Considering a 14 day Xmas Cruise to NZ on Holland America Line that we've cruised with before, however, need to be back before ship returns to OZ 3 days early due to work commitments, so want to fly back from Auckland (ships last stop). I called the company to see if this was ok they told me would be no discount (ok) - but I'd need to book first before they would tell me! (ridiculous), any one know if we can depart early?.
Can I Depart a Cruise Early?
Foxtail on 04/06/2021 - 16:26
Last edited 04/06/2021 - 17:14 by 1 other user
Last edited 04/06/2021 - 17:14 by 1 other user
Comments
Get off at the port and don’t return.
I don’t know how often it happens but what will you do if for some reason they are unable to dock in that port (rough weather, COVID outbreak, some suspicious death and the team of NCIS gets brought in and nobody can leave the ship etc) ?
Get off at the port and don’t return.
cough luggage?
Your luggage gets put into your room on the first day, nothing stopping them from leaving with it.
Yeah don't count on it…. They don't like you leaving with a suitcase mid cruise ;)
Why book a holiday OS with a firm requirement to return for work in the midst of a pandemic?
Just jump off any time!
First thing I imagined was jumping off the side on to a dock
SPLAT
It's not the ship's business where you go off to, it's the NZ government. And if you aren't "overstaying a visa" (which you aren't if you're going straight home lol) then there is no issue.
yes… because this would not lead to any immigration risks that may have serious penaltys attached .
o yea , we had a heap of passengers from ( insert country ) and we just took off leaving them in another country, no biggie its your governments responsibility not ours.
You have to have a visa to disembark a ship. He'd be covered.
why not contact them and ask?
Why not read the OP?
Fair enough
Sweet. I'm so sick of "what did they say when you asked" responses. I hope everyone who has ever done that is humbled and will never do it again.
what did they say when you asked
It's normally a pretty fair question, however in this case OP stated they have already done this.
It is not up to the cruise line.
People go missing ashore from cruises all the time. Just one less mouth to feed for the cruise line.
How the NZ immigration view it will be another thing.
To get the facts contact NZ immigration.
If it is ok with them then when you go ashore contact the ship and tell them you will not be returning. Save them wondering and waiting.How the NZ immigration view it will be another thing.
How does it have anything to do with NZ immigration? You're just a tourist, it doesn't matter whether you're arriving/departing by ship or by plane.
I guess they would need some sort of customs clearance for luggage. People get chucked off cruises for all sorts of reasons ranging from bad behaviour to I'll health. People also leave for family emergencies.
I can't see how they can stop you. Your luggage could be problematic. Maybe a call to NZ customs might help?
I cruise a lot (but not on HAL) and it depends on a number of factors and varies depending on the port or country, which is why they don't have a blanket answer. Try joining a HAL Australia/NZ facebook group and ask there or join cruise critic and ask.
Alternatively, you could just book with a fully refundable deposit and then ask and cancel if you can't disembark early."Alternatively, you could just book with a fully refundable deposit and then ask and cancel if you can't disembark early".
Yeah think we'll do that.
Just do it… I have lost count of how many hotels I have cut short to take up other accommodation. You owe them nothing. Book the cruise, and book your return flight.
Found another cruise line (Coral Princess refurbed 2019) that fits our time line perfectly its cheaper so can have better mini suite for same coin and don't have to get off early.
Good to see it was resolved but I'm not sure the need to go on a cruise at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic.
Its Brisbane return visiting NZ only, its near sold out now. But sure its a punt see how we go.
Im a bit surprised they are allowed to sell cabins when there is no guarantee it will depart or return as stated.
We have departed cruises early on two different occasions. You will need to contact the cruise company who needs to clear it with your port of disembarkation.
How would they stop you?