to the ship that NCL will make a decision. They are simply pointing out what that decision may be.

 

[desibee]

3 hours ago, compfixer said:

It's a fun process, but I like a challenge. But I'm done with the corporate side of NCL. 

 

I've always ll loved the crew ships and itineraries. 

 

But it's like an unfaithful woman... Only takes one time to get the boot!

But NCL wasn't "unfaithful" to you.  You're the one who failed to appropriately plan for your cruise (or rather your college aged gf was the one who failed to appropriately plan by getting a passport or choosing a closed-loop cruise type).  Yes, it would be nice if NCL caught your whoopsie-doodle and fixed it for you but the fact that they didn't isn't a failure of corporate.  This is still, unfortunately, all on you guys.  Do better research next time.

[compfixer]

Just now, desibee said:

But NCL wasn't "unfaithful" to you.  You're the one who failed to appropriately plan for your cruise (or rather your college aged gf was the one who failed to appropriately plan by getting a passport or choosing a closed-loop cruise type).  Yes, it would be nice if NCL caught your whoopsie-doodle and fixed it for you but the fact that they didn't isn't a failure of corporate.  This is still, unfortunately, all on you guys.  Do better research next time.

 

I book directly through NCL casino at seas, have since 2011, they SHOULD know their own product and mention if something deviates from the norm. 

 

If I ran my business like that or my life for that matter, I'd be broke because I can't hide behind a website or scripted "it's our policy". 

 

Yes, it is what it is, I have this stupid thing called morals and pride, yeah, it was just port fees and taxes for.my free cruise, but it's the principle!

 

Main reason for this post is, hopefully someone else will learn from it! 

 

If they treat a loyal patron who literally spends more than he cares to mention in the casino, they'll do it ro Joe schmuck as well!

 

No honor or loyalty anymore, period, end of story.