What Should You Do If You Miss Your Cruise Ship Departure?

While it’s important to be aware on any sort of trip, it’s especially essential to be vigilant when on cruise excursions. A recent study found 55 percent of cruise travelers say their biggest worry is missing the ship and being left at port. In fact, recent Google data reveals searches around missed cruises increased by about 56 percent in the last three months alone.

Sometimes unexpected things happen and you miss your cruise at a port. Whether it’s a flight delay to the initial departure port or overestimating your time at a port of call, it happens.

To start, don’t panic.

The first step is to locate the port agent at the cruise terminal or contact local authorities to find the port agent who works on behalf of the cruise line. At ports of call where passports aren’t needed, crew members back on the ship, when confirming you missed the boat, will typically remove your cell phones, medications and passports to leave with the port agents. These officials will then help you by contacting the ship and coordinating travel arrangements.

You will be financially responsible thereafter; you can then work with the cruise line to meet the ship at a subsequent port of call by buying a plane ticket (be sure to check local cabotage laws, as some locations do not allow the vessel to pick you up at the next stop). Or, if you decide it’s time to just return home and call the trip a bust, the cruise line will typically ship your luggage to you, likely at your own cost.

There are ways to ensure, if you do miss your ship, it’s as low stress as possible. Make photocopies of all important travel documents, carry safety cash and a working credit card, keep your ID on you, and have a working phone to make international calls.