Bob

Just wondering...<BR><BR>Taking a cruise that starts in Miami that stops in Key West the next day. If I were to miss the boat in Miami, would they let me board in Key West?

Caribbean Specialist

Probably, but they would not issue a credit for the missed day.

Andrew

Bob: The poster who calls himself Caribbean Specialist must not be. There is no specific answer to your question. I wish that people who won't take the time to type a complete answer or don't know what they are talking about would not respond to posts like yours.<BR>First, no cruise line wants you to miss your vacation and I don't know of one that wouldn't let you catch up to the vessel in the next port. It happens often times due to weather and flights that get delayed. Second, regarding credits, etc. a lot will depend on how you purchased your airline tickets. Most lines will work with you a little more freely if you used their airline option when you bought your cruise. In fact, they will often fly you to the next port if the airline they put you on did not make it to the ship on time.<BR>For the specifics on your cruise call the line you're using.<BR>What I always do to avoid this problem is fly in the night before and stay right at the port of Miami at a place like the Best Western Marina hotel. You get an extra days vacation that way, there is a lot to do and see right next to this hotel as well as good places to eat, and it will only add about $100 to the cost of your vacation for the room. Another advantage is you will enjoy your first day on the ship MUCH more if you get on board fully rested instead of tired from a day in the airports, etc. Hope this helps.

Bob

Andrew:<BR><BR>Thanks for taking the time to respond. I do go out early for longer cruises, but this was a spur-of-the-moment miss-as-little work as possible affair.<BR><BR>turns out that boarding in Key West and ending the trip in Miami is a violation of the Passenger Services Act, an 1880's law to protect American passenger lines. (I have been told that it's NOT the Jones Act, which only pertains to cargo ships).<BR><BR>Basically, if you board a foriegn-flagged carrier at a US port, you must visit a &quot;distant&quot; foriegn country before getting off at a different US port. (&quot;Distant&quot; esstentially meaning &quot;South America&quot.<BR><BR>Now, if it came to it, I would do my best to try to talk my way on board.<BR><BR>In the meantime, any prayers for ontime flights would be welcome.<BR><BR>Cheers all!

Paul Therault

Hi Bob,<BR><BR>If you miss your ship contact the Miami Port Agent who will make the arrangements to get you on the ship in Key West. With proper documents and ID you should not have a problem.<BR><BR>And buy insurance.<BR><BR>Paul

Bob

Thanks, Paul. I will keep that in mind.<BR><BR>Cheers!

Babs

You know, I had asked about catching the boat at the next port, due to a medical situation that I was going to miss my sailing, and my travel agent told me that the cruise use to let people do that, but not anymore due to security reasons. So Bob, I would look into that before going to Key West.

Bob

Thanks, all. Flights got in on time; no problem making the trip. Great time, great people on the Imagination--too much fun, in fact--I'm half asleep today. <BR><BR>Cheers!