Can a cruise ship set sail without you?

Let me share a tale about the phenomenon of cruise passengers known as pier runners. These individuals can be found in port, soaking up the sun, shopping, or having a good time at popular spots like Margaritaville and Senor Frogs, often losing track of time. If they're fortunate enough to realize they're running late, they dash back to their ship in a panic before it departs for the next destination. If not, they find the gangway already pulled up, and the ship sails away without them.

These unfortunate souls often become the subject of dramatic stories on social media. A quick search for "pier runners" will make it clear what I mean.

You definitely don’t want to find yourself in their situation. A cruise ship can indeed leave without you — and it will if you arrive late. If that happens, expect to pay a hefty price. Here are some tips to ensure you don’t get left behind and what steps to take if you do.

Tips to prevent your ship from departing without you

Adjust your watch to the ship's time

Tip number one: Check your daily newsletter (either delivered to your cabin or available on your cruise line's app) and be aware of the differences between ship time and local shore time. Before disembarking at a port, ensure your watch or smartphone reflects the ship's time.

Be aware of the 'all aboard' time

The ship will announce an all-aboard time, which is when all passengers should be back on board. This is separate from the sail-away time, typically about half an hour later. It’s when the crew begins to retract the gangways, making it difficult for latecomers to reboard the ship.

Arriving right at the all-aboard time is not advisable. Savvy cruisers plan to return at least an hour early to accommodate for possible traffic or other unexpected delays. If you venture far from the ship, add even more time to your return.

The all-aboard time will be included in your daily schedule, along with an emergency contact number. It's wise to take a photo of this information. The cruise director will also make announcements regarding the all-aboard time, and a sign will be displayed as you leave the ship.

It's easy to lose track of time while enjoying the beach or negotiating for souvenirs, so setting an alarm on your phone to remind you when to head back is a smart move. Remember, being the last person to return is not only embarrassing but also inconveniences everyone else.

Consider booking a shore excursion offered by the ship

When you're on a ship-sponsored shore excursion and it runs late, there's no need to panic. If you booked your tour through the cruise line, they guarantee that the ship will wait if your tour bus isn't back by the all-aboard time.

It all comes down to logistics. The ship prefers not to leave a group of passengers stranded in port through no fault of their own, especially when they would need to arrange transportation to the next destination.

Schedule independent tours to finish early

If you opt for a tour with an independent tour company, there’s no assurance that the ship will wait for you. However, reputable tour operators are familiar with ship schedules and typically ensure you return in plenty of time. If several passengers book the same tour, it’s less likely you’ll be left behind at the pier.

Some operators provide a guarantee that you'll be back to the ship on time or they'll cover your travel to the next port. When choosing an independent operator, look for such assurances and check online reviews. Be cautious of any comments suggesting a rush back to the ship, as they could be warning signs.

When planning a personalized private tour, it's crucial to inform your guide that you need to return to the pier well ahead of the all-aboard time. This extra time will be beneficial in case you encounter any unforeseen delays.

The same principle applies if you grab a last-minute tour deal at the pier. As you leave your ship at a port, you'll likely be approached by independent guides, taxi drivers, jitney drivers, rickshaw operators, and others eager to show you around. Before committing to a tour, ensure you know how far from the pier you’ll be going and that your guide is aware of the all-aboard time and your desired return time.

What to do if you find yourself missing your ship (or think you might)

If you're running late, inform the ship immediately.

Each time you board or disembark the ship, you'll scan your keycard or radio-frequency identification device at the gangway. This allows the security team to track who is onboard and who isn’t. On smaller vessels, there may be a manual pegboard where you move a peg to red to indicate you're off the ship and green when you're back on.

As the all-aboard time approaches, the ship's security personnel will keep an eye on who hasn't yet returned.

If you realize you’re going to be late, call the number you noted from your newsletter or the cruise line’s 24-hour hotline, and request that they notify the ship. This way, someone will be aware that you're on your way back.

As the all-aboard time nears or passes, guest services will attempt to reach you by calling your cabin. An announcement will be made over the ship's public-address system with your name, urging you to contact guest services if you're onboard. If there’s no response, your name will be called again using the emergency announcement system, which everyone on the ship can hear—interrupting any guests who may be resting in their cabins.

If your mobile number is linked to your guest record, a crew member may try to reach you directly via phone.

Meanwhile, security staff may be sent to search for missing passengers in the vicinity of the port. They know exactly where to check. (Hello, Senor Frogs.)

Locate a port agent

A cruise ship will depart without passengers who return too late, but the crew has protocols to assist you in such cases.

If you aren’t back on the ship as departure time approaches, a security officer might enter your cabin and access your safe to retrieve your passport, driver’s license, credit cards, or other essential items left behind. They will also gather your medications and other necessities since you will need to fend for yourself once stranded on shore.

If you’re a pier runner and there’s still a gangway open when you arrive, you’ll get everything back, receive a reprimand, and your ordeal will end there. If not, your passport and other important belongings will be given to a port official who will wait for you to finally arrive at the pier.

If you return to the pier only to witness your ship departing, locate the port agent. If they have your passport, that’s fortunate; you’ll need it to travel to the ship’s next stop or back home (whichever you prefer). If your passport isn’t with the port agent, you’ll need to reach out to your country’s embassy or consulate for help.

Make arrangements to either catch up with the ship or return home

You've missed your ship and located the port agent. Now, the real challenge begins. Hopefully, your credit cards aren’t maxed out, as you’ll need them. While the port agent may assist in making arrangements, any travel costs will be solely your responsibility.

With last-minute airfare and possibly needing a hotel stay before your flight, getting back to your ship or home will be quite expensive. If you choose to end your vacation, you'll also need to pay the cruise line to send your remaining belongings home. Don’t expect any refunds for the days you miss on the ship, either.

Why do cruise ships leave guests behind?

The captain's decision to depart is influenced by port regulations, schedules, and various other factors. For example, the cruise line pays hefty docking fees and aims to avoid additional charges incurred from delays. Late departures can also lead to increased fuel costs if the ship needs to hurry to the next destination. The cruise line won’t allow your oversight to cost them significant amounts of money.

It’s essential to keep in mind that you are just one of many guests—often hundreds or thousands—and cruise ships must adhere to specific rules and schedules.

Pier runners often appear quite comical—sprinting, yelling, and waving their arms as the ship’s horn sounds its departure. You definitely don’t want to become the butt of the jokes on your cruise, but it’s still better to dash and attempt to board before the ship sails away. Missing the boat could ruin your cruise and be financially burdensome. Follow the strategies outlined here to ensure you return to the port with ample time to spare and avoid being left behind by your cruise ship.