Can felons go on cruises?

Asked by: Berta Johns  |  Last update: December 3, 2025
Score: 5/5 (44 votes)

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. However, it's important to remember that being able to board does not guarantee you will meet the entry requirements at each foreign port on your journey.

Can convicted felons go on a cruise?

Yes, you can cruise with a criminal record.

Does Carnival Cruises allow felons?

Carnival may deny boarding to guests with these felonies on their records. No background checks will be performed by Carnival until a guest has booked a cruise. Carnival will provide a notice of adverse action to guests in the event it denies passage based on information in a consumer report.

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 a felon go to the Caribbean?

Caribbean. Most Caribbean nations, excluding Jamaica, will not limit entry for those with criminal records.

Cruising with a CRIMINAL RECORD: What You Need to Know!

31 related questions found

Does the Bahamas allow felons to enter?

The entry form to the Bahamas does not ask about criminal convictions and thus, there is little if any practical way for their immigration officials to even know about previous infractions. That said, the Bahamas does technically have a process for clearing this issue.

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).

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 ...

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.

Do you go through immigration on a cruise?

Yes, travelers on cruises do participate in customs procedures at multiple points during their voyage, playing a crucial role not only in regulating what enters and exits a country but also in the broader security measures, including the role of customs in catching criminals on cruise ships.

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 felons go to Jamaica?

Jamaican law prohibits entry by all persons convicted of a felony and still under community supervision. However, the Jamaican embassy in Washington reports this law is not always enforced and entry is often granted provided five years have passed since the last “serious” conviction.

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.

Does Royal Caribbean allow felons?

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.

Can a felon get a passport after 7 years?

For some crimes like drug trafficking, a 5-10 year waiting period may be required before getting a passport. This allows for a “cooling off” period to elapse. Other felony convictions don't have defined waiting periods. But typically, the longer it's been since finishing your sentence, the better chances of approval.

Can I cruise to Mexico with a criminal record?

Mexico Law: Convicted Felons Can Be Denied Entry

If you have ANY KIND of criminal record, you may not be allowed into Mexico, even with a valid passport.

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.

Who cannot go on a cruise?

Passenger Limitations

Some adult-oriented ships don't allow children at all. Note that on most cruise lines, passengers must be at least 18 or 21 years of age in order to travel on their own, without the accompaniment of a parent or guardian. Read up on such age restrictions in our Cruise Line Age Policies.

Can you go on a cruise with a pending felony?

You may need to stay within the jurisdiction where the case is pending, as your departure could signal to the authorities, your bail bond agent, and the court that you are a flight risk.

Can a convicted felon get a passport to go on a cruise?

U.S. citizens have a constitutional right to travel abroad. Having a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from getting a passport. The State Department typically only denies passports for specific reasons like: Owing $2,500+ in child support.

Does TSA accept felons?

Along with felonies, some criminal offenses, including extortion, bribery, and firearms related incidents, can disqualify you from being approved for TSA PreCheck if they occurred in the last seven years.

Can felons go to Mexico on vacation?

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 is the best country for a felon to live in?

1) Marshall islands or Micronesia. Buy flight on credit, do farm or whatever labor you can to eat while you get booted. No visa needed to live or work. 2) Some nations such as Argentina have effectively no immigration enforcement.