Can felons go on international cruises?
Asked by: Ms. Vincenza Wunsch DVM | Last update: October 12, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (3 votes)
Can you cruise with a criminal record? The answer is yes, but you could be limited in terms of the particular destinations you're able to visit on your voyage. Check the rules for each country and individual port you plan to visit to be sure you comply with entry requirements.
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 a felon go on a cruise that stops in Canada?
Both felony convictions and misdemeanor convictions in your past would likely mean you would not be eligible to enter Canada for any reason unless you had successfully applied for and received a Temporary Resident Permit or Criminal Rehabilitation beforehand.
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.
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 on a Cruise? (Policies & Tips)
Can you go on a cruise if you have a record?
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.
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 at cruise ports?
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.
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 Caribbean countries can a felon visit?
Caribbean. Most Caribbean nations, excluding Jamaica, will not limit entry for those with criminal records.
How long after a felony can you get a passport?
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.
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.
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 a felon go on an Alaskan cruise that stops in Canada?
Nope. You need a passport and they won't allow a felon to go through Canadian waters. Get a pardon and then go to Alaska - it's great up there!
Do cruise ships check visa?
Your cruise company may also require you to have a passport even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or foreign port of entry does not. Have the right foreign visas for all stops on your cruise, if required, even if you do not plan to disembark in those locations.
Is it safe to travel if you are undocumented?
In general, domestic travel involves requests for official identification and contact with agents of the federal government. This means that air travel presents opportunities for an undocumented immigrant to be apprehended by federal officials.
Can I go on a cruise if I'm not a citizen?
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.
Do cruise lines check passports?
Cruises only check passport at checkin . Some stops require them to have passports on hand and that's what you'll run into the scenario that they will take the passports from the passengers at check-in and return them typically on the last day if you are visiting such ports .
Does immigration happen at port of entry?
Individuals seeking admission to the United States in a nonimmigrant category must be inspected in person by an immigration officer at an official U.S. port of entry (POE).
Does customs check for warrants on cruise ships?
Many travelers wonder if CBP is alerted when an inbound passenger has a warrant for their arrest issued. Yes, CBP is alerted.
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 ...
Do they search your bag on a cruise?
Summary. Cruise lines check luggage to ensure the safety and security of all passengers. This includes screening for prohibited items and illegal substances and ensuring all passengers adhere to their alcohol policies.
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.