Miss cruise in Miami but meet in Key West?

June Honeymooner · #1 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 10:57 AM

I am taking a cruise out of Miami in a few weeks, and my flight is scheduled to arrive at 1:45pm. Do you think that is enough time to get to the ship and board? If we miss boarding, can we just drive to Key West and get on the ship when it docks there (the next day)? Any advice is appreciated, as we are unable to change our flight. Thanks!

briguy · #2 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 11:21 AM

You are cutting it way close. Usually you need to be on board at least an hour prior to sail time so you better have really good travel karma. I would definately have a rental car and a room reserved in Key West just in case. Airline delays are rampant as Im sure you know. Hope you can keep your stress level low that day. Good luck.

June Honeymooner · #3 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 11:24 AM

Thanks! I am going to be hopeful but realistic. Do I need to notify the ship somehow if we have to meet them in Key West instead, or I can just show up there?

Trackypup · #4 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 11:36 AM

You may not be able to board in Key West. It wouldn't be a closed loop cruise as you're boarding and disembarking from two different ports. The ship would have to be visiting a foreign distant port or you'd be fined.

Change your flight if possible.

cruised1014 · #5 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 02:14 PM

Well if your only sailing with birth certificates you won't be able to board. Passports would be a must here because you need to be leaving and returing from the same U.S. Port. But as long as your flight is on time grab your bags and a taxi and tell the driver to step on it. The airport is only 10 minutes from the port. The real problem will be sleeping the night before worring about it. Have a great cruise. Ed

green_rd · #6 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 05:23 PM

There is more involved in embarkation than boarding the ship - such as setting up your onboard account - Carnival is not set up to do that. My one visit to Key West we docked at the Navy base, another ship was tendered off shore (don't remember which one). In either of those cases you might not even be able to get to the ship.

john_galt · #7 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 06:19 PM

I had a very close call in Miami. Flight arrived about 2:00pm but just as we got off the plane there was a single clap of thunder. Bags were late and the Carnival rep said that the union for the baggage handlers negotiated a clause in their contract such that they didn't have to go out on the tarmac for an hour after the last lightning event. Barely made it! I wouldn't count on the Key West plan.

Snoozeman · #8 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 06:23 PM

I think you will make it just fine unless something unusual happens. Earlier would have been better, but you have what you have. Take a taxi when you get your bags--faster than shuttles. Good Luck!

ruthlessboss · #9 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by green_rd

There is more involved in embarkation than boarding the ship - such as setting up your onboard account - Carnival is not set up to do that. My one visit to Key West we docked at the Navy base, another ship was tendered off shore (don't remember which one). In either of those cases you might not even be able to get to the ship.

Never thought about that! But how do others meet and get on a ship when they "miss the boat"?

Trip · #10 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2011, 09:49 PM

Buy travel insurance, with trip interruption pronto,and grab a gallon of pepto bismal. Good luck!!

S.S.Oceanlover · #11 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2011, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trackypup

You may not be able to board in Key West. It wouldn't be a closed loop cruise as you're boarding and disembarking from two different ports. The ship would have to be visiting a foreign distant port or you'd be fined.

Change your flight if possible.

This is correct. You'd be in violation of the PSVA. You'd need to board in the first foreign port.

Bill

lhp · #12 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2011, 08:54 AM

Folks miss the ship and get on at later ports all the time.

Since I am not an expert in the Jones Act (as it has been nicknamed)...I would call Carnival and talk with a SUPERVISOR in Guest Services, explain what might happen and ask them.

Because there are "closed loop" regulations that apply, this is an area where you really need to get it from the horse's mouth....and DOCUMENT who are spoke with.

Kamloops Cruiser · #13 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2011, 10:25 AM

Unless you are cruise air , you can't join the ship at Key West (Jones Act) .
If you flew on to the next port if it was anywhere in the Caribbean , you probably can join the cruise . Other wise no go about Key west.
The same thing applies to 7 & 14 day cruises from Seattle to Alaska .

Trackypup · #14 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2011, 11:26 AM

Boarding in the Caribbean or Mexico would be fine with the PVSA as it's not a US to US cruise. Whether the ship is equipped to do that is another matter. Unless you're heading to Central America or Aruba area (Foreign DISTANT ports) after your embarkation in Key West, you can't do it.

sgtmomret · #15 (**permalink**) June 29th, 2011, 04:55 PM

We had a close call in San Juan as our flt was delayed in Miami....we got on with 20 mins to spare and they still wanted to take our Photo's lol. Mine you there were no line ups lol. What helped us was we travelled with carry on bags ONLY...god if we had to wait for the bags I don't think we would have made it. So do carry on only....believe me it can be done. Plus talk to Carnival they'll tell you what you need to do if you miss it, I would not want you to get false info on that.

Donna · #16 (**permalink**) June 29th, 2011, 05:05 PM

We never did find out if she made the ship with the flights she booked?? Sure hope we hear someting, just curious.

BJW3 · #17 (**permalink**) June 29th, 2011, 08:18 PM

I hate not getting the rest of the story.

green_rd · #18 (**permalink**) June 30th, 2011, 07:51 AM

OP posted twice - a couple of pre-cruise questions.
Maybe she'll come back.

hfdad · #19 (**permalink**) June 30th, 2011, 08:24 PM

The ship will dock at the pier in Key West but parking your car for a few days may be a problem. There is not a lot of parking during tourist season in KW. Don't even think of speeding on your way either, it is heavily patrolled and lots of 45-50 mph. If you run into an accident that will slow you way down too. GL.