What Happens if You Miss Your Cruise Ship Embarkation?

By Anna Duncan

Missing your cruise ship embarkation is never an ideal situation; it can be a costly mistake and can cause a lot of stress and disappointment. The consequences of not boarding your cruise ship on time vary depending on the individual’s situation and the particular cruise line they have booked with.

If you are running late, the best thing to do is call your cruise line immediately and explain your situation. The cruise line may be able to hold the boat for you, but this is not guaranteed. It also depends on how late you are; if you are just a few minutes late, they may be more accommodating than if you’re several hours late.

If the ship has already left, you may be able to meet up with it at one of its ports of call. You will need to arrange your own travel and pay any associated costs. Your cruise fare will not be refunded in this case, as it is still considered a “no-show”.

In some extreme cases, the cruise line may offer a full or partial refund if they are unable to accommodate you at any of their ports. However, this depends entirely on the policies of each individual cruise line.

Missed Embarkation Fees

Most cruises come with fees for missing embarkation, which can range from $50 – $300 per person. It’s important to read through all terms and conditions before booking a cruise so that you know what fees to expect in case of an emergency.

Safety Concerns

It’s also important to note that missing your embarkation could put yourself or other passengers in danger if an evacuation was necessary. For this reason, some cruises may require passengers who miss their embarkation to sign waivers or other documents absolving them from liability in case of an emergency.

Conclusion: Missing your embarkation on a cruise ship can lead to serious consequences such as missed embarkation fees and potential safety risks. It’s always best to contact the cruise line immediately if you think you might miss the embarkation time so that they can help accommodate you in any way possible.