Disembarkation at a port other than the planned destination

[Tufor]

I am considering a TA cruise in which NYC is the second-to-last destination (Miami is the last). I live 40 mins from NYC. Obviously preferable to get off there. I understand from my reading that disembarkation from a port other than the final destination is either impossible or costly if there is an emergency that requires you to get off board. Has anyone ever just left the ship at another port? Do they ask you when you leave why you have a bunch of luggage?

[Essiesmom]

It’s totally dependent on the port and the cruise line.  If you give us the cruise line we may be able to give you more help.  Do you have any other US ports before NYC?  You will have to go through US immigration at the first US port stop and if NYC is the first, there should be no reason not to allow you to debark there.   BUt you have to ask your cruise  line for a deviation.  Have you talked with them?  EM

[ontheweb]

And if after consulting your cruise line they give you permission, be sure to get it in writing and bring it with you on your cruise.

[mammajamma2013]

I believe OP is asking about just walking off the ship without permission. Tufor, please correct me if I'm wrong.

[sanger727]

I think you are starting with an assumption that is incorrect.  Sometimes it's impossible or costly to disembark early.  That is usually an issue on a closed loop sailing when you want to get off in a different US port than the one you started in.  You should go through customs and immigration in NYC anyway (first US port). It may not be a big deal to disembark there. You would need to contact the cruise line to find out.

 

Yes, I imagine you would get some questions if you tried to disembark for just the day with all of your luggage. Rules for emergencies are different than planned disembarkation.  Also, the ship may be delayed if you just don't return. 

[chengkp75]

One big problem is that the luggage you are trying to disembark with will not be going through Customs, as they are not set up for screening luggage in that port.  So, the OP may find himself held up at Guest Services, being sent back there by the gangway security team, until Guest Services is notified that a Customs agent is present, and how much they are going to charge the OP for the Customs agent's cost.  While they cannot detain someone onboard (unless a crime has been committed), they can place an "innkeeper's lien" on the person, and retain the luggage until all costs are covered.

[Charles4515]

5 hours ago, Tufor said:

I am considering a TA cruise in which NYC is the second-to-last destination (Miami is the last). I live 40 mins from NYC. Obviously preferable to get off there. I understand from my reading that disembarkation from a port other than the final destination is either impossible or costly if there is an emergency that requires you to get off board. Has anyone ever just left the ship at another port? Do they ask you when you leave why you have a bunch of luggage?

If there is no customs and immigration set up in NYC for debarking passengers you would be in violation of the law. You have to officially clear both. Also you could be inconveniencing the other passengers. They will be looking for you and would possibly delay the ship waiting for you not knowing you had departed. 

 

Don't  assume that it is impossible to arrange. 

[GeezerCouple]

1 hour ago, Charles4515 said:

Don't  assume that it is impossible to arrange. 

 

But note the wording "to arrange".

That means contacting the cruise line well in advance so that IF it is possible, they have any necessary time to arrange for the customs/immigration officials to be there.

If they can do it, and those officials are not already planning to be on site (perhaps another ship is already *ending* an international cruise there, so they need to clear all the passengers of that ship??), then be prepared to pay for any fees to have those officials show up to process your arrival, IF it is possible.

 

Good luck!

If you were able to arrange it, perhaps you could post the details after you are home.

 

GC

[Hlitner]

My suggestion to the OP, is to talk to the cruise line and simply ask about an en route disembarkation.  Different cruise lines have different policies and a few even have an extra fee for en route disembarkations.  We have done it a few times (always in Europe) with no problem.  
 

I should mention that some lines actually have a form, for such a request and most will require any such request to be in writing.  If you do get a written approval, be sure to print a hard copy and take it on your cruise.  Early in the voyage, stop at Guest Relations to make them aware of your plans (and approval).

 

Hank

[K32682]

Tell the cruise line what your plans are and unless there is a reason that it can't happen it will happen. NYC is a major entry port. You won't have a problem. I departed a TA in Halifax instead of the final U.S. port without an issue or extra cost. 

[ldubs]

@Tufor, welcome to cruise critic.   This question comes up from time to time.  Circle back and let us know if you were able to make NYC your final port.  Thanks.  

[SmooshSmash]

On 9/9/2024 at 8:44 AM, Tufor said:

I am considering a TA cruise in which NYC is the second-to-last destination (Miami is the last). I live 40 mins from NYC. Obviously preferable to get off there. I understand from my reading that disembarkation from a port other than the final destination is either impossible or costly if there is an emergency that requires you to get off board. Has anyone ever just left the ship at another port? Do they ask you when you leave why you have a bunch of luggage?

But that is the OP's question isn't it? "Has anyone ever just left the ship at another port? Do they ask you when you leave why you have a bunch of luggage?" Funny there are all kinda comments but no answer to the question yet.

 

"Yes, I tried once but cuz of this and that couldn't do it",

or "Yes, did it after doing xyz. Easy, peasy japanese!" 

 

I think OP is looking for comments like those.

[sanger727]

29 minutes ago, SmooshSmash said:

But that is the OP's question isn't it? "Has anyone ever just left the ship at another port? Do they ask you when you leave why you have a bunch of luggage?" Funny there are all kinda comments but no answer to the question yet.

 

"Yes, I tried once but cuz of this and that couldn't do it",

or "Yes, did it after doing xyz. Easy, peasy japanese!" 

 

I think OP is looking for comments like those.

 

The OP will be waiting a long time looking for someone who intentionally left the ship with all of their luggage without notice to the cruise line. Not to say it never happens; but requesting permission is far more common.

[ldubs]

Well, the OP has received some good advice about how to possibly accomplish what they want.  Too bad they haven't come back to acknowledge.   

[SmooshSmash]

By the way, I raised a somewhat similar (but not identical) question here. And, I may do it! Will make sure to come back and share with you all if I do.

 

[donaldsc]

Wouldn't they have to close out their cruise account.  If so wouldn't the ship people wonder why they are doing it in NYC instead of the final port.  I may be reading more into the post than the OP means but he is a 1st time poster and has not replied after 9 days.  He sort of sounds as if he as a "me first" attitude.  

 

DON

Edited September 12 by donaldsc

[Essiesmom]

As long as you have a card on file to back up your account, you do not need to do anything…except check that the charges are right.  EM

[Host Kat]

 

On 9/9/2024 at 10:44 AM, Tufor said:

I am considering a TA cruise in which NYC is the second-to-last destination (Miami is the last). I live 40 mins from NYC. Obviously preferable to get off there. I understand from my reading that disembarkation from a port other than the final destination is either impossible or costly if there is an emergency that requires you to get off board. Has anyone ever just left the ship at another port? Do they ask you when you leave why you have a bunch of luggage?

 

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[SelectSys]

On 9/9/2024 at 8:44 AM, Tufor said:

TA cruise in which NYC is the second-to-last destination (Miami is the last). I live 40 mins from NYC. Obviously preferable to get off there. I understand from my reading that disembarkation from a port other than the final destination is either impossible or costly if there is an emergency that requires you to get off board. Has anyone ever just left the ship at another port? Do they ask you when you leave why you have a bunch of luggage?

i have seen people get off a few times on transatlantic cruises from RCCL going from the US to Europe.  The first was when a couple from Valencia got off in Barcelona as the final stop was in Rome.  The second time a couple got off in Ibiza where the final stop was in Barcelona.  The last was when people departed in La Havre when the final port was Southampton.  In all cases people left with their luggage and I know for a fact the Valencia couple wasn't charged anything extra to leave. 

 

Good luck and to get the definitive answer call the cruise line to understand their departure policies.

 

BTW - the customs point raised by @chengkp75 is an interesting one that I really didn't consider.

Edited September 14 by SelectSys

[Mary229]

Ask the cruise line.

 

If NYC is not your first US port the likelihood rises.  If it is the first US port there could be customs issues as noted in earlier responses.  If you simply leave without clearing and there are fines imposed they will pass on the bill to you.  Those fines can be hefty 

Edited September 14 by Mary229

[ldubs]

Timely subject for us as Mrs Ldubs is toying with the idea of exiting the ship in Victoria as opposed to the terminal stop in Vancouver.  I will be happy to share if we get serious about it enough to check with the cruise line.  Right now, I think it more likely we will disembark Vancouver and backtrack to Victoria.