Can convicted felons go on a cruise?

Asked by: Lorena Schuster  |  Last update: January 16, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (13 votes)

Yes. As mentioned above, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and others carry out background checks on guests through consumer reporting agencies prior to boarding. Cruisers would not usually be denied entry to the cruise unless they had been convicted of violent crimes such as physical and/or sexual assault.

Do cruise ships run background checks on passengers?

Some cruise lines publicly state they reserve the right to perform passenger background checks. That does not necessarily mean they do for all passengers, it simply means they can. Other cruise lines do not disclose this information.

Can you go to the Bahamas with a felony?

The Bahamas does not accept Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) for entry. All U.S. Nationals who are currently on community supervision cannot enter the Bahamas, but can seek entry once their sentence is completed.

Can felons go to the Caribbean?

Passport cards are available to felons for domestic travel to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The application process is the same as for regular passports.

Do cruises check immigration status?

An LPR is required to present an I-551 (Green Card) for reentry into the United States. If you are not a U.S. citizen or an LPR, you will need a passport and/or the appropriate documentation based on the status you are seeking in the United States for any type of cruise, closed loop or not.

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17 related questions found

Can undocumented immigrants go on a cruise?

Our policy states that any guest traveling without proper documentation will be denied boarding the ship and will be under full penalty, and therefore, will not be offered a refund or a replacement cruise.

What does cruise security check?

When you arrive at the Port Authority Security in the cruise terminal, you will pass a security checkpoint where all carry-on luggage goes through X-rays and other baggage is checked in. All checked bags on cruise ships are scanned.

What cruises can felons go on?

Yes. As mentioned above, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and others carry out background checks on guests through consumer reporting agencies prior to boarding. Cruisers would not usually be denied entry to the cruise unless they had been convicted of violent crimes such as physical and/or sexual assault.

How long after a felony conviction can you get a passport?

As such, the question of how long before a felon can get a passport has a complex answer. Some can get a passport six months after their sentence, while others must wait at least five years. In some cases, you may not be eligible at all.

Can you fly with a felony charge?

Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).

Can you go to Jamaica with a felony?

Most Caribbean nations, excluding Jamaica, will not limit entry for those with criminal records. But Jamaica will not allow those with a felony conviction to enter their country. Given the differing treatment, it's best to research a destination's country-specific laws and regulations before traveling there.

Can I go on a cruise if I'm out on bond?

Defendants must remember to check out the requirements for obtaining an entrance visa if they plan to go on a cruise, but they also need to check with the judge or court to ensure that their bail bond agreement allows for travel outside the area.

Can I travel to Mexico if I'm a felon?

According to the State Department, “Mexican law permits Mexican immigration authorities to deny foreigners entry into Mexico if they have been charged with or convicted of a serious crime in Mexico or elsewhere.”

What disqualifies you from going on a cruise?

Carnival is committed to a safe environment for our guests and crew and reserves the right to deny boarding to any persons convicted of certain crimes which may include but are not limited to; aggravated physical assault, sexual assault, and other sexual offenses, armed robbery and related offenses, and other violent ...

Can you go on an Alaskan cruise if you have a felony?

That means Alaska sailings, which include at least one Canadian port of call per the Passenger Vessel Services Act, often are off-limits for anyone with a criminal record.

What is a closed loop cruise?

A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that departs and ends in the same U.S. port; for example, Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale, or round-trip to Alaska from Seattle.

Can a convicted felon own a gun?

California Penal Code 29800 PC imposes a lifetime ban on gun ownership or control by convicted felons. It applies to anyone convicted of a felony in any state or country.

Can felons go to Africa?

Those with serious or multiple convictions may face entry refusals. South Africa: South Africa's immigration laws allow entry to be refused to individuals with serious criminal records.

Can a felon join the military?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

Is there jails on cruises?

Most cruise ships have a facility known as a “brig” or “holding cell.” These are small, secure rooms designed to detain passengers or crew members who pose a threat to themselves or others.

Can a felon go on a Disney cruise?

Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse passage to Guests with criminal backgrounds. Women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy as of their embarkation date or who will enter their 24th week of pregnancy during the cruise will be refused passage due to safety concerns.

Do felons have passports?

Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.

How strict is cruise security?

There are many prohibited items you can't bring on board including weapons, drugs, alcohol or flammable items, but for a smooth security experience, it's best to also avoid questionable objects like scissors, pepper spray or anything that could spark a fire other than lighters – none of which are allowed on a cruise ...

Can you bring a vape on a cruise ship?

Yes, most major cruise providers will allow standard e-cigarettes and e-liquids to be taken on board their ships. Larger batteries and vape kits may be refused however due to a potential fire risk, so sticking to smaller disposable or pod vapes is a safer bet when traveling on a cruise.