Permission To Leave Ship Overnight

[High C's]

Has anyone ever asked for permission to leave the ship and rejoin the next day, and been denied?

 

I understand that we need written permission from Princess, but I don't know if this is something that is typically granted or not. We would like to leave the ship for one night in Scotland (disembark in Invergordon and rejoin the next day in Edinburgh), in order to go further afield in the highlands.

 

I'd appreciate any guidance or tips to arrange this. My TA has already asked that I send the details to her for forwarding to Princess. But in the meantime, I'd appreciate any experience my CC friends may have. :)

Edited July 3, 2015 by High C's

[cherylandtk]

The two major issues are the legal limitations (what you suggest is not possible in most U.S. Ports for example) and the responsibilities of where you will next go and how you will get there if the ship is unable to pick you up at the next port for any reason. Some ports may require customs and immigration formalities if you overnight on land instead of on the ship, and you might have to pay a fee for arranging those services.

 

This is why the cruise line requires an exact statement of where and when you want to deviate. If they can accommodate your wishes, they will do so. But first you must request the deviation in writing. They will proceed from there.

[High C's]

The two major issues are the legal limitations (what you suggest is not possible in most U.S. Ports for example) and the responsibilities of where you will next go and how you will get there if the ship is unable to pick you up at the next port for any reason. Some ports may require customs and immigration formalities if you overnight on land instead of on the ship, and you might have to pay a fee for arranging those services.

 

This is why the cruise line requires an exact statement of where and when you want to deviate. If they can accommodate your wishes, they will do so. But first you must request the deviation in writing. They will proceed from there.

 

Thanks. I do realize it is ultimately up to Princess, but I was just wondering if anyone on the boards had a similar experience. I'm hoping the Jones Act doesn't apply in Scotland, but to be totally honest, I have no idea.

[cherylandtk]

No, the PVSA does not apply in Scotland, but I have no idea if there are other limits. I would think not, but one has to ask. And just because someone was able to do it in another port at another time, things might have changed since then, so your best bet is just to request the deviation. That way you will get the correct answer for your situation.

[baronessk]

And what happens if the ship "skips" the next port for varied reasons. Too rough, medical emergency, mechanical problems. I considered asking about this to stay in St. Thomas with a friend who lives there, and then catch up in St. Martin. I think it's too risky and too much of a hassle. Besides, I would have to pay for dinner...GASP!

[SteveH2508]

We have loads of stupid laws in the EU:eek: but we do not have the equivalent of the PVSA. We are supposed to be all about free trade and free movement within the EU - not protectionism.

[Pam in CA]

Yes, it's fairly routine. I've seen it done in many places around the world. I've seen it in South America, Morocco, New Zealand, etc. There shouldn't be a problem although as said, the biggest issue could be that the ship is unable to dock at the next port. No port is ever guaranteed, even ports that haven't been missed in decades.

 

On the Crown several years ago, we were scheduled to sail from Dublin to Belfast and many of us had booked non-refundable private tour tickets in Belfast. The tour owner assured us that no ship had missed Belfast in 20+ years so not to worry about the policy. Guess what? HUGE storm and we were kept docked in Dublin for two days, missing 70'+ waves. The tour operator stood by their non-refundable policy even with notice the day before. I know of at least three busloads of passengers who lost about $50 each. :( When I posted on our roll call that I thought it would be reasonable to refund partial payment and received an email in response threatening me with a lawsuit for my negative comments. The tour company was McCombs.

[High C's]

Yes, it's fairly routine. I've seen it done in many places around the world. I've seen it in South America, Morocco, New Zealand, etc. There shouldn't be a problem although as said, the biggest issue could be that the ship is unable to dock at the next port. No port is ever guaranteed, even ports that haven't been missed in decades.

 

On the Crown several years ago, we were scheduled to sail from Dublin to Belfast and many of us had booked non-refundable private tour tickets in Belfast. The tour owner assured us that no ship had missed Belfast in 20+ years so not to worry about the policy. Guess what? HUGE storm and we were kept docked in Dublin for two days, missing 70'+ waves. The tour operator stood by their non-refundable policy even with notice the day before. I know of at least three busloads of passengers who lost about $50 each. :( When I posted on our roll call that I thought it would be reasonable to refund partial payment and received an email in response threatening me with a lawsuit for my negative comments. The tour company was McCombs.

 

Thanks Pam. Not sure we'll actually do it, but while I wait to hear back from Princess I thought I'd post here for some input. Always value CC opinions.

 

Note to self - NOT TO BOOK MCCOMBS.

 

(PS - hope you are well. Haven't touched base in a while) :)

[diverward]

Hypothetical question ?? What if you missed the ship from a private shore excursion and the ship sails without you. From the OP there should be no problem even if the ship sails without the OP as the next port of call is still in Scotland.

But of course getting permission first from Princess is the right thing to do. Also depending on Edinburgh, South Queensferry is a tender port whereas at Rosythe the ship is docked, I believe.

[Pam in CA]

(PS - hope you are well. Haven't touched base in a while) :)

I'm great! Life is really good. Hope to cruise again with you sometime! Take care...

[Coral]

Hypothetical question ?? What if you missed the ship from a private shore excursion and the ship sails without you. From the OP there should be no problem even if the ship sails without the OP as the next port of call is still in Scotland.

But of course getting permission first from Princess is the right thing to do. Also depending on Edinburgh, South Queensferry is a tender port whereas at Rosythe the ship is docked, I believe.

 

I would not recommend this (not asking permission and just missing the sail time). The ship does go to great measures to try to locate passengers who are not on the ship by the time the ship is supposed to sale (shore excursion or not?) and they potentially could accure extra charges by staying in port waiting for passengers. And if the passenger misses the ship, they get employees involved to check the cabin to make sure the missing passengers have their passports and then getting the port agent involved to try to locate the passenger. That is a lot of work involved.

 

How the OP wants to approach the situation is correct. Contact Princess and see if they grant access. I am guessing they most likely will.

[fishywood]

What may work in the OPs favor is that the cruise will have already exited & reentered the EU (Guernsey) and then subsequently exited and reentered the UK again (Dublin) before the requested layover in Scotland. Non UK/EU/Schengen nation residents will already have had their passports reinspected in Belfast. Whether the Northern Ireland inspection is adequate for an overnight visit in Scotland is the pertinent question; if not Princess will have to arrange for your passport to be inspected and stamped in Greenock. Which should not be an issue with the more than adequate warning for your request.

 

(I must add that I have done the reverse of the OP's itinerary on another line [british Isles R/T Southampton followed by WB TA] and found the immigration procedures at each port for non-UK/EU/Schengen residents a bit draconian; authorities were always in "work to rule" mode, though possibly because fewer than 10% of the passengers required processing. Admittedly the odd sequence of Greenock-Dublin-Liverpool-Invergordon was a factor as well)

Edited July 3, 2015 by fishywood

[sawtooth]

I requested an inter port route sector change (what Princess calls it) on our SE Asia cruise. We leave the ship for 2 nights. I have been told by 2 different reps that it has been approved and an email official confirmation will be sent.

I am still waiting for that confirmation. I will call again and request it a third time!

[caribill]

Hypothetical question ?? What if you missed the ship from a private shore excursion and the ship sails without you.

 

o Reputable operators will get you back to the ship on time or will arrange to get you to the next port.

 

o Never leave the ship without the phone number of the shore agent Princess works with at the port. This number is in the Patter. If you know you will be late, call the shore agent. Especially if you are on a busload of Princess passengers, the ship might wait a little longer if possible.

 

o The OP who wants to stay on land overnight should be sure to have his/her passport with her.

[Illyria]

Hypothetical question ?? What if you missed the ship from a private shore excursion and the ship sails without you. From the OP there should be no problem even if the ship sails without the OP as the next port of call is still in Scotland.

Absolutely not, that's the worst possible thing you can do. When a passenger misses the ship and cannot be located prior to sailaway (and does not contact the port agent, try to make arrangements, etc.), they are removed from the passenger manifest. The OP would simply not be allowed back onto the ship if they just randomly show up in the next port. There's a lot of paperwork involved to be "reinstated".

[High C's]

Well, thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. And after much conversation, we are going to play it safe and not go further afield in Invergordon. As one of you pointed out, South Queensferry is a tender point, which can be more susceptible to unfavourable sea conditions.

 

I know this would have been nagging me in the back of my mind until it was over and we were back aboard safely. Not a way to end our first 30 day cruise!

 

I have had my TA withdraw the communication with Princess.

 

Many thanks, as always, for the great input!:)

[phabric]

I will be on the Ocean Princess. On August 14, the Ocean will be in Edinburgh port from August 14 (am) to August 15 (pm) We plan to stay at my cousin's house overnight (August 14) and return to the ship on the 15.

 

Is there anything we have to do/tell? We will inform our table mates and wait staff we will not be there for dinner.

[Dorinda]

I just want to chime in to say I did it twice..once in Morocco and once in Estonia. Both experiences were great and Princess made it very easy.

 

In Morocco we got off in Agadir, had a car and driver waiting for us, spent the night in Marrakesh, rejoined the ship in Casablanca.

 

In Tallinn, Estonia we left the ship for 2 nights and re-boarded when it returned.

 

No regrets.:)

 

Cheers, Dee

[Coral]

I will be on the Ocean Princess. On August 14, the Ocean will be in Edinburgh port from August 14 (am) to August 15 (pm) We plan to stay at my cousin's house overnight (August 14) and return to the ship on the 15.

 

Is there anything we have to do/tell? We will inform our table mates and wait staff we will not be there for dinner.

 

I would still tell Princess, even though it is an overnight in port. This way, it is documented. Just have your TA notify Princess.

[john watson]

I will be on the Ocean Princess. On August 14, the Ocean will be in Edinburgh port from August 14 (am) to August 15 (pm) We plan to stay at my cousin's house overnight (August 14) and return to the ship on the 15.

 

Is there anything we have to do/tell? We will inform our table mates and wait staff we will not be there for dinner.

 

In the OPs original question; the cruiser is disembarking at one port with the intention of re-embarking at another port. This would mean the ship leaving port with passengers missing, the captain and crew will do their utmost to avoid this happening. This is one of the reasons why it is vital that the cruise lines permission is sought prior to anyone attempting this type of thing. It would be sensible to have a written confirmation that this has been agreed. In the case mentioned both the ports are in Scotland which therefore helps a lot.

 

In the Ocean Princess case (as quoted) the ship does not leave port it remains exactly where it was when the passengers disembarked. In this scenario my view is that the passengers need not seek permission from the cruise line because a situation where the ship is leaving port with passengers missing is not going to happen. All the passengers that disembarked at the port will re-embark prior to the ship sailing. There is no time limit on how long you can go ashore; just a time limit on when you have to be back on board by, normally half hour or hour before sailing time whatever they advise. It is however courteous to let dining table mates and waiters know of your intention to not be at the relevant meals.

 

Regards John

[jewelsea21]

Yes, its still a route sector change even if it is Edinburgh day 1/disembark and Edinburgh day 2 re embark

.needs approval .

[caribill]

I will be on the Ocean Princess. On August 14, the Ocean will be in Edinburgh port from August 14 (am) to August 15 (pm) We plan to stay at my cousin's house overnight (August 14) and return to the ship on the 15.

 

Is there anything we have to do/tell? We will inform our table mates and wait staff we will not be there for dinner.

 

a) Check with the Purser's desk early in the cruise to be sure there will be no problem.

 

b) Also inform your cabin steward.

[USN59-79]

We were on the Sapphire last year and the ship stopped in Keelung, Taiwan. The next port was Hong Kong where it would stay for two days. The DW has relatives in Taipei so she wanted to stay there a couple of days and meet the ship in Hong Kong. We let the front desk know of our intentions and they said it could be arranged and to be at the front desk shortly after docking to pick up her passport. We did that and she had to meet with Taiwan Customs and Immigration on the ship and have her bags x-rayed before we left the ship. It went very smoothly. When she reboarded in Hong Kong her key card wouldn't scan so she had to be escorted to the front desk for a new one. I later noticed that for the three days she was off the ship she wasn't charged the normal gratuities. Incidentally, this was all handled by the front desk after we had boarded the ship in China.

[john watson]

Yes, its still a route sector change even if it is Edinburgh day 1/disembark and Edinburgh day 2 re embark

.needs approval .

 

So basically from what you are saying; if a passenger decides to disembark at two minutes before midnight to get off the ship to take a photograph of the ship then embark again at two minutes past midnight. You think this a route sector change which will need special approval and the reason you think this is because disembarkation and embarkation are occurring on different days.

 

From a logical point of view why do ships remain overnight in port if you cannot simply disembark in the evening and return after midnight without seeking special permission. I think you do not need any approval from the cruise line you just get back on the ship as per normal.

 

Regards John

Edited July 4, 2015 by john watson

[cherylandtk]

I think you do not need any approval from the cruise line you just get back on the ship as per normal.Regards John

While I agree that the Ocean Princess overnight is not a route sector change, sometimes the ship requests that passengers overnighting on shore please notify the ship first. It's not exactly an 'approval', more like taking a headcount. They do want to know if you won't be spending the night onboard.