What to do if you're left behind in a port and miss the boat???

[cherylandtk]

...3. If you miss the ship and DO NOT have your passport with you: The ship's Security Officer and a Hotel Officer will go to your cabin and try to find your passport in your safe, or hidden in your dirty underwear (happens quite often)...

Perhaps this particular action is specific only to certain lines or ships; but this did NOT happen last month in Cozumel on a Carnival ship. Passport was in the safe, young man was in Carlos N Charlie's, and his passport left with the ship. It was reported that it took "nearly as long as it took to get the new passport, within a day or so, to get the passport sent back to him by the cruiseline". And that timeframe is ~two weeks.

[cruisemom42]

Phillip since you go thru the drama often what is the percentage of casese were there was NOTHING the cruiser could have done? IE on shore and had planned to be back with lots of time but freeak situation consumed all the buffer. I'm not interested in tours 100km from port with plan to start back and make it in 2 hours that included poor time budget and poor judgement.

 

I have a feeling that a large percentage of "left behinds" involve consumption of alcohol in ports of the Caribbean and Mexico....:cool:

[Philip217]

Perhaps this particular action is specific only to certain lines or ships; but this did NOT happen last month in Cozumel on a Carnival ship. Passport was in the safe, young man was in Carlos N Charlie's, and his passport left with the ship. It was reported that it took "nearly as long as it took to get the new passport, within a day or so, to get the passport sent back to him by the cruiseline". And that timeframe is ~two weeks.

 

Good question.

I originally gave you the short version of the story.

The longer version is:

 

If you have missed the ship and DO NOT have your passport with you, the ship's port officer first determines if you will be required to have it ashore. Depending on your nationality, the country you are in, and what mood the local Immigration Officers might be in, you may require it and you may not.

If the local officials agree that you do not need the passport to stay ashore, the ship's Officers will not go through your personal belongings in your cabin, trying to find it.

Instead they will give your description and photo to the Port Agent. He will telephone Police, Airlines, Hospitals, Car Rentals, etc, trying to find you. Meanwhile he waits at the entrance of the cruise terminal, hoping you are smart enough to go back there. He is also hoping you were bright enough to carry the daily program with his contact numbers on it. When he eventually finds you, he will arrange to get you back to the ship at the next possible port - at your expense.

 

If you somehow do not show up or decide not to return to the ship, then you will have to wait for the cruise line to pack up your belongings and mail them to you. It could take a few weeks. Another good reason not to get drunk at Carlos and Charlies and miss your ship.

[Philip217]

I have a feeling that a large percentage of "left behinds" involve consumption of alcohol in ports of the Caribbean and Mexico....:cool:

 

Exactly.

If we were allowed to deny boarding based on IQ tests given in the cruise terminal, we could avoid nearly all cases of passengers missing the ship during the cruise.

[beachchick]

Exactly! The idea of missing the ship while on a ship sponsered excursion is so small, it isn't even worth mentioning.

 

Since there is mostly speculation and guesswork so far on this post, I may be able to assist. I go through this drama every week - sometimes in every port on certain itineraries.

 

1. If you are on a ship's excusrion, you are guaranteed to get back to the ship. 99.99% of the time the ship will wait if the tour is delayed. 00.01% of the time (basically never), the ship will not be able to wait for any number of reasons and the Cruise Line's Agent will arrange to get you to the ship in the next port.

 

2. If you miss the ship for any other reason and you HAVE your passport with you: The ship will give your details and a photo of you to the Agent. The Agent will be telephoning Police, Hospitals, Hotels, Airlines, Car Rentals, etc, trying to locate you. All the while he will be standing at the entrance to the cruise terminal, hoping you will show up. He is also hoping you were bright enough to take your daily program with his contact numbers with you when you went ashore. As soon as he locates you, or you locate him, he will arrange to get you to the ship at the next possible port - at your expense.

 

3. If you miss the ship and DO NOT have your passport with you: The ship's Security Officer and a Hotel Officer will go to your cabin and try to find your passport in your safe, or hidden in your dirty underwear (happens quite often). They will give your passport to the Agent. The Agent will be telephoning Police, Hospitals, Hotels, Airlines, Car Rentals, etc, trying to locate you. All the while he will be standing at the entrance to the cruise terminal, hoping you will show up. He is also hoping you were bright enough to take your daily program with his contact numbers with you when you went ashore. As soon as he locates you, or you locate him, he will arrange to get you to the ship at the next possible port - at your expense.

 

Yes, but "basically never" is not the same as "never under any circumstances." Members here have once in a blue moon recounted their story of being on a ship's excursion that was delayed, but the ship could not wait. Of course, the cruise line took care of the passengers and got them to the next port. But the point is that it has happened and no doubt will in the future. Someone who believed the ship would wait no matter how long and no matter what regardless of the circumstances, but who ended up being one of the very rare few on a ship's excursion where the ship couldn't wait, probably wouldn't care at that point that he or she was one of those one-in-however-many rare cases.

 

philip217: I have a question about your answers 2 and 3. If the cruise line had not heard from or been in contact with the passengers, how would the onboard staff know whether the passengers did or did not have their passports with them? Since closed loop cruises still do not require passports, how would you know if the passengers even brought or owned passports? If it's close to departure, do you go to the cabins before sailaway and start searching for passports for the passengers who are not yet back onboard? (I don't doubt at all that you often find passports in the strangest places! I mean, why would people put the darn things in the safe when they can stash them in with their dirty laundry? I'm sure you have some quite interesting stories about that.)

 

I can't quite understand how you know or determine whether a late passenger fits under 2 or 3 without having contact with the passenger or going through their cabin before sailaway.

 

beachchick

[Philip217]

beachchick,

 

Just before sailaway, when we have just a few passengers missing on our gangway computer system, we start looking for them to ensure that they are not onboard. We telephone their cabin, check their accounts to see when they last purchased something - and where, check their dining assignments to see if they might be in the dining room, circulate their photos to bar staff, dining staff, housekeeping staff, etc.

 

Depending on the country we are visiting - and their nationality - we check if we have held their passports with the Purser. We also check if they require a passport to enter the country we are visiting. We check their booking recored to see if they registered a passport with us.

If a passport is required for entry, they have registered a passport with us, and we are not holding that passport, we next search their cabin to try to find it.

If we do not find the passport in the cabin, we hope they are carrying it ashore. We then notify the Port Agent and give him all details. Even if the pax who missed the ship are now illegal aliens, with or withour passports, (their temporary visa expires when the ship departs), our Agent can assist them to get another temporary visa to remain legally in the country until he can arrange transport to the ship.

[tamsam07]

(I don't doubt at all that you often find passports in the strangest places! I mean, why would people put the darn things in the safe when they can stash them in with their dirty laundry? I'm sure you have some quite interesting stories about that.)

 

beachick

 

I'm still waiting for the hilarious stories from Phillip.:p

[IRL_Joanie]

beachchick,

 

Just before sailaway, when we have just a few passengers missing on our gangway computer system, we start looking for them to ensure that they are not onboard. We telephone their cabin, check their accounts to see when they last purchased something - and where, check their dining assignments to see if they might be in the dining room, circulate their photos to bar staff, dining staff, housekeeping staff, etc.

 

On both of our previous HAL cruises R/T Seattle to Alaska, there have been occasions (once each trip) where passengers who had disembarked at a port did not return by due time (1 hour (I believe)) prior to departure.

 

With 15 minutes (my guess) left to depart post, an announcement is made over the ships pa system, which includes all cabins, asking for the person(s), by name to contact the main office immediately.

 

The first cruise they only made the announcement once for a husband and wife.

 

The second cruise, I watched the gangway from our veranda and waited while the announcement was made 3 more times for the one man. No one came up the gangway (other than the crew) and we left port without him.

 

I have no idea if he ever showed up at another port or not. But, my point here is that the ship does everything they can to make sure they have all passengers on board.

 

I HATE the Intrusive pa systems, but, as in this case it is a necessary evil.

 

Joanie

[chipmaster]

Exactly.

If we were allowed to deny boarding based on IQ tests given in the cruise terminal, we could avoid nearly all cases of passengers missing the ship during the cruise.

 

Exactly, all the stories I've read/heard have always been either bad judgment or bad judgment in combo with bad luck. Those who want to turn of the brain and to pay 2x and to be lead like sheep can always select the ship tours :D

 

Hey if we did institute IQ tests what would come of the hairy man contests, cruisers spending too much money on pictures, drinks, bingo etc. etc. I'm sure the cost of my cruise would go up.

 

Let them on I say :D:D:D

[pfman]

:)One of my favorite cruise rituals is to be on deck at least 5 minutes prior to sail away and watch for the runners!! Especially in Cozumel :D

[MszKitty]

I have one missed-the-ship story and 3 late-excursion stories

 

Missed the ship:

 

Traveling with a group of 20 friends, 3 night LA-Ensenada. One couple missed the ship. For us on the ship, we could hear their names being called over loud speakers. Because I was listed as the group leader, I got a phone call from the pursers desk asking if I know where they are. Now, I'm getting worried not knowing what has happened to them. Finally, about 20 minutes after the ship left, I get a call from the pursers desk letting me know that even though they missed the ship, they were ok (not injured or anything.)

 

We did't get the whole story until we met them back in LA after the cruise.

They were enjoying themselves in Papas & Beer. At one point, they asked another bar patron what time the ship left. Well, there were 2 ships in port that day and our friend didn't specify which ship. Apparently, that person was on the other ship...which left an hour later. So our friend shows up at the pier just as our ship was leaving.

Our friends had to hire a taxi to take them from Ensenada to the border at a cost of about $100. (I also remember something about $200 to the Mexican authorities...for what I'm not sure..but you hear stories of how corrupt they are....so I'm not sure exactly what that was all about.)

The problem was neither of them had their passports (or BC). And although she was married to a US citizen, she was not a US citizen yet (she is proudly now!). Long story short: it took about 10 hours with communications back and forth between Mexican and US authorities, and the ship/cruiseline before they were allowed back into the US. They live in Southern California, and a relative came to pick them up, so they didn't have any more obsticles getting home. So their 3 night cruise ended up being a 1 night cruise!...lol

 

Meanwhile, back on the ship, ship security offered to pack up their belongings, but because I was the group leader, I was allowed to it, while security watched. I did not want to pack their jewelry & the cash in their bags, so I was required to sign a form stating I had their valuables.

 

Our friends will never live down the fact that they missed the ship. As a matter of fact, we've done this same cruise several times since. The first time, they didn't even get off the ship!...lol Next time, they were off and back on before noon! And they always carry their passport with them!

 

3 ship-waited stories:

 

First one...4 yrs ago, again on the LA-Ensenda cruise (we've done this route many, many times). And again, a group of us (about 50 this time). 4 people (my husband included) booked a golf excursion thru the cruiseline. It happened to be the same day as the Rosarito-Ensenada bicycle race. There were thousands of bicyclists and it caused the main roads to be blocked for miles causing major traffic delays. They were well over 90 minutes late, but the ship waited for them.

 

2nd one, in Jamaica...2 yrs ago. Our two daughters (both in their 20's) were on a different excursion than DH & I. Its getting close to time to leave, and they aren't back yet. I was worried until I checked with the pursers desk and found out the bus was on its way. They (along with 40 other passengers) finally made it back a hour late.

 

One last one...about 7 yrs ago: About 20-30 minutes after we left Labadee at our scheduled time, the ship turned around and went back! Come to find out, a couple was left behind and the ship went back to get them. We went about halfway back, and met a small boat and the couple climbed aboard the ship from the boat. For the life of me, I can't figure out how someone could miss the ship in Labadee. I mean, its not like its a place with a gazillion bars and shops and other ships. Once people start leaving Labadee, its empties out! The next day, in the captain's announcement, he made it perfectly clear that if anyone else misses the ship, he will NOT go back to get them.

[Toto2Kansas]

So, following this same logic - the odds of the ship sinking are even less - why do cruise lines bother with the life boat drill? ;)

 

I knew a lady once who got stuck in San Juan traffic returning to the ship after a night in the casino. The casino had a dress code and they were appropriately attired in formal wear. She and her DH had to get a ride out on the pilot boat and climb the rope ladder - he in a tux and she in evening gown/heels. This was back in the 80s and the memory of her vivid description has ensured that we are always back on board in plenty of time.

 

Huh? That is a totally different thing than a ships excursion which I was replying to from Phillips post? Were we or were we not talking about ships excursions returning to the ship on time? I thought since I quoted his reply, that would be understood?

[satxdiver]

As per usual a lot of advice and "it's their fault" accusations. Anyway we left a couple in Cozumel in February - so what else is new. The Purser or representative was able to go to their staterooms, open the safe (you think you are the only one who can open it?), took out their credit cards, money and passports and gave it to the shore agent before departing. The couple found the shore agent, recovered their possessions and boarded an airplane at their expense to Houston. When we arrived back in Galveston, they were allowed to reboard the ship and claim their personal belongings. It all worked out well for the couple.

 

Second story we left a couple in Curacao last September who evidentally arrived at the port an hour after we left and this was after we waited 30 minutes past sail time for them. The captain said over the ship intercom that "he was waiting for them since he was a nice guy"! We met them in St Marteen two days later. Funny part was that in St Thomas the same couple was 30 minutes late returning to the ship and the captain again waited for them. He again announced over the ship intercom that "he was waiting since he was a nice guy"! I imagine however that the couple had a meeting with the captain or his representative and it was not a nice meeting. Personally I would have thrown their late butts overboard 50 miles from land! Once is understandable but twice they need serious help.

 

I love to stand on my balcony or upper deck and watch the late pax running down the pier for the ship. It is great entertainment while I hoist a delectable adult beverage. Luckily I have never even come close to missing the ship and hope it stays that way.

[tamsam07]

I love to stand on my balcony or upper deck and watch the late pax running down the pier for the ship. It is great entertainment while I hoist a delectable adult beverage.

 

ROTFLMAO :D that is funny.

[Mary Ellen]

Huh? That is a totally different thing than a ships excursion which I was replying to from Phillips post? Were we or were we not talking about ships excursions returning to the ship on time? I thought since I quoted his reply, that would be understood?

I understood. That is why there were 2 paragraphs. Two different topics.

[kerrytens]

Just before my first cruise I was talking with a coworker about the motion we should expect etc - she told me the only time she ever felt anything at all was shortly after leaving a port when the ship lurched (thrown into reverse to stop/slow it down she figured???). Looking out a window, she said a very fast boat was racing up to the cruise ship .... with someone's child on it who had been left behind :eek::eek:

 

Hard to believe, but true. Apparently the captain made an announcement later that evening for those who didn't know why the ship lurched - he firmly told the pax that he only did this because it was a child and if it had been an adult, he would have continued on.

 

Miriam

[uppitycats]

Just before my first cruise I was talking with a coworker about the motion we should expect etc - she told me the only time she ever felt anything at all was shortly after leaving a port when the ship lurched (thrown into reverse to stop/slow it down she figured???). Looking out a window, she said a very fast boat was racing up to the cruise ship .... with someone's child on it who had been left behind :eek::eek:

 

Hard to believe, but true. Apparently the captain made an announcement later that evening for those who didn't know why the ship lurched - he firmly told the pax that he only did this because it was a child and if it had been an adult, he would have continued on.

 

Miriam

 

 

How could someone leave their KID behind??? I could see a piece of luggage...but a CHILD??? Good grief!

[leanrunnerboy]

..the following a true story..

 

I was working on the Regent Rainbow ( with the now defunct Regency Cruises) back in 1995. We were in Key West & prepping for a Noon departure for our return to Tampa. As security was about to pull up the gangway, one of our guests - a travel agent - came running up & insisted that the ship not leave until he had the opportunity to make a phone call ashore. He was told that ship could not delay its departure & that he board immediately..

His reply.. 'Well..excuse me..but I'M a travel agent..and I insist that ship wait for me while I make my call..!'...and off he went to do so. He returned later, only to find the ship was well on its way..:eek: Presumably he rented a car to meet the ship the following day in Tampa. I should mention he had a large group onboard..I can only imagine the ribbing he got later from his clients..!!:D

[vacation luvver]

I have no idea how someone could leave a child behind in a port. But I've read so many stories about how a parent leaves his child in a hot car for hours (because he/she forgot to drop off the child at daycare, for example) that nothing surprises me any more. And usually the parent isn't charged with anything, because the police or whoever says that it was just one of those things, that no one's perfect.

[cherylandtk]

Good question.

I originally gave you the short version of the story.

The longer version is:

 

If you have missed the ship and DO NOT have your passport with you, the ship's port officer first determines if you will be required to have it ashore. Depending on your nationality, the country you are in, and what mood the local Immigration Officers might be in, you may require it and you may not.

If the local officials agree that you do not need the passport to stay ashore, the ship's Officers will not go through your personal belongings in your cabin, trying to find it.

Instead they will give your description and photo to the Port Agent. He will telephone Police, Airlines, Hospitals, Car Rentals, etc, trying to find you. Meanwhile he waits at the entrance of the cruise terminal, hoping you are smart enough to go back there. He is also hoping you were bright enough to carry the daily program with his contact numbers on it. When he eventually finds you, he will arrange to get you back to the ship at the next possible port - at your expense.

 

If you somehow do not show up or decide not to return to the ship, then you will have to wait for the cruise line to pack up your belongings and mail them to you. It could take a few weeks. Another good reason not to get drunk at Carlos and Charlies and miss your ship.

Philip, Thanks very much for the further details. I have often wondered why there were different stories for different ports.

 

Can you explain some more about what you mean by "the ship's port officer first determines if you will be required to have it ashore. Depending on your nationality, the country you are in, and what mood the local Immigration Officers might be in, you may require it and you may not" in context of the US citizen need to have a passport to fly home or cross a land border, but not to go on a cruise ship round trip out of the US.

 

Since the young man in the story above was a US citizen, needed his passport to get home, but did not get it, does that mean it was determined that he did not "require" it onshore only and that getting home was not the question? I guess I am wondering if the cruiseline would take into account returning home or just getting to the next port or neither.

[beachchick]

I have no idea how someone could leave a child behind in a port. But I've read so many stories about how a parent leaves his child in a hot car for hours (because he/she forgot to drop off the child at daycare, for example) that nothing surprises me any more. And usually the parent isn't charged with anything, because the police or whoever says that it was just one of those things, that no one's perfect.

 

 

I realize this is a bit OT, but not in our jurisdiction they don't. Parents have been charged with child endangerment, negligent homicide, and manslaughter. I don't agree with people who say that the parents have "suffered enough" in losing their child. Of course they've suffered, but that doesn't exempt them from legal consequences.

 

beachchick