16 Reasons You Could Be Denied Boarding a Cruise (and How to Avoid It)

There’s nothing quite like that feeling of excitement when you arrive at the port, suitcase in hand, ready to set sail. But for some unfortunate travellers, the dream ends right there at the terminal.

Every year, hundreds (if not thousands) are denied boarding a cruise – and not always for reasons you’d expect.

You need to check whether you’re at risk of being denied because, if you are, you’re usually out of pocket too…

1. Missing or Incorrect Travel Documents

The number one reason people are turned away is not having the right documents.

That could mean a passport that’s expired (or too close to expiry – most cruise lines require six months’ validity beyond the cruise end date), not having the right visas for ports on your itinerary, or bringing photocopies instead of originals.

Some cruises from the US allow US citizens to travel with a birth certificate and photo ID, but it must be an original, state-issued certificate – no hospital versions or copies.

And if your cruise visits a country that requires a visa and you haven’t got it? Sorry, no boarding.

Also, some countries are very strict on damage to passports, as this couple found out. You want to make sure your passport is in good condition before you travel!

2. Arriving Too Late

Cruise ships have strict cut-off times for check-in and boarding, often at least an hour before departure.

And no, they don’t make exceptions for traffic, delayed flights, or a quick stop for coffee.

If you miss the cut-off, you’ll be watching your ship sail off into the sunset without you – and you won’t get a refund.

The only exception to this is where you’ve booked travel through the cruise line, and then there’s traffic problems or flight delays. In that case, the ship will try to hold off departure where possible.

Otherwise they may try to get you connecting flights or other transport to the next port, so you can board there instead.

3. Outstanding Balances or Unpaid Charges

Believe it or not, passengers have been turned away at the terminal because of an unpaid balance – sometimes from the current trip, sometimes leftover from a previous one.

Even if your booking looks confirmed, if your account shows any unpaid charges, that can halt check-in.

Double check your payment status and ensure any onboard credits or vouchers are properly applied before you arrive.

I recently forgot to pay the balance for my Disney cruise and they cancelled my cruise! Luckily, I spotted the email and was able to rebook it. But if I hadn’t, I could have arrived at the terminal and been turned away.

4. Incorrect Names or Mismatched Booking Info

If your name on your booking doesn’t exactly match your passport or ID, you could run into issues.

Married recently? Changed your name? Bring legal documents to prove the change – like a marriage certificate or name change deed.

Also, if you’re travelling with a child who isn’t your own, or who has a different surname from everyone in your travel party, you’ll need notarised permission from their parents or guardians. No letter? No cruise.

5. Missing or Incorrect Visas

Some cruisers are caught off guard by visa requirements – especially when itineraries involve multiple countries.

For example, if your cruise starts in the US and ends in Canada (or vice versa), you may need both a US ESTA and a Canadian eTA.

Don’t assume your cruise line will warn you – they might send an email or two, but otherwise they expect you to check.

Read more: Visa Requirements For Cruise Ship Passengers (UK Citizens)

6. Banned Items in Your Luggage

Cruise lines scan your luggage just like airlines do.

 If you’ve packed banned items like weapons, illegal drugs, CBD products, irons, kettles, or booze that exceeds the allowed limit, you might be denied boarding.

In some cases, especially where the infractions are minor – a sneaky extra bottle of wine, or a kettle where you can claim ignorance – the items will just be confiscated.

But with more serious contraband, expect to be turned away (and possibly meet port security).

Read more: 17 Things You Should Never Bring On A Cruise (and What to Bring Instead!)

7. Pregnancy or Infant Age Restrictions

If you’ll be 24 weeks pregnant (or more) at any point during the cruise, you won’t be allowed to sail.

If you look pregnant at all, you should bring letter from your doctor stating your due date and confirming that you’re fit to travel.

I cruised at 13 weeks pregnant and so I didn’t need to show anything, but if you have a bump, you can expect to be asked to prove how far along your pregnancy is.

Cruising with a baby? Most lines require infants to be at least 6 months old (12 months for long or exotic cruises). If your little one is too young, you’ll be denied boarding, no matter how cute they are.

Incidents where people are denied boarding at port with an infant are rare because it should’ve been flagged when you booked the cruise. But pregnancy is a big one – a lot of people book far in advance, subsequently fall pregnant, and then are told they can’t board.

Read more: No Boarding, No Refund – Guest Denied Sailing Due To Pregnancy

8. No Travel Insurance (Where Required)

Some cruise lines – especially those sailing from or to the UK, or visiting remote destinations – require you to show proof of valid travel insurance before boarding.

This typically includes coverage for medical treatment and repatriation. They do this because they want to make sure you’re covered and there’s no liability on them to financially dig you out of a hole if something goes wrong.

No proof? No cruise.

9. Health Concerns or Illness at Check-In

If you arrive at the terminal coughing, feverish, or looking visibly unwell, you may be flagged for additional screening – and potentially denied boarding.

Most lines also ask you to fill out a health declaration. Lying on that form can lead to big problems if they find out.

Cruise lines won’t risk an outbreak onboard. If you’re not well, it’s better to be upfront – they may let you rebook instead.

10. Disruptive or Drunk Behaviour

Arriving at the terminal drunk or acting aggressively toward staff can result in instant denial of boarding.

Cruise lines have a strict zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behaviour – both onboard and at the port.

Whether it’s pre-cruise partying gone too far or a heated argument with staff, poor behaviour can ruin your holiday before it starts.

11. Criminal Records

Certain destinations (like Canada) have strict entry rules regarding past criminal convictions.

If your cruise itinerary includes one of these ports and you don’t meet the entry requirements, the cruise line may deny boarding – even if you planned to stay on the ship.

Even if you’ve cruised before with a conviction, new rules or routes can change your eligibility. Do your research.

Read more: When You Can And Cannot Book Cruises As A Convicted Felon

12. Failing to Consent to Security Screening

Everyone must go through security screening. Refuse to have your bag searched, your photo taken, or your ID checked? You won’t be getting on board. Simple as that.

The security check is easy – just like at an airport. So don’t worry about it, and let it happen. It’s not worth throwing away your cruise. And if you’re panicking because you’ve packed banned items, then I already told you not to.

Suggested read: Carnival Adds Biometric Scanners To Nine Ports

13. Health or Vaccination Requirements

Some itineraries – especially those visiting South America or Africa – require proof of specific vaccinations like yellow fever.

If you don’t have the required jabs or can’t show proof, you might not be allowed to board.

Even cruises closer to home may require you to complete a health form depending on current protocols. Here’s hoping we don’t see another 2020 again, but you never know…

14. Negative Behaviour Before You Cruise

Cruise lines have started denying boarding based on pre-cruise communications – including aggressive phone calls, threats on social media or even stirring up controversy in reviews.

If you’ve been flagged before you even arrive, you may be stopped at check-in. You should be able to exercise free speech but if you look like you’re going to cause problems, you might be refused boarding.

Also, posting “jokes” about sneaking drugs on board or causing trouble can have very real consequences. Cruise lines do monitor public posts.

15. Overbooked Cruises

Rare, but it happens. Some cruise lines overbook – and if nobody cancels, someone gets bumped.

If you’re one of the unlucky few, the line will usually compensate you (sometimes generously), but it doesn’t soften the blow of a missed holiday.

This one is a real kicker, because you’ve not done anything wrong beyond book a Guarantee cabin, and even then you should’ve been ‘guaranteed’ a cabin. Clue’s in the name.

Read more: Outraged Guests Left At Shore As Major Cruise Line Overbooks A Ship

16. Undeclared Mobility Equipment

Some cruise lines require passengers to declare mobility aids like scooters or electric wheelchairs in advance – and failure to do so could see you turned away.

One passenger booked with P&O Cruises was denied boarding when staff discovered he hadn’t declared his electric wheelchair ahead of time, even though he had a wheelchair-accessible room.

Cruise lines need to plan ahead to ensure mobility equipment meets safety and space requirements, and that there’s sufficient crew trained to assist in emergencies.

If you’re bringing a mobility aid, always check your cruise line’s policy and make the necessary declarations through their online portal well before embarkation day.

A Warning on Insurance

The vast majority of the problems on this list are considered the fault of the passenger, not the cruise line. Even where you feel it’s out of your hands. A delayed flight? You should’ve travelled the day before, etc.

And so, if a cruise line denies you boarding, the odds are that they’re also going to keep your money. It’s in the contract you signed, after all.

Don’t assume that travel insurance has you covered, either. It might cover you for some things that the cruise line won’t reimburse for, where it isn’t fully your fault.

But turning up with contraband, or drunk? Your insurance will give you a pretty blunt “no” and you’ll be the one left to regret your decisions and the hole in your bank account with no holiday to show for it.

Final Word

Being denied boarding is a nightmare – and often one that could’ve been avoided with a little extra preparation.

Cruise lines rarely offer refunds in these situations, and travel insurance may not cover you either. So, take the time to triple-check your documents, your luggage, your health, and the rules.

Because no one wants their cruise to end before it even begins.

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