Will a cruise ship wait for me if I’m late?
Be late at your peril. Tardy passengers have been left behind by ships many times before. Our tips will help ensure this doesn’t happen to you.
Cruises are relaxing but they come with strict schedules. And every cruiser will have smiled at the sight of “pier runners”, the stragglers who have left it to the last minute to rejoin their ship.
But being late for your ship’s departure is anything but funny and can end up costing you a mint.
What happens if I arrive late on the first day of a cruise?
On embarkation day, ships operate on a tight schedule – and you’ll need to arrive at the port long before it is expected to depart.
A cruise leaving Southampton might have a final check-in at 3:00pm for a 5:00pm departure. Arriving after 3:00pm could mean you’re not allowed to board and watch your holiday literally sail away.
Cruise lines require passengers to complete check-in well before departure for various reasons, from complying with safety regulations and customs processes to finalising passenger counts.
If you arrive late, the ship won’t wait for you, as delays can impact the entire itinerary, including port times and docking permissions. Not adhering to those may land hefty fees at the cruise line’s door – so they’re unlikely to wait for you out of the goodness of their heart.
What happens if I’m late coming back at a port of call?
Cruise lines emphasise the importance of keeping to the “all aboard” time, the deadline for passengers to be back on board before departure.
If you’re just a few minutes late, you might be lucky. Cruise staff occasionally hold the gangway briefly for stragglers. But they don’t have to do so, especially if waiting disrupts the schedule
There are countless anecdotes of passengers who have been left behind after losing track of time. One couple on a Caribbean cruise once missed the ship after lingering too long at a beach in St Thomas. When they returned to the port, they saw their ship disappearing into the horizon.
Remember: you’re responsible for arranging your transport to the next port of call or back home at your own expense if you’re left behind.
What happens if my excursion is running late
If your excursion runs late and you can't return to the ship on time, the outcome largely depends on whether you booked through the cruise line or a third-party provider.
Cruise line excursions offer a key advantage: if there are delays, the ship is far more likely to wait. Cruise lines monitor their official excursions closely and communicate with operators, so if there’s a holdup, the captain can adjust the departure time.
And if for some reason the ship cannot wait for you, the cruise line will have to find a solution for you to rejoin the cruise. Excursions booked independently come with greater risk. Third-party providers don’t have direct coordination with the cruise line, meaning the ship won’t wait if you’re late.
If anything goes wrong, you’ll have to arrange transportation to the next port of call at your own expense. Excursions with third-party providers can be cheaper. So, if you’re tempted to book with one of these, check reviews for red flags before deciding. Don’t forget that ship time and local time might not always match. Be clear about exactly when you need to be back.
Can I rejoin the cruise at the next port of call?
Rejoining a cruise at the next destination is sometimes possible, but it comes with challenges. First, you’ll need to organise transport, which can be expensive. You’ll also need to liaise with the cruise line to confirm arrangements.
Laws and regulations can complicate matters too. The Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) in the United States prohibits foreign-flagged ships from transporting passengers solely between US ports. If your cruise falls under this law, you may not be allowed to reboard at the next US port.
Other countries have their own rules. Australia has the Coastal Trading Act. And cruise lines can have different policies for passengers wishing to rejoin their ship, so check the exact terms and conditions.
Tips to avoid missing your ship
To ensure your cruise isn’t derailed by a missed departure, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some tips to stay on schedule:
Arrive at your embarkation port a day early
One of the best ways to avoid missing your cruise is to arrive at your embarkation city the day before departure. Not only does this allow buffer time in case of travel delays, but it also gives you a chance to explore the city. Some hotels even run free shuttles to the port terminal.
Book an ATOL-protected package
ATOL protection won’t make the ship wait for you, but it’ll mean you won’t have to worry if anything goes wrong. If your flights are cancelled or delayed, your cruise line or tour operator will either help you get to the ship via alternate means, or ensure you get a refund. Either way, you’re protected.
Set alarms and plan your time at ports
While exploring ports of call, keep track of the ship’s schedule. Set multiple alarms on your phone to remind you of the “all aboard” time and aim to return to the ship at least 30 minutes early. Remember, port times and ship times may differ.
Stick to cruise line excursions
As mentioned above, if a delay occurs during an official excursion, the ship is more likely to wait or arrange transport for you to the next port. Independent excursions, while often cheaper, don’t offer this safety net.
Keep essential documents with you
If you miss the ship and need to rejoin it at the next port, having your passport, visa (if required), and cruise documentation is crucial. Always carry these when leaving the ship, even for a short excursion.
Invest in travel insurance
Travel insurance can help cover unexpected costs, such as last-minute flights to catch up with your cruise. Look for policies that include “missed departure” coverage.
