Will a government shutdown stop cruise ships?

[LB_NJ]

I know a shutdown will have an impact on air travel.  Initially only a small number of flights may be cancelled but if it goes on long enough the more and more flights will be affected and perhaps some airports will temporarily close due to the lack of air traffic controllers deciding not to show up without being paid.

 

Also, TSA agents may not show up so security lines could get significantly longer.

 

However, what is the impact on cruising? Other than customs for returning ships what would get impacted?

[Guest ldtr]

Most government activities related to cruising, as with airline flights are considered to be essential services. As such operations will continue even with the shutdown.

 

Biggest impact will be reduced staffing. Just as it may mean longer waits to get through TSA at air ports, it will mean reduced staffing at CBP on the the return from the cruise and longer processing times. 

[the penguins]

2 hours ago, LB_NJ said:

I know a shutdown will have an impact on air travel.  Initially only a small number of flights may be cancelled but if it goes on long enough the more and more flights will be affected and perhaps some airports will temporarily close due to the lack of air traffic controllers deciding not to show up without being paid.

 

Also, TSA agents may not show up so security lines could get significantly longer.

 

However, what is the impact on cruising? Other than customs for returning ships what would get impacted?

Presumably this question is only regarding cruises in/out of the US.

[davud]

We were cruising in Hawaii the last time there was a government shut-down. There were no problems with the cruise or the trip home, BUT we had tickets to visit the USS Arizona. All national parks and monuments shut down and so our tickets were canceled and eventually refunded. Very disappointed and hope to make it back someday.

[phillygirl2400]

When the shutdown ends, government employees will receive retroactive pay. I've lived through several shutdowns, and always got paid, eventually. 

[jwlane]

10 hours ago, LB_NJ said:

 close due to the lack of air traffic controllers deciding not to show up without being paid.

It doesn't work that way.  I had 29 years as a controller, several shut-downs, never missed a paycheck.  We had to come to work.

[billc23]

2013 shutdown impacted international travel with lines for immigration/customs often 4 to 5 hours!

[NutsAboutGolf]

11 minutes ago, billc23 said:

2013 shutdown impacted international travel with lines for immigration/customs often 4 to 5 hours!

 

Yes, but facial recognition kiosks weren't common then.  There certainly could be congestion during a future showdown yet it'll be much less if there weren't any immigration kiosks

[billc23]

5 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

Yes, but facial recognition kiosks weren't common then.  There certainly could be congestion during a future showdown yet it'll be much less if there weren't any immigration kiosks

True and relevant! We were on a flight to Quito 2 days ago and boarded the plane with no tickets or ID. Just looked at a camera and our name and seat number popped up. Impressive and frighting at the same time. 

[Jim_Iain]

I wouldn't expect it to affect cruising.   One area it may impact is Passport processing and renewals which could affect some passengers.

[ijscheer]

On our Dec 2021 debarkation, through Terminal 25 (Port Everglades), we had no interaction with any personnel.  Facial Recognition for Immigration, and "Nothing to Declare" for Customs. Never even had to show our passports. So I don't think any government shutdown will have an effect,  at least at Terminal 25

[Babr]

Maybe it should have some direct impact on the voters so they’d be motivated to get involved. Nothing like lots of angry constituents to get the attention of Congress.

[horseymike]

7 hours ago, jwlane said:

It doesn't work that way.  I had 29 years as a controller, several shut-downs, never missed a paycheck.  We had to come to work.

Thank you for your service.

[doghog]

Lets hope this shutdown doesn't happen for many other reasons. 

[bjahil47]

I was an Internal Revenue Agent for 32years.  Several times we were laid to budget not passing.  One time it was several weeks.  We still received our paychecks.  

[jwlane]

18 hours ago, horseymike said:

Thank you for your service.

That's very kind of you, but not nearly as deserved as for those in the armed services.  Controllers were/are VERY well (over?)compensated considering the education/background that was required for the job.    And to reiterate what @bjahil47 said, no government employee ever went unpaid---sometimes it was delayed, but basically they got time off AND got paid for it.

[doghog]

43 minutes ago, jwlane said:

That's very kind of you, but not nearly as deserved as for those in the armed services.  Controllers were/are VERY well (over?)compensated considering the education/background that was required for the job.    And to reiterate what @bjahil47 said, no government employee ever went unpaid---sometimes it was delayed, but basically they got time off AND got paid for it.

Agree. Those accolades should only be reserved for our military, not us civil servants. 

Edited September 24, 2023 by doghog

[horseymike]

48 minutes ago, doghog said:

Agree. Those accolades should only be reserved for our military, not us civil servants. 

I understand. I am sincerely grateful to each and every person who dedicate their lives and careers to protect us all from harm , as well as the freedom we enjoy that is sadly too often taken for granted. 

[ginnyks]

On 9/23/2023 at 7:16 AM, davud said:

We were cruising in Hawaii the last time there was a government shut-down. There were no problems with the cruise or the trip home, BUT we had tickets to visit the USS Arizona. All national parks and monuments shut down and so our tickets were canceled and eventually refunded. Very disappointed and hope to make it back someday.

we might have been on your sailing, it was a big disappointment for us (children of WWIi vets ) also not to see the USS Arizona... no other issues with our flights or cruise.

[Jim_Iain]

I was reading an article last night on potential travel delays due to a shutdown.   TSA agents and CBC agents in previous shutdowns are considered essential and were required to work without pay (they received their pay after the end of the shutdown).    

 

On extended shutdowns many would call in sick to be able to work elsewhere to be able to buy food and pay bills.   This caused longer than expected at both airports and customs.    I was reading in a forum recently that some are reporting they are getting setup with ride share companies just in case.

[Traveling Fools]

I copied this DHS directive "Procedures Relating to a Lapse in Appropriations"  

Following are stated examples of exempt DHS personnel.  Like  , I was Legacy U.S. Customs Special Agent/Criminal Investigator for 33 years and classified as Exempt.  Legacy Customs Inspectors (now know as CBP Officers) also fell into the Exempt classification.  However, support personnel were classified non-exempt and did show up for work.

 

EXAMPLES [of DHS exempt personnel] :  

• Maintaining law enforcement operations, including drug interdiction and irregular migration management

• Continuing passenger processing and cargo inspection functions at ports of entry

• Providing the protective functions of the U.S. Secret Service

• Maintaining counter-terrorism watches or intelligence gathering or dissemination in support of terrorist threat warnings

• Retaining minimal personnel to maintain telecommunications necessary for excepted activities

• Personnel required to provide direct staff support to the Unified Coordination Group and to support Department of State activities associated with Afghanistan resettlement (ie, Operation Allies Welcome) 

 

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/DHS%20Procedures%20Related%20to%20a%20Lapse%20in%20Appropriations%2009-30-2022.pdf

[marieps]

On 9/24/2023 at 12:22 AM, bjahil47 said:

I was an Internal Revenue Agent for 32years.  Several times we were laid to budget not passing.  One time it was several weeks.  We still received our paychecks.  

I notice no one thanked you for YOUR service!😁

[lizinindy]

Shutdown starts the day we fly from the Midwest to LAX for the Eclipse cruise on Oct 1st

Fingers crossed the TSA and air traffic controllers show up on Sunday. Flights booked through Celebrity. If we don’t get there in time to sail, would Celebrity give us a credit for a future cruise?

[doghog]

41 minutes ago, lizinindy said:

Shutdown starts the day we fly from the Midwest to LAX for the Eclipse cruise on Oct 1st

Fingers crossed the TSA and air traffic controllers show up on Sunday. Flights booked through Celebrity. If we don’t get there in time to sail, would Celebrity give us a credit for a future cruise?

Not happening. Out of Celebrity's control. Just like weather. 

[crusinthrough]

On 9/22/2023 at 9:05 PM, LB_NJ said:

I know a shutdown will have an impact on air travel.  Initially only a small number of flights may be cancelled but if it goes on long enough the more and more flights will be affected and perhaps some airports will temporarily close due to the lack of air traffic controllers. 

 

Also, TSA agents may not show up so security lines could get significantly longer.

 

On 9/22/2023 at 10:39 PM, ldtr said:

Biggest impact will be reduced staffing. Just as it may mean longer waits to get through TSA at air ports, it will mean reduced staffing at CBP on the the return from the cruise and longer processing times. 

 

2 hours ago, lizinindy said:

Fingers crossed the TSA and air traffic controllers show up on Sunday. Flights booked through Celebrity. If we don’t get there in time to sail, would Celebrity give us a credit for a future cruise?

This is not how things work.  In the case of a shutdown essential personnel report to work as usual.  Essential workers include but not limited to, TSA, CBP, law enforcement and air traffic controllers.  There will be no reduction in TSA or CBP Officers in terminals. Air traffic controllers will still show up on Sunday unless they resign. Let’s not cause concern where there should not be.