I'm looking forward to a 12 day European cruise later this year. The last port of call before getting to England is in LeHavre, France. I would like to get off there. Now the cruise company is telling me that I can't take my bags off the ship in LeHavre. No explanations just that I can't. Has anyone ever disembarked early? I've seen people do it. Never thought too much about it. Now I feel like a captive. By the way, I've contacted the French Embassy in the States and they say there is no problem, so it's not a customs problem. Any ideas? Any information that you can share with me? Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and respond to this post.

Hi Annie,

This does seem odd. You aren't asking for a refund are you? Are they talking about "security concerns"?

This is just a guess, but cruise ships use local union crews to unload the baggage and they probably don't have such an agreement in LeHavre. Of course, I assume you're willing to carry your own luggage off, but I suspect that is part of their reluctance. Also with the close security controls these days, they really may feel that they have to account for the entire list of people who got on the ship when they end the cruise. Can't be letting "terrorists" off somewhere along the line.

Meanwhile, yes, I'd feel trapped too. How good an actor are you? I can see you having a mild heart attack and just HAVING to get off the boat for immediate medical attention when you got there. LOL.

I don't see how they can say no. Just take your bags and leave.

I have never been questioned leaving the ship with whatever I had. Just how can they tell you no.

The only concern I could see is if you haven't paid your cruise bill, but they have your credit card number.

By the way, LeHavre was one of our favorite ports. We rented a car and toured Etretat, Fecamp, and Honflour.

This seems to be a possible security issue, sort of like matching baggage on planes. I wonder if there is a charge to passengers who don't get back to port on time.

Read the fine print of your contract. See what it sais specifically.

I can't imagine how they could force someone to stay on the ship against their will, or retain the possessions of someone who decides that they want to leave. But stranger things have happened

I agree with reading the boilerplate of the cruise contract although some of it may be incorporated into the actual ticket.

Who did you talk to at the Cruise Line? If you haven't, you may have to request to speak with their legal department and I would request that if they have any sort of written restriction as to early disembarkation that they fax you a copy.

Since you will have your luggage in your possession it is an easy process of packing and simply carrying it off the ship. In terms of on-board charges, assume the cruise line you are using has some sort of "Sign and Sail" program which automatically charegs your credit card at the end of the voyage.

People can disembark early by prior arrangement in my experience. Do not take a simple "You cannot do that" for an answer. Get them to tell, AND SHOW you why not.

Just thought I would answer some of the points brought up by you friendly people.
We are not asking for a refund.
Yes, we are planning on taking our own luggage off when we disembark after settling the bill.
My travel agent has a call into the legal dept. of the cruise line. And yes I plan to fight this because I don't feel it's right of them to keep me onboard against my will.
Thanks again for your replies. They have been good and thoughtworthy.

I'm not surprised if they won't let you off. I flew nonstop from New York to Los Angeles and wanted to get off at Chicago, but they wouldn't let me open the door.

We have a call into the legal department of the cruise line. I have heard so many ridiculous statements on why we can't disembark early. Apparently they don't have this "policy" in writing yet. Will post again so others can have the information in advance and not go through this process.

Annie,

First of all, I'd love to know which cruise line this is!

The night before you dock in LeHavre, settle up your bill, pay your waiters / staff their tips, and just walk off the ship with your bags. You might just casually mention to the Purser, (with bags in hand) as you toss him your stateroom key, "oh, by the way, we're leaving the ship and not coming back". This way when you don't show up the next day they don't think you were a victim of foul play or abducted by aliens!

There is no way that they can "hold you", and what do they care, your stateroom is paid for! This is just stupid red tape, and the reason you can't get an answer is because...um...somewhere in the "rules" or information on the computer, it SAYS YOU CAN'T.

Forget common sense, the fact is that no one knows WHY it says that. Do not bother with the Legal Dept at the cruise line, they won't be able to figure it out either.

This is similar to debarkation. Everyone's supposed to put their bags out in the hall the night before, and then disembark according to their deck (colored tags). I always have carry on luggage, and as I stroll past cruise personnel who are asking me if I'm a "green" or "blue"...I just keep going...never been stopped. They're just confused at that point....walk purposefully with attitude!

Regards,

Melodie
Travel agent

I don't know if this applies under American law but in the UK I think they'd be on dodgy ground legally saying that you have to abide by a policy which wasn't even available in writing at the time you booked. The general rule regarding contracts such as your booking is that the only terms you're bound by are the ones which you agreed to when you booked.
If any of your friends are lawyers it would be worth checking this with them; it might strengthen your negotiating position with the cruise line.

I've been following this thread with interest. I am not a cruise expert so I wasn't going to post. But the thought did cross my mind - union rules are pretty weird in parts of Europe. Is it just possible "civillians" are not allowed to take their own bags off the ship? Just asking. There have been work stopages in the UK and France over much sillier issues . . . .