Can you go on an Alaskan cruise if you have a felony?
Asked by: Charlotte Leffler Sr. | Last update: January 29, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (47 votes)
Yes, a felon might be able to go on an Alaskan cruise, but it's complex and depends heavily on the conviction and Canadian entry laws, as most routes stop in Canada, where DUIs or felonies can cause inadmissibility, potentially leading to denied boarding even if you don't leave the ship; you need to check your record against Canada's rules and consult lawyers/immigration experts to see if you need rehabilitation or permits, and be upfront with the cruise line.
Can you travel to Alaska with a criminal record?
Driving to/from Alaska through Canada
Many Americans believe that because they are merely passing through Canada, any past criminal charges will not be an issue at it concerns entering the country. This is unfortunately not the case and the regular rules of criminal inadmissibility apply.
Can a convicted felon go on a cruise ship?
Yes, a felon can often go on a cruise, but it depends heavily on the type of felony, the cruise line's specific policies, and the countries visited, as major lines screen for violent/sexual offenses and some nations deny entry, potentially blocking itineraries like Alaska for those with certain records. There's no federal ban, but cruise lines use background checks to deny boarding for serious crimes like sexual assault or armed robbery, while issues like outstanding warrants or probation terms can also stop you.
What countries can I not travel to if I have a felony?
Felons face restrictions entering countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, the UK, and China, with rules varying by the country and crime's severity (e.g., Canada denies entry for DUIs; UK blocks sentences over a year). Taiwan also restricts entry for those with criminal records. Always check the specific immigration website for your destination, as policies depend on your record's nature, age, and the country's security concerns.
Do cruise ships run background checks on passengers?
Here's a more detailed explanation: Cruise Line Policies: Cruise lines like Carnival conduct background checks and may deny boarding to individuals with certain felony convictions, particularly those involving violent or sexual offenses.
Can a Felon go on a Cruise? (Policies & Tips)
Can I go on a cruise if I have a criminal record?
If you do not tell the cruise line before your cruise yet they discover you have a criminal record, they may prevent you from cruising. In this case, they'll notify you before the cruise but there's no guarantee for how far in advance they will inform you. This could severely impact your vacation plans.
What is the hardest background check to pass?
The hardest background checks are typically US government security clearances (especially Top Secret/SCI) and those for high-level law enforcement, involving deep dives into criminal, financial (credit), employment, and personal history (interviews with associates) via extensive forms like the SF-86, far exceeding standard employment screening. These checks scrutinize all life aspects for integrity, reliability, and potential security risks, often requiring disclosure of past drug use, financial issues, and undisclosed criminal records, making them incredibly difficult to pass if issues exist.
How long does a felony stay on your record in the USA?
A felony conviction typically stays on your U.S. criminal record indefinitely, creating a permanent history, but specific states offer remedies like expungement or sealing after waiting periods (often 7+ years) and meeting strict criteria, though serious or violent felonies are often ineligible. Options depend heavily on your state, the crime's severity, and your behavior since, with some "Clean Slate" laws automatically sealing records.
Can a felon get a TSA PreCheck?
A conviction for one of the following felonies is disqualifying if you were convicted within seven years of the date of the application, or were released from incarceration within five years of the date of the application: Unlawful possession, use, or sale of a firearm or other weapon. Extortion.
Can I go to Canada if I had a felony 20 years ago?
Can I Go to Canada with an Old Felony? Unfortunately, a substantial percentage of felony convictions from the USA render the offender criminally inadmissible to Canada for life. If the equivalent crime north of the border is considered serious criminality, it can result in a border denial even 30 or 40 years later.
What is the secret code on a cruise ship?
Cruise ships use secret codes like "Code Alpha" (medical), "Code Bravo" (fire), and "Code Oscar" (man overboard) to alert crew to emergencies discreetly, preventing passenger panic while enabling rapid response, with specific terms varying by line (e.g., "Red Party" for fire, "Operation Rising Star" for death, "Code Zulu" for a fight). Other codes handle issues like missing children, spills, or security threats, using simple words or phrases to signal specific crew actions for various situations.
Can a felon go on a Norwegian cruise?
As long as you have completed your sentence, have no active warrants, and are not going to Australia , New Zealand , or Canada you will be fine. I have a conviction from 1983 and have never had an issue. Personally I would call NCL. Canada appears to ban anyone with a felony conviction.
Can I go to the Bahamas if I have a felony?
Yes, felons can often go to the Bahamas, but it depends heavily on the type of felony, the time passed, whether they're on probation/parole (requiring court/PO permission!), and if they need a special permit from Bahamian authorities, especially if deported previously; serious violent/drug crimes or pending cases are major hurdles, requiring official approvals and sometimes a police certificate.
Can a convicted felon go on an Alaskan cruise?
Can I go on an Alaskan cruise if I am criminally inadmissible? Yes, but it depends entirely on how well prepared you are. Canada does allow criminally inadmissible travelers with a special need to enter – including cruise stops – but only after weighing the risks and benefits.
Does your criminal record show up when your passport is scanned?
No, scanning your passport doesn't instantly display your full criminal record, but it does allow border officials to access linked law enforcement databases (like the NCIC for the U.S.) where criminal history, warrants, and watchlists are stored; a flag or alert can trigger deeper checks, potentially revealing offenses like DUIs or security threats, leading to further questioning or denial of entry, especially for non-citizens.
How does Canada know if you have a felony?
If the misdemeanor or felony conviction appears on your FBI police report, you can almost guarantee it will be fully visible to Canada Border Services Agency officers when you attempt to enter Canada.
What are convicted felons not allowed to do?
Felons often lose rights to vote, own firearms, and serve on juries, face significant employment and housing barriers, and may be ineligible for certain public benefits, professional licenses, student aid, or military service, with specific restrictions varying greatly by state and conviction, though many rights can potentially be restored through pardons or expungements.
Does TSA know if you are a felon?
Their screening is about what you bring onto a flight, not about your legal background. TSA officers are not law‑enforcement agents. They do not carry weapons, and they do not arrest people. Their job is to screen for items that could threaten flight safety, not to enforce warrants.
Can a convicted felon fly on an airplane?
Domestic Travel Restrictions After a Criminal Conviction
In general, having a criminal record won't prevent you from flying or driving between U.S. states. However, certain security programs and conveniences may no longer be available to you.
What kind of felonies cannot be expunged?
Several types of offenses are automatically excluded from expungement eligibility in California:
- Serious Sex Crimes Involving Minors. ...
- Felonies That Resulted in Prison Time (Not Jail) ...
- Crimes Related to Public Corruption. ...
- Crimes Not Eligible Due to a Violation of Probation or Parole.
What's worse, felony 1 or felony 3?
A first-degree felony is significantly worse than a third-degree felony, representing the most serious level of felony crimes, often involving severe violence or premeditation, while third-degree felonies are less severe but still carry substantial penalties, with specific punishments varying by state, but generally involving years in prison. In most jurisdictions, the numbering goes from 1 (most serious) down to 3 or 4 (less serious felonies).
What percent of Americans have a felony?
(2017) show that while the share of the total U.S. adult population with felony records is about 8 percent, the share of Black adults is about 23 percent. This rate is even higher for Black men, where one-third (33 percent) have a felony record (Shannon et al., 2017).
What looks bad on a background check?
Job-related criminal records are red flags because they reflect the relationship between the candidate's past behavior and the performance expected on the job. For instance, recent convictions for writing bad checks or theft are red flags for candidates applying for accounting positions.
Which state has the least strict background checks?
Montana has no law regulating consideration of criminal record in public or private employment, including the limits on application-stage inquiry by public employers that most other states have adopted.
What is the biggest red flag to hear when being interviewed?
The biggest red flags in an interview involve toxic culture indicators like an interviewer badmouthing former employees, being rude or disrespectful (distracted, interrupting, condescending), or showing a lack of transparency about the role or company, often signaled by vague answers, high turnover, or pressure to accept quickly; these suggest a poor environment where you won't be valued or supported.